There Will Be Whiskies Galore! At The Electric This May

The Birmingham Whisky Club has teamed up with The Lost Distillery Company (TLDC) to present an exclusive ‘taste-along’ screening of the remake of ‘Whisky Galore!’ ahead of its official release.

Held at the UK’s oldest working cinema, The Electric, the evening will be one of the first public screenings of the film and will be brought to life by TLDC’s lost whisky legends.

The remake of the 1949 film, ‘Whisky Galore!’, is an adaptation of the book by Compton MacKenzie, and is inspired by the sinking of the cargo ship SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941. The film, which premiered at the 70^th Edinburgh International Film Festival last year, features a star-studded cast including Eddie Izzard, James Cosmo, Kevin Guthrie, Ellie Kendrick and Sean Biggerstaff amongst others.

Ewan Henderson, Global Brand Ambassador for TLDC, will enhance the screening with a tasting of three whiskies from the brand’s award-winning range, served at key points during the film. Offering a modern interpretation of Peter Dawson’s historic whisky, which sank with the SS Politician, the Towiemore expression will give the audience a unique insight into how the whisky in the film would have tasted.

As well as showing the film before it’s general UK release date on Friday 19th May, film fans will get a unique opportunity to get ‘behind the scenes’ as director of the film, Gillies MacKinnon, will be on hand to host an exclusive Q&A session at the end of the screening.

Scott Watson, Co-Founder of The Lost Distillery Company said: “We are really excited to be working with The Birmingham Whisky Club to provide unique drams that will truly enhance the Whisky Galore! Story.

“We’re obsessive about craft and uncompromising when it comes to whisky quality. Each resurrected brand is the subject of an in-depth research project to establish the original character of the long lost distilleries and pay homage to each whisky’s heritage.”

Amy Seton, Owner of The Birmingham Whisky Club said: “We are delighted to be working with Arrow Films and The Lost Distillery Company to bring the story of ‘Whisky Galore!’ alive by giving guests the chance to learn about (and taste) the drams behind the story.

“As ever, we’re looking forward to being back at The Electric Cinema, which will provide the perfect backdrop for this unique, preview ‘taste-along’ event.”

The exclusive screening and tasting will be held on Tuesday 16^th May 2017 at 7.30pm at The Electric Cinema, Birmingham. Tickets can be purchased here. Prices start at £19.50 and include a seat for the screening and the ‘taste-along’ experience.

TLDC’s ever-expanding collection features three ranges of blended malt Scotch whiskies from mature to very old – Classic, Archivist and Vintage. These include modern day interpretations of spirits from lost distilleries such as Auchnagie, Stratheden, Towiemore, Jericho, Gerston and Lossit.

The Birmingham Whisky Club runs ‘dram-actically’ different events with whisk(e)y from all around the world for whisky lovers old and new. The event will be the club’s fourth film-based whisky tasting event.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

ENDS For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or contact Amy Seton on 07966 266511 or email Vicky@birminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk. About The Birmingham Whisky Club The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky night’s, events with distilleries, whisky and food matching, and private and corporate events. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff. Visit our webpage www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

The Lost Distillery Company is owned by Crucial Drinks, a boutique drinks business based at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland specialising in world-class whisky and rum. Its award-winning portfolio of luxury spirit brands also includes Six Saints Rum and West Indies Rum and Cane Merchants.

More information on The Lost Distillery Company can be found at www.lost-distillery.com

More information on The Birmingham Whisky Club can be found at thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk

More information on The Electric can be found at www.theelectric.co.uk

MICHEL ROUX JR. AND THE BALVENIE REUNITE TO SPOTLIGHT THOSE KEEPING AGE-OLD BRITISH CRAFT ALIVE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

– The successful online series ‘The Balvenie Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is back to celebrate modern day artisans from urban bee keepers to experimental cheese makers –

APRIL 2017: Following the success of last year’s series, The Balvenie has launched the second installment of The Craftsmen’s Dinner, which tells the stories of four exceptionally skilled craftspeople through a series of short films, demonstrating that true craft is not about what you make, or where you make it, but how you make it.

This year, the online series, hosted once again by renowned Michelin starred chef, Michel Roux Jr., showcases the dedication to British craftsmanship by a group of specialists, each using traditional techniques to create their artisan products in the most unexpected of places, from a rooftop overlooking The Shard to a council estate in Tottenham.

The series follows urban cheese makers, Wildes Cheese; the family-owned car producer Morgan Motor Company, who embrace new technology whilst preserving tradition; artisan bakery Wooster’s, who restored the old family mill; and Bermondsey Street Bees, who champion food sustainability from a central London rooftop. The stories that emerge highlight the common values between the different craftspeople, Michel Roux Jr. and The Balvenie; who all share an intimate understanding of their trade and a desire to leave a mark through their produce, taking no shortcuts.

The series concludes with the four-course ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ at the Langham curated by Michel Roux Jr. with dishes that showcase the exciting collaborations with each of the craftspeople. The delicious independent menu features spit-roast veal loin with sweet breads glazed in Bermondsey Street Bees’ honey, Wildes Cheese’s Roland cheese with Balvenie soaked prunes and Wooster’s sourdough ice cream.

Michel Roux Jr. commented: “It’s been a pleasure to continue this partnership with The Balvenie, setting out once again to discover and learn from an immensely talented group of craftspeople, all united by the passion and dedication for what they do. This year I have been particularly inspired by how these experts go to great lengths, in this modern world, to preserve traditional craft methods, often in unexpected ways and places.”

Asmita Singh, The Balvenie Senior Brand Manager, added: “We are delighted to bring back The Craftsmen’s Dinner after the success of the first series. The Balvenie’s distinctive character as a whisky is created by the experience, skill and ambition of our own craftspeople and it has been a pleasure to work with Michel again to shine a light on individuals who approach their craft in the same way.”

Series Two of The Craftsmen’s Dinner is now live on https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner and features the following episodes:

• Michel Roux Jr. meets Morgan Motor Company
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Wooster’s Bakery
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Bermondsey Street Bees
• Michel Roux Jr. meets Wildes Cheese
• The Craftsmen’s Dinner at the Langham

#TheBalvenieCraft

Notes:

About The Balvenie:

        The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrates his 55th year at the distillery in 2017. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.

        The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts.

        The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

Website: https://uk.thebalvenie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBalvenie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalvenieUK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebalvenie/

About the craftsmen:

        Wildes Cheese is a small, award winning independent artisan cheese making company based on an industrial estate in Tottenham, North London. They are passionate about quality and provenance and have created their own line of cheese rather than reproducing other cheeses.

Website: https://wildescheese.co.uk/pages/welcome

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildescheese/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildescheese

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildescheese/

        Morgan Motor Company is a family-owned car producer who hand build British sports cars with a unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance. Every Morgan Motor is expertly craft using three core elements: ash, aluminum and leather; designed to work in harmony and deliver a higher quality vehicle.

Website: https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganmotor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/morganmotor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmotor/?hl=en

        Bermondsey Street Bees is built around Dale Gibson’s home rooftop apiary overlooking The Shard. His honey has become an iconic micro-brand, winning awards including Great Tastes ‘Best Small Artisan Producer’ and National Honey Show’s ‘Best Honey in London.’

Website: http://www.bermondseystreetbees.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BermondseyStreetBees/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BermondseyBees

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bstreetbees/

        Wooster’s is a small bakery in rural Suffolk owned and run by Will Wooster in his family mill. They specialise in handcrafted traditional and artisan bread and cakes including: sourdough, batch loaves, baguettes, ciabatta, brioche, buns, croissants.

Website: http://www.willywoosters.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woosters-1866300473595431

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bardwellbakery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woostersbakery/

SOCIETY SET TO UNVEIL KALEIDOSCOPE BAR IN LONDON

Whisky club’s new bar in the heart of the city will be open to all whisky fans

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is set to unveil a new bar in London when Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square opens it doors on Friday 2nd June.

Following the success of Kaleidoscope at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh, the new bar, which will be home to more than 200 of the Society’s exclusive single cask whiskies, will be open to all whisky fans, as well as Society members. The Society’s whiskies are presented in 12 unique flavour profiles, which have names such as such as Old & Dignified and Deep Rich & Dried Fruits.

Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square is situated underneath Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild in the heart of the City, two minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station. Housed in a traditional warehouse the bar will also offer an exclusive menu of whisky cocktails, specially created by mixologists Michael Cook and Jamie Meehan to showcase cocktails with a base of SMWS whisky, such as the Bloody Scotsman, Blood and Sand or a classic Old Fashioned.

It will also offering fine wines, Champagnes and draught beer from Edinburgh and a selection of bottled craft beers. The bar will have a range of light snacks featuring food from Mac & Wild, which is one of the Society’s network of ‘partner bars’.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society already has a members-only venue at 19 Greville Street in Farringdon, but this is its first bar in London that will be open to non-members as well as members.

“We’ve been catering to our members for 20 years at 19 Greville Street, and it will remain an exclusive members-only venue,” said Jan Damen, operations director UK from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

“With Kaleidoscope at Devonshire Square we want to open up our amazing selection of bottlings to a new audience of whisky fans, so that they can discover this fascinating world of single cask, single malts.”

The Kaleidoscope Bar will open its doors for a one-off event for World Whisky Day, Saturday, 20 May, from 12-6pm with masterclasses available at 1pm and 3pm.

The official opening of the bar is on Friday, 2 June.

The venue is able to host private events for up to 100 people including tastings, dinner and tastings and receptions. The tastings will be hosted by one of the SMWS Ambassadors, who will enlighten guests about the Society’s single casks whiskies and its 12 flavour profiles. Food, from snacks to a full sit-down dinner, can be provided by Mac & Wild.

www.smws.com/kaleidoscope-london

@kaleidoscope-london

www.smws.com

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 132 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers different levels of membership
  • Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122
  • Member at £61.50 – without gift box
  • Sample Subscription – free.
  • Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

• For more information about the Society, visit http://www.smws.com/

Sagamore Spirit Distillery grand opening ribbon cutting. From left to right: Bill McDermond, Co-Founder Sagamore Spirit, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, U.S. Rep for Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District, Catherine Pugh, Baltimore City Mayor, Boyd Rutherford, Maryland Lt. Governor and Brian Treacy, President Sagamore Spirit

Solid Light and Sagamore Spirit Distillery Developers Create

a Love Story for Maryland

Baltimore — April 20, 2017 — Sagamore Spirit Distillery and Solid Light, a full-service firm that plans, designs and builds exhibits and visitor experiences, are leading a modern-day renaissance to restore Maryland’s forgotten heritage of crafting American whiskey. The new rye whiskey distillery opens on Friday, April 21 – complete with three tasting venues and a visitor center that makes guests part of the unforgettable stories of the people of Maryland’s past.

To bring Maryland’s whiskey history alive, Solid Light’s research team found historical documents and images, and spoke to historians to understand what distilling in Maryland looked and felt like in its prime – before Prohibition. This information became the foundation the team used to create interpretive graphics and interactive media elements, including a digital map of Maryland and Baltimore distilling throughout history. By blending the historical with the contemporary, the visitor experience tells the stories of Baltimore’s distilling pioneers in a way that resonates with today’s audiences.

Everything from the visual media components to the look and feel of the tables in the tasting venues were designed and created by Solid Light to virtually take visitors on the 22-mile journey from the spring waters at Sagamore Farm — trucked in daily to make Sagamore rye whiskey — to the distillery in Baltimore.

Beyond the exhibit design and build, Solid Light worked with Sagamore Spirit’s developers to bring the brand and visitor experience to life — taking the project from renderings to the fabrication and installation of each design element— while acting as a key driver for the many stakeholders, architects, and vendors to ensure a cohesive design and meaningful visitor experience.

“Sagamore Spirit is one of those milestone projects in a career,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “Everyone felt such passion and enthusiasm for this project, and the more stories we uncovered of Maryland’s history, the more our fascination grew. Helping to bring the Sagamore Spirit brand to life, driving and managing the project, and telling the stories of Baltimore’s distilling pioneers was exciting, challenging and fulfilling. This is spatial storytelling that visitors will remember long after they leave.”

“Sagamore Spirit commissioned Solid Light to design and create a unique and memorable experience at the distillery that would inspire all of our guests,” said Brian Treacy, President of Sagamore Spirit. “The team understood what we were trying to accomplish and helped us bring the Sagamore Spirit brand to life, as well as sharing Maryland’s rich distilling history.”

The result is a Sagamore Spirit love story for Maryland that inspires visitors to discover, return and be a part of the renaissance of Maryland whiskey.

To celebrate Baltimore’s rich tradition of glass artisans and craftsmen, Solid Light designed a custom bottle sculpture featuring real bottles from Maryland’s distilling and glass manufacturing past, demonstrating the history captured in every bottle of Sagamore Rye

About Solid Light

Solid Light designs and builds exhibits and visitor experiences that engage, enlighten, and inspire.  We are passionate champions of a client’s vision, bringing powerful stories to life through comprehensive, start-to-finish content, design, fabrication and installation services. www.solidlight-inc.com

anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces 2002 Vintage as the latest release within its portfolio 

Premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand anCnoc has added an exclusive 2002 vintage to its multi award-winning range of aged expressions.

The limited edition vintage joins the family of single malts crafted at the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire, and follows in the footsteps of the highly successful 2001 release last year.

With just 1200 cases available globally, including the UK, US, Canada, Sweden and Japan, this exceptional single malt will be available for £65 RRP 70cl.

Matured in hand selected Spanish and American oak casks and matured for over 14 years in traditional dunnage warehouses, the 2002 has been bottled in its most natural form, neither chill-filtered or coloured at 46% ABV.

This mature expression is bright amber in appearance and bursting with notes of spicy Christmas cake, liquorice and toffee, closely followed by a spiced vanilla aroma and the citrusy finish anCnoc is known for. To taste, there is the sweetness of chocolate perfectly contrasted with orange zest and a hint of leather, leaving drinkers with a long warming finish.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We’re really excited to release the 2002 vintage to anCnoc fans as it creates the perfect balance between the signature Knockdhu house style we’re so proud of whilst introducing new tastes into our portfolio. With the combined spicy notes and sweet flavours, we’re sure this spirit will satisfy even the most discerning whisky drinker looking to extend their collections.

Staying true to the signature anCnoc style, the 2002 vintage packaging mirrors the minimalist design of anCnoc’s core range and features the contemporary yet traditional illustration of the Knockdhu Distillery in crisp forest green.

The 2002 Vintage is available from 2^nd May at independent and specialist retailers, including Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malts at £65 RRP.

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.” The anCnoc 18 year old was also awarded the title of Best Highland Single Malt in the 13-20 year old category at the World Whisky Awards 2016.

About International Beverage

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

As of the 13th May, there will be a number of changes to what can and cannot be entered into the auction. We understand that many of these changes are fairly major but these decisions have been made by the company to make the best of use of space and manpower that we have to provide the best service that we can to you, our customers.

These changes are outlined below:

We will now auction spirits only with the exception being that we will no longer accept liqueurs. This is due to liquids with a ABV lower than this generally having stricter storage requirements than spirits and we cannot vouch for the condition of such items when they come to us. A prime example for this is wine, which can quickly become undrinkable if stored incorrectly.

To expand on the above point, we will not auction merchandise (official or unofficial) or other paraphernalia. This includes but is not limited to:

• Cask ends
• Loose glasses
• Booklets

To confirm, the auction will effectively become bottle only. The only exception to this being gift sets that include glasses within them.

Miniatures must be whisky and will now be sold in either single lots or grouped lots of 10. They must also be sent or brought in grouped in the way that they are to go into auction. Miniatures that are parafilmed must have the parafilm removed before they are brought to auction or they will be rejected. Miniatures that have had the seals glued will likewise be rejected.

In relation to fill levels or ullage on bottles, a guideline of ¾ full will be in effect. Bottles on either side of this will be entered at the discretion of the either the book-in or photography department.

Any of the above items that are at this point currently booked in for future auctions will still go up for auction

If you have any questions relating to the points that have been outlined above, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind Regards,

The SWA Team

Victory for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg at influential awards

Rare beauty of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 inspires creation by musical prodigy

The most prestigious Highland single malt ever created by Glenmorangie has been revealed. Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the Distillery’s oldest, rarest and deepest whisky – and the most prized expression yet, in the illustrious Glenmorangie Pride series. The whisky’s beauty is so rare that it has inspired a musical composition reflecting its 41 years of maturation, its extraordinary depth and creative spirit.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third limited-edition release in the Glenmorangie Pride collection, which showcases the Distillery’s most rare and treasured malts. Designed for connoisseurs, with just 503 crystal decanters available, Glenmorangie Pride 1974 exhibits a salty and spicy character, intensified with age as never before.

This exquisite whisky was created from spirit distilled in Scotland’s tallest stills by Glenmorangie’s legendary Men of Tain and laid down on 30 October 1974, some in ex-bourbon casks, some in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. The spirit spent decades maturing under the expert care of these select craftsmen, until Glenmorangie’s inspired Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks deemed that it had reached its very peak. Only then, did Dr Bill Lumsden skilfully marry the two parcels together – realising his vision for Glenmorangie’s oldest expression, deeper in colour and character than any other.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 embodies the Distillery’s tradition of creativity and craftsmanship – values shared by the acclaimed piano maker Steinway & Sons. As part of a creative partnership to celebrate the whisky’s artistry, Steinway Artist Aaron Diehl has composed 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, nurtured by the Men of Tain. Diehl, a world-renowned pianist, has premiered his work alongside the whisky at New York Steinway Hall on March 23, 2017.

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. With its harmonic depths and exquisite melodies, Aaron Diehl’s inspired composition captures the whisky’s rare beauty.”

ARDBEG DAY PLUNGES DEEP UNDER THE SEA

Cult Islay Distillery gets ready for another legendary global celebration of all things Ardbeg

Ardbeg, the Ultimate Islay Malt has today revealed its plans for the 2017 Ardbeg Day celebrations.

On 3^rd June, the Distillery will pay homage to the sea surrounding Islay and the mythical sea creatures that live beneath. Participants in Ardbeg Day will be plunged deep under the sea to help celebrate the launch of Ardbeg Kelpie with a day filled with mystery, food, games… and of course, Ardbeg Single Malt.

Guests of Ardbeg Day will be invited to join in an Ardbeggian boat experience, followed by a tasting led by Ardbeg’s Paul Malone of the new Ardbeg limited edition, Kelpie, alongside seafood pairings and a pub quiz on the history of Islay and Ardbeg.

In the UK, each Ardbeg Embassy will have a team that will be challenged to decorate their own Kelpie boat, adding their own mythical figurehead from materials and props supplied. The participating teams will have to paddle across a stretch of water to reach a number of buoy targets en route. Each buoy will lead to a treasure hidden under the water.

The venue for this year’s UK activities will be the Greenwich Yacht Club – a perfect location to celebrate Ardbeg Day and the launch of Kelpie. Tickets will be available to purchase from https://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/ardbegday2017 from 5th May 2017 for £40 per person.

Ardbeg’s general release of Kelpie at 46% ABV, launches on Ardbeg Day (3rd June), the expression will be available to purchase from https://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/ardbegday2017 and Ardbeg Embassies* and for a two-week exclusive period. Kelpie will then be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and department stores with a RRP of £98.00.

Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 3^rd June 2017 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.

More details can be found at www.ardbeg.com where fans can also sign up to join the Ardbeg Committee.

#ardbeg #untamed #islay

NOTES :

Ardbeg Kelpie tasting notes at 46% ABV: 

Colour:                Burnished gold

Aroma:                A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.

A splash of water brings forth some classic Ardbeg notes, such as creamy coffee, smoked fudge and pine resin.  Even some hints of smoked coconut.

Taste:                   A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours.  Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate.  A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.

Finish:                  Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home.  On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world.  In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country.  Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215.  For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans at 215 events across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt.

Ardbeg Kelpie:

Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2017.  It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in virgin oak from the Black Sea coast.  Renowned for imparting incredibly deep flavour notes, only a handful of whiskies have ever been matured in these Black Sea casks.  Married with hallmark ex-bourbon Ardbeg, it results in a whisky of incredible depth, which tells of its ties to the Black Sea and the waves of flavour its casks have created. 

The kelpie:

Situated on the shore of Islay’s southernmost coast, the Ardbeg Distillery has always held a deep connection to the sea – and those who live nearby have passed down through generations the stories of mysterious beasts said to live beneath the waves.  Among the most terrifying of these is the kelpie – a Scottish shape-shifting water spirit, rumoured to take the form of a horse or a bull and prey on unwitting travellers.  Legend has it that long ago, a farmer walking near Ardbeg’s shoreline was almost dragged to sea by a water bull.  Managing to overcome and rope the creature, he locked it in a barn where it cried for mercy.  At dusk, the farmer’s daughter was chased by a water horse seeking revenge for its kin.  The terrified girl ran to the barn and released the water bull, whereupon the malevolent beasts took flight back to the sea.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.  

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

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

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT JURA TASTIVAL 2017

Jura Single Malt Whisky’s Annual Island Whisky Festival Returns 

Tickets are now on sale for Jura Tastival 2017 – which returns for a one-day single malt spectacular on Thursday 1^st June, offering new ways to enjoy whisky, through a busy programme of one-of-a-kind taste experiences.

The event will run as part of the annual Feis Ile Festival, which attracts whisky fans from all over the world to distillery open days on Islay and neighbouring island, Jura, each year.

Tastival will see Jura’s only whisky distillery throw open its doors to put on a number of free and ticketed activities – from unique whisky tastings and tours, to live entertainment – including music from legendary Scots Trad band RURA – and a chance to join the Jura community at special meet and greets with the distillery team.

This year’s Tastival event is limited to one day only (it has spanned two days in previous years) – so whisky lovers are advised get in early to snap up tickets, which are set to be in high demand.

This year’s ticketed sessions include:

• The Jura Long Table – Dine with the Diurachs (the name for Jura’s community) at this ‘getting to know you’ session. A special one off lunch in the distillery’s Grainstore, guests will join the locals (including some distillery staff) to hear stories on island life as they enjoy Jura’s laid back take on street food, prepared with the freshest local produce, each dish designed to pair with a dram of Jura whisky.

• All Terrain Whisky Tasting – Discover the different sides of Jura and learn how the landscape inspires a whisky range as unique as the island itself. Venturing far beyond the realms of the distillery, the Jura bus will stop off at locations from serene beaches, to craggy mountain foots – with a whisky inspired by each location stashed for guests to find (if they listen to the clues) at every stop.

• Whisky 101 – Meet Whyte & Mackay Whisky Maker & Blender Gregg Glass in this unique session designed for both whisky newcomers and aficionados alike. Smashing perceptions on traditional whisky tastings, guests will be invited to take on a different ‘state of mind’ when it comes to single malt – sampling Jura in a number of non-fluid states, before an anonymous Q&A will give visitors the chance can ask anything they ever wanted to know about whisky…but were too afraid to ask! 

• The Single Malt Masterclass – An exclusive masterclass hosted by Jura Distillery Manager Graham Logan, honorary distillers will get on-the-job whisky making experience – from learning how to keep a careful watch over the spirit gauge, to testing the mash tun and wash backs, rolling a barrel through the warehouse and siphoning whisky straight from the cask.

• Jura Jetty – Ticketholders will arrive at Tastival in true island style, cruising from Islay’s Port Askaig directly to Jura’s Craighouse, delivered to the heart of the event by Captain Nicol. On their journey, guests will enjoy a special tasting of travel retail exclusive Jura Turas-Mara the way it was meant to be experienced – with the wind and sea spray in your face.

Music, live entertainment and the opportunity chance to sample Jura’s range will be available in the Dramming Bar in the distillery’s Cooperage, where guests will have the first opportunity to try, and purchase, Tastival 2017, Jura’s limited edition bottling created to mark the festival.

A £5 general entry fee will include a brochure, souvenir glass and two drams at the bar. A cash bar will be available thereafter, with a full drinks menu including drams, cocktails and an exclusive Drygate beer brewed to pair with Jura’s Tastival 2017 bottling.

The distillery will also run free tours of the still house throughout the day on a first come, first served basis.

The island event will kick off a schedule of localised Tastival events to take place in Europe throughout the summer, and which will be announced in the coming weeks

Ticketed sessions vary between £15 – £45, with entry to the heart of the action in the Cooperage costing just £5 (including goody bag and two drams).  Tickets on sale now, here: juratastival2017.eventbrite.co.uk/

Getting there from Islay: Jura will operate a free passenger ferry and coach shuttle service to and from the Port Feolin ferry station. For more information see www.jurawhisky.com.

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NOTES                                                         

About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one distillery and 200 people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.