50 YEARS OF A UNIQUE SPIRIT: INTRODUCING LOCH LOMOND 50 YEAR OLD  

Loch Lomond Distillery is to release its oldest and rarest single malt whisky.

Limited to 60 decanters worldwide, the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old celebrates generations of dedication and craftsmanship and marks the pinnacle of the Loch Lomond Whiskies collection.

Borne of a place of rare beauty where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands, this expertly crafted single malt was distilled in 1967 in the distillery’s remarkable straight neck stills, drawn from a single cask and bottled at 46.2% abv.

It has been quietly maturing, first in American oak hogshead and then in European oak hogshead for half a century at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, to create a whisky brimming with rich oak spice and tropical fruit, naturally deep amber in colour with beautiful clarity.

The distinctive nature of the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is testament to the innovative distillation techniques, explains John Peterson, Production Director at Loch Lomond Distillery: “Our straight neck pot stills were unique in 1966 when they were first installed, and they are still unique to this day, providing us with greater control over the quality and flavour profile of the spirit.”

Crafting the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old single malt has been the work of Loch Lomond Master Blender, Michael Henry. He said: “The expectations are high when you are working with a whisky as special and scarce as this and it came with great responsibility, but selecting and perfecting this single malt was a true honour.  Our stills are synonymous with the fruity notes they give to the whisky. The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old has been granted the time to truly concentrate that character, resulting in a rich, tropical fruit flavour.”

Each hand-blown crystal decanter encasing the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is presented in a bespoke chest created by ‘architects of objects’, Method Studio in Scotland.  The husband and wife team, Callum Robinson and Marisa Giannasi drew inspiration from the drama, romance and kinetic energy of Loch Lomond itself to create ‘The Tempest Chest.’

Hand-shaped in solid oak, leather lined and indigo-dyed until almost black in colour, the tactile, sculpted surface of each individually numbered chest is suggestive of water at twilight, with only a solid brass key visible from the exterior, mysteriously emerging from the surface to build intrigue. Inside, the bottle of Loch Lomond 50 Year Old rests carefully upon sculpted oak waves, alongside not an ordinary whisky miniature, but a solid turned brass vial, lined in glass and reminiscent of the straight neck pot still.

Callum Robinson, Creative Director at Method Studio, said: “There are few distilleries named after a body of water as opposed to a place, and we drew great inspiration from Scotland’s most romantic, dramatic and historic loch. The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is borne out of a truly mystical place of wood, fire, water and metal and our aim was to harness this energetic, elemental group of ingredients to create something unique, and worthy of its heritage.

“Each chest is designed to capture, in a three dimensional object, the mood and movement of moonlight dancing on tempestuous water. This is mirrored in the language of the hand-blown decanter and its beautifully faceted hand-cut base, perfectly binding the two together. It was a privilege to create a vessel to house something so precious.”

Loch Lomond is a very special part of the world and Loch Lomond Whiskies take their influence from the physical beauty of their unique location.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “For 50 years the Loch Lomond Distillery has been one of Scotland’s best kept secrets.  With the launch of the 50 Year Old single malt, we are putting Loch Lomond firmly on the Scotch whisky map and we are proud to become one of a very select few distilleries in the world which have released a 50 year old whisky.”

The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old limited edition is priced at £12,000 and will be available to buy in the UK at the most prestigious independent specialists including The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies and Master of Malt from December 2017.  It will also be on offer in global markets, including Singapore, Taiwan, China, Japan and Travel Retail. It can be pre-ordered by contacting fifty@lochlomondgroup.com

For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

LOCH LOMOND 50 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES

NOSE – Heady oak spice of clove and cinnamon with sweeter notes of sultanas and raisins with creamy vanilla fudge.

TASTE – Silky mouthfeel rolls over the tongue. Intense vibrant tropical fruit, fresh pineapple and ripe banana with a honey sweetness.

FINISH – Warming stem ginger, bursts of gooseberry and elderflower and waves of tangy grapefruit citrus.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands:

Loch Lomond Whiskies:

• Loch Lomond Distillery is linked to one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery licensed in 1772.  In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.
• Lomond 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin:

• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition and 2016 World Whisky Awards
• Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, Loch Lomond and Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish

Loch Lomond Inchmoan:

• There is a Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old and Loch Lomond Inchmoan 1992 Vintage.

Other brands from the Loch Lomond Group:

• Glen Scotia Single Malt Scotch whisky (www.glenscotia.com Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts)
• Littlemill Single Malt Scotch whisky (Twitter: @LittlemillMalt)
• Glengarry Single Malt Scotch whisky
• High Commissioner Blended Scotch whisky

·         Glen’s Vodka / Glen’s Platinum Vodka

STILL AUSTIN WHISKEY CO. OPENS ITS DOORS

Grain-to-Glass Whiskey Distillery Launches in Austin City Limits  

(Austin, TX) –Still Austin Whiskey Co. is now officially open in Austin, TX. They are a “grain-to-glass” distillery, producing craft whiskey made 100% from scratch using local ingredients.

Helmed by CEO, Chris Seals, and distillery co-founders, Sal and Joanna Salinas, Andrew and Lisa Braunberg and Cleveland and Carrol Seals, Still Austin Whiskey Co. mills, mashes, ferments, distills, barrels and bottles all of their spirits in-house at the distillery. Through their relationships with Texas farmers, Still Austin Whiskey Co. leverages the advantages of a diverse variety of local grains and the warm Central Texas climate to make whiskey. “Our commitment to a fully grain-to-glass approach symbolizes our desire to produce and deliver authentically crafted whiskeys to Austin,” said Seals.

The Still Austin Whiskey Co. team distills on a 42-foot customized bourbon still and specializes in Texas expressions of American craft whiskeys. At launch, they have introduced a portfolio of unaged New Make whiskeys including their Signature New Make Whiskey, which is distilled from white corn, red wheat and malted barley. Considered whiskey in its purest form, New Make is a term for whiskey taken straight from the still. Two other spirits are made by infusing the Signature New Make — Mother Pepper, a whiskey with chile pequin, smoked serrano and aji amarillo peppers, and Daydreamer, which highlights citrus notes from valencia, tangelo and bergamot citrus. All ingredients are sourced from Texas farmers and New Make whiskeys are neither sweetened nor artificially flavored.

Visitors to Still Austin Whiskey Co. can tour the distillery as well as taste and purchase spirits in the tasting room. The tasting room offers a cocktail program with drinks conceived by bar manager, Melody Plate. The Daisy Pepper, a cocktail made with Mother Pepper, lemon juice and brown sugar simple syrup, has a decidedly spicy kick. The refreshing Cucumber Basil Martini is composed of Signature New Make Whiskey with fresh cucumber and basil, lime juice and simple syrup. Guests can order from a full menu of libations or enjoy whiskey flights in the tasting room.

Hungry visitors can grab food from Puli-Ra, a new food trailer from chef Deepa Shridhar. Puli-Ra uniquely combines Indian spices and Texan flavors in offerings like samosa pies, roti tacos, lamb sliders and naan croissants. “Still Austin seemed like such a natural fit for us since they are dedicated to sourcing responsibly and locally,” said Shridhar. “Grain-to-glass is a concept that’s really important for us, plus it’s such a fun challenge to pair whiskeys and use their product in our cooking.” Expect to find Still Austin’s whiskey in dishes on Puli-Ra’s menu including whiskey pickles and a briskey roti taco made with smoked chai & whiskey-cured brisket.

Situated in the burgeoning Austin development, The Yard, on St. Elmo Road in South Austin, the 9,600 square-foot distillery has a decidedly communal feel. Designed by OPA Design Studio, the interior of Still Austin Whiskey Co. is at once industrial and intimate, centered around the towering 42-foot still made in Scotland by Forsyths, one of the most prestigious still makers in the world.

For those eager to be part of the Austin whiskey community, Still Austin Whiskey Co. offers several exclusive programs including a DYOB (Distill Your Own Barrel) program where groups can learn the craft of distilling whiskey directly from Still’s production team and join a community of Whiskey Geeks, an unofficial tasting panel that allows members to sample and give feedback.                                     

About: Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a grain-to-glass distillery dedicated to transforming simple grains into amazing spirits. Bold whiskey expressions are made by hand in their Austin, Texas distillery using ingredients provided by Texas farmers. Spirits are sold and served in their tasting room and will be available soon in bars, restaurants and liquor stores. Tasting room hours are Thursday & Friday: 1pm – 9pm, Saturday: Noon – 9pm and Sunday: Noon – 6p. Tours and tastings are $12 available Thursday & Friday: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, Saturday: 1m, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and Sunday: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. For more information visit www.stillaustin.com. Visit on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX and follow on Instagram @Still_ATX

EARTH MOVING LAUNCH FOR TOMATIN 

Scotch whisky distiller, Tomatin, will this month launch its third expression in its popular Five Virtue Series – Earth.

The natural elements involved in its whisky production process has inspired Tomatin’s limited edition single malt series, Five Virtues: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Wood and Fire expressions were well received when the Highland distiller launched them earlier this year, heightening anticipation for the Earth launch.

The Earth single malt has a distinct character, as a consequence of having been distilled with peat-dried malted barley; giving it richly intense and, unusually for Tomatin, peaty flavours. The Earth expression offers an alluring mix of vanilla, burning heather and black fruit aromas with sweet, light smoke on the palate.

Graham Eunson, Tomatin Distillery Manager, responsible for curating the Five Virtues collection, said: “The Earth expression is unique within the Five Virtues series – and indeed our entire range of single malts – because of its peaty profile. We only distil with peated barley for two weeks of every year and this spirit is never usually released under the Tomatin brand name.”

Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Distillery Marketing Manager, said: “Off the back of our incredibly successful Five Virtues launch, we are very excited to bring the third expression in this limited edition series, Earth, to the global market.

“The Wood and Fire expressions have been extremely well received in all of our international markets, with buyers eager to add Earth to their collection.”

To celebrate the launch of the third in the Five Virtues series, Tomatin have collaborated with Scottish adventure bloggers, North, and created the Tomatin Route 501 to give whisky fans an opportunity to bring to life their limited edition ‘Five Virtues’ series of whiskies through stunning Scottish landscapes that reflect the elements and names of the five single malt whiskies – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The adventure can be viewed here: www.tomatin.com/route501

The Tomatin Five Virtues series comes uniquely packaged in cartons adorned with contemporary art, created by Eva Ullrich. To mark the launch of the new Earth expression, Tomatin will exhibit all five of the stunning paintings by Eva Ullrich in a gallery within the distillery’s Still House.

Earth, the third expression in the Five Virtue Series will launch at the Whisky Exchange Show in London on 29 September 2017. It has a limited run of 6,000 bottles and can be enjoyed from specialist whisky retailers from 30 September 2017 at £49.99 for 70cl.

The final two expressions, Metal and Water, will be released early 2018. For additional information, please visit www.tomatin.com/5virtues.

Tomatin was awarded Distiller Of The Year 2016 and Brand Innovator Of The Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards. Tomatin currently ranks in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and is one of the fastest growing in the UK.

Notes:

Each of the Five Virtues malts comes with its own distinct complexity and character;

• Wood has been aged in French, American and Hungarian oak casks,
• Fire is matured in heavily charred oak, simulating fresh vanilla flavours.
• Earth exhibits rich and intense peaty flavours as a consequence of maturing in peat-dried malted barley casks.
• Metal is expressed by the distillery’s 12 beautiful copper stills.
• Water is distinguished by its naturally pure soft water from the Alt-na-Frith burn, which is drawn year round, but employs a winter-distilled spirit to enrich the final flavour.

Bringing the Five Virtues alive on Tomatin Route 501 (this site will go live on Friday 28^th September) – www.tomatin.com/route501

More information on the Tomatin Five Virtues – www.tomatin.com/5virtues

https://whiskyshow.com/london/

The Five Virtues of Route 501

Tomatin adds to the NC500 route

Tomatin Distillery have gone the extra mile giving the famous North Coast 500 route, Scotland’s No.1 coastal adventure, a unique whisky theme.

They have created the Tomatin Route 501 to give whisky fans an opportunity to bring to life their limited edition ‘Five Virtues’ series of whiskies and it takes in stunning Scottish landscapes that reflect the elements and names of the five single malt whiskies – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

To mark the launch of the Tomatin Route 501 this week, the Highland distillery challenged North Blog adventurer Tristan Cameron-Harper to experience and capture the best of the new route.

Adding a stop to his NC500 journey, with a visit to the Tomatin Distillery for a tour and tasting session, the explorer sampled whisky at some of Scotland’s most picturesque locations and embarked on a series of challenges along the North Coast 500 to celebrate Tomatin’s Five Virtues whisky series.

Inspired by the five natural elements involved in its production process, the Five Virtues series includes the Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water editions. North blogger Cameron-Harper engaged with each of these elements at some of Scotland’s most famous beauty spots, including: Inverewe Gardens, Kildonan Burn, Smoo Cave and Fairy Glen Falls.

A deep-rooted love for the Scottish landscape and taste for adventure, makes Cameron-Harper perfectly suited to explore Scotland’s wealth of natural elements, in order to understand their intrinsic importance to the whisky making process.

Referred to as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, the route has attracted an additional 29,000 visitors and an additional £29 million in its first year to the Highlands. 2016 saw a record 1.7 million people visit distilleries north of the border, with the largest proportion of visitors coming from Germany, Scotland and other parts of the UK, the USA and France.

Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Marketing Manager, said, “We’re incredibly excited to have Tristan launch the Tomatin Route 501 project. We think that his insatiable thirst for adventure in the natural world, and our expert handling of these natural elements, are representative of the perfect marriage distilled in each of the Five Virtues single malt expressions.”

She added, “Scotland was recently voted the world’s most beautiful country and we hope that visitors will follow our alternative Route 501 and experience some of the country’s idyllic scenery, as well as its most famous export.”

To celebrate the complexity of flavours embodied by each distinct expression in the whisky series, Cameron-Harper engaged in a number of exciting challenges, including glassblowing and panning for gold.

Speaking about his travels on the North Coast 500, adventurer Tristan Cameron-Harper expressed the profound effect the landscape had on his experience of Tomatin’s single-malts: “Being able to interact with the Scottish landscape while enjoying a nip of one of the Five Virtue whiskies, adds a whole new level to the whisky tasting experience. It heightens your appreciation of the whisky itself, bringing out a range of tasting notes and complexity of character I’ve never before experienced.”

The first two expressions in the limited edition Five Virtues series, ‘Wood’ and ‘Fire’ are available now from all specialist whisky retailers, and can be enjoyed at the price of £49.99. The third expression will be made available from the 29^th of September, with the final expressions ‘Metal’ and ‘Water’ to be released early 2018.

Tomatin was awarded Distiller Of The Year 2016 and Brand Innovator Of The Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards. Tomatin currently ranks in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and is one of the fastest growing in the UK.

Notes:

Each of the Five Virtues malts comes with its own distinct complexity and character:

• Wood has been aged in French, American and Hungarian oak casks,
• Fire is matured in heavily charred oak, simulating fresh vanilla flavours.
• Earth exhibits rich and intense peaty flavours as a consequence of maturing in peat-dried malted barley casks.
• Metal is expressed by the distillery’s 12 beautiful copper stills.
• Water is distinguished by its naturally pure soft water from the Alt-na-Frith burn, which is drawn year round, but employs a winter-distilled spirit to enrich the final flavour.

Eighth Generation Beam Family Member Freddie Noe Introduces Annual Limited Release Series, Little Book™ Whiskey

Clermont, KY (September 20, 2017) – The Beam family is proud to officially announce the launch of Little Book™, the first and highly anticipated product release from Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member and son of current Beam master distiller, Fred Noe. The debut of Little Book marks an exciting step forward for the next generation of Beam family whiskey makers.

Named after the childhood nickname given to Freddie by his grandfather, legendary master distiller, Booker Noe, Little Book™ is an annual, limited release series that will feature a new and unique blend each year, presented uncut and unfiltered1. Guiding each year’s release will be Freddie’s passion for crafting high-quality, interesting blends different from anything else on the market.

“I’m humbled and honored to share Little Book with the world,” said Freddie, who currently serves as the distillery’s fermentation manager. “When I joined the family business five years ago, I told Dad I wanted to learn everything there was to know about making whiskey. Along the way, I discovered I’m particularly fascinated by the endless taste profiles that can be created through blending. I’m excited for whiskey fans to taste the first batch of this annual release, and I look forward to sharing new, one-of-a-kind blends every year. It’s a real honor to carry on my family’s legacy, and I hope I’ve done them proud.”

The inaugural batch release of Little Book, called Little Book “The Easy,” draws inspiration from what the Beam family is known for – great bourbon whiskey. Little Book “The Easy” is a blended straight whiskey that features four unique components: uncut and unfiltered1 corn, rye and malt whiskies – representative of the three grains commonly found in a bourbon mashbill (or recipe) – balanced with uncut, unfiltered1 Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Creating the final liquid for Little Book “The Easy” was a labor of love for Freddie, who worked on the final recipe for over a year and tried more than 25 different blends of the liquid before he decided that it was just right and worthy of his debut release.

“It’s exciting to watch my son, Freddie, follow in the family footsteps and share his passion for blending with the release of Little Book,” said Fred Noe. “My dad, Booker, and I used to always say that if Freddie ever decided to join the family business, his distinct palate and nose, along with his eagerness to learn, would take him far. Freddie’s coming into his own as part of the next generation of whiskey makers, and I couldn’t be more proud to support him as he launches his first product.”

Bottled uncut at its natural proof, Little Book “The Easy” is meant to be just that – easy to enjoy however you like it best, whether that’s neat, over ice or with a splash of water. Little Book “The Easy” was blended by Freddie Noe and developed with the following characteristics:

• Blend Overview:
  4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
  13-year-old corn whiskey
  About 6-year-old 100% malt whiskey
  About 6-year-old high-rye whiskey
• Proof: 128.2
• Tasting Notes: Little Book “The Easy” leads with caramel and oak notes, then moves into flavors of toasted nuts and hints of corn grain. The finish is long and packed with peppery rye, making this liquid approachable and easy to enjoy.
• Sipping Suggestions: Neat, over ice or with a splash of water.

Little Book “The Easy” will be available nationwide beginning in October in limited quantities with a Suggested Retail Price of $79.99 for a 750mL bottle.

For more information about Little Book Whiskey, visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/brands/little-book

About Little Book™
Little Book™ is the first-ever product release from Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member, son of seventh generation Beam master distiller, Fred Noe, and grandson of legendary Beam master distiller, Booker Noe. An annual, limited release series, Little Book will feature new and unique blends each year that bring to life Freddie’s passion for blending and his curiosity for the limitless tastes that can be achieved through the process. Each blend will be uncut and unfiltered1 to allow the nuanced taste profiles to shine through and fans to enjoy it the way they choose.

In 2017, Freddie introduced his inaugural batch of Little Book, called Little Book™ “The Easy,” and he will continue to carry on his family tradition of innovation in the industry by creating new releases for Little Book each year, always with the goal of developing new and interesting blends.

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 www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

DISCOVER A RARE FIND WITH THE LEGENDS OF THE GARIOCH EXPERIENCE

Rarely can the characteristics of a place and its people have been so masterfully bottled.

A rare find indeed.

UNIQUE LOCATION Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in ancient Doric dialect) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, since 1797.

The beautiful and richly fertile land has been famed for centuries as the ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’, known for producing the finest barley in all of Scotland.

With rolling hills and crystal springs filled with the purest of waters so crucial to whisky production, it’s easy to see why this site was chosen for one of the country’s very first distilleries.

For more than 200 years, Glen Garioch has been handcrafting a small but perfectly formed range of natural, non chill-filtered single malt whiskies.

The distillery remains at the heart of the community and stays true to the original charm of the Highlands, our local staff brimming with passion for the fine whisky they make and offering a warm welcome to all.

AN EVENTFUL PAST Founded in 1797 by John and Alexander Manson, Glen Garioch has stood the test of time, overcoming changes in ownership, droughts and war. With stunning views to Bennachie, lush land, crystal clear spring water and its close proximity to Aberdeen, Oldmeldrum was the perfect site for two young brothers to build their distillery and write their own chapter in Scotch history.

A MAGICAL PLACE TO BE It’s true what they say – you can never fully enjoy a dram of Glen Garioch until you have seen how and where it’s made. Glen Garioch is made the same way today as it has always been. The Glen Garioch Brand Home Experience offers visitors the opportunity to experience time-honoured skills at work; to touch and smell the natural ingredients used in its production; to hear from the master craftsmen involved and finally, to taste the fruit of their labours.

THE LEGENDS OF THE GARIOCH EXPERIENCE Glen Garioch®, one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries is launching an inspirational half-day experience which will focus on their unique location, eventful past and the legends who helped influence Glen Garioch as it is today.

This in-depth experience begins in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum, before delving into the heart of the Valley of the Garioch where the distillery takes its name. This voyage of discovery allows you to explore first-hand the the beautiful and richly fertile land of Oldmeldrum which has been famed for centuries as the ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’ known for producing the finest barley in Scotland.

With over 200 years of experience in producing single malt Scotch whisky, this unique experience pays homage to the distillery’s long standing tradition of craftsmanship and the charm and passion of the people who make it.

Back at the Glen Garioch Distillery, the connoisseur’s journey includes a visit to some normally unseen parts of the distillery and an exclusive tasting of the single cask, limited release and archive portfolio.

Having followed in the footsteps of Glen Garioch’s founders, this rare experience will conclude with a specially selected regional lunch and whisky pairing, served in the unique setting of the 800 year old Whisky Cave Bar at Meldrum House Country House Hotel. The menu has been created to showcase the quality of produce from the region and to complement and enhance the Glen Garioch story and flavour profile.

Available from 2nd October 2017 at an exclusive price of £120 pp. Over 18s only. Please book one week in advance. Minimum two guests for this experience.

To find out more please visit www.glengarioch.com/visitor-centre or email visitor.centre@glengarioch.com.

www.glengarioch.com

twitter.com/GlenGarioch 

Notes:  

ABOUT GLEN GARIOCH

One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly – Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in these parts) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, ever since 1797. Shielded from the world’s prying eyes, deep in the fertile ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’, and only ever produced in small, precious batches, Glen Garioch is a rare find indeed, but warmly appreciated by those who like a hearty Highland malt, non chill-filtered malt as nature intended, with a wholesome maltiness, honeyed sweetness and delicious creamy texture to savour.  

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 www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

EDINBURGH EATERY CROWNED SCOTTISH RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Restaurant The Dining Room at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society collects prestigious award at The AA Hospitality Awards

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s restaurant The Dining Room in Edinburgh (www.thediningroomedinburgh.co.uk/) has been named as Restaurant of the Year for Scotland at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in London.

The Dining Room restaurant, situated on the first floor of the Society’s 28 Queen Street venue, was praised for its superb service and the culinary brilliance of head chef James Freeman and his team.

The Dining Room’s menu combines seasonal local ingredients, inventive cooking and traditional fine dining. Dishes include fillet of hake and langoustine with courgette and yellow pepper stew; and ballotine of Gartmorn farm duck with fermented rhubarb and red onion with duck consommé.

Past winners of the Restaurant of the Year for Scotland award include Inver in Loch Fyne, The Gannet in Glasgow and Timberyard in Edinburgh.

A member of the AA Hospitality Awards judging panel said: “The Dining Room at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society offers a dining experience steeped in French classicism.”

The restaurant was relaunched in the summer of 2016 as part of a makeover of the Society’s Georgian townhouse at 28 Queen Street. This saw the Dining Room moved from the ground floor to the first floor and take on a bright new contemporary look and expanded capacity. The ground floor is now home to the Society’s Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar.

The Dining Room also features an exclusive Charles Heidsieck Champagne Table, where groups of four or more can match five different expressions from the highly regarded champagne house with a specially designed five-course meal.

In January, The Dining Room was awarded two AA rosettes, while in April the 28 Queen Street venue won overall Special Award in The List Magazine’s annual Eating & Drinking Guide. The restaurant previously earned a 10/10 review from The Herald’s restaurant reviewer Joanna Blythman.

Commenting on the success, Venue Manager, Francois Guillemet, said: “Winning Restaurant of the Year for Scotland is a huge achievement for us and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.

“James Freeman is a superb inventive chef who has been creating amazing food here and has gone from strength to strength since we relaunched last year. Our team work tirelessly to achieve the highest standards of food, drink and service that has earned us this award and we look forward to continuing to wow our customers.”

Head chef, James Freeman, added: “This award is a huge honour for me personally and my team at The Dining Room. I have been at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society since 2004 and have worked hard to create innovative dishes using quality, local produce, so to see the restaurant recognised in this way is extremely rewarding.”

In celebration of the award, The Dining Room is running a special promotion until the end of October featuring a three-course A la carte dinner with a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne or dram for £45.

 http://www.thediningroomedinburgh.co.uk/

http://www.smws.com/

@SMWSQueenStreet @smwsuk #smws

www.facebook.com/TheDiningRoomAtTheScotchMaltWhiskySociety

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 134 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
  • Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit http://www.smws.com/

Johnnie Walker Launches Limited Edition Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut

Thirty-five years on from being the spirit of choice in cult sci-fi classic Blade Runner, Johnnie Walker Black Label returns to the big screen in its highly-anticipated sequel Blade Runner 2049.

Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is a limited-edition Scotch Whisky created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge in collaboration with visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. The experimental blend is inspired by Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, and is presented in a futuristic bottle.  With trademark smokiness and a contemporary twist, Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is a rich smooth blend with aromatic and vanilla flavours and is bottled at 49% ABV as a nod to the futuristic period in which the film is set.

 Commenting on the launch, Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge said,

 “What we have created in Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is something really special that fans will be able to relate to and whisky drinkers will love. I was truly inspired by Villeneuve’s artistic vision for Blade Runner 2049 and how it could come to life in this new blend. I learned that filmmaking is much like blending – you have to constantly be committed to creating the best possible outcome.”

 “Johnnie Walker blending tradition dates back to 1820 and I’m honoured to carry on the legacy and collective memory of our other past blenders to ensure that the same whisky enjoyed today can be enjoyed responsibly in 2049.”

DEWAR’S REINFORCES ITS DEDICATION TO AGE STATEMENTS BY INTRODUCING DEWAR’S 25 YEARS OLD FINISHED IN ROYAL BRACKLA CASKS

26^th September 2017 – DEWAR’S®, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky is proud to announce the launch of DEWAR’S 25 Years Old.

The new addition to the DEWAR’S portfolio will succeed DEWAR’S Signature (no-age statement) as a part of DEWAR’S dedication and commitment to age statements across its premium range of blended Scotch whiskies.

A meticulous search of the cask inventory revealed an intriguing array of fine aged malt and grain Scotch whiskies aged 25 years and older. Each cask was individually sampled and assessed by Master Blender, Stephanie MacLeod before being chosen. Once MacLeod was satisfied that she had a perfectly balanced flavour profile in the DEWAR’S House Style, the specially selected casks were blended together and then filled into oak casks for an additional period of maturation, a process pioneered by DEWAR’s, known as double-ageing, to add more depth and enriched smoothness.

During this extra period of maturation, the disparate characters of the malts and grains are allowed to interact with one another and mellow further. In an extra step unique to the new 25-year-old expression, the whisky was then filled into a set of freshly disgorged ROYAL BRACKLA® casks for an extra period of finishing.

According to MacLeod, “DEWAR’S 25 is endlessly smooth, rich and elegant. Awakened on the palate: the sophisticated whisky is glorious in its harmony and balance, gently revealing layers of rich fruit, floral notes and delicate honey, with a hint of smoke to finish.”

Fraser Campbell, Global Ambassador for DEWAR’S comments “Disclosing the ages of our blends allows discerning whisky drinkers to choose an expression with a maturity and flavour profile that matches their own character preferences. DEWAR’S remains committed to age statements as a sign of craftsmanship and quality. In a world where aged stock is increasingly rare, we are proud to display an age on the front of our bottles”.

The age statements that DEWAR’S proudly proclaim on its bottles are not merely numbers; they’re

a guarantee of the age of the youngest whisky found within the blend. Each bottle’s age statement is an assurance that it holds an authentic and precious piece of time-honoured taste.

According to the latest reports from the IWSR, DEWAR’S is the fastest growing premium blended Scotch in the world, defying current global Scotch trends. DEWAR’S is also the world’s most awarded blended Scotch with medals for quality, taste and innovation to-date. Adding to the vast list of awards to support this, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old has been crowned best blended Scotch (under 21 years) at the International Spirits Challenge 2017.

DEWAR’S 25 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and priced at $225. The new expression will be available from October 2017 in Global Travel Retail followed by a gradual roll-out into key domestic markets.

http://www.dewars.com/

Notes: 

About DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky 

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 15 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old, the new exclusive DEWAR’S 25 Years Old. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S® and ROYAL BRACKLA brands are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.http://www.dewars.com/

World War Two whisky amongst rarest in the world

Seventy-year-old Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail commemorates key date in wartime history 

An exceptionally rare wartime cask from 1943 has been unveiled as one of the oldest and most exclusive single malt whiskies in the world.

The Elgin-based malt whisky specialists today (2nd October 2017) announced the release of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail , the latest offering in its ‘ Private Collection’ range. Only forty decanters will be available for sale globally, with a UK RRP of £30,000.

A small number of decanters will be available from Gordon & MacPhail’s historic retail shop in Elgin. Those purchasing a decanter at the South Street ‘spiritual home’ will also enjoy an exclusive tasting experience included in their purchase. Distilled on 14 January 1943, a crucial date in the history of World War Two, the new-make spirit was filled into a carefully selected Sherry hogshead at the renowned Speyside distillery. The release of Cask 121 also represents the last 1943 vintage from the Gordon & MacPhail stock inventory.

As the bung was being hammered into place in Cask 121, a world away in North Africa, Prime Minister Winston Churchill met President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Charles de Gaulle, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Casablanca Conference. The meeting discussed Allied strategy for the war in Europe. Historians came to view this meeting as critically important to the fate of the world for generations to come.

By the winter of 1943, the war had severely curtailed production of whisky in Scotland. Prices and duty were on the rise and rationing meant raw ingredients were in increasingly short supply. In fact, many Scottish distilleries were closed after October 1942; The Glenlivet Distillery itself halted production in the Spring of 1943. Mature whiskies from this period were in great demand so, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, available casks were extremely limited.

Rich chestnut brown in colour, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a whisky of great balance and approachability. A full, fresh flavour of dark chocolate, oranges, and oakiness intermingles with treacle and liquorice and culminates with a subtle, ashy smokiness and an incredibly long finish.

Founded in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland, Gordon & MacPhail is the custodian of many of the oldest and rarest single malts in the world with an unrivalled stock inventory. The fourth generation of the Urquhart family uphold the same traditions and dedication to whisky maturation as the generations that came before them.

In 1943, Cask 121 was selected by John and George Urquhart, first and second generation of the Urquhart family, for filling at the Glenlivet Distillery. Stephen Rankin, a director of the company and John Urquhart’s great-grandson, made the decision to bottle it.

Stephen Rankin said: “This beautiful whisky has been nurtured and cared for by four generations of our family and it gives us enormous pleasure to release this unique and incredibly rare single malt.

“Gordon & MacPhail has been in the whisky business for over 122 years, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime’s expertise to the next. We believe Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a malt without comparison from a defining date in the history of a world in conflict.

“Today, whisky is a wonderfully unifying drink and this rare example gives people from across the world the chance to own and savour a defining piece of Scotland’s liquid history.”

Whisky writer and rare whisky specialist Jonny McCormick said: “Gordon & MacPhail is a singular whisky company emphasised by their incomparable capacity to draw on stocks from the 1940s. This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire an exquisite whisky that embodies the concept of rarity. The remarkable complexity and vivid flavours that have developed over a lifetime in wood ensure this single malt Scotch whisky will make a handsome addition to the world’s finest whisky collections.”

Every detail of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail alludes to the decades of experience and patience poured into nurturing the whisky to maturation.

The meandering River Spey provides a unique closure to the handcrafted wooden box. Hand blown and bespoke, the decanter itself is adorned with gold engravings of the contours of the land surrounding the Glenlivet Distillery.

Accompanied by a visually atmospheric commemorative book, written by whisky author Jonny McCormick, each decanter is individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin, director and member of the Urquhart family.

Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail was matured in a first-fill Sherry hogshead for seventy years. Only forty decanters, bottled at cask strength (49.1 ABV), have been released for sale worldwide. A limited number are available for purchase directly from the company’s ‘spiritual home’, the South Street Retail Shop, at an RRP of £30,000. Prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty.

For more information, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#tastethehistory

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of maturing the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully nurtured relationships with Scottish distillers. These included The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Linkwood, and Mortlach in Speyside as well as a number of other distilleries from across Scotland. From the beginning, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks. These casks are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. 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.

The Glenlivet Distillery 

George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet Distillery, came from a long line of illicit distillers. In 1817, Smith leased land at Upper Drumin Farm where he continued the family tradition to supplement his crofter’s wage. In 1823, the Excise Act was pushed through Parliament championed by the Duke of Gordon – Smith’s landlord. Gordon not only persuaded Smith to take out the first licence in the parish of Glenlivet but he also contributed to the distillery build at Drumin. This distillery would produce a spirit that defined Speyside whisky of its day.

Due to the success and popularity of the Glenlivet Distillery, several distilleries in the region appended the name Glenlivet to their own. In 1884, a landmark decision ruled that only Smith’s single malt could call itself ‘The Glenlivet’.