ROYAL SALUTE LAUNCHES ALL NEW 21 YEAR OLD POLO EDITION

Limited edition flagon celebrates the ‘King of Whisky’ and the ‘Sport of Kings’  

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has unveiled an all-new 21 Year Old Polo Edition featuring a more delicate-flavoured blend designed to be enjoyed during the day and as an accompaniment to sophisticated sporting occasions such as polo, a sport synonymous with Royal Salute’s values of luxury, tradition and prestige.

Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, developed the new blend from a combination of fragrant grains and fruity malts aged for a minimum of 21 years. The new liquid embodies the values of polo as a sport and a lifestyle: strength, balance and finesse. Brighter in texture and tone with notes of ripe honeydew melon, homemade berry jam and creamy toffee, this new expression is smooth and sophisticated, providing a long-lasting tasting experience, perfect for basking in the sunshine and outdoor entertaining.

The new Scotch whisky is housed in Royal Salute’s iconic hand-crafted, porcelain bottles with a distinct polo theme, unique to the limited edition whisky. Eye-catching turquoise heroes the bottle and complements three shades of blue to mimic the blue sky and green grass of the traditional polo field. The bottles are embossed with intricate but powerful scenes of polo players in action.

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: ‘‘Polo is a noble game of honour, skill, integrity and respect – all values inherent in Royal Salute. We wanted to continue to celebrate the iconic pairing of our ‘King of Whisky’ with the ‘Sport of Kings’, and this new Polo Edition does just that in a more delicate tasting blend ideal for outdoor, daytime enjoyment.  We’re thrilled to bring it to whisky aficionados around the world.”

The Royal Salute Polo Edition will be showcased at a polo event in Singapore and is exclusively available in Singapore duty free in June. It will be available globally from September at a RRP of USD $140.

Notes

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 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 € 8,682 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 and Malibu, Mumm and PerrierJouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 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.

Milroys in Paris

You have been invited to a bar take over in Paris. Come and see Milroys own The Vault at a take over at Anouk in Paris from the 12th to the 18th of June. Contact management@amastanparis.com for bookings.

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Sequential Series Bourbon 

Extremely Limited, Available Mostly in Virginia

Fredericksburg, VA. (May 25, 2017) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces the latest release in its Abraham Bowman line of experimental whiskey, the Abraham Bowman Sequential Series Bourbon.

This limited release explores how flavor profiles are affected when bourbon, first aged in new charred white oak barrels, is then finished in different kinds of used barrels for its final years, and also explores how the barrel entry proof affects the finish.

This release is comprised of two expressions, each finished in two different kinds of barrels. The first expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously held bourbon for nine years. Half of those bourbon barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof, before finishing for three years and five months.

The second expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously been used to age bourbon and port wine, and then were used to finish their Abraham Bowman Port Finish Bourbon, which went on to be named the 2016 World’s Best Bourbon by Whisky Magazine. Half of these fourth-use barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof before finishing for three years and five months.

For the bourbon from the second-use barrels Master Distiller, Brian Prewitt notes “vanilla, baked apples, and cherry, followed by sweet caramel that pleasantly dances in the nose,” and describes the taste as “smooth, sweet flavor reminiscent of brown sugar and toasted nuts with a light leathery tobacco note with brown spice lingering on the palate.”

For the fourth-use barrels, Prewitt notes “dried fruit and dark spices on the nose,” and describes a taste of “figs and vanilla followed by a medium mouthfeel that tops off with a slight peppery finish with subdued oak.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon is part of a series of limited edition whiskies, named after Abraham Bowman, the commander of the 8^th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Each edition of the Abraham line is a different expression and a new release is offered a few times a year.  This is the 16^th release in the Abraham line.  The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon will be available for Virginia residents to purchase through the VA ABC Lottery, and will be available in the A. Smith Bowman Distillery Visitor Center starting Saturday, May 27. Quantities are very limited and most product will be available in Virginia, however limited amounts will be available in other states this summer. The Abraham Bowman series aims to release new and different expressions of innovative whiskey for each release, so it is unlikely this exact bourbon will be repeated. The total age of this bourbon is 12 years and five months and bottled at 100 proof. These 375ml bottles have a suggested retail price of $39.99.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit http://www.asmithbowman.com/.

Wyoming Whiskey Pours into California

Kirby, WY (June 1, 2017) – America’s next great bourbon has landed on the West Coast. Wyoming Whiskey is now available in California through its boutique distributor, The Craft Spirits Cooperative. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, Outryder Straight American Whiskey, Private Stock Single Barrel Bourbon, and limited quantities of sherry-finished Double Cask are now available throughout the state.

“We tested the California waters in Los Angeles during a six month trial period.” Said co-founder David DeFazio. “During that time, the Cooperative proved that it is the right partner for our brand and we look forward to seeing them distribute our whiskies across the state.” Peter J. Scheufele, Director of The Craft Spirits Cooperative stated, “With our hybrid program, pairing brand building efforts with distribution, we are singularly focused on bringing exceptional products to remarkable accounts. Our salespeople practice an education-first selling style to let the unique stories and liquids produced by our suppliers shine, and the reaction to Wyoming Whiskey has been outstanding. We are excited to begin introducing these authentic products our accounts across the state.”

Wyoming Whiskey is a family-owned and operated craft distiller built on a simple (but not easy) concept: to create a traditional bourbon in an untraditional place. Using only Wyoming-sourced, non-GMO ingredients, and water from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the state where it is made. Wyoming Whiskey holds fast to its western heritage.

Californians can now experience these award-winning Wyoming spirits firsthand. National bourbon connoisseurs have testified that exceptional bourbon is being made on the Wyoming frontier. This year, Wyoming Whiskey’s limited release Barrel Strength Bourbon received a “Liquid Gold” award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The flagship Small Batch Bourbon received a score of 95 from WhiskyCast’s Mark Gillespie, stating it is “one of the best bourbons [he’s] ever tasted.” The Spirit Journal’s Paul Pacult also called Wyoming Whiskey “a whiskey distiller to watch” after sampling Small Batch and awarding it 4/5 stars.

The following Wyoming Whiskey offerings now available throughout California:

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch ($39.99 / 44% ABV / 88 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon is medium amber in color with a nose of sweet corn, molasses, and clove. It is medium-bodied with a palate of vanilla, caramel, charred oak, and a hint of citrus. The finish is mild with lingering caramel and toast, and is very smooth. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey Outryder ($54.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Launched in October 2016, Outryder Straight American Whiskey is Bottled in Bond and represents Wyoming Whiskey’s first use of rye, along with corn and malted barley, to craft a straight whiskey from two distinct mash bills. These two whiskies were laid down in November of 2011 at the behest of co-founder David DeFazio. The first mash bill contains 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and the second reflects a traditional bourbon mash bill of 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley. Outryder has an initial nose of creamy browned butter with cinnamon, clove and allspice, along with freshly baked, dark-rye bread. Hints of orange blossom honey are on the palate. A long, spicy rye finish is coupled with hints of buttery toffee. Age: 4 years and 10 months.

Wyoming Whiskey Private Stock ($49.99 – $54.99/ 92-112 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey retailers have the option to hand-select one-of-a-kind Wyoming Whiskey bourbon barrels. Head distiller Sam Mead and industry consultant Nancy Fraley will choose the initial barrel samples based on their unique, and varied, flavor profiles. Through the Private Stock Barrel Program, retailers can select from five different 100ml Wyoming Whiskey barrel samples. Accounts will select their barrel, and proof, and it will become uniquely theirs as indicated on the custom label. Depending on the barrel, and proof, a 34 – 38 case yield should be expected. Stores will have the unique option to pick the proof of their chosen bourbon between 92 – cask strength of approximately 112 proof. This gives retailers the ability to further customize their barrel selection to suit the desires of their customers. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years

Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask ($59.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask is the first sherry barrel-finished bourbon offered out of Wyoming. Pedro Ximenez barrels were chosen to compliment the flavor profile of specifically chosen barrels of fully-matured Wyoming Whiskey bourbon. Double Cask features dark, autumnal notes of dried apricot and fig, stewed prune, black currant and toasted nuts. There are hints of candied orange peel, vanilla butter cream, and molasses underneath. The finish is comprised of dark, dried fruit followed by warm, brown baking spices. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey product character highlights:

• All water used to produce WW award-winning bourbon comes from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer in Manderson, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s wheat, corn, barley, and rye have been grown within 100 miles of the distillery in Kirby, Byron, Thermopolis, and Riverton, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s barley is malted in Great Falls, Montana, the nearest malting facility.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s grains are milled on-site daily with a two-stage roller mill guaranteeing freshness.

• All fermentation and distillation occurs on-site through the use of four 2,500 gallon fermentation tanks and a continuous distillation system comprised of a 38’ tall and 18” wide column still and a 42” by 40” pot still.

• Wyoming Whiskey bourbon is bottled on-site. No product, other than their own, makes it into the bottle.

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About Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. Based in Kirby, Wyoming, the company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.

Isle of Arran Distillery toasts international drinks tourism award win

Isle of Arran Distillers has been recognised at the prestigious Drinks Business Awards for their success and investment in wine and spirits tourism.

An international award judged by the biggest drinks trade magazine in the world, the distillery beat off tough competition from wineries and distilleries to win the accolade for ‘Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’.

The judges praised the distillery’s success in enhancing the whisky tourism offering in Scotland, their role in the impressive boost in visitors to the island and for the substantial investment into Lochranza and the new distillery planned for Lagg.

James MacTaggart, master distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We are fiercely proud of our island home and of the welcome we offer to all those seeking ‘the Arran Waters’.

“The Distillery & Visitor Centre at Lochranza, our large network of worldwide distributors and our investment in the south of the island at Lagg, are all central to our business success. It is also core to our wish to introduce the world to the qualities of our malt whisky, and to the people and places involved in its production.

“Arran has a unique position in the history of Scotland’s most recognised product and this award is testament to our contribution to the bright future the industry has.”

Faye Waterlow, visitor centre manager, said: “Everyone is over-the-moon with this award.

“We are one of over 130 distilleries in Scotland, and certainly one of the most remote, but we are proud to offer visitors a very warm welcome complete with fascinating tours, good food and, of course, the finest spirit.

“We work continually all year round to distribute our whisky in countries all over the world and it is important for us to offer a first class welcome to all those who make the long journey to our home in Lochranza.

“Our whole company is dedicated to building on this recognition as we look towards the opening of the new centre at Lagg and an exciting new chapter of whisky-production on Arran.”

The visitor centre at Lochranza welcomed a record number of visitors last year. 104,000 people made the journey to the distillery in 2016 – a 93% increase since 2012, and 18% increase on 2015.

Currently the highest-rated attraction on the island on Trip Advisor, Lochranza recently reopened after the completion of £1 million worth of rennovations to both the visitor centre and distillery.

The Company currently distributes their Single Malt in 50 worldwide markets.

The business is also making a £10m investment in the south of the island with a new distillery site and visitor centre at Lagg. Focusing on peated single malts, the Lagg centre will overlook the southern fields and cliffs of the island offering a striking contrast to Lochranza in the mountainous north.

Visitors to Lagg are expected to exceed 62,400 in the first full year (60% of visitors to Lochranza in 2016) rising by 10% per year to 75,504 by 2020. It is projected that by 2020 the number of visitors to both sites will surpass 200,000, resulting in a combined turnover in excess of £2 million.

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

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

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.

TALENT OF TOMORROW TO RECEIVE £5,000 CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FOR SECOND YEAR

Today, Chivas Brothers began the search for bright, enthusiastic and dedicated applicants for its popular bursary scheme in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET). The initiative, which launched to great acclaim for the first time last year, offers financial support to ambitious employees or their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations and take their talents to the next level, whether through further education or vocational training.

This sought-after bursary scheme sees Chivas Brothers team up with SIET, a body which provides talented men and women with grants to complete further education studies. The partnership provides employees and direct family members with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year over three years.

Last year, the bursary, which is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers, contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student studying at Cambridge University. Employees throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth are now being encouraged to apply and further their personal and professional goals.

Mia Forbes, one of the three recipients of last year’s bursary said: “The bursary has been invaluable, it has relieved the stress surrounding my financial situation at university and allowed me to be more focused on my education. People underestimate the cost of books and other resources, but without the bursary it would have been a struggle. Chivas Brothers helped me to pursue my dream degree, easing the pressure of financial costs, something I will always be thankful for.”

Adam Donnelly, who is studying to become an engineer in aeronautics said: “It’s safe to say, I don’t know what I would have done without the bursary. It enabled me to travel to college, something which was a high expense in my plans for further education. For anyone wanting to further their learning, I cannot urge you enough to apply, it’s an invaluable opportunity and the business’s support just eases that pressure of the financial demands.”

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers said: “When we launched the Chivas Brothers Bursary last year, we were overwhelmed by the response and the high calibre of those who applied for it. Last year’s recipients have really benefited from the funding provided and we can’t wait to see the aspirations of this year’s applicants. An entrepreneurial mind-set is something that we champion at Chivas Brothers and so to be able to support that with not only our employees but their families too, is something we are truly proud of as a business.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we are delighted to be working with Chivas Brothers again this year. The scheme shows the business’s dedication and commitment to its employees, opening up opportunities for them that might never have been possible otherwise.”

To apply, employees can visit the company’s digital hub for its staff where an application form will be available. Applicants will be required to showcase why they should be selected via three sections on personal details, education and work experience. Here there will also be a variety of information about the beneficiaries from 2016.

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

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.

About the Scottish International Education Trust The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie are Patrons of the Trusts and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Investing in Water for the Future of Whisky

 blog post by Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager 

In my past five years working at Chivas Brothers, I have been right at the centre of whisky production and have seen water resources become a more prevalent issue within the industry. A sustainable, good quality water supply is critical for safeguarding the production of Scotch whisky for the future and we cannot take water availability for granted. With the steady growth the industry is seeing, it’s even more important for us to invest in and support research to preserve this important ingredient.

Having assessed the flow levels expected in our catchments in future, there is a need to prepare for or mitigate against periods of low flows, which will occur where the frequency and duration of warm and dry spells increase or change, especially across rural uplands. Less is know about what will happen to water temperatures, as monitoring has been limited in the past but this could limit Scotch whisky production during warmer periods, as we rely on water of a consistent temperature.

Forearmed is forewarned and through our partnership with the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, we will be looking for the most effective techniques to help combat the impact of climate change on distillery water resources. This is not only important for us as a business but can also be passed on as best practice and used by other distillers.

 As we need help to develop and test novel solutions we have been looking at opportunities to support further research, which is why we are enabling a PhD student to embark on a four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship. During the project they will develop an understanding of our water needs for process and cooling, as a part of our environmental sustainability team. Their field research will take place at The Glenlivet distillery, which has two water gathering areas, allowing for comparison research to take place. Much of their work will centre around identifying and testing the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. This will include identifying the best locations to use these techniques as this may vary depending on the type of soil, ground cover and land gradient.  The scale at which these measures are needed to have a suitable effect will also be assessed, using computer models of the area.

Our ambition is that this research will provide a solid foundation for further development in the future, and will take us – and the wider industry – one step closer to securing sustainable water resources in the long term. We hope that we will set the example for others within the industry and will be working collaboratively to ensure we protect an ingredient that plays such a vital role in the development of quality Scotch whisky.

You can read more about our PhD support here

Glen Scotia 25-year-old sets sail 

Independent Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has added a 25-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

The single malt, which is dominated by maritime influences, was launched at the Campbeltown Whisky Festival on Wednesday 24 May.

Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia distillery is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, which is one of Scotland’s five recognised regions of Scotch whisky production. The Argyll town was known as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World” when there were over 30 distilleries operating on the Kintyre Peninsula.

Michael Henry, who is Master Blender for Loch Lomond Group, owners of Glen Scotia, explained the unique flavour of this complex single malt.

He said: “I created the 25 year old with the history of Campbeltown in mind. For many years, trade has come through this port town bringing fruits and spices from all over the world on its salty sea breezes. I wanted the liquid to reflect this.

“The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. On the palate, it boasts tangy orange and juicy red apples mixed with a caramel sweetness. Its finish is a long lingering taste of sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.”

The 25-year-old is bottled at 48.8% ABV and is non-chill filtered for increased depth of character and flavour. The liquid was matured in the finest American oak barrels, before each cask being hand selected by Michael Henry and then married in first fill bourbon casks for a final 12 months before bottling.

Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia distillery manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of our newly released 25 year old malt and we’re confident that everyone who gives it a try is going to love it too. In recent years, our single malts have won some major industry awards and I can see our 25 year old challenging the current leaders for a few more titles.

“While our 25 year old maintains the unique character associated with Glen Scotia single malts, its gentle maturation in American oak and then finished in first fill bourbon casks delivers an intense depth and a nose that will have drinkers almost feeling the Atlantic breeze blowing in over the Campbeltown coast.”

The 25 year old won praise from renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean, who conducted a tasting of the new malt at its launch.

He said: “I’m very impressed by Glen Scotia’s new 25 year old. Even on the nose you can detect the age.

“It has all the characteristics that you’d expect from Glen Scotia but with a roundness to it. It is very nice indeed.”

The single malt will be stocked in all good whisky shops from June and will retail at £250 for 70cl bottles. The emblematic Glen Scotia bottle is presented in an oak case engraved with the Campbeltown coordinates.

Glen Scotia was recently named the Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

Glen Scotia 25 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky tasting notes

• Nose – Bracing Atlantic breeze gives strong maritime influence.
• Palate – Red apple and tangy orange peel with vanilla syrup and caramel sweetness.
• Finish – Long lingering sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger. 

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

Glen Scotia variants

• Glen Scotia Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia 15 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glen Scotia 25 year old

Glen Scotia stockists

Glen Scotia will be available to purchase in June from all good specialists and online retailers including:

• Robbie’s Drams (www.robbieswhiskymerchants.com)
• Royal Mile Whiskies (www.royalmilewhiskies.com)
• The Whisky Shop (www.whiskyshop.com)
• Master of Malt (www.masterofmalt.com)

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Treat your Dad to a special dram this Father’s Day

Whether your dad enjoys the classic peaty malt or prefers the gingery, vanilla notes of a fruity and spicy dram, Benromach has something to offer everyone this Father’s Day.

Based in the market town of Forres in Speyside, Benromach has a range of expressions that will suit all tastes, from sweet and fruity to heavily peated. It’s available across price points to suit every budget. At Benromach, we handcraft our single malt Scotch whisky and make it slowly, the time-honoured way. Using the finest natural ingredients, our distillers orchestrate every second of the distillation process; there are no short cuts to perfection. Every cask is hand-filled, hand-weighed and hand-stamped before maturing for many years in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

A bottle of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is sure to put a smile on your dad’s face this Father’s Day.

For the traditional whisky fan   

Matured in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and first fill sherry casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is an impeccable dram. It exemplifies the classic pre-1960s Speyside single malt character, with notes of rich sherry, delicate spice, green apples and a touch of light peat smoke. It is the perfect malt for those dads who appreciate the sweet notes of a traditional Speyside whisky. RRP £34.25.

For the whisky connoisseur 

A full bodied and complex dram, Benromach 100° Proof will be a welcome Father’s Day surprise for whisky loving dads across the globe. Intense sherry notes lead on the nose, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla aromas that give way to delicious toasted malt with an underlying menthol edge. Flavours of cracked black pepper and juicy fresh strawberries and raspberries lead on the palate, before creamy notes of milk chocolate emerge. With a long, rich finish of lingering, subtle smokiness and bonfire embers, it is a sumptuous dram. RRP £48.25.

For spice lovers  

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue. RRP £50.25.

For the father with a sweet tooth

The world’s first wholly certified organic single malt Scotch whisky, Benromach Organic is a beautifully balanced malt matured in virgin American oak casks. A delightfully sweet and malty dram with vanilla, toffee and banana influences on the nose. Savour the taste of creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours followed by a dark chocolate edge with a smooth long finish. Organic from start to finish, this rich, fruity and spicy whisky is the finest choice to serve your father after dinner this Father’s Day. RRP £36.99. 

For the Dad who loves seriously smoky whiskies 

The seriously smoky taste of Benromach Peat Smoke is a unique gift for fans of peated whisky. Sweet vanilla, honey and cured meat aromas combine with hints of apricot and lemon and a subtle tobacco note, followed by the rich flavours of cracked pepper and the lingering edge of bonfire embers. RRP £36.99

For the extra special treat this Father’s Day

If your dad really appreciates a special dram, or maybe he is celebrating a big milestone this year, he will be sure to appreciate Benromach 35 Years Old, a satisfying, complex malt with beautiful golden amber hues. The nose offers rich sherry influences with orange marmalade, kiwi and grapefruit aromas, complemented by gorgeous cinnamon spice. The flavour opens up with water to a fabulous combination of white pepper followed by dried tobacco, dewy stewed pair, raisin and zesty orange peel flavours, all heightened by a delicate edge of charred oak. A mature, contemporary whisky. RRP £425.

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

Notes

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.

Smooth Ambler

Long time residents of the Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia, both TAG Galyean and John Little knew that they wanted to make something, something that would leave a mark on Greenbrier County and the folks that call it home, something to be proud of.  That’s when TAG came across the TIME article featuring the re-emergence of craft distilling in the United States. With a sly comment of, ‘we should do this, in your garage…I’m serious’, began the journey of Smooth Ambler Spirits.

SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT AMERICAN WHISKEY

This Whiskey from Smooth Ambler is a blend of two whiskeys. One in fresh american oak casks and one in a re-charred cask.  Sweet and spicy, this release is not one to miss and sits at a generous 49.5%

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Smooth Ambler Wheated Bourbon

This is the first wheated release to come from the distillery’s own stocks. This release from Smooth Ambler is made from a wheated mashbill.   Rich in caramel and with a slight spice, this whiskey has a delightful whiff of orange peel and tobacco.

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