Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Unveils “Sipping Companions” Collection for Holiday Season

Deerfield, Ill. (November 14, 2016) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, a distinctive, super-premium bourbon known for its trademark spicy finish, today announced the launch of its exclusive “Sipping Companions” Collection, just in time for the 2016 holiday season.

Dedicated to quality, craftsmanship and the belief that bourbon is best when shared, Basil Hayden’s has partnered with artisans around the country to create the Sipping Companions Collection, which includes six curated, thoughtfully designed items that enhance the experience of sipping bourbon among friends and family. Each item, available in extremely limited quantities, has been handcrafted by an artisan who shares Basil Hayden’s passion for quality and superior attention to detail, and will be made available for purchase in time for the holidays.

“A surprising amount of time and care goes into crafting each bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, from the distinctive liquid made with twice as much rye as traditional bourbons, to the hand-applied parchment bib and copper belt,” said Ivan Hidalgo, Director of Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We’re thrilled to work with a special group of artisans who share our values to offer fans this unique collection. From a bar cart that fits perfectly into any urban setting to a whiskey wheel that makes serving a round of drinks easier than ever, each Sipping Companion makes sharing a glass of bourbon that much more enjoyable this holiday season.”

Basil Hayden’s partnered with artisans in six cities across the United States to create each Sipping Companion item*, including:

Greta de Parry (Chicago, Ill.), The After Five Bar Cart ($400)

The After Five Bar Cart provides the perfect perch for an evening’s entertaining wares. With space for glassware and a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to be stored below, the top shelf separates to create a handy tray for serving whiskey drinks to guests. Quantity available: 10

Railcar Fine Goods (Los Angeles, Calif.), The Sidekick Blanket & Holster ($250)

The Sidekick Blanket & Holster neatly packs two essentials for an afternoon or evening outdoors – be it at the park, a concert or the beach. The blanket is made using hand-chosen fabrics and a century-old stitch style, and it cleverly rolls into a set of leather carrying straps. There’s even space for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to hitch a ride in its purpose-built holster. Quantity available: 25

Slow North (Austin, Texas), The Barman’s Candle Set ($75)

The Barman’s Candle Set serves as a pleasing accompaniment to a relaxing evening of bourbon sipping. The candles fill the room with scents that echo the nose and profile of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon including citrus, spice and oak. A simple way to deepen the appreciation while sipping. Quantity available: 100

Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Supply Co. (New York, N.Y.), The Generous Traveler ($349)

The Generous Traveler is a canvas and leather weekender bag designed to hold all the components of a great weekend getaway with friends: clothes, personal items and of course, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Quantity available:  50

Paper Plates Press (Denver, Colo.), The Warm Reception Coaster Set ($40)

The Warm Reception Coaster Set sets the tone for an evening of sharing bourbon with friends. Eight wooden coasters are letterpressed with expressions inspired by the generous, hospitable spirit of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Quantity available: 100

Reclamation Etchworks (San Francisco, Calif.), The Whiskey Wheel ($469)

The Whiskey Wheel brings new meaning to pouring a round. Featuring a revolving tray of six rocks glasses encircling a fitting home for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, the beautiful display affords a theatric serve and harkens back to a golden era of home entertainment. Quantity available: 15

Basil Hayden’s limited-edition Sipping Companions collection will be exclusively sold through the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop on Huckberry.com, an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous and stylish lives. Items will become available for purchase on a rolling basis beginning today through December 25, 2016.

Consumers who order a Sipping Companion will also receive a promotional code for use on Reserve Bar to receive free shipping on their purchase of a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to enjoy this holiday season.

*A bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is not included with any purchase of the Sipping Companion items.

About Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon  

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a sipping experience to be shared with friends and family. For more information on Basil Hayden’s, please visit www.basilhaydens.com.

About Huckberry® 

Huckberry® is an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous, and stylish lives through exclusive sales, original story-telling, and unique experiences for its members.

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, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, 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 Deerfield, 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.

Basil Hayden’s® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2016 Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

Christmas Auction Live!

Ends Sunday 18th December from 8pm

Just Whisky’s Christmas Auction is now Live! As usual, the auction runs for 9 days, which will allow you to browse the catalog and see some incredibly rare and sought-after whiskies, as well as great value drinkers. Have a look and you’ll discover we have a full set of ‘Choice’ bottles from Glengoyne, as well as an outstanding 40 year old from the same distillery. The attention to detail and craftsmanship with this bottling is stunning. Other rarities include a 1964 Black Bowmore (see below), Taketsuru 35 Year Old, both Killyloch & Glen Flagler bottles, and a few old Macallan’s.

Some of the highlights in the Christmas Auction 

This month also marks our third birthday! On behalf of everyone here at JW, I’d like to say thank you for your continued custom and we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Prosperous and Healthy New Year. Happy Bidding!

http://www.just-whisky.co.uk/

Whisky Galore!

The malt countdown ends for one Scotland’s smallest distilleries 

Last night, (Dec 1st, 2016) Strathearn Distillery officially became the first of the new wave distilleries in Scotland to launch their whisky after the exclusive auction came to a close.

Bottle 001 from Strathearn went for a staggering £4, 150, with the lowest bid at a very impressive £315. The bottles of Scotch whisky, which have been matured for three years and a day, are making their way to lucky bidders around the globe in the next few days.

The first 100 bottles from the distillery were auctioned off to the public by Whisky Auctioneer on the 23 August with the limited auction ending last night at 7pm. Founder of Strathearn Distillery, Tony Reeman-Clark will be hand delivering bottle 001 to an elated bidder in Italy.

Tony Reeman-Clark, Founder of Strathearn Distillery said: “This has been an amazing event, far exceeding my wildest dreams. This has proved to me that Strathearn’s friends are all around the world and all I can say is thank you!”

Strathearn Distillery, which is based in Perthshire and widely considered one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, has been maturing its artisan single cask, single malt Scotch whisky using traditional methods and ideas.

The spirit is matured in small octave size (50 litre) casks to give the whisky a traditional and distinctive flavour. By using either peated or non-peated malt and varying the type of cask between sherry, rum or bourbon, each batch of whisky will be entirely unique.

For more information on Strathearn Distillery, please visit www.strathearndistillery.com/

Notes to Editors

Strathearn Distillery was established in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark who has a passion for whisky and small scale distilling.  Production began in the October of 2013, with their first cask being filled with Strathearn new-make spirit. After three years of maturation, the first Scotch Whisky will be released before the end of this year.  Strathearn also produces a range of highly acclaimed Scottish gins, experimenting with innovative production techniques and flavour profiles.

Working on a single cask, single malt basis allows Strathearn to experiment with different wood types and finishes, as well as appreciating the natural variations that occur throughout spirit production, influenced by the climate and ingredients used.

Issue Two of Distilled is shipping this week and we look forward to sharing the craft and culture of fine spirits with whisky lovers.

In our sophomore issue Canadian novelist Brad Smith visits the Hiram Walker distillery on the Detroit River and finds the stamp of Don Livermore on virtually every drop of whisky, and we learn all about Peter Mulryan’s plans to shake up the world of Irish whiskey as he goes from writer to stillman. Angus MacRaild reports from a barn on the idyllic west coast of Sweden to give us a Scot’s perspective on Smögen, the next cult whisky most will never get to taste, and a serious challenger to the best of Scotch whisky.

Issue Two includes still more whisky coverage with reviews of Stranahan’s, Arran, Bunnahabhain, Dewar’s, Redbreast, Tamdhu and Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask, while those in search of the perfect holiday gift will find some relief – subscribe to Distilled in the coming weeks and get a second gift subscription at no extra cost. Enjoy!

www.distilledmagazine.ca

Fortress Rum Barrels Shape New GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Whisky

Sydney, Nova Scotia – Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. today launched the newest member of their award-winning GLYNNEVAN® Whisky family, a triple barrelled Canadian rye whisky finished in FortressTM Rum barrels from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on Cape Breton Island. GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is Authentic Seacoast’s continued tribute to magnificent Cape Breton and to its traditions, beauty and people.

“I’ve developed a great passion for Cape Breton over more than three decades. Through our collaboration with Parks Canada and Fortress Louisbourg Association we created Full Steam Coffee’s Louisbourg 1713 French Roast and Fortress Rum,” said Authentic Seacoast Distilling President Glynn Williams. “Our GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is our way of continuing the important work we are doing to create authentic and memorable brands that can help draw people to our region and create new opportunity on Canada’s East Coast.”

Canada’s only triple barrelled whisky, GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye is finished in freshly drained oak barrels used to mature award-winning Fortress Rum. This third barrelling creates a smooth, complex and uniquely Nova Scotian whisky that takes Canadian rye to a new level. GLYNNEVAN Cabot opens with a sweet nose of butterscotch and tropical fruit. The palate is complex and warming with classic rye spices, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and toasted oak.

Fortress Rum arrives with force for the finish with lingering spice; long, creamy and smooth. Like Fortress Rum, GLYNNEVAN® Cabot is 45% alc./vol. “As our whisky makes a trek across Canada, coming to rest in oak barrels here against the Atlantic Ocean, so too, do many Cape Bretoners travel to the West seeking employment,” said Glynn Williams. “Our Cabot Triple Barrelled Whisky makes this journey come full circle. We’re honoured to make products that can bring people together. Our GLYNNEVAN® emblem brings together prairie grain, the ocean, the Nova Scotia and Williams’ rampant lion, and now, with Fortress Rum barrels, GLYNNEVAN® includes the Celtic heart of North America.”

GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is now available at the distillery in Guysborough and will be available throughout Nova Scotia at select Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores and other fine spirits retailers.

Glynn Williams will be at the Authentic Seacoast Distillery on Saturday, December 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm signing bottles from batch #1 of the GLYNNEVAN Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky.

Read more about GLYNNEVAN Whisky at: www.glynnevan.com

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. produces handmade, craft distilled and blended spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Sea FeverTM Rum and FortressTM Rum at its distillery next to Osprey Shores Golf Resort on the historic Guysborough harbour. It is a key part of Authentic Seacoast Company Ltd, which also includes historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Rare Bird Pub & Eatery, Skipping Stone Café & Store, Full Steam Coffee Co., Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store. Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: www.glynnevan.com www.authenticseacoast.com

The 23^rd Annual Whisky Advocate Awards will be announced on Whiskyadvocate.com beginning this Friday, December 9^th.

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 23^rd year, the program honors the world’s greatest whiskies, distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote our favorite spirit. As always, these awards are not necessarily assigned to the whiskies that received the highest ratings in our reviews. The awards are recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and always, great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards.

The Whisky Advocate awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year’s end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies… as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that’s how it will continue to be.

Stop by each day to see a new winner revealed with our commentary on the selection. Visit whiskyadvocate.com to view the daily announcement schedule.

Be sure to check in every day, and join the lively conversation that these announcements always inspire!

Buffalo Trace Distillery Completes First Warehouse X Experiment and Releases Findings  

3.5 Million Data Points Captured

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 30, 2016) Buffalo Trace Distillery has completed phase one of its bourbon barrel aging experiment inside Warehouse X, the experimental warehouse built in 2013 that allows for specific atmospheric variables to be tested in four individual chambers, plus one open air breezeway.   The first experiment focused on natural light, keeping barrels in various stages of light for two years.

            Chamber One of Warehouse X held barrels at 50% natural light, while matching the temperature of the barrels inside the chamber to the temperature of the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            Barrels in Chamber Two experienced 100% darkness, while keeping the barrel temperature at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

            Chamber Three also had 100% darkness, but those barrel temperatures were kept the same temperature as the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            Chamber Four barrels saw 100% natural light as the temperature was kept the same as the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            In the two years this experiment was conducted, the barrels in the open air breezeway (which was not climate controlled) saw a fluctuation of temperatures ranging from -10 F to 105 F, likely some of the greatest temperature variance any bourbon barrels have ever experienced. The pressure inside these barrels varied from -2.5 psi to 2.5 psi.

            The team at Buffalo Trace collected and analyzed an astonishing 3.5 million data points. Among those learnings, an interesting correlation between light and psi was realized, and a long held distiller’s theory of more heat equaling higher proof was scientifically proven (at least for now).

            However, another popular theory was disproved in part – as it turns out, the amount of light does not really affect the color or the proof of the bourbon inside the barrels. So much for the theory of honey barrels! But Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley has this to add about honey barrels, “Even though we proved light doesn’t affect the color or the proof of the whiskey, that doesn’t mean that honey barrels (those next to windows in standard warehouses that are typically distiller’s favorites) don’t taste a little bit better. Perhaps because of other factors than natural light.  We did prove factors like temperature, pressure, humidity and air flow all play a role in the end result.”

Now that the light experiment is complete, Buffalo Trace is moving on to the next planned experiment, which focuses on temperature. In this experiment, the various chambers will experience different temperature variations, with Chamber One remaining the same temperature as the outdoor breezeway, plus 10 F.  Chamber Two will be 80 F, Chamber Three will be at 55 F and Chamber Four will be kept at the breezeway temperature minus 10 F.  The temperature experiment is expected to last at least two years.

For information about Warehouse X including a blog updated since the inception, visit http://www.experimentalwarehouse.com/

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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

ROYAL SALUTE CELEBRATES ROYAL BANQUETS WITH ARTISTIC NEW GIFT PACK

Inspired by ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’; imagined by British illustrator Tom Lane

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has unveiled the first in a new range of limited edition gift packs that bring to life the unique heritage and celebrated rituals of the British monarchy’s royal banquets. The first edition in the series, launched to coincide with Chinese New Year, contains a bottle and miniature of Royal Salute 21 Year Old and, under the guidance of British designer Tom Lane, illustrates the story of the Field of Cloth of Gold.

Tom Lane is one of Britain’s foremost calligraphy artists and illustrators, with over a decade of experience in the industry. His work is instantly recognisable, encompassing intricate pack designs and playful typographic posters. Tom took inspiration from the rich awnings of The Field of the Cloth of Gold – an historic meeting held in 1520 between the kings of England and France, remembered for its ornate temporary palaces made of golden cloth to create a gift pack as rare and precious as the iconic Royal Salute 21 Year Old that it houses.

Royal Salute’s signature whisky – Royal Salute 21 Year Old – is held within the gift pack, alongside a miniature of the same variant, giving aficionados the chance to enjoy the rare whisky while retaining the distinctive bottle. Created to celebrate the 21 gun salute – a tradition of firing guns for special royal occasions – the product combines rare malt and grain whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years, giving connoisseurs a complex and sophisticated drinking experience.

Tom Lane said of the collaboration: “The visual history of the British royal family is a superbly rich hoard, from which it was a joy to seek inspiration for Royal Salute’s new limited edition gift pack. Looking at illustrations of The Field of the Cloth of Gold and royal motifs, past and present, the pack is a contemporary reworking of a historic moment for the British monarchy. The Royal Salute partnership was an extremely rewarding project, giving me complete creative freedom and allowing me to produce a design which I’m proud to see all over the world.”

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “The new Royal Salute festive gift pack continues our brand’s celebration of the British monarchy, whose values have been intrinsic to Royal Salute since its foundation in 1953. The new series will give collectors the opportunity to enjoy our shared heritage, through an exploration of historic royal celebrations, of which The Field of the Cloth of Gold is surely the most renowned.”

The Royal Salute limited edition festive gift pack is available globally with RRP $149, price does vary depending on the market. Further limited edition gift packs dedicated to Royal celebrations will be added to the range year.

For further information about Royal Salute, please visit www.royalsalute.com

About Royal Salute
Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.
www.royalsalute.com

About ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’
The Field of the cloth of Gold festive gift pack is inspired by the celebration of unity and peace that marked the coming of age of British royalty. The original field was the site of the meeting between King henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France – two renaissance princes in their prime. With the aim of securing their strong bond of friendship, each brought such rich gifts and built temporary palaces of such glittering wealth that the site of the two and a half week banquet, jousting and dancing was dubbed the Field of the cloth of gold.

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

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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.

Copyright © 2016 / Chivas Brothers, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
*chivasbrothers@lexisagency.com*

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On Tuesday 6th December, 2 copper pot stills will arrive on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland following a long journey from Tuscany in Italy. The arrival of the stills is a huge milestone in the build for R & B Distillers, who will be launching their first distillery on the island in late spring 2017.

The two stills, one 5,000 litre wash still and a 3,500 litre spirit still, were manufactured by Frilli in Tuscany and custom made for the Isle of Raasay Distillery. The stills’s provenance is the reason that R&B Distillers is also sourcing Tuscan wine casks for the whisky.

Having left Tuscany on Wednesday, the stills travelled by sea and road to Raasay and, because of their huge size, only by night. Once arriving on the island, they will be housed in the distillery’s huge production hall.

R&B Distillers co-founder Alasdair Day is looking forward to welcoming the arrival of this essential part of the build. “It’s all very exciting and ever-real now. Seeing the stills wrapped up and leaving Italy it definitely looks like Christmas is coming early to our Raasay Distillery.”

In June 2016, award-winning Scotch whisky brand, R&B Distillers, commenced their momentous endeavour – to build the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay. With construction now underway, R&B plan to open, and begin production, in late Spring 2017.

The island’s striking Victorian villa and ex-hotel, Borodale House, has stood empty since 2006, and will now be converted into a visitors centre and luxury members’ accommodation with adjacent distillery. Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island’s 120 residents. Having subsequently secured grants for the distillery build from the FPMC (Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme), and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre, construction for this long-anticipated project is now underway.

While the distillery is being built, R&B Distillers have released the aptly named Raasay While We Wait whisky, a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come – every sip certain to transport the drinker to the rugged island of Raasay.

With Raasay While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one un-peated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. Raasay While We Wait has now been awarded three prestigious international awards: In May 2016, Raasay While We Wait received a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), in August this was followed with a Silver Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and in November a bronze from the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC). The awards are tremendous accolades for such a young whisky.

Meanwhile, Borders echoes the soft rolling landscape of its future location in the South of Scotland. This single grain whisky is lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of Raasay While We Wait. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect a lowland style. Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and now, over 150 years since the last distillery in the Scottish Borders, Alasdair is returning to his roots and planning to reinstate whisky in this forgotten region. In 2015, Peebles was selected by the Scottish general public as the preferred location for the new distillery. In November 2016 Borders was awards its first international award – a bronze medal in the HKIWSC.

As a precursor to the new distilleries being built, R&B Distillers also unveiled membership to their Na Tùsairean club (Scots Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’) – an exclusive offering for whisky aficionados. The inaugural 100 casks of Raasay whisky will be bottled exclusively for Na Tùsairean members who will receive one bottle each year for ten years, gradually acquiring up a rare collection of R&B Whisky. Members will also receive miniatures so they can experience a dram of the whisky without breaking into their collector’s bottle, are entitled to the equivalent of one night’s stay per year for the duration of their membership in the luxury members accommodation.

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

 Mainstreet Trading Co. (St Boswells, Scottish Borders)

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

Aroma: Surprisingly very little smoke on the nose but instead light fruity notes come through.

Colour: Natural colour, heather tinted imparted from Tuscan red wine oak casks.

Taste: Instantly there is peat smoke and spice (a distant campfire, black pepper, liquorice, oak and then the sea breeze) slowly this is balanced with the dry fruit from the Tuscan red wine casks (black currant, blackberry, raspberry and cherries).

Finish: A long lingering finish.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Sconser Scallops, Smoked Salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

Aroma: Prominent sherry notes on the nose, hints of sugar-coated nuts.

Colour: Natural colour, lightly golden taken from sherry finishing casks.

Taste: Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating. Walnuts balanced with vanilla, herbaceous and floral notes coming through towards the end, and just a touch of warm spice.

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Cocoa Black dark praline chocolates.

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

BENROMACH LAUNCHES UK EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK WHISKY – BENROMACH HERITAGE 1973

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has added an incredibly rare single cask malt whisky to its range with the launch of Benromach Heritage 1973.  Exclusive to the UK market, there will only be an outturn of 52 bottles of this limited edition single malt.

Benromach 1973 (ABV 48.1%), cask number 4606, is a dark golden malt, matured in a Refill American Hogshead, with hints of dark chocolate and a peppery smooth finish.

The rare Speyside single malt is presented in an evocative decanter-style bottle; the contours of the neck and shoulder line sculpted to represent copper stills, whilst the copper-coloured neck collar adds a luxurious touch.

The wooden presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, reflecting the copper of the stills in use today, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime washed distillery walls. A book accompanies the whisky which delves into the Benromach history, as well as providing whisky fans with some fascinating stories about the people behind the whisky.

This UK exclusive was distilled before the Urquhart family took the reins and brought Benromach Distillery back to life in 1998.

Former Brewer Tom Anderson, who still lives in a cottage at the distillery, was one of the men to witness the filling of the last casks at Benromach, and proudly signed his name on the wall of the filling store. Former malt man and warehouseman, Willie McArthur, was responsible for tending to the precious casks.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank explained: “Benromach 1973 is very much a dram to be treasured. It was crafted with great care using many of the same skills and practises adopted at Benromach today.

“It’s been maturing for 42 years, but now is the time for whisky lovers to savour this precious single malt. I’m sure those who really take their whisky seriously will enjoy the chance to experience a little bit of Benromach history.”

The limited edition Benromach 1973 is available at specialist UK whisky retailers with an RRP of £1395.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes

Benromach 1973 Tasting Notes 

Pour your dram of BENROMACH 1973, cask number 4606, and prepare your senses for an incredible journey of exquisite enjoyment.

First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful dark golden colour created by lingering for 42 years in a single Refill American Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the aromas without water… enjoy the subtle hints of oak infused with sweet pear, exotic pineapple and fragrant vanilla aromas. Underlying all these are hints of spicy ginger, crisp apple and subtle oak.

Now take a sip. At first, you may taste ripe banana, mango and fresh lime. These develop into hints of dark chocolate, leading to a peppery, smooth finish with a hint of tobacco. Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… fragrant pineapple, apricot and passion fruit aromas follow sweet honeyed notes, with developing hints of subtle menthol. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a fruit cornucopia of bananas, apricot, mango and raspberry emerges, complemented by hints of toasted oak. Finally, a creamy spicy edge combines with a trace of smoke on the finish.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. 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.