Chivas Regal Ultis: THE ESSENCE OF CHIVAS REGAL 

Chivas Regal Ultis, the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas, is an uncompromising and visionary expression of Chivas’ inimitable style; the ideal drink for the discerning gent.

Launching today in the UK, in tribute to the passion and dedication of five generations of Master Blenders, Chivas Regal Ultis uses only five of the most precious, signature single malts from Speyside, Scotland, to create a luxury whisky with complex flavours, a glorious golden hue and a commanding, rich aroma.

From millions of casks in the Chivas Brothers inventory, less than 1% has been hand-selected by the expert blending team to create Chivas Regal Ultis. This traditional method of individually nosing each cask ensures the superior quality of Chivas Regal Ultis.

Distilled exclusively in copper pot stills, Chivas Regal Ultis captures the essence of the smooth and generous character of Chivas Regal’s signature style.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Master Blender says, “I am honoured to be one of only five Chivas Regal Master Blenders to have spent our life’s work mastering the famous Chivas house style. I feel privileged to have continued the craftsmanship and I believe that Chivas Regal Ultis represents the true essence of Chivas Regal.”

Chivas Regal Ultis is now available from Harrods and Harrods.com at an RRP of £180. Whisky aficionados can also taste Ultis by the dram at Chivas Regal’s whisky blending experience, The Blend at the Truman Brewery (open until the 4^th of December).

Notes:

Twitter / Facebook / Instagram: @ChivasRegalUK

Chivas Regal Ultis: Tasting notes

Overall Tasting profile

The five single Malts that have been selected for Chivas Ultis are at the heart of Chivas Regal. The Strathisla, Longmorn, Tormore, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval Malts are the signature malts of the Chivas house style sharing a smooth and generous character.

• Nose: The aroma presents ripe peach and red apples with accompanying cinnamon, fudge and honey infusions.
• Taste: Tasting reveals a smooth vanilla texture, brimming with clementine and apricots, before giving way to a background of soft caramel, spicy cloves and ginger.
• Finish: A bold finish is long with a warm hint of heather, leaving a satisfyingly full experience.

 About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas 18, Chivas 25, the pinnacle of the range ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. Launched in October 2016, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas and represents the true Essence of Chivas Regal.

www.chivas.com/

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.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 world’s No.1 single malt whisky; 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/

New Releases

This week The Whisky Shop is welcoming some fantastic new expressions from the GlenDronach and BenRiach distilleries in Speyside.

The first expression from GlenDronach is the Grandeur Batch 008, a 25 year old expression matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks and limited to just 1,505 individually numbered bottles. The second is a 14 Year Old expression finished in a very small batch of Marsala casks, while BenRiach introduces a 22 year old expression finished in Moscatel wine casks.

For those of you looking for something different in time for Christmas, you can’t get much more different than these!

Orders will be dispatched w/c 21st November

GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 008 25 Year Old

£436 Buy Now

GlenDronach 14 Year Old Marsala Cask Finish

£71 Buy Now

BenRiach 22 Year Old Moscatel Finish

£175 Buy Now

HANS OFFRINGA APPOINTED AS THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY AMBASSADOR IN THE NETHERLANDS 

Local whisky legend joins the Society as it grows its presence across Europe

As part of its growth in Europe, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has appointed renowned local whisky expert Hans Offringa as its Ambassador in the Netherlands.

Through his many whisky books, media work and events, Offringa is well known locally and across the whisky world.

Patron of the Whisky Festival Northern Netherlands and a Keeper of the Quaich, Offringa is also European Contributing Editor at Whisky Magazine, a judge at the Dutch Whisky Awards and conducts tastings with his wife Becky Lovett Offringa as the Whisky Couple.

Offringa will support the SMWS as it develops its presence in the Netherlands , with whisky tastings and festivals.

He will host monthly tasting events for members and whisky enthusiasts, previewing the upcoming SMWS whisky releases, and help to introduce more whisky fans to the joys of single cask malts and the benefits of joining The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Offringa’s appointment comes at a time when the Society is growing its presence across Europe, with new activity across France, Germany and Belgium.

Commenting on his appointment, Offringa said: “I’m delighted to join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s team and I look forward to helping bring the Society to life in the Netherlands for existing members and new whisky fans who haven’t yet discovered the Society. It’s a very exciting time for the Society as it grows here in the Netherlands and across Europe, with more whiskies and tasting events than ever before for members to enjoy.”

The Society has also established a new Facebook page in The Netherlands – to stay informed of the latest whisky news, like the page at www.facebook.com/SMWSNetherlands/

The next Society tasting event is on 18 Nov at Café De Toeter in Groningen– to buy tickets, please visit https://www.smws.com/november-big-list-tasting-groningen

www.smws.com/

WOODFORD RESERVE AND TIPPLESWORTH CREATE THE ULTIMATE COCKTAIL GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS

Woodford Reserve has partnered with cocktail accessory specialist Tipplesworth to create an exquisite gift idea for under the tree this Christmas, perfect for drinks lovers.

For contemporary drinkers of the Old Fashioned, who appreciate the elegance of design alongside functionality, the Old Fashioned Cocktail Case has everything needed to re-create this classic drink. This includes bitters, sugar, cocktail mixing equipment and, of course, a 70cl bottle of Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. All products are displayed together in a beautiful leather print case, inspired by the suitcases of mid-century gentlemen.

RRP £185

Available at Harvey Nichols, Fortnum and Mason, John Lewis and Selfridges nationwide and online at www.tipplesworth.com/

AMERICA’S FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON: YOUR FIRST CHOICE THIS CHRISTMAS 

Old Forester, America’s first bottled bourbon, is the ideal gift for those looking to treat loved ones this Christmas. Unwrap its rich history, as the only bourbon that has been available pre, post and during Prohibition, that to this day is still made by the same founding family.

The Kentucky straight bourbon whisky was first created by George Garvin Brown in 1870 in Louisville. Brown was a pharmacist who recognised early the need for a reliably high-quality whisky at a time when alcohol could only be sold for medicinal purposes. He was the first to sell his bourbon in bottles as opposed to straight from the barrel to the customer and the bottle still bears his handwritten guarantee today. It is this entrepreneurial approach and commitment to quality that has led to Old Forester’s respected reputation around the world.

Made using a recipe first introduced in 1870, this high in rye bourbon is full-bodied and rich – perfect for those cold winter nights. Old Forester delivers a genuine bourbon experience, making it perfect for sipping neat, or in a Whiskey Smash.

The rich story behind Old Forester and its rich but easy-drinking flavour profile, make it a thoughtful gift for whisky fans this Christmas.

Highland Park, distributed by Maxxium UK, has announced the release of a special edition single malt Scotch whisky. FIRE Edition is a whisky which has been matured exclusively in refill Port wine seasoned casks and follows on from the release of ICE Edition earlier this year. This completes the two-part series of special edition bottlings which celebrate the myths and legends emerging from the Viking age.

Jason R. Craig, Brand Director, commented: “Maturing our distinctive whisky in 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks is a first for Highland Park and the result is a vibrant 15 year old single malt with an ABV of 45.2%. FIRE Edition has a natural slight reddish hue, intense aromas of ruby red fruits, light smoke and a long, lingering finish. However, it is still, unmistakably, Highland Park.”

The exquisite crimson red coloured glass was specially commissioned to represent the fierce and molten world of the Fire Giants from Viking mythology. The bottle is encased in a distinctive black wooden cradle with accompanying black wooden stopper. A booklet which accompanies the bottle, recounts the story of the realm of the Fire Giants and their epic battle against the Gods to rule the world.

According to Viking legends, Surtr was an evil Fire Giant who ruled the Fire Realm. He would sit at the edge of the kingdom, defending the land holding a burning sword, which shone brighter and hotter than the sun. The culmination of these tales is an apocalyptic battle between the Gods and the Giants. Surtr led the sons of Muspell across the bridge of Bifröst, burning everything in sight at Asgard, (realm of Gods; Thor, Loki, Freya and Odin) destroying the world at Ragnarök, heralded as ‘The doom of the Gods.’ The world perished in a blazing and burnishing ball of flames and from the ashes, a new earth was recreated.

FIRE Edition, a special release of 28,000 bottles globally, is now available from UK specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Exchange, Hedonism and The Whisky Shop at an RRP of £190.

Notes

Tasting Notes – 15 year old – 45.2% ABV

Colour: 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks result in a natural colour, resplendent glowing flames.

Nose: Vibrant and intense aromas of ruby red fruits and warm vanilla complement the firey bitter sweetness of cinnamon bark and the smouldering richness of devilishly dark chocolate.

Palate: The palate bristles of light smoke with striking zesty dried peel and temperate vanilla flavour. Intoxicating spices and the sharpness of damsons entice and enchant your taste buds.

Finish: Intensely balanced, the long, lingering sweet finish magnifies into a sizzling fruity spiciness, providing a bewitching and standout whisky to enjoy.

About Highland Park:

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 218 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.

Distributed by The Big Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK.

Heaven Hill Distillery Releases Heaven Hill Select Stock 20th Anniversary Fire Edition

Limited Edition Bottling Commemorates the Persevering Spirit of Renowned Whiskey Producer

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Select Stock 20^th Anniversary Fire Edition, a 20-year-old bottling produced at the original distillery in Bardstown that commemorates the perseverance of Heaven Hill after the 1996 fire. The limited edition bottling will be available on the anniversary of the fire, Monday, Nov. 7, at the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown and at limited Kentucky retailers. The Bourbon Heritage Center will also offer half price tours and 10 percent off merchandise (excluding alcohol) from Saturday, Nov. 5 through Monday, Nov. 7, as part of their commemoration events.

On the afternoon of Nov. 7, 1996, a fire started at Heaven Hill’s Warehouse I. Fueled by 75 mph winds, the rapidly growing fire ravaged the warehouse, with flames reaching heights of 350 feet. A river of fire spread downhill towards other warehouses and the distillery as the warehouse collapsed from the heat. Flaming Bourbon crawled across the Heaven Hill campus and through a nearby creek, burning seven warehouses, the original Heaven Hill distillery and several other buildings in its path. Over 90,000 barrels of Bourbon were lost, two percent of the world’s whiskey at the time.

On Nov. 8, 1996, Heaven Hill resumed business as usual, with no lives lost in the fire and no employees losing their job. 20 years later the company has undergone tremendous growth and still commits to the same time-honored values that stood through the fire two decades ago – a dedication to quality, independence and passionate family ownership. The historic Bernheim Distillery was purchased in 1999, where Heaven Hill now produces its award-winning Bourbon and American Whiskey in downtown Louisville. The company recently filled its 7.5 millionth whiskey barrel, is undergoing an $80 million expansion, and is run today by the second and third generations of the Shapira family, which founded the company in 1935.

“As we move forward into the next decades of our company, we’re reminded of the over 80 years of perseverance that marks Heaven Hill’s heritage,” said President Max L. Shapira. “We remain just as committed to our employees and the spirits industry as we were through the days after November 7, 1996.”

Bottled at 96 proof (48% abv), in honor of the year of the fire, this Bourbon aged in Warehouse V for 20 years, just adjacent to the site of the fire. A small batch blend of four pre-fire barrels, this historic Bourbon celebrates the persevering spirit of the Shapira family and Heaven Hill Distillery. Packaged in a 750 ml bottle, the Heaven Hill Select Stock 20^th Anniversary Fire Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $199.99.

About Heaven Hill Distillery
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.2 million barrels aging in 52 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the titles of Whisky Magazine’s Distillery of the Year, Whiskey Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year and Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit http://heavenhill.com/.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

BELL’S RINGS IN CHRISTMAS WITH NEW ATL CAMPAIGN  

NOVEMBER 2016: Bell’s whisky, one of the UK’s bestselling blended Scotch whiskies^[1], is rolling out a new £1.5 million marketing campaign to drive mass consumer awareness for the product in the run up to the festive season.

On screens now and featuring comedian Matt Berry, the two new TV adverts will encourage licensees to stock up on one of the top 3 Blended Scotch Whisky in the UK[2] and amplify the profit opportunity during the festive season.

The ‘Rings True’ campaign, which is a tongue-in-cheek take on early Christmas adverts, will feature across TV, OOH, VOD, YouTube, social media and digital, using the new #WhattheBells tagline to encourage social interaction.

Lauren Popplewell, Bell’s Brand Manager at Diageo GB, says “By capturing the playful personality behind Bell’s whisky, the new campaign will build further brand love for Bell’s, giving consumers an additional reason to purchase when choosing a Blenched Scotch Whisky. Bell’s already has significant stand out, and with this ATL driving excitement and mass awareness in the run up to Christmas, it is a must stock for licensees looking to capitalise on its sales opportunity.”

Dating back to 1825, since Arthur Bell first created the successful brand, Bell’s has been committed to same exacting standards. 

Notes

About Bell’s

Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky was born in the 1800s by founding father Arthur Bell and is made from a select blend of fine malt and grain whiskies, skillfully married together. The unique flavour comes from some of the finest malt whiskies in Scotland – from the fresh, sweet malts of Speyside to the smoky sea salt of the Islands – all matured in selected oak casks for a richer flavour.

The BELL’S word and associated logos are trademarks (c) Arthur Bell & Sons 2016 

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com/. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

[1] Nielsen Scantrack Data WE 03-01-15 (Off Trade) & 27-12-14 (On Trade) combined to Total Trade Stat.

[2] Nielsen CGA Headline Summary data (Offs to 08.10.2016, Ons to 01.10.2016)

CELEBRATE SOLSTICE AT HIGHLAND PARK’S MIDWINTER SOCIAL

OLD TRUMAN BREWERY | 24-25 NOVEMBER 2016

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’, is taking over The Boiler House at London’s Old Truman Brewery for their Midwinter Social. Taking place over two evenings, the events will celebrate the longer nights in anticipation of Winter Solstice.

An important time of year in the Nordic calendar and at Highland Park’s home on Orkney, Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and is typically celebrated with good friends, bonfires, music and dance.

The Highland Park Midwinter Social at The Boiler House on Brick Lane will bring to life this magnificent heritage through the following:

• Music from Kipps on Thursday 24 November and Friday 25 November
• A live set from DJ Finnebassen on Thursday 24 November
• Eelke Kleijn, internationally renowned DJ & producer of electronic dance music, will be playing a live set Friday 25 November
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park whisky tastings around a fire pit
• An interactive photo “bothy” for guests to enjoy
• A chance to meet Highland Park distillery workers from Orkney

Mike MacKenzie, Highland Park brand manager said: “Following the success of our Midsummer Social in June this year, we are looking forward to celebrating Highland Park’s Viking heritage once again at our Midwinter Social. With a bigger venue and more immersive experiences, the Midwinter Social is the perfect opportunity for guests to celebrate winter with friends.”

Thursday evening’s event will be broadcast to a global audience via Facebook live, and will feature live music sets from Kipps and Finnebassen, as well as a whisky tasting with global brand ambassador, Martin Markvardsen.

A limited number of tickets are available for Thursday 24 November and Friday 25 November at 6:30pm, priced at £10. To book your place please click here or visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ and search ‘Highland Park’.

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #vikingsoul

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram: www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial  

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio. Most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge, while Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WHISKY LOVERS FROM ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS

An Advent Calendar with a difference, Glencairn Glass jewellery, glass Angels and whisky-scented candles are among the range of Christmas gifts for whisky lovers available from Scottish firm Angels’ Share Glass.

• Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

Whisky enthusiasts will love this limited edition Calendar which contains a range of 25 miniature bottles of scotch whisky as well as a glass to drink their daily dram.

The Calendar features a selection of single malts, blended malts, single grain and blended scotch whisky from a variety of independent bottlers including Wemyss Malts, Shetland Reel, The Lost Distillery Company, Secret Spirits and Single Cask Nation.

The Standard Edition costs £325 and includes a lapel pin plus a booklet featuring details on all the bottlers and with space for tasting notes on each whisky.

The Collector’s Edition costs £650 and comes in a felt-lined rosewood case as well as including a unique handmade whisky water dropper created by Angels’ Share Glass.

The Stirling firm’s co-founder and Managing Director Karen Somerville says: “Why open the doors of an advent calendar every day in December to reveal just a chocolate when you could be receiving a miniature of scotch whisky, from a top-notch independent bottler, instead?

“This is a fantastic gift for whisky lovers which adds to the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas.”

Angels’ Share Glass is the only UK stockist of the exclusive Whisky Advent Calendar which is produced by Canadian drinks company Secret Spirits.

• Glencairn Glass Jewellery

This exclusive range of Glencairn Glass jewellery features earrings, cufflinks and a whisky glass charm bracelet which are perfect for Christmas gifts.

The £20 earrings are in the shape of the iconic Glencairn Glass and come presented in a top-quality box which can be gift-wrapped.

There are also whisky glass enamel cufflinks from Glencairn Crystal which cost £25 and include a branded presentation box.

And a real talking point is the beautiful charm bracelet which features seven whisky glasses and costs £26.

Karen says: “These are great gifts for anyone who wants to wear their love for whisky on their sleeve, ears or wrists!

“The jewellery is a great talking point for special evenings out and events and the pieces all come in lovely gift boxes.”

Angels’ Share Glass also offers a gift-wrapping service from `Wrapistry by Cherene’ which includes various wrap and bow options.

• Limited Edition Rosebank Whisky Angel

This beautiful limited edition angel is filled with a rare Lowland Single Malt from the former Rosebank Distillery near Falkirk, Stirlingshire.

It’s from the Rare Malts Selection which is a collection of scarce, cask strength whiskies from Scotland’s finest distilleries.

The glass Angel would make a lovely Christmas gift for a collector with just 25 of the creations available.

Each one is handmade with a sterling silver rose, a silver halo and white wings and filled with 25ml of 20-year-old Rosebank Malt. They cost £65.

• Whisky-scented Candles, Angels and much more

Customers can browse the Angels’ Share Glass online shop for more ideas as they try to find the perfect present for whisky aficionados.

The firm’s Whisky Bottle Candles smell amazing and are a real bargain at just £30 each.

They are made using recycled whisky bottles which have been cut and filled with `Whisky Notes’ scented pure soy wax to make unique gifts which look and smell great and last for hours.

Also ideal for Christmas presents are the firm’s signature line of glass Angels which all hold a dram of whisky captured inside the glass through a secret method.

The range includes hanging decorations, a Saltire Angel, tealight stand Angel and a miniature Angel glass decanter/bottle.

Other gifts include glasses, whisky water droppers, a mini glass hipflask and candle holders.

Angels’ Share Glass is based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling and was established by glassmaker Tom Young and his daughter Karen Somerville in 2013.

The family firm specialises in unusual gifts for whisky lovers and more information can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes for Editors:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at http://www.angelsshareglass.com/