Manager of iconic retail shop joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A retail shop manager, who has been enthusing visitors for nine years in one of the world’s most renowned whisky shops, has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle, Perthshire.

Mark Angus, retail manager at Gordon & MacPhail’s historic shop, was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Mark Angus said: “I am honoured to become a Keeper of the Quaich. I wholeheartedly support the society’s mission to achieve a greater appreciation and awareness of our magnificent spirit and look forward to working alongside such distinguished individuals from across the industry to fulfil this common goal.

“I am privileged to spend my days sharing my passion for Scotch Whisky with visitors from across the globe. It is an industry of continuing discovery and I am constantly finding new and exciting whiskies to explore and share with our customers.

“I am fortunate to work with a hugely talented and experienced team at Gordon & MacPhail. Our retail premises opened in 1895 and we can draw upon 122 years of experience in delivering excellent customer service and whisky education.”

Mark offers regular tours and delivers tastings in Gordon & MacPhail’s iconic Whisky Room which stocks over 1000 different single malts, including many of the company’s own rare and aged expressions. He also sits on the company’s whisky quality panel and selects single casks bottlings for exclusive sale in the shop. The shop also offers a selection of groceries, a well-stocked delicatessen and a dedicated wine and spirits room.

As a board member of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a judge for Scottish Field’s Whisky Challenge Events and a passionate advocate of exceptional customer service, Mark ensures his team receive regular training and retain excellent product and industry knowledge.

The shop and its staff have been recognised with a five-star retail experience from VisitScotland and three Whisky Magazine Icons of Scotland Awards for retail excellence, most recently this year.

Mark and his colleagues will be delivering several engaging masterclasses and whisky themed events for local and international visitors and whisky aficionados during this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 27^th April – 1^st May 2017.

Notes  

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail’s retail shop was established on 24 May 1895 and still trades today providing customers from around the world with a range of products and services including the world famous Whisky Room, a room dedicated to wines and spirits, and a selection of groceries and a well-stocked delicatessen.

Since these early days the business, owned for four generations by the Urquhart family, has grown and has a number of business interests.  The company is one of the United Kingdom’s top specialist wines and spirits wholesalers; a distiller, owning Benromach Distillery in Forres; and a bottler of Scotch whiskies from throughout Scotland.

Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with new-make spirit, and mature them 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 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75-Year-Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

THE MACALLAN IN LALIQUE LEGACY COLLECTION ACHIEVES EXCEPTIONAL AUCTION PRICE

OF US$993,000 AT SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG  

Sunday 2 April saw the sale of the extraordinary The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection – a set of six stunning crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old – for US$993,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.

Following more than a decade of collaboration, the highly coveted collection marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars odyssey – an exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker, Lalique, inspired by the foundation stones upon which The Macallan creates its exceptional whiskies.

As the world’s only complete collection, official and direct from The Macallan, The Legacy Collection was listed in the Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong on Sunday 2 April 2017, with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.

Housed in a one and only, bespoke natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, The Legacy Collection also holds six Macallan Fine and Rare miniatures; two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages (signifying the zenith of Lalique’s contribution in the French Art Deco period), and six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses, each serial numbered to commemorate the unique partnership.  Autographs of the masters behind the collection are included inside the cabinet, which also allows space for the buyer to have their own name engraved within it as well.

Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers, and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “The unprecedented price achieved for The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection reflects the exceptional nature of the piece – a complete one off and highly collectable work of art which marries the two houses. Masters in their respective fields, Lalique and The Macallan are joined by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to craft, artistry and beauty. Since our partnership first began in 2005, it has achieved a number of world record prices at auction and we are delighted to provide both The Macallan and Lalique connoisseurs the opportunity to own something truly remarkable whilst contributing to Asian charities.” 

Robert Sleigh, Senior Director at Sotheby’s Asia, said, “It has been an honour for Sotheby’s to work with The Macallan and Lalique once again in offering this unique Macallan Collection that combines the exemplary artisanal skills of both Macallan and Lalique, to produce this once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare collectable item. The enthusiasm of over ten bidders in the room, online and over the phone demonstrates the importance with which global collectors regard The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection and the significance of its direct from the distillery provenance. It is fitting that it achieved a new world record for any lot of whisky ever sold at auction.”

The six exceptional whiskies contained in the cabinet are:

The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Colour, 55 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old

Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. In 2014, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten sales being decanters from The Macallan in Lalique series (Whisky Magazine). In 2015, The Macallan was the most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction (Rare Whisky 101).

The Macallan has a strong relationship with Sotheby’s, having previously worked together on both its world record auctions including, The Macallan 64 Years old in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter in November 2010, selling at auction in New York for US$460,000, and the Imperial M Decanter in January 2014, selling at auction in Hong Kong for US$628,000.

The charities set to receive funding from the proceeds of the auction include those which benefit disadvantaged people in Hong Kong and throughout Asia by supporting them with food needs, skills to help them back into employment, and medical requirements.

For further information about The Macallan visit www.themacallan.com

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House at its heart, a Highland Manor built in 1700. www.themacallan.com

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand.  www.lalique.com

About Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s Wine auctions in 2016 brought a worldwide total of HK$575 million / US$74 million.  Sotheby’s overall total of HK$689 million / US$88.27 million for global wine auctions in 2010 is the highest in the company’s forty-seven years of wine auctions.

The Lafite Ex Cellars sale held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2010 set a new record for a single standard sized bottle at auction when a bottle of Château Lafite 1869 sold for US$232,692.  This means that Sotheby’s now holds the world records for a standard bottle, a bottle in any format – the Jeroboam of Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 which fetched US$310,700 in February 2007 in New York – and any wine lot at auction – the Romanée-Conti Superlot (114 bottles) which sold for HK$12,556,250 (US$1,609,776) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2014.

Sotheby’s holds the record for a wine collection sold at auction.  Wines from the Cellar of William I. Koch (New York, 19-21 May 2016) brought a total of US$21.9 million, with 100% lots sold.

Between 2009 and October 2011 Sotheby’s Hong Kong maintained 16 consecutive 100%-sold wine auctions in Asia – the only major auction house with this record.  www.sothebys.com/wine

Charitable Donation

All net proceeds of the auction will be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.  The full list of charities set to benefit includes:

Hong Kong charities

• Society for the Community Organization which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong.
• Food Link Foundation which specialises in coordinating food needs for disadvantaged families in Hong Kong.
• Crossroads Foundation which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong, specifically helping unemployed people who lack the correct skill sets between jobs. 

Regional charities

• Watsi which provides support to those in need of medical and surgical support and works globally and regionally including in Asia-Pacific.
• One Sky Foundation which supports orphans in Asia-Pacific.

Special Whiskey glasses which has travelled half the world!

Something new but no less exciting! Personalized present, which has travelled half the world. Today I will talk about you – whiskey or bourbon lovers. Have you ever felt the same feeling, when you wanted to please and surprise him or her, but could not find an appropriate gift?

Whiskey gourmets and lovers are special, you know. They are picky, solid. Every sip of whiskey are special for them. Full of different sensations and knowledge, enjoyment. And so the vessel from which they taste should be no less special. Special for special, you know.

Once my friend asked me if I could create something special for her partner. He loves nature, trees – she said. His job is closely related with carpentry. He also is very patriotic. Ok, I said – it will be very interesting challenge for me! And yes, after few days thinking, I combined symbols, which were the reflection of everything she told. So, here we go – please meet my engraved whiskey glasses with Baltic amber drops on special engraved oak tree’s branches!

After few years I reminded this adorable creation and repeated for very special client from Australia. Here what she said, after getting them: “I was looking for a unique and special 40th birthday present for my partner – who is a whiskey lover – and I stumbled upon these wonderfully crafted glasses. I ordered a set with his name engraved on one of the glasses. My order arrived within a week and I was most delighted with the finished product, not to mention the great care and attention paid to the packaging of the items so they wouldn’t be damaged during shipping.” Good examples commits. There is nothing impossible! Find yourself free to know more about the possibility to get such whiskey or bourbon glasses decor. Special for special. You know. Check here.

WHISKY MAGAZINE APPOINTS NEW EDITOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Whisky Magazine, launched in 1998, has appointed Rob Allanson, formerly Global Ambassador at William Grant & Sons, as its Editor and Global Brand Ambassador.

Responsible for all editorial content in Whisky Magazine, its digital edition, supplements, WhiskyMag.com and social media, Rob will also represent Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live around the world as its Global Ambassador.

After a career in regional press, followed by editorial roles with Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, Rob returns to Paragraph with enhanced industry knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the production and blending process. Putting this knowledge in to daily use, Rob will become one of the two tasters for the magazine, will chair the World Whiskies Awards and host Masterclasses around the world. As Chairman of the Whisky Magazine Awards, he will work with all parts of the industry, from distilleries to their visitor centres, retailers to bars.

Publisher Damian Riley-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the publishing industry which has always been close to his heart. His writing and presentation skills, along with his depth of knowledge on all things whisky, make him the very best person to bring our whisky media, awards and events to their next level.”

Facts

•  Whisky Magazine: launched 1998
•  Published eight times a year in print and digital formats
•  Online since 1999 at www.whiskymag.com

Contact

Sam Coyne, Editorial Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 633 808
Email: samuel@paragraph.co.uk

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE WHISKEY RANGE IMPRESSES JUDGES AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017 

• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 99/100 – the joint highest score by any whisk(e)y in any category for 2017
• Highest score for an Irish whiskey since Redbreast 21 scored 100/100 in 2014
• Eight of Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey entrants scored 95 or above
• Top six highest scoring Irish whiskeys are all crafted by Irish Distillers   

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been awarded an almost perfect 99/100 score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017 – one of the leading US based spirits awards. Yellow Spot was recognised by the judges for its quintessential single pot still character and is the highest scoring Irish whiskey in any category since Redbreast 21 was awarded 100 points in 2014.

Irish Distillers’ Prestige whiskey range was awarded eight scores of 95/100 or above, from nine entrants, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery. For a full set of Ultimate Spirits Challenge results from the Redbreast, Spot and Powers ranges see below:

• Yellow Spot 12 Year Old (Chairman’s Trophy) – 99/100
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – 98/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength 12 Years Old – 97/100
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – 97/100
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – 97/100
• Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – 96/100
• Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Old – 95/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – 95/100

• Green Spot – 89/10

Lorna Kavanagh, Senior Brand Manager for Redbreast & Spot Range at Irish Distillers, said: “The Irish Distillers Prestige range has once again demonstrated its enduring class at a global spirits tasting competition. In particular, we are delighted that Yellow Spot scored a fantastic 99 out of 100, but we would also like to recognise Redbreast, which has cemented its position as the most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge signals the start of the awards season and we look forward to supporting the range throughout 2017.”

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Spring Rare & Collectable Whisky Sale

From Stewart;

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

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

The Spring Auction

ITS OFFICIAL THE WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT IS CRAIGELLACHIE  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.

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

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

Jim Beam® Urban Stillhouse Presents Interactive Tableside Cocktails

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

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

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

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

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

About the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Beam Suntory Inc.

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

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

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY EXPERIMENTS WITH 300-YEAR-OLD OAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015.

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