ISLAY CHARITIES RAISE A DRAM TO LAGAVULIN LEGACY 

A range of good causes on the famous whisky island of Islay raised a dram of Lagavulin to celebrate sharing in a major financial legacy from the distillery’s 200^th anniversary.

Representatives of the charities, including the local swimming pool, cyber café, arts and festival organisations, visited the distillery to officially mark the handover of £588,395 of funds which were raised through a special Lagavulin 200^th anniversary bottling.

The principal beneficiary of the funding is Islay Heritage, a ground-breaking new initiative which has been established to explore, conserve and promote Islay’s wealth of historical and archaeological sites. Islay is one of Scotland’s most important historical locations being home to Lords of the Isles and the epi-centre of the country’s early and pre-historical life. Now with a grant of £318,395 from the Lagavulin Legacy fund, the ambitious project aims to make Islay as famous for its history as it currently is for Scotch whisky.

The Lagavulin Legacy project will also fund the restoration and conservation of around 700 acres of peatlands on Islay in recognition of the vital role peat plays in the creation of Lagavulin and other whiskies for which Islay is famous.

A total of seven good causes will benefit from the Lagavulin Legacy fund* reflecting a range of local good causes and projects designed to further enhance Islay’s reputation as a ‘must-visit’ destination for global visitors.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo Head of Whisky Outreach, who led the Lagavulin 200^th Anniversary project, said: “The Lagavulin Legacy fund is not about making donations, it is about investing in the rich fabric of the Islay community. That’s why we’ve chosen a range of charities to support from very local community good causes, to the ambitious new Islay Heritage project which aims to really put Islay on the map as one of the world’s most important archaeological and historical destinations.”

Georgie Crawford, Lagavulin Distillery manager, added: “The celebrations for Lagavulin’s 200^th anniversary last year were fantastic, but the absolute highlight of it all is to be able to handover such a significant financial contribution to these good causes.

“It makes me incredibly proud to welcome our friends and partners here at the distillery to mark the handover of the funds. We look forward to continuing to work with these good causes and to seeing the legacy project bring real benefits to Islay and its communities.”

The Lagavulin 200^th anniversary legacy funds were raised through the sale of a special bottling of a Lagavulin 1991 Single Malt Scotch Whisky cask which was carefully selected by the distillery team and Diageo Chief Executive Ivan Menezes. Just 522 bottles were put on sale, 521 of the bottles via a special ballot on The Whisky Exchange at a price of £1,494 – a price set to acknowledge the historic year of the first recorded distillation of Scotch Whisky – with bottle no.1 then auctioned by The Whisky Exchange, raising a further £8,395.

The funds are being transferred to the charities with immediate effect to allow the legacy projects to progress at the earliest opportunity.

NOTES 

*Lagavulin 200 charity recipients

The proceeds received by Diageo from the sale of the Lagavulin 1991 bottling have been donated to the following registered charities in the following proportions, to fund projects on Islay which are designed to enhance the understanding of the rich and diverse history of Islay and enhance the life of the local community:

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Diageo in Scotland

• Scotland is one of Diageo’s largest spirit supply centres responsible for producing nearly 50 million cases of leading brands of Scotch whisky and white spirits and over four million cases of Ready To Drink brands annually.
• Around 85% of Diageo’s production in Scotland is sold overseas.
• Diageo in Scotland currently employs around 3,500 people.
• Diageo currently operates 28 malt distilleries and one grain distillery and has a 50 per cent share in a further grain distillery.
• As well as engineering and technical support functions, there are extensive warehousing and packaging operations in Scotland and the company’s Scottish headquarters are in Edinburgh.

About Lagavulin

Local records suggest that Lagavulin was already a centre of whisky production in the early 18^th century. There had almost certainly been many other illicit stills before John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin Bay in 1816. As with all Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now normally bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland™.

Chivas Brothers funds PhD to help combat effects of climate change on water supply

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today announcing plans to award £4,000 in grant funding to support key research into combating the effects of climate change on distillery water resources.

The project, which is being delivered in partnership with The University of Aberdeen, and the James Hutton Institute, will offer one PhD student the opportunity to embark on a four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship to help identify natural solutions to reduce the impact of water scarcity and rising water temperatures during prolonged warm and dry periods.

The Scotch whisky industry critically depends on a sustainable and good quality water supply; pure Scottish mineral water is one of three ingredients used in the malting, mashing and cooling processes and also when diluting the spirit to reduce its alcoholic strength to the desired level. This research aims to identify solutions to preserve this key ingredient.

Throughout the project, the student will complete field research on the water catchment areas at The Glenlivet distillery in Moray to test the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. They will become an integral part of Chivas Brothers’ environmental sustainability team and receive a full range of training including a course on distillation processes and distillery water requirements. Research and development of mathematical models to help identify the best locations to manage water flow for other distilleries will be carried out at The University of Aberdeen, with the support of the James Hutton Institute.

Gordon Buist, Production Director at Chivas Brothers, said: “There are three ingredients that go into creating a single malt Scotch whisky – malted barley, yeast and water – and each is incredibly important to developing the depth of flavour and quality unique to The Glenlivet. By supporting this key research we hope to improve water management strategies, to the benefit of the entire Scotch whisky industry.

“As part of the project, we will support the student by providing them with the opportunity to work with our experienced environmental and sustainability team at The Glenlivet distillery, including access to a wide range of training, expertise and laboratory facilities.”

Dr. Josie Geris, Lecturer in Hydrology at the School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, said: “We are pleased to be working with Chivas Brothers and the James Hutton Institute. This project provides a unique opportunity for a research student to gain real world experience out in the field and identify solutions that will greatly benefit the whisky industry in the long term.”

Chivas Brothers has a longstanding commitment to supporting further academic institutions in Scotland with students from both Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and Edinburgh University completing one-year laboratory placements with the business over the last five years. The company also supports research and development on behalf of the whisky industry, through the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, based in Edinburgh; and funds a bursary scheme for further education and vocational training in conjunction with the Scottish International Education Trust, which is open to employees and their family members.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

O.F.C. VINTAGE-DATED BOURBONS RAISE MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR CHARITIES

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 13, 2017) In the fall of 2016, Buffalo Trace Distillery donated two hundred rare bottles of vintage-dated whiskey to non-profit organizations across the country. The results are in, and these collectable O.F.C. bottles have raised more than one million dollars for various charities across the United States.

All fundraising events were completed by early March, and a grand total of $1,196,687 was raised for causes such as cancer services, cystic fibrosis, leukemia and lymphoma, children’s rights, autism, military veterans, animal protection, arts foundations, and many more. Some of the top fund raisers were very creative in their efforts, with the top fund raiser, Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, S.C., raising $27,000 for their 1980 bottle of O.F.C. Bourbon at its annual Gourmet and Grapes benefit.  “The inspiring work being accomplished by the physicians and scientists at Hollings Cancer Center would simply not be possible without the support from this event,” said Abby Parks, director of special events for the Hollings Cancer Center.

Not far behind them as far as fundraising goes was Meals on Wheels People in Portland, Oregon, raising $24,000 through promoting its event on social media and partnering with leaders in the food industry, mainly restaurants, who then in turn promoted it to their client base.  The non-profit also reached out to traditional media outlets and bourbon enthusiast bloggers, which led to several write ups about the event and an appearance on one news channel at a local bourbon hangout.  “All the money raised from our event will be used to feed senior citizens.  The $24,000 raised will provide approximately 3,250 meals,” said Tony Staser, chief development officer.

The Longview World of Wonders in Longview, Texas raised $17,500 with its O.F.C. Bourbon at its annual Bourbon and Bowties event. To hype the event up, the organization posted about it on social media, made videos, and did Facebook Live posts from local liquor stores.  They even took the bottle out on parade to show it off at the local liquor stores on the Friday evenings and all day Saturdays leading up to the event. “We would also have the Buffalo Trace bourbon line on our table and explain the connection while trying to push your product to people around here at our local liquor stores,” said Event Chairman Cole Tomberlain. “I think the Bourbon & Bowties fundraiser is the only one that has men begging their wives to go, instead of the other way around!” added Tomberlain.

“We’re so happy these worthy causes will benefit from the release of this O.F.C. bourbon,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “On average, $6,100 was raised by these charities.  We’re thrilled these non-profits used this opportunity to come up with creative ways to raise funds for their much needed causes.”

In September 2016, Buffalo Trace announced it was releasing a new bourbon called O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey, but the first release was only for charities. That first release was comprised of 100 bottles from the year 1980, 50 bottles from 1982, and 50 bottles from 1983.  Non-profit organizations were invited to apply for a bottle online, and after vetting by a third party organization, 200 charities were chosen and bottles were shipped out before the end of year. Each charity selected received a bottle from one of the three vintages.

The O.F.C. Bourbon was packaged in a crystal bottle with real copper lettering in-laid in the bottle with hand applied paper label. The label on the back of the bottle notes the milestones for the vintage year of the bottle.  Each bottle was nestled in a wooden display box containing a provenance card with the same information found on the back label.

      This is the second time Buffalo Trace Distillery has partnered with non-profit organizations to raise money. In 2011, the Distillery gave away 174 bottles of its Millennium Barrel, the last bourbon barrel filled on the last day of the last century. In total more than $150,000 was raised for various charities across the United States.  This brings the total to just over $1.3 million that Buffalo Trace has helped raised for various charities.

      Buffalo Trace plans to release its next offering of O.F.C. Vintages later this year for consumers to purchase at liquor stores and bars.  More details on that release will be forthcoming.

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 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

POPULAR SCOTTISH WHISKY SHOP IN LINE FOR TOP AWARD 

A popular whisky shop is in line for a top business award after being named a finalist in the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.

Stirling Whisky Shop has been shortlisted for Off License of The Year in the Central Region area.

The business, which organises an annual whisky festival as well as selling a variety of spirits, is run by husband and wife team Cameron and June McCann in Stirling.

Mr McCann said: “It’s a great honour for us and our staff to be nominated for the awards which recognise the hard work of independent retailers.

“Since opening the shop four years ago, we’ve grown the business by increasing the number of brands and spirits we stock.

“We’re also proud to have attracted visitors to Stirling by hosting a variety of regular drinks tastings and festivals in the town.”

The winners of the 6th Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2017 will be announced at a glitzy ceremony next week following a public vote.

Organisers have been running an online campaign, via email databases and social media, over the past few months which have seen people vote for their favourite retail outlets.

The aim of the Awards is to highlight the value independent shops bring to their communities and to recognise and reward the entrepreneurial spirit which lies behind these thriving businesses.

A spokesman for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards said: “The awards look to give a platform to local communities to voice their admiration and loyalty to their independent retailer of choice.”

The Retail Awards ceremony takes place on Tuesday April 25 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.

Irfan Younis, of event organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “We are delighted to see so many people to get involved in the Scottish Independent Retail Awards.

“We have had a fantastic response from the public and are looking forward to welcoming dedicated and successful independent retailers in a celebration of their hard work.”

June McCann is co-founder of Stirling Whisky Shop – one of the smallest off-sales shops in Scotland and based within Stirling’s Highland Hotel in Spittal Street.

She said: “We’re proud to be an awards finalist – particularly as we’ve been voted for by members of the public – and are looking forward to the evening.

“Hopefully we’ll hear Stirling Whisky Shop’s name called out when the Off License of the Year is named on the night!”

Stirling Whisky Shop also organises monthly gin and whisky clubs and an annual Whisky Festival which is being held on Saturday May 6 this year at the Highland Hotel.

For more information, go to www.stirlingwhiskyshop.com

Note 

Stirling Whisky Shop was established in 2013 by Stirling couple June and Cameron McCann. The shop sells a range of spirits and is based at the Highland Hotel in Stirling’s Spittal Street. More information can be found on the website – www.stirlingwhiskyshop.com

The Macallan x Steven Klein

Imagine a world where time stands still. Where your senses are heightened and the present moment is slowed, stretched, and distilled.

Welcome to the latest chapter in The Macallan Masters of Photography Series. A chapter that interprets an ingredient almost invisible, but absolutely fundamental in the making of The Macallan – TIME.

Steven Klein, our latest visual collaborator and one of the most provocative artists in photography and film, has broken beyond the still frame and altered the rhythm of the series, interpreting The Macallan within a moving image that distils a single moment, a world standing still.

WATCH THE FILM

EXPLORE THE CHAPTER

ENTER TIME CAPTURED

The Macallan Distillers Ltd, Easter Elchies, Craigellachie, AB38 9RX, Scotland

The Macallan unveils the newest addition to the Masters of Photography Series, with Steven Klein

The 6th installment features a new limited edition whisky and never before seen content from Klein

Today unveils The Macallan’s sixth Masters of Photography release, part of a limited edition series which showcases the mastery and art of both photography and whisky making. This edition marks a change in creative direction, with the master of visual ambiguity, Steven Klein, capturing and distilling a single moment in time through film and imagery.

Since 2008, The Macallan has partnered with some of the most well known photographers in the industry like Annie Lebowitz, Elliott Erwitt and Mario Testino to marry the art of whisky making with their incredible interpretations of the world of The Macallan. This year, The Macallan Masters of Photography series partnered with Steven Klein to explore an ingredient fundamental in the making of The Macallan: time. The unspoken fourth ingredient in The Macallan as each bottle of whisky captures a moment in time; to be enjoyed in the future – but always rooted to a time in the past.

To portray this distinctive piece, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno, has created a  whisky of exceptional quality. It reveals a very specific and unusual character and flavor, itself capturing a moment in time, mirroring Bob Dalgarno’s own interpretation of Steven Klein’s work.

Inspired by the past, and uncharacteristic for The Macallan, peated notes represent the smokiness of the industrial setting of Klein’s film. Some of the rare Macallan whiskies of that era were indeed peated in profile. The whisky also represents The Macallan’s first ever use of casks previously used for Rioja wine, which provides flavors of sweet berries and spices, along with an unusual pinkish red color, again reflective of the artist’s imagery. The result, a whisky with sweetness and vibrancy unseen before in any Macallan.

Steven Klein commented, “This project has given me the chance to create a film and a special edition bottle and box. This was a true merging of artist and commerce, where I had great support from the team at Macallan in this endeavour.”

Klein continued “My intention was to examine a world standing still through a moving camera. Typically with consumption of alcohol, there is always an abundance of movement. I thought what if it had all stopped for a moment and I could take a closer look at it. The idea is the perception of time. I used one of my favorite designers, Thom Brown, for the characters because I believe his clothes are bridged between the past and future in a great way.”

Klein distills a moment in time through his distinctive and disruptive lens to create a short film and ten individual images of an incredible tableau. This edition is paired with a whisky of such standout quality, itself capturing an ultimate Macallan moment, limited to only 1,000 bottles worldwide.

Ken Grier, Creative Director, The Macallan, said “Our commitment to the extraordinary is reflected in a restless spirit of dynamism, creativity and mastery to create the ultimate spirit. We bring together things which can appear ordinary and transform them into something incredible. We create, define and disrupt moments in time.”

The Masters of Photography: Steven Klein edition is presented in a stunning black case containing the limited edition whisky and one of ten different Steven Klein exclusive signed prints. A striking horse’s head bottle stopper, along with a range of custom barware tools to create special serves and flavor experiences are also included, inspired by the most innovative trio in the world of cuisine, the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca in Spain and ultimately, Klein’s own dark and glamorous style.

This limited edition liquid will retail at approximately $2,995 USD, with only 100 bottles allocated to the USA. For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com. 

Explore the Whisky

Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno provides his personal tasting notes on The Macallan Masters of Photography: Steven Klein Edition release. 

Color – Red Mahogany

Nose – Sweet berries, hints of chalk and light vanilla. Dried fruits, oak, caramelized ginger, citrus orange, a wisp of smoke.

Palate – Sweet spice lingers then opens up to show subtle smokiness. Dark chocolate combines with orange zest. Resinous oak is soft and textured.

Finish – Medium to long. Soft, rich fruit ending in wood smoke.

ABV – 53.5% 

ABOUT THE MACALLAN:

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan.  The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT STEVEN KLEIN:

Steven Klein is one of the most challenging and provocative artists in photography and film. Klein’s riveting body of work consumes viewers and entices them into his extreme vision. The work of Steven Klein is grounded in reality but the template is constructed with elements of allure and dark glamour. Klein’s unique perspective provokes the imagination and draws the viewer into the scene, one must know more. Klein trained as a painter at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is continually commissioned by the world’s top designers and publications and his work has been exhibited worldwide at galleries and museums.

JAVIER BARDEM DROPS IN AT THE HOME OF CHIVAS REGAL 

14th March 2017 – Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem has been spotted visiting the home of luxury Scotch whisky Chivas Regal in Speyside, Scotland.

Javier was pictured exploring Strathisla Distillery – the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, and source of the single malt that can be found at the heart of each and every Chivas Regal blend. There, Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott, the guardian of the famously generous Chivas Regal signature style, shared his secrets of the art of blending; while Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop presented the actor with his own exclusive blend of latest release, Chivas Regal Ultis.

As one of the global faces of Chivas Regal, Javier’s experience in Scotland was captured on film, and will be shared on the Chivas Regal social media channels later this year.

Javier features in the latest instalment of the global Chivas Regal Win the Right Way advertising campaign, which is a demonstration of the power and impact of working together to achieve success. Through his work with Chivas Regal, Javier aims to reinforce this belief, and inspire a new generation to succeed while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY RECEIVED FOUR TOP AWARDS

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

         BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (April 11, 2017) – Four bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery received high honors at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition. Two received Gold and two received Silver.

            Those awarded Gold include:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

            Those awarded Silver include:

• Zachariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Big House Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

Niven Miller

CUTTER BOAT SETS SAIL TO SING!

The Murray McDavid, a cutter boat built in 1954, is setting out on the first ever singing voyage, taking opera ‘doon the watter’, to the marinas down the Clyde.

Interestingly, the boat already has a remarkable link with singing. It was built by the father of Scottish singer Niven Miller, famous in the 1950s for his operatic style.

This June, as part of Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour, songs from Pirates of Penzance and Bubble McBea will be performed on board the beautifully restored Murray McDavid. Children and members of the public will be given the chance to enjoy opera on the water.The Murray McDavid on the Clyde

The boat is owned by the independent scotch whisky company Murray McDavid. Its Managing Director, Edward Odim, is delighted to be supporting Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour: ‘It’s very exciting to work with Scottish Opera and to be part of such an innovative project. I fell in love with opera when I was young and it means a great deal to me to help bring opera to others, especially children.’

The Murray McDavid

For more information, contact:Eilidh.Clark@scottishopera.org.uk

www.scottishopera.org.uk

Alexandra.Roberts@aceo.co.uk www.murray-mcdavid.com

Tel: 01452 762024 Mob: 07919 037335 

History of the Murray McDavid

The Murray McDavid (aka ‘NewCraig’) was built in St Monans, Fife in 1954 by shipbuilders James N. Miller & Sons Limited; a family run business established 270 years ago. In the 50s, the company was run by brothers Tom and Willie Miller. Willie’s son, Niven, like his father before him, served as an apprentice boat engineer in Glasgow. However, he gave up boat building for a life as a singer and went on to find fame as a singer of traditional Scottish songs, receiving worldwide acclaim.

he Murray McDavid began life as a pilot boat transporting mariners (pilots) to and from ships in the open sea. The pilot’s job was to guide and manoeuvre larger ships through the shallow waters of the busy harbour of Dundee. As such, the Murray McDavid needed to be able to withstand heavy seas and bumping against the much bigger vessels she worked alongside. 

Renovation

Fast forward 60 years, and the boat has been acquired by the Murray McDavid company, fully renovated and given a new lease of life. It has been nearly seven years since the advert for the sale of the ‘NewCraig’ first caught the attention of Edward, who had always dreamed of restoring an old boat. Since buying the boat in 2010, it’s taken a team of four, five years to lovingly restore the boat. 

The Murray McDavid in Dundee Harbour in 1954

Whisky Month May 2017

Cask Is King
The Truth Behind The Taste

To celebrate Whisky month, The Real Mary King’s Close will be launching ‘Cask Is King’, an exciting new experience for the budding whisky connoisseur. Following the 2016 sell out ‘The Perfect Blend’ tour, every Thursday evening this May a limited number of guests will be guided through the dark streets of Mary King’s Close where they will enjoy a dram with a difference.

Combining Scotland’s best known exports of whisky and history, this specialist tour blends two must do experiences; whisky tasting and our capital’s fascinating history. Guests will travel back in time through the underground closes of Mary King’s Close as they uncover the incredible story of not only Edinburgh but also Scotland’s national drink.

From the humble beginnings of brewing ale to whisky and its many medicinal uses through to global appreciation, hosted by Mary King’s Close and partner Skene Whisky this bespoke tour tells the story of whisky. During their journey visitors will enjoy an authentic historical experience which goes beyond guide books and bus tours, including samples and stories from the experts, topping off the evening with a whisky cocktail which has been created especially for The Real Mary King’s Close.

The tour will also see the launch of The Real Mary King’s Close blend. Bottled at 40% ABV, this exclusive expression is mellow on the nose with a well-integrated aroma and a fruity top note. The taste is smooth with a citric note and a thread of smoke and butterscotch, with a spicy warming finish. Presented in a bespoke bottle which is decorated with The Real Mary King’s Close tartan, the malt is available in 50ml and 200ml, retailing at £5.95 and £18.50 respectively. The perfect souvenir for anyone visiting Edinburgh or a treat for a whisky fan.

Craig Miller, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close comments:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for visitors to enjoy a truly unique Scottish experience for Whisky Month. This tour will not only give guests the chance to sample some fantastic whisky, they will also discover the fascinating history behind the cask in the unique environment of The Real Mary King’s Close.”

Andrew Skene, founder of Skene Whisky adds:
“We’re incredibly excited to be working with The Real Mary King’s Close to celebrate Whisky Month. From its origins as a local “moonshine” to the leading international spirit it is today, we take you on an underground whisky journey. We can’t wait to share Edinburgh’s unique place in the turbulent and yet remarkable history of Scotch Whisky.”

Tours are taking place every Thursday in May at 9.15pm, advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets are priced at £35 per ticket and can be purchased online at www.realmarykingsclose.com, by phone on 0131 225 0672 or in person at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Continuum Attractions is the leading operator of cultural heritage experiences in the UK. Continuum currently manages an award winning portfolio of visitor attractions including Oxford Castle Unlocked and York’s Chocolate Story.

Date: Every Thursday in May at 9.15pm
Duration: 90mins
Ticket Price: £35
The evening includes 3 x whisky samples, 1 x cocktail
Over 18s only (ID may be required)

NOTES

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, lies one of Edinburgh’s deepest secrets – The Real Mary King’s Close. This warren of hidden ‘closes’ or narrow streets where real people lived, worked and died, lay forgotten and covered by the City Chambers on the Royal Mile for centuries, until in 2003 it opened as a fascinating new visitor attraction for Edinburgh.

Operated by Continuum Attractions, this VisitScotland five-star attraction allows visitors to step back in time and be guided through these famous underground closes to witness some of the most dramatic episodes from Edinburgh’s incredible past.

For more information on Continuum Attractions, please visit www.continuumattractions.com
Continuum Attractions owns, operates and manages cultural attractions across the UK:
• Continuum Heritage Attractions
– The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
– The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
– Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford
– York’s Chocolate Story, York

• Continuum Icon Attractions
– Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
– The Royal Mint Experience, Cardiff
– Emmerdale Studio Experience, Leeds
– Emmerdale Village Tour, Leeds

The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology

The 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, running from 1 January to 31 December, is a celebration of Scotland’s people, our traditions, our distinct culture, our landscapes, attractions and icons, as well as our hidden gems.

More information: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/history-heritage-archaeology/