Less than 1 month to go !! 

Dufftown 2000 will again be hosting a full range of events for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 27 April to 1 May 2017. 

All our events are available to book on the Spirit of Speyside website, from Whisky Tastings, Distillery Tours and The “Dramble” Walk around Dufftown’s Distilleries. Also, for the 13th year running, is the very popular and best attended event “Whisky Fair” in the Memorial Hall, which had nearly 600 visitors last year on the Saturday & Sunday of the Festival. 

See you all in the “Whisky Capital of the World” in April 2017 renewing old acquaintances and making some new friends.  

Dufftown 2000 Ltd.

www.dufftown.co.uk & whisky.dufftown.co.uk

History in the making

Strathearn’s Cask Ownership Scheme Returns

One of Scotland’s Scotland’s smallest distilleries, Strathearn, has revealed they will reintroduce their elite Private Cask Ownership Scheme, giving customers the chance to own their own whisky or rum cask.

Whisky aficionados can purchase a 40 litre cask or a 100 litre oak cask with a variety of types on offer including Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Maderia, Portuguese Brandy and more. Strathearn’s Cask Aged Golden Rum will also be available to purchase in 30 litre casks.

Working on a single cask basis has allowed Strathearn to experiment with different wood types and finishes, as well as learning to appreciate the natural variations that occur throughout spirit production, influenced by the climate and ingredients.

Tony Reeman-Clark, Founder of Strathearn Distillery said: “We are excited to reintroduce our ‘club’ which allows our customers from around the world to own a little piece of our distillery history. Being VisitScotland’s Year of History and Heritage, our ownership scheme couldn’t come at a better time.

“So far, we’ve only released the first batch of our Single Malt Scotch Whisky and are yet to unveil our Scottish rum so it is great to be able to offer a huge variety of finishes, catering to all tastes. We believe rum is the next big thing in the Scottish spirits scene so there’s no better way to allow people to get their hands on a whole cask of a true pioneering Scottish spirit.”

Originally the Private Ownership Scheme was introduced by Strathearn to pay homage to The Wash Act of 1784, where simplified rates of duty were applied to small scale distilleries north of the Highland line. The Scheme embraces the ethos and the simplicity of the 1784 act.

The casks are exclusively available through the Strathearn Distillery website and will vary in price according to spirit, finish and size. The casks will be limited and offered on a first come, first fill basis.

For more information on Strathearn Distillery or the Private Cask Ownership Scheme please visit www.strathearndistillery.com/.

Notes

• Strathearn Distillery was established in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark who has a passion for whisky and small scale distilling.  Production began in the October of 2013, with their first cask being filled with Strathearn new-make spirit. After three years of maturation, the first bottles of Scotch Whisky were auctioned off in December 2016.
• Strathearn produces a range of highly acclaimed Scottish gins, experimenting with innovative production techniques and flavour profiles.
• Strathearn has created a range of spirits, their soon to be released Golden Rum is being distilled now.

Whisky writer is the envy of thousands as he lands top job at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Writer, barman, foodie, whisky aficionado – Sean Murphy wears many different hats in the course of his day-to-day working life. And now he is about to add another job title to the collection with a role that is widely considered to be the most sought-after job at one of the world’s leading Scotch whisky festivals.

Sean has been appointed as judge in the Best New Event competition at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – a role that will see him visit five brand new events to the Festival programme and determine which one whets his appetite.

It’s a position that Sean, who is based in Glasgow, was only too happy to accept after making his inaugural visit to the Festival last year. During his five days at the event, he was amazed at just how much could be crammed into one visit and the range of activities on offer.

This year there are almost 500 events taking place across the Speyside region from April 27 to May 1. From exclusive behind the scenes distillery tours to the chance to meet the people who put their hearts and souls into the region’s most famous export, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is truly unique.

Sean says he has become the envy of colleagues and friends since his appointment was announced, and he feels a little overwhelmed that such an important task has been placed in his hands.

He adds, “I’ve promised the people that I’ve spoken to about it that I’m there in an official capacity and not just to enjoy myself, although most of them don’t believe me when I say that. There’s some envy there, certainly!

“What I discovered last year is that the Festival itself is expansive. I don’t think I was prepared for how spread out it would be or that there would be so many events, but in the end I realised that was the beauty of it.

“The events were varied and never boring and it was amazing to meet so many people who were as massively passionate – if not more so – than I was about the subject.”

Five events have been shortlisted for the coveted Best New Event title and it seems that they have already proved a hit with this year’s revellers, as tickets have been in high demand.

Sean will have his scorecard at the ready for the first stop on his tour – Whisky Tasting: The World of Duty Free Whiskies. The event, organised by The Whisky Shop Dufftown, is with critically acclaimed spirits writers Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison and participants will take an immersive flight of unusual whiskies only available from travel retail.

He will then hook himself a rare opportunity to meet a man who most definitely enjoys a little water with his whisky – ghillie Robert Mitchell, who works on beats of the River Spey owned by The Macallan.

During The Macallan Ghillie’s Tour and BBQ Lunch, Sean and the other participants will be able to chat to Robert about his life on the river, before walking one-and-a-half miles along the mighty Spey while he shares the secrets of its salmon pools. He’ll then host a BBQ lunch at one of the distillery’s fishing huts before sharing one of his favourite drams of The Macallan.

Sean will then be at Speyside Cooperage, which was the scene of one of his favourite events from 2016. He was one of a handful of visitors who witnessed the blackening of two apprentice coopers – an ancient ritual which marked the pair becoming fully-fledged coopers – which went on to win the Best New Event award last year.

This year Speyside Cooperage will be setting up four coopers in a head to head battle in a bid to set a new world record for the fastest time to build a 190-litre barrel. The minimum requirement to achieve the record is seven minutes and 30 seconds.

Speyside’s whisky smugglers will be the focus for the Glenlivet Smugglers’ One Life Livet Tour by Glenlivet Hill Trek. During the tour, experienced guides will take guests to historic sites not usually open to the public on foot and on eight-wheel drive argocat vehicles.

They will enjoy drams of malt whiskies, lunch in a renovated stone bothy on the slopes of Carn Liath and finish off with a guided tour of The Glenlivet Distillery, which became the first licensed distillery in the Glenlivet Valley after the Excise Act of 1823.

The final stop for Sean and his scorecards will be the Mortlach History and Whisky Walk organised by the Seven Stills historic inn and malt whisky bar. During the tour with a qualified guide, participants will walk just over a mile, enjoying drams of Mortlach along the way.

Although the focus will be on learning about the history of the dram and distillery, Celtic monks, grave robbers, excisemen and the temperance movement in Dufftown will also be among the topics up for discussion.

Sean has excellent pedigree for the role of judge: his passion for the amber nectar blossomed into life when he started working at Glasgow’s famous whisky watering hole, The Potstill. His cousin now owns the bar, and Sean continues to do the odd shift when he’s not writing about food and drink for The Scotsman newspaper.

During his time at the 2016 Festival, Sean was surprised at just how accessible the key players in the industry were and did not realise there would be opportunities to come face to face with the distillery managers, master distillers, blenders and ambassadors that are so critical to the industry.

The fact that he was able to meet to many of his own whisky heroes – including the likes of writers Ian Buxton, Charlie McLean and Dave Broom – made it all the more memorable for him.

Sean believes that interaction is the key to a successful event, and is excited to see what organisers have been able to put together. Sean says, “The mention of a Guinness World Record attempt caught my eye, I think that will be an exciting prospect.

“The Macallan Ghillie tour will also be very interesting. I’m intrigued to see a different side to the Spey and specifically the fishing that goes on there. The events look as varied and as enticing as last year and I can’t wait to attend them and see what the different teams come up with this year.

“Interaction is hugely important, either in the activity itself or giving people the chance to meet the producers and teams who work so tirelessly to create these stunning whiskies.

“A unique offering is also something I’m keen on. Getting the chance to experience something like the blackening event last year – an event that only a few people have been privileged enough to enjoy – is hugely important.

“Overall though, I think the ability to deliver something interesting and fun will be most important to me. Seeing people’s reaction to the events will definitely effect my judgement of them.”

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the five-day Festival has events from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east. The programme includes almost 500 different events, from whisky tastings to whisky walks.

More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com and tickets are also available to buy on the website. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17.

Picture caption: Sean Murphy has landed a plum role at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – the writer and whisky enthusiast has been appointed as sole judge in the best new event competition.

Islay malt calls on fans to share in a nose, taste and toast for beloved Manager

It is ten years since Ardbeg’s beloved Mickey Heads took charge of the single malt whisky’s untamed spirit. To celebrate the acclaimed Distillery Manager’s decade at the helm, the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt invites fans across the world to pour a dram of Ardbeg and give three cheers for Mickey, with a nose, taste and toast.

In 2007, when Mickey was appointed, Ardbeg was a very different place to the one the cult malt’s loyal following knows today. Saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company only a decade previously, it would require years of devotion to complete the Distillery’s resurgence on its remote Scottish island home. With Islay native Mickey at the forefront however, Ardbeg has gone from strength to strength. Today, it is the world’s most highly awarded smoky malt, while Mickey was singled out as Distillery Manager of the Year at respected industry awards in 2014.

In honour of Mickey’s decade of dedication to Ardbeg’s enduring spirit, the Distillery calls on smoky malt whisky fans to join in a worldwide three cheers, with a nose, taste and toast of their favourite expression, be it Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Ardbeggians are invited to film and share their cheers with the hashtag #3cheers, to be part of a special anniversary surprise for Mickey which the Distillery is keeping under wraps for now.

Meanwhile on Islay, Mickey is holding some anniversary tastings of his own. In Ardbeg’s first official tasting videos, he will nose, taste and toast Ardbeg’s three Ultimate whiskies, giving his insight into the expressions that Islay’s wilderness has inspired.

Mickey, who also chairs Ardbeg’s loyal fan club, the Committee, said: “I’ve loved every minute of my years at Ardbeg. The Distillery has grown stronger and stronger in the past decade, and today its untamed spirit is enjoyed by Ardbeggians around the globe. Here on Islay, I’ll be raising a glass of Ardbeg to celebrate how far we’ve come. I hope Ardbeggians will join me to toast The Ultimate Islay Malt. Sláinte!”

Lindores Abbey Distillery launches its Preservation Society with opportunity to win a cask of Scotch whisky history 

Scotch’s oldest landmark sets the tone for a momentous opening year as visitor centre and distillery set to welcome the world to the site of first recorded whisky distillation from 1494.

Today (Wednesday, 15th March), Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife, Scotland, celebrated the first of many key events set for its opening year, as it announced its Preservation Society membership sales open with the symbolic first planting of a tree in its historic orchards and the unveiling of a tantalising global whisky ballot.

‘The 1494’ members of The Lindores Abbey Preservation Society, who join with a £500 donation, will be entered into this launch ballot for a 200 litre ex-Woodford Reserve bourbon cask, which will be filled with first year of production Lindores Abbey Distillery spirit. The unique cask can then be bottled for the lucky winner at a date of their choosing, once the spirit is three years and a day old. As part of the launch ballot, the cask duty will also be paid, taking the value of the Lindores Abbey membership launch prize to in excess of £7,000.

‘The 1494’ will also have a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); they will receive a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); a bottle (1 of only 1494) from the first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV) – sent out when Lindores Abbey’s Distillery Manager declares it ready; first offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own a bottle number each time; a welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for the member and a guest in the year of joining; annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for the member and a guest; 10% discount for the online shop and at the Visitor Centre; plus 10% discount on venue hire.

Members can donate £60 to the Preservation Society to secure a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; a welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey and a 10% discount for the online shop.

In a taste of what The 1494 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society members will enjoy as part of the experience, today, founders Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith unlocked the gates to the historic Lindores Abbey ruins, which date back to the 12th century, and planted the first of many apple trees, as a symbol of the renaissance which will take place at Scotch whisky’s spiritual home.

Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August this year, on the site of the earliest written reference to Scotch Whisky production (or Aqua Vitae, as it was known), from 1494. It appears in the Exchequer Roll of the same year, naming Friar John Cor, a Lindores monk, who was commissioned by King James IV to turn 8 bolls of malt into Aqua Vitae.

Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, is a key site in Scotland’s pilgrim and royal heritage. Founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I.

The Tironensian monks who built and populated the monastery in 1191 were masons, distillers, brewers, carpenters, blacksmiths, sculptors, painters, gardeners, beekeepers, farmers and husbandmen, and they all played a part in the work of the Abbey.

Drew and Helen Mackenzie Smith want to see Lindores Abbey flourish again as a site for research, learning, brewing, distilling, horticulture, and even beekeeping, reinstating distilling and heritage orchards and gardens.  Members of the Preservation Society will share in that vision. As part of the Preservation Society’s commitment to protect the Abbey for future generations, members will become part of a very small group of people who have directly contributed to the preservation of this historic site.

The distillery is in its final phases of construction, created by converting and enlarging the old Abbey farm steading, which was built from original Abbey stone and most recently used as a dairy. Organic Architects have been responsible for the design and delivery of the distillery buildings, which champions local sustainability and low carbon footprints with Denmylne wood and stone from nearby Clatchard Quarry. Visitor experience experts Bright 3D are responsible for the innovative interior design.

Renowned fabricators, Forsyths of Rothes will complete the Lindores Abbey Distillery copper stills, and fermented wooden washbacks will come from Joseph Brown of Dufftown. Distilling will flow this year from the very same water supply as was first used in 1494, with the glass-fronted stillroom looking directly out over the Abbey grounds in full recognition of the incredible historical prestige of the revival of Scotch Whisky’s oldest location.

Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, Drew McKenzie Smith said:

“Casks from the first year of revived production at Scotch whisky’s oldest landmark will be special indeed, and we are excited to offer this unique whisky ballot for enthusiasts around the world in our opening year.

“As custodians of Lindores Abbey, we have made a sincere commitment to protect this important landmark for future generations. We are building a Single Malt distillery in the grounds of the former Abbey, and reinstating the heritage orchards and extensive gardens, which were first introduced here by the Tironensian Monks in the 12th Century.

“Our Preservation Society members will support the revival of so many ancient crafts and traditions, as we return Scotch Whisky’s oldest landmark to its former glory. The 1494 members of the Preservation Society will play a vital part in the story of Lindores Abbey Distillery, as we see life flourish here once again, as will all whisky fans and future pilgrims to this most special of places.”

 Notes:

1. Images from today’s launch will be available here from 11am. Images of Lindores Abbey are available for download here. More information can be found on the Lindores Abbey Distillery website.
2. The £500 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership will be limited to the first 1494 members. It includes: Donation to the Preservation Society and a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); A bottle (1 of only 1494) from our first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV), ready and sent out when our Distillery Manager declares it ready; First offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own bottle number each time; A welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for member and a guest in the year of joining; Annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for member and a guest; 10% discount on Online Shop and at the Visitor Centre; 10% discount on venue hire.

• The £60 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership includes: Donation to the Preservation Society; A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); Early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; A welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey; 10% discount on Online Shop

• Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August 2017, with a limited number of Lindores Abbey single malt casks for private ownership released after distillation commences.

• The Lindores Abbey Bear is a depiction of the stone statue taken from the Abbot’s Abbey lodgings at the time of the Reformation. Each year Lindores Abbey Distillery will burn the bear into the ground to toast the past and future of this historic location.

• Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens (including Edward I of England, John Balliol, David II, James III and IV), warriors and statesmen. William Wallace even took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English at the nearby Battle of Black Earnside.

• Lindores Abbey Farm was bought by Drew McKenzie Smith’s grandfather in 1913. Drew now holds the title of ‘Custodian of Lindores’.  Along with his wife, Helen, Drew has spent the past two decades tirelessly researching, planning and campaigning to bring a distillery back to Lindores Abbey.

For updates on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit http://www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com/ and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages

CRAFT WHISKY CLUB BRINGS UNDISCOVERED DRAMS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

Based in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, the Craft Whisky Club promises subscribers the chance to discover a new generation of whisky classics with small batch and limited editions direct to their doors.

As the premier subscription-based craft whisky members club, it offers either one or two full bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan delicacies, every two months delivered direct to subscribers’ homes. The club specifically targets whisky adventurers looking to try small batch and limited edition whiskies from distilleries across Scotland, Europe and further afield.

From $49.95 per month, subscribers can expect a range of exceptional whiskies from a selection of craft whisky makers including Wolfburn, Mackmyra, Teeling Whiskey Co and Compass Box Scotch Whisky Maker. Alongside these fine whiskies are a range of specially paired delicacies including ginger oatcakes, sea salted chocolate, creamy fudge or organic oatcakes. Craft Whisky Club members enjoy free shipping on all of their subscription boxes, shipped once every two months.

Founder and Managing Director David Nicol, said: “Introducing the Craft Whisky Club to US subscribers is a major step forward in our business evolution. We know how much interest and passion there is around craft whisky in the States and are confident our innovative approach will appeal to these consumers.

By bringing together these specially selected limited edition whiskies and carefully matched delicacies, we have been able to curate taste experiences, which offer real value. Importantly the club also allows us to showcase less-known distillers and enable our subscribers to explore and discover the craft side of the whisky industry.”

www.craftwhiskyclub.com

About Craft Whisky Club

Craft Whisky Club is the Number 1 craft whisky members club, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members benefit from experiencing the best small batch, artisan blends and whisky expressions.

The club offers either 1 or 2 bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan food items every two months delivered to your home. The service is specifically for whisky adventurers who are looking to try whiskies from small batch and limited edition distilleries from around the world.

www.craftwhiskyclub.com/

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES

COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR.  FOUR GRAIN 

BOURBON WHISKEY 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 14, 2017) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey made using four grains in the bourbon recipe.  This 100 proof, Bottled-In-Bond, small batch recipe bourbon was aged for 12 years and is a limited edition release.

            Made from a distinct bourbon recipe using corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, this bourbon was distilled in 2005, entered into the barrel at 104 proof, and has a distinctly different flavor profile from the typical rye and wheat recipe bourbons made at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  These four grains were chosen since they are the four grains E. H. Taylor would have had access to when he set up shop at Buffalo Trace in the late 1800s. During the 1860s, Taylor traded in grains and learned that they can vary tremendously from different farmers and harvests. Taylor consistently wanted the products produced in his distillery “of upmost class,” right down to the grains.

The impetus behind this multi grain recipe was based on the success of Buffalo Trace’s existing rye and wheat bourbons, harkening back to Taylor’s thinking of using the best of the best. “We wanted to extract everything we like from both the rye and the wheat mashbills we currently use and combine them to see how they react,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Not surprisingly, it added complexity to the finished product.”

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as “opening with an inviting aroma, with the first sip bringing a lot of character.  Caramel notes are touched by sweet vanilla and caramel corn, then underwritten by slightly smoky flavors and oak tannins. It maintains a smooth evenness between the four grains interacting with the charred oak barrel.  Overall, quite different yet very balanced.”

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  This Four Grain Bourbon is the ninth and latest release in the collection of  E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, rounding out the collection of Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon, Cured Oak Bourbon and Seasoned Wood Bourbon. The Sour Mash, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, Cured Oak and Seasoned Wood Bourbons were one time only releases and are no longer available.  Another release of the Four Grain Bourbon will be released again in Spring of 2018.

Like some of the previous releases, this limited edition will be hard to find. Also consistent with past releases, the Four Grain Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago. These six bottle cases will again be shipped in an impressive wooden box first used for the Cured Oak release.  The boxes are modeled after the wooden crates used by Taylor to transport goods during the days before Prohibition.

            Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

            This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in April in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.

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 Col. 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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

R&B Distillers – 10 year membership to an exclusive whisky club – Na Tùsairean Club

R&B are building the first distillery on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland. Na Tusairean Club members are given the opportunity to invest in an evolving craft whisky brand and to add rare and exciting new drams to their personal whisky libraries. Members will receive an annual supply of single malt including:

• 1 bottle (annually) of rare whisky from the first 100 casks of Raasay single malt which will be bottled from 2020.
• A bottle of lightly-peated Raasay While We Wait – a preview of the flavours of Raasay whisky to come – until the Raasay whisky is available to drink.
• Two miniatures of every full bottle received, enabling Dad to sneak a dram without breaking into his valuable collection.

Membership also entitles the drinker to exclusive use of luxury members’ lounge and accommodation on Raasay (one night’s stay per year of membership). Featuring five en-suite bedrooms – three with striking views of the Cuillin mountain range on the neighbouring island of Skye and two rooms looking directly onto the distillery itself – aficionados will be able to experience the rugged beauty of the island as well as witness the fascinating distilling process in action.

Membership is valued at £1990 worth of benefits for 10 years but is priced at £999 (one of payment) or £55 a month over 18 months.

Global Whisky Punks Bring Top Drams to your Doorstep

UNITED KINGDOM — 14 March 2017 – New e-commerce venture Whisky Gallery pledges to deliver the best selection of popular world whiskies to fans anywhere on the globe, at competitive online prices.

Frustrated by delivery restrictions on their favourite drams, young entrepreneurs are leading a new international whisky movement with the public launch of e-commerce website Whisky Gallery. The team sees their venture as a protest against the increasingly elitist nature of the whisky industry, in which prices have soared and exclusivity is cherished.

“It’s an exciting time for world whiskies, with distillers the world over experimenting and taking inspiration from their peers online. As lovers of distinctive, craft whiskies, we don’t think access to the industry’s best should be limited to those with the money to source them,” said Liam Hiller, writer for Whisky Gallery blog and a world whisky enthusiast. “We’re starting small, but our eventual aim is to break down the last barrier to a truly international whisky community, ensuring no dram is out of bounds for our customers.”

Boasting some of the most competitive online prices, which range from $18 to $800, Whisky Gallery offers drams for aficionados on any budget. Founded on the belief that everyone should be able to have their favourite drams delivered straight to their door, the venture aims to make shopping for the best of world whiskies convenient and affordable.

In addition to an enormous selection of Scotch whiskies, Whisky Gallery hosts a varied selection of the world’s favourite whiskies, from Irish whiskey, American Bourbon and Japanese whisky. “Whisky Gallery offers whisky lovers the chance to sample international treats or stock up with a whisky for every occasion, no matter where they are in the world,” said Hiller.

Great whisky makers represented in the collection include Scottish distillers Aberlour, Macallan, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich and Lagavulin, and Japanese whisky masters Hakushu, Hibiki and Yamazaki. Consumers can get acquainted with the basics of whisky appreciation and learn about the top distillers at Whisky Gallery blog.

Notes:

Liam Hiller writes for Whisky Gallery blog and is passionate about world whiskies. To arrange an interview or a guest article, please RSVP Miriam Rune: miriam@whiskygallery.com  / 07740 339 628.

About Whisky Gallery

With a range that includes Scotch whisky, Bourbon, Japanese and Irish, Whisky Gallery offer a large selection of the world’s most popular whiskies for global home delivery.

WhiskyGallery.com

Follow Whisky Gallery on Twitter: @WhiskyGallery

Like Whisky Gallery on Facebook: facebook.com/WG.whiskygallery/

DRAM IN THE DARK movement TO RAISE funds FOR EARTH HOUR

Glen Grant teams up with The Whisky Exchange for intriguing WWF fundraising activity

London, 10 March 2017:  Whisky drinkers are being encouraged to pour a good measure, switch off the lights and ‘dram in the dark’ during Earth Hour.  The annual event raising money for WWF climate change campaign takes place on Saturday 25^th March, 8.30-9.30pm.  The current title holder of Best Scotch Whisky in the World*, Glen Grant, has teamed up with the internet’s number one specialist retailer of whisky and fine spirits, The Whisky Exchange for a number of awareness and fundraising initiatives.

• Dram In The Dark tasting at The Whisky Exchange store in Covent Garden, London. The full range of Glen Grant whiskies – Major’s Reserve, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old – will be served in a candlelight tutored tasting.  Tickets cost £10 from https://billetto.co.uk/dram-in-the-dark-for-earth-hour
• For every bottle of Glen Grant sold via The Whisky Exchange in March, Glen Grant will donate £3 to the Earth Hour campaign
• Drinkers sharing their #DramInTheDark pictures and raising awareness of climate change will be in with the chance of winning Glen Grant special prizes

Commenting on the campaign, Nick Williamson, Marketing Director Campari UK, said: “Whisky drinkers are well known for being a caring, sharing bunch of people and we’re sure they’ll get right behind the campaign to Dram in the Dark.  Those that take part will really put their nose to work.  Whisky’s aroma is a big part of the overall taste, so they’ll be in for a real treat as well as doing a their bit for a very good cause.”

“There is little we enjoy more than organising unique events that teach our customers about whisky in a novel way. We’ve never done anything like the Dram in the Dark tasting before, and it’ll be interesting to see how the environment affects how people appreciate Glen Grant’s whiskies. Being able to do this while raising money for Earth Hour is a great bonus. ” Added Sukhinder Singh, Co-Founder of The Whisky Exchange.

Glen Grant’s new range of aged single malt Scotch whiskies has continued to turn heads as it secured some of the whisky industry’s most prestigious awards in 2016, including the 10 Year Old winning Best Single Malt Scotch (10 Years and Younger) for the fifth year in a row and the 18 Year Old winning overall Best Scotch Whisky in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017.

 Notes:

* Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017

About Glen Grant

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABOUT Campari UK:

Gruppo Campari’s UK subsidiary, headquartered in London. A multicultural and dynamic team composed of 40 Camparistas from 10 different nationalities. Established on March 1st 2015, it took over from J. Wray & Nephew UK, a well-established brand builder and distributor of premium Jamaican rums. At the heart of Campari UK there are two main portfolio offerings: the Italian portfolio with heritage brands such as Campari and Aperol and the white & dark spirits portfolio, led by the Jamaican rum brands Appleton Estate Rum and Wray & Nephew Overproof, as well as Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon. The company spans an unrivalled premium spirits and specialty offer in its quality, innovation and style and is also the exclusive UK distributor for Bulldog Gin. http://www.campariuk.com/

ABOUT GRUPPO CAMPARI:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 16 plants and 2 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 19 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/ . Please enjoy our brands responsibly.