Spring Rare & Collectable Whisky Sale

From Stewart;

“This sale we have a fine selection of Whisky from Laphroaig for all you smokeheads out there, including the fabulous 1976 and 1977 Vintages.  Other highlights are some fantastic Bowmore bottlings such as the 30 Year Old Sea Dragon, the 25 Year Old “The Gulls” and the 25 Year Old 1969 Vintage. We have some nice Rosebanks too and a good run of Macallan 18 Year Old from 1967 to 1979 plus a bottle of Macallan 1961 100 Proof.”

This auction will consist of approximately 300 lots of rare and collectable whisky. Viewing is by Appointment Contact 0141 225 8181 for bookings. Entries are continually accepted for future auctions. For more information please contact Stewart on either StewartS@mulberrybankauctions.com or call 0141 225 8181

The Spring Auction

ITS OFFICIAL THE WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT IS CRAIGELLACHIE  

Glasgow, Scotland, 3^rd April 2017 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd are delighted to announce CRAIGELLACHIE® 31 Years Old has been awarded the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2017 presented by Whisky Magazine, the leading authority on the subject.

Last night, the annual awards ceremony took place at the Waldorf Hotel in London, The WWA is one of leading award programmes in the whisky industry. An esteemed panel of internationally recognised whisky experts deemed Craigellachie 31 Years Old as THE best single malt whisky in the world, beating off competition from hundreds of entries from across the world.

Craigellachie Single Malt launched initially in September 2014 making this a highly notable accolade for a whisky which has only been available in market for less than three years.

Georgie Bell, Global Malts Ambassador comments “Since launching, Craigellachie has built up a huge reputation in the on-trade and with whisky connoisseurs – its sought out and admired – and the accolade is true testimony to this.”

Adding “It shows how far the Craigellachie brand has come in the last three years, and how from a production, maturation and blending perspective we really are second to none”

Stephanie MacLeod, Malts Master and Master Blender for John Dewars & Sons describes Craigellachie 31 Years Old as being “Beautifully balanced, smooth and rich, a swirl of smoke and sulphur accentuate the sumptuous fruits of kiwi and pineapple.  The tang of old, leather bound books and tobacco emerge, with a hint of meatiness of a beef consommé.”

This prestigious award follows on from the outstanding success of Craigellachie 23 Years Old being crowned as ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition in 2015, America’s most respected and influential international spirits event.

For more information about Craigellachie, visit www.craigellachie.com

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

The single malt brand of Craigellachie is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Jim Beam® Urban Stillhouse Presents Interactive Tableside Cocktails

Louisville, Kentucky – March 21, 2017 – Cocktails in Kentucky just got more delicious. The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse proudly debuts a premier tableside cocktail experience, “raising the bar” for bourbon tastings and at-home mixology. Featuring classic and contemporary drinks created by a “cocktail concierge,” the program marks an evolution of Jim Beam’s downtown Urban Stillhouse and celebrates one of the first Kentucky bourbon distilleries to offer cocktails for visitors.

“The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse has grown from a best-in-class micro-distillery and retail space,” said Kim Bennett, Senior Director, Kentucky Beam Bourbon Experiences, Beam Suntory. “It’s now also where more than 220 years of Jim Beam history come to life in refreshing cocktails, giving long-time fans and curious newcomers a unique tasting experience.”

The tableside experience combines select Jim Beam^® Bourbons with a trio of non-alcoholic mixers, garnishes and glassware to help legal purchase-age guests craft the perfect drink. Featured bourbon cocktails will rotate monthly, presenting visitors with a variety of traditional and modern options showcasing the entire Jim Beam family of brands.

“In addition to enjoying a cocktail in a special location, we’re educating our guests about how to enjoy our brands at home,” added Bennett. “Whether stiring up a Jim Beam Bourbon Mint Julep for your Derby party or mixing a Knob Creek^® Bourbon Whiskey Sour at your next barbeque, our cocktail team will teach you how to impress friends and family with newly attained skills and knowledge.”

The new guest offering is anticipated to boost traffic and enhance Louisville’s Fourth Street experience while promoting responsible consumption.

About the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse

Located 25 miles from its flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse operates as a small working distillery and visitors’ experience like no other, with special features that include:

A distillation system showcasing a small copper pot still with a unique rectifying column and see-through glass vapor condenser;

Interactive displays and décor that immerse Bourbon enthusiasts in the Jim Beam^® brand and educate them on the fine nuances of whisky making;

A one-of-a-kind tasting bar crafted from reclaimed wood and designed to reflect barrel staves and flowing bourbon;

A sculptural American Oak tree built from barrel staves. The tree features a canopy crafted from laser-cut steel leaves and illuminated Jim Beam bottles, symbolic of the First Family of Bourbon;

A full retail store offering branded items, as well an opportunity for guests to label, fill and customize their own 375ml or 750ml bottle of Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select (50% alc./vol.; SRP: $29.99 and $45.99 respectively).

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse is located at 408 S. Fourth St., Louisville, Ky., and is open Monday through Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

For additional Jim Beam Bourbon cocktail experiences, visitors can stop by the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar at the Jim Beam^® American Stillhouse in Clermont, Ky. Opened in September 2016, the cocktail bar has become a popular spot along the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® tour.

More information about the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse and the Jim Beam American Stillhouse is online at http://www.jimbeam.com/ or on Facebook and Twitter.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/ and www.drinksmart.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY EXPERIMENTS WITH 300-YEAR-OLD OAK

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 29, 2017) As part of its latest endeavor in experimentation, Buffalo Trace Distillery is experimenting with barrels made of 300-year-old wood. This venture is one of many wood-specific experiments that the Distillery has led. Previous wood experiments have utilized wood harvested from around the world, analyzed the differences between barrels created from different parts of the tree and many more. This experiment, however, will allow the team at Buffalo Trace to observe what effects the age of an oak tree itself could have on the taste of the bourbon.

The barrel wood used in this trial came from 300-year-old trees previously cut in Kentucky, the oldest oak trees the Distillery could find that had already been harvested. This was a rare find as an average oak tree will end its life cycle before reaching 200 years. Working with the barrel manufacturer the East Bernstadt Company, it took more than a year to procure the 300-year-old wood and then a year of stave seasoning before the barrels were made.

The team at Buffalo Trace is eager to see what effects the drastic age of the wood will have on the bourbon.

“It’s a unique opportunity to be able to experiment with a variable that is even older than our Distillery, which is 244 years old,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We are really looking forward to seeing how extremely old wood might affect the taste of the bourbon, and hopefully will make some interesting observations along the way that will be useful going forward.”

The 300-year-old barrels were filled and rolled into an aging warehouse in December where they will remain for at least the next six years, likely longer, until ready. The barrels will be monitored every year to observe any differences the wood may impart during the aging process.

This experiment is part of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Experimental Program, in which the Distillery is known for exploring the effects of a range of variables. Previous experiments date back more than 20 years and have explored everything from infrared light, to non-traditional grains like rice and oats, to various fill proofs, warehouse variations and much more.

These 300-year-old wood barrels join the more than 14,000 experimental whiskey barrels aging at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the largest number of experimental barrels ever held in inventory at the National Historic Landmark Distillery and most likely the world.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

The barrel wood used in this trial came from 300-year-old trees cut in Kentucky, the oldest oak trees the Distillery could find that had already been cut. This was a rare find as an average oak tree will end its life cycle before reaching 200 years. Working with the barrel manufacturer the East Bernstadt Company, it took more than a year to procure the 300-year-old wood and then a year of stave seasoning before the barrels were made.

Isle of Arran Distillery releases highly anticipated new edition of the Amarone Cask Finish 

Six months after the last batch sold out, the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery has announced the highly anticipated release of the latest edition of the Amarone Cask Finish Single Malt.

Previous bottlings have been received to high acclaim with the most recent batch selling out in just three months. The first edition, released in 2010, scored 96 points out of 100 in The Whisky Bible and has remained one of the most favoured Arran Single Malt limited editions since.

After initially maturing in traditional oak casks over a number of years The Arran Single Malt in this bottling was ‘finished’ in a selection of Amarone wine casks sourced from an artisan producer of this iconic Italian red wine.

Master Distiller, James MacTaggart, carefully monitored this period of secondary maturation to ensure the perfect balance is struck between the Amarone casks and the intrinsic sweet-fruity character of The Arran Malt. The end result is a Single Malt full of charm, complexity and quality.

McTaggart said: “The Amarone Cask Finish has to be one of our most popular limited editions with demand growing for each new expression.

“We’re just as proud of this latest bottling as we were the first and look forward to it being enjoyed by fans of The Arran Malt everywhere.”

Bottled at 50 per cent ABV for concentration of flavour and aroma. A nose of poached pear and honey is followed by toasted almonds and a subtle touch of cranberry.

A palate of dark chocolate and cherry is enriched by muscular notes of dark plum wrestle with bitter-sweet apricots and a hint of cinnamon.

The finesse of The Arran Malt is rounded with the restrained fruit and oak from the Amarone casks for concentrated, yet elegant finish that delivers on all levels.

As with all expressions of the Arran Malt, the Amarone Cask Finish has absolutely no artificial colouring and is not subjected to chill-filtration making it a purely delicious dram.

This edition is part of the core range of Arran Malts and this latest batch is likely to sell out quickly. It will be available at independent whisky shops and on www.arranwhisky.com 

Notes:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com * Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015.

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

BENROMACH CELEBRATES GLOBAL SUCCESS WITH EXCLUSIVE VINTAGE SINGLE CASK

A Speyside distillery has launched an intriguing, single cask single malt whisky to its Heritage range to celebrate its growing global popularity; Benromach 1975.

With an outturn of only 162 bottles available worldwide, Benromach 1975 (ABV 49.9%), cask number 3434, is a rich and full-bodied, dark golden malt.  Matured in a carefully selected refill American Hogshead, this single malt whisky has hints of white pepper, cocoa and dried tobacco.

David King, International Sales Director, explains: “Benromach’s global popularity is growing dramatically and the brand is now exported to more than 40 countries around the world, with sales increasing by 23% in the last twelve months alone.

“Our previous Benromach vintage exclusives have been incredibly successful, with vintages from 1972, 1973 and 1974 selling quickly and we look forward to continuing this success with the launch of the 1975 vintage.

“Our exclusive Heritage single malts celebrate different aspects of Benromach’s history and traditions. After 41 years in a carefully selected refill American Hogshead, the character is both unpredictable and intriguing.  I’m confident that whisky fans will be eager to savour this precious single malt that comes steeped in Benromach’s history.”

The rare Speyside single malt, which was distilled before the Urquhart family, the current owners of Benromach, took the reins and brought Benromach Distillery back to life, is presented in a bespoke decanter-style bottle with the contours and copper-colour of the neck and shoulder line depicting Benromach Distillery’s stills.

The wooden presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, reflecting the copper of the stills, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime-washed distillery walls.

A beautifully written, hardback book accompanies the whisky and delves into Benromach’s history, as well as providing whisky fans with some fascinating stories about the craftsman who, for generations, have tended to the spirit. Former Brewer Tom Anderson, who still lives in a cottage at the distillery, was one of the men to witness the filling of the last casks at Benromach, and proudly signed his name on the wall of the filling store whilst former malt man and warehouseman, Willie McArthur, was responsible for tending to the precious casks.

The limited edition Benromach 1975 is available from specialist whisky retailers.  The UK RRP is £1,250, with RRP globally varying depending on local taxes and duty.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit http://www.benromach.com/. 

Notes

Tasting notes

Pour your dram of Benromach 1975, cask number 3434, and prepare your senses to relish an unforgettable experience.

First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful rich gold colour created by lingering for 41 years in a single Refill American hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the aromas without water. Enjoy the sweet honeycomb, toasted malt and luscious apricot infused with notes of warm ginger and fresh citrus. Underlying all these is a delicate hint of sugared almond.

Now take a sip. At first, you may taste a delicate sweetness, with hints of white pepper, dried tobacco and dark cocoa. These evolve into a medley of mature oak flavours, leading to a rich, smooth smoky finish. Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… subtle floral hints follow the fragrant notes of sweet candied peel and honey. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip. Smooth peppery and zesty orange notes emerge, complemented by a hint of pear. Finally, a subtle leather undertone combines with a fresh menthol edge and a trace of smoke on the finish. Sublime.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY INTRODUCES NEW BLEND

“BUSHMILLS RED BUSH” TO ITS AWARD-WINNING PORTFOLIO

Bushmills, County Antrim – Bushmills^® Irish Whiskey announces the launch of BUSHMILLS^® RED BUSH™, the newest addition to the range of malt-rich, blended whiskeys. Matured in bourbon casks for a delicate and exceptionally smooth and balanced flavour, the liquid appeals to both bourbon enthusiasts and those new to Irish whiskey.

BUSHMILLS RED BUSH launches first in the United States as a testament to the exponential growth the Irish whiskey category has experienced in America in recent years.

“While we’ve been innovating with our aged whiskeys for centuries, we’re excited to embark on a journey with the millennial drinker,” says Colum Egan, Master Distiller at The Old Bushmills Distillery. “Maturing the whiskey exclusively in first fill bourbon barrels creates  an extremely smooth spirit that will resonate with frequent bourbon fans and first time Irish whiskey drinkers.”

BUSHMILLS RED BUSH is a smooth blend of triple distilled Irish single malt and fine Irish grain whiskey. On the nose, the amber spirit offers intense aromas of toasted oak and vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with hints of caramel and nutty flavours. It is a balanced, accessible Irish whiskey, drawing new consumers to the character and flavour profile unique to Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

The distillery, best known for its signature style of smooth, malt-rich spirits, is situated on the rugged north coast of Ireland and holds the title of Ireland’s oldest working distillery. Bushmills has proudly offered a generous range of triple distilled blends and single malts for over 400 years and has remained bold and unwavering along the way. “BUSHMILLS RED BUSH personifies the gritty Irish character and adds a sense of adventure and fun to our portfolio, further defining the confident, courageous and independent spirit we’ve seen for generations at Bushmills,” adds Egan.

Among the first of the Irish whiskeys to be imported to the U.S., American drinkers fond of whiskey and other brown spirits have enjoyed the range of characterful smooth spirits from Bushmills since the 1800s. BUSHMILLS RED BUSH is a new, versatile Irish whiskey best enjoyed neat as a shot or with mixers like cola, soda and ginger ale.

For more information on Bushmills Irish Whiskey, please visit www.bushmills.com and @BushmillsUSA on Facebook^® and Instagram^®, #REALIRISH

AMERICAN WARRIOR WHISKEY Looks to Promote American War Heroes with Funding Assistance via FundThis  

AMERICAN WARRIOR WHISKEY is a veteran owned spirits and retail company dedicated to connecting people through the inspiring stories of those that fought for America’s freedom. The company has just started a crowdfunding campaign via FundThis to introduce their initial line of whiskeys.

Nashville, TN March 23rd, 2017

An upcoming spirits brand with a difference, American Warrior Whiskey is committed to promoting America’s war veterans and supporting those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Each bottle of whiskey manufactured by this veteran owned spirits company will feature a tribute sharing the stories of selfless service of America’s war heroes.

Founder of AMERICAN WARRIOR WHISKEY Keith Marshall is an Air Force veteran. Marshall and most of his family members have served the military and their Country with distinction. Representing veterans from all five branches of the military, the brand will be an extension of US military families bringing together the old and the new.

The AWW team strongly believes that premier medical care should be a benefit for all veterans. 20% of the profit on each and every bottle of AWW sold will be donated to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support programs and research. By funding programs and research activities related to PTSD, the company looks forward to developing a superior support system for veterans suffering from this psychological casualty of war.

American Warrior Whiskey will produce all their products in America. Their initial line of whiskeys will feature unique small batch, oak barrel aged bourbon and their premium all natural white corn Moonshine. These premium spirits will be sold in the company’s retail shop along with a line of unique cocktail mixers. After the launch of their first two lines, American Warrior Whiskey will launch an e-commerce platform, offering whiskey connoisseurs the liberty to purchase the AWW products online.

To produce their initial line of spirits, American Warrior Whiskey has already partnered with two of the finest craft distillers in the US. All spirits manufactured by them will follow the company’s specific recipes, raw product specifications, and distilling guidelines.

Highlighting the concept of AWW, a senior spokesperson from the company said, “AWW will be more than a spirit and retail company, it will be a brand committed to an undying tribute and belief that by sharing the stories of our warriors; we can bring together generations of past and present, and fade the gap between soldiers and civilians.”

American Warrior Whiskey has just started a FundThis campaign to raise funds to produce and launch their small-batch premium bourbon and moonshine. The funding goal of this campaign to get things off the ground is $30,000. But the American Warrior Whiskey vision is much bigger. If the team manages to raise $250,000 it will be able to open its first Whiskey Exchange, which would hire veterans and propel the cause to even higher levels.

To find out more about American Warrior Whiskey and their crowdfunding campaign, please visit http://bit.ly/2o5m8JX

About American Warrior Whiskey: American Warrior Whiskey is a veteran owned spirits and retail company dedicated to promoting American heroes who exemplify the Warrior Ethos. They are committed to supporting those who suffer from PTSD, and looks to inspire and connect people through American Warrior stories of triumph in the face of adversity.

About FundThis – Founded by Felix Hartmann, David Hartmann and Anthony Perrera, FundThis is the first crowdfunding platform in the world to deliver the total solution crowdfunders need to succeed. Helping crowdfunding campaigns from creation to graphic design, campaign write up, public relations to conclusion, FundThis is the first platform to provide a start-to-finish service. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, FundThis is positioned to transform the entire crowdfunding industry.

Tamdhu Marks Anniversary with 50 Year Old Whisky

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled its oldest ever bottling – Tamdhu 50 Year Old – to coincide with the distillery’s 120^th anniversary.

Matured in a first fill European oak sherry butt for five decades, just 100 bottles of Tamdhu 50 Year Old will be made available globally. This single cask release will retail at £16,000 per bottle.

Tamdhu 50 has forest fruits, elegant oak and orange depths on the nose. On the palate, cloves, liquorice, espresso and baked apples are revealed, with a lingering finish of cocoa, ginger, walnuts and maple syrup. (Full tasting notes below)

This rare whisky is presented in an exquisitely-designed decanter, created by a team of traditional British craftsmen and women including glass designer Katy Holford, crystal experts Royal Brierley, and the silversmiths at renowned luxury jewellery house Hamilton & Inches.

Leonard Russell, Managing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers, who own Tamdhu, commented: 

“120 years of expertise and 50 years of maturation in an extraordinary sherry oak cask  have gone into making Tamdhu 50 Year Old, and we are delighted to be able to share it with the world. 

“What makes this whisky really special to us is that it represents the rebirth of the distillery. There was a time, before we bought and reopened Tamdhu, when some thought it was gone forever. This cask, which may never have been released had the distillery remained closed, can be now enjoyed and savoured, and that is something we want to celebrate.     

“In the spirit of celebration, we have been working with some of the UK’s top craftspeople to create a beautiful decanter, inspired by the generations of expertise which has gone into making Tamdhu.  It’s a fitting tribute to a remarkable whisky, in a very special year.”

Tamdhu 50 was unveiled at a special event at Hamilton & Inches’ showroom on George Street, Edinburgh. The luxury jewellery house, established in 1866, was responsible for producing the sterling silver which adorns each decanter.

Stephen Paterson, Chief Executive of Hamilton & Inches, commented: 

“Hamilton & Inches are proud to collaborate with Tamdhu for their special 50 Year Old release. Our award-winning silversmiths have given their devotion to the artistry of the bottling, and are thrilled to have brought Hamilton & Inches’ 150 years of experience in silverwork to this partnership. 

“Our iconic Georgian showroom in the heart of Edinburgh is the perfect setting for showcasing this wonderful whisky release, and for celebrating the craftsmanship involved.”

Each decanter of Tamdhu 50 Year Old is presented in a solid stained oak cannister adorned with Hamilton & Inches hallmarked sterling silver. The pack design depicts Tamdhu Distillery’s location on the Spey River, its Victorian train station and exclusive sherry casks.

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Tamdhu was born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897 – an era when anything seemed possible. When obstacles were there to be overcome, an age of the Can-Dhu-Spirit. Its quality is defined by the hint of peat in its malted barley, the natural Speyside water that is drawn directly from the Tamdhu spring and the 100% exclusive use of only the finest sherry oak casks.

Learn more at www.tamdhu50.com/

www.tamdhu.com/

Please drink responsibly 

Notes 

Tasting Notes

Tamdhu 50 was distilled on 2 November 1963 and matured in a single first fill European Oak Sherry Butt. It was bottled at cask strength 55.6%.

Nose: Forest fruits, elegant oak and orange depths, with underlying rosehip, dark chocolate and marzipan

Palate: Cloves, liquorice, espresso and baked apples. The uniquely complex palate also reveals banana,
black pepper and toasted almonds

Finish: Cocoa, ginger, walnuts and maple syrup.

Watch the Tamdhu 50 tasting notes video with Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager here:

Decanter details

Watch the brand video about the creation of the Tamdhu 50 decanter here: www.tamdhu50.com/

About Hamilton & Inches

Hamilton & Inches is Scotland’s luxury jewellery house, with distinctive workshops and an iconic customer showroom in the heart of Edinburgh. With 150 years of heritage, Hamilton & Inches brings the world’s most aspirational brands to life and crafts each gift with prestige and pride. Hamilton & Inches are holders of the Royal Warrant for 120 years, and Silversmiths and Clock Specialists to The Queen.

About Katy Holford 

Katy Holford’s designs in crystal and glass are deceptively simple.

For the Tamdhu 50 Year Old she used the richness of English crystal to fashion a decanter as rare and exquisite as the whisky it holds.

About Royal Brierley  

Royal Brierley is the pre-eminent maker of English crystal. Founded in 1776, the company holds two Royal Warrants.

GLENMORANGIE LAUNCHES PRIDE 1974 – ITS OLDEST AND RAREST WHISKY

One of the most prestigious Highland single malts ever created by Glenmorangie has been revealed this week. Building on the success of the exclusive bottlings of Pride 1981 (released in 2011) and Pride 1978 (released in 2014) with the launch of Pride 1974.

Crafted by Dr Bill Lumsden, the new 41-year-old edition was laid down on 30^th October 1974 in combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-Oloroso sherry butts then left to mature until Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie deemed the whisky had reached its very peak more than four decades later.

Dr Bill said: “Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the oldest and deepest Glenmorangie ever to be released. Its age lends the whisky an enriched intensity, borne only of a slow, patient maturation.  The result is an exquisite blend of deep, rich, salty and spicy aromas – aged balsamic vinegar, salted caramel toffee and oranges, leading to tastes of baked apples, toffee, oranges and brown sugar.”

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third limited-edition release in the Pride collection, which showcases the Distillery’s most rare and treasured malts. There will only be 503 crystal decanters available worldwide.

To mark the release of the distillery’s oldest whisky, Glenmorangie and renowned piano maker Steinway & Sons, have collaborated with Steinway Artist Aaron Diehl, to compose a piece of music which embodies the whisky’s rare beauty.

Diehl found inspiration at the Distillery where Glenmorangie’s exceptional whisky has been crafted since 1843. His composition echoes the creative spirit of Glenmorangie Pride 1974, drawing on its depth of character and its long maturation. Diehl, a world-renowned pianist, premiered his work alongside the whisky last night in New York.

Bottled at 52% ABV, Glenmorangie Pride 1974 will be released in May with an RRP of £7,200. Only 503 decanters of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 will be available worldwide.

www.glenmorangie.com

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is non chill-filtered and bottled at 52% ABV.

Colour: Mahogany

Nose: Wonderful, deep, rich, salty and spicy flavours. Salted caramel toffee, chocolate truffles.  Turkish delight, rum-and-raisin-flavoured ice-cream, and a hint of aged balsamic vinegar.  Three or four drops of water release myriad complex vapours, reminiscent of warn brioche, yeast floor, ginger-snap biscuits and subtle, gentle blood orange, finally giving way to more hints of brioche, baked bread and cedar wood.

Taste: For a whisky of such age, the mouthfeel is soft, leading to surprisingly vibrant flavours of baked apples, oranges, honey and menthol.  Lots of toffee, molasses, double cream and spicy clove and aniseed.

Finish: The aftertaste is lingering but gently soothing, with pecan nuts, leather, fudge and creamy café latte.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations, often from father to son.  These select craftsmen go to unseen lengths to ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried, uncompromising way as it always has been.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About the Glenmorangie Pride series:

This exceptional series of whiskies showcases the most rare and treasured creations ever to emerge from the Glenmorangie Distillery.  The first in the series, Glenmorangie Pride 1981, is a 28-year-old whisky, matured for 18 years in Glenmorangie’s finest oak casks, and then extra-matured for ten years in Sauternes barriques from the fabled vineyards of Chateau d’Yquem.  Glenmorangie Pride 1978 was the second release.  First matured for 19 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks, it then spent a further 15 years in five casks which once held a Premier Grand Cru claret.  Glenmorangie Pride 1974, is the most highly prized whisky yet in the series. This 41-year-old single malt owes its exquisite character to the marriage of two whiskies from two casks, one matured for its entire life in ex-bourbon casks, the other in ex-Oloroso sherry butts.

About the premiere of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 and Aaron Diehl’s composition:

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 will be unveiled alongside Aaron Diehl’s composition in Manhattan, New York, on March 23^rd, 2017].  There, a select group of collectors and connoisseurs will share in a rare moment of beauty, which pays homage to the traditions of craftsmanship and creativity shared by Glenmorangie and Steinway & Sons.  At the premiere, Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, will reveal the character of Glenmorangie Pride 1974, and Steinway Artist Aaron Diehl will perform his work inspired by the expression, on the exceptional Steinway D concert piano. 

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks.  Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market.  In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2012.  Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995.  He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of extra-maturation.  Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades.  He recently added to his plaudits by winning the 2015 International Spirits Challenge’s special recognition award for a Master Distiller/Blender.  He was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards.

About Steinway & Sons:

Since 1853, Steinway pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. Because of a dedication to continuous improvement, today’s Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www.steinway.com.

About Aaron Diehl:

Diehl is a 2007 graduate of The Juilliard School, the American Pianists Association’s 2011 Cole Porter Fellow, and a Monterey Jazz Festival Commission Artist. His work on Cécile McLorin Salvant’s For One To Love earned him a Grammy Award, and his latest album, Space, Time, Continuum, emphasises artistic interactions between generations. Aaron Diehl recently had his debut with the New York Philharmonic performing George Gershwin’s Concerto in F.  He has also collaborated with Philip Glass on his complete piano Études, and scored Jeremy McQueen’s ballet The Black Iris Project.

About the decanter of Glenmorangie Pride 1974:

The rare expressions in the Glenmorangie Pride series are contained within sleek, crystal decanters, designed by Laurence Brabant, one of
the design world’s most talented glassware specialists.  For each expression, Brabant’s exclusive design has been tailored to the individual character of the whisky within.  In the case of Glenmorangie Pride 1974, the unique cask make-up of the expression is engraved in the decanter’s golden, metallic detailing.  The decanter is protected by a box with a lacquered cherry wood veneer and a mirrored interior, which reflects the rarity of Glenmorangie Pride 1974.  

About Laurence Brabant:

Over the past decade, Laurence Brabant has established herself as one of the design world’s most talented glassware specialists. Inspired by the fragility of glass, she uses the material to play with light and colour and
experiment with the characteristics of visibility. Her work has been showcased globally and she has worked with Jean Paul Gaultier & Philippe Starck, among others. Laurence designed Glenmorangie Pride 1981, Glenmorangie Pride 1978 and Glenmorangie Pride 1974.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.