Rare beauty of Glenmorangie Pride 1974 inspires creation by musical prodigy

The most prestigious Highland single malt ever created by Glenmorangie has been revealed. Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the Distillery’s oldest, rarest and deepest whisky – and the most prized expression yet, in the illustrious Glenmorangie Pride series. The whisky’s beauty is so rare that it has inspired a musical composition reflecting its 41 years of maturation, its extraordinary depth and creative spirit.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the third limited-edition release in the Glenmorangie Pride collection, which showcases the Distillery’s most rare and treasured malts. Designed for connoisseurs, with just 503 crystal decanters available, Glenmorangie Pride 1974 exhibits a salty and spicy character, intensified with age as never before.

This exquisite whisky was created from spirit distilled in Scotland’s tallest stills by Glenmorangie’s legendary Men of Tain and laid down on 30 October 1974, some in ex-bourbon casks, some in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. The spirit spent decades maturing under the expert care of these select craftsmen, until Glenmorangie’s inspired Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks deemed that it had reached its very peak. Only then, did Dr Bill Lumsden skilfully marry the two parcels together – realising his vision for Glenmorangie’s oldest expression, deeper in colour and character than any other.

Glenmorangie Pride 1974 embodies the Distillery’s tradition of creativity and craftsmanship – values shared by the acclaimed piano maker Steinway & Sons. As part of a creative partnership to celebrate the whisky’s artistry, Steinway Artist Aaron Diehl has composed a piece of music which embodies the whisky’s rare beauty. Diehl found inspiration at the Distillery where Glenmorangie’s exceptional whisky has been crafted since 1843. His composition echoes the creative spirit of Glenmorangie Pride 1974, drawing on its depth of character and its long maturation, nurtured by the Men of Tain. Diehl, a world-renowned pianist, has premiered his work alongside the whisky at New York Steinway Hall on March 23, 2017.

Dr Bill said: “Glenmorangie Pride 1974 is the oldest and deepest Glenmorangie ever to be released. Its age lends the whisky an enriched intensity, borne only of a slow, patient maturation. The result is an exquisite blend of deep, rich, salty and spicy aromas – aged balsamic vinegar, salted caramel toffee and oranges, leading to tastes of baked apples, toffee, oranges and brown sugar. With its harmonic depths and exquisite melodies, Aaron Diehl’s inspired composition captures the whisky’s rare beauty.”

ARDBEG DAY PLUNGES DEEP UNDER THE SEA

Cult Islay Distillery gets ready for another legendary global celebration of all things Ardbeg

Ardbeg, the Ultimate Islay Malt has today revealed its plans for the 2017 Ardbeg Day celebrations.

On 3^rd June, the Distillery will pay homage to the sea surrounding Islay and the mythical sea creatures that live beneath. Participants in Ardbeg Day will be plunged deep under the sea to help celebrate the launch of Ardbeg Kelpie with a day filled with mystery, food, games… and of course, Ardbeg Single Malt.

Guests of Ardbeg Day will be invited to join in an Ardbeggian boat experience, followed by a tasting led by Ardbeg’s Paul Malone of the new Ardbeg limited edition, Kelpie, alongside seafood pairings and a pub quiz on the history of Islay and Ardbeg.

In the UK, each Ardbeg Embassy will have a team that will be challenged to decorate their own Kelpie boat, adding their own mythical figurehead from materials and props supplied. The participating teams will have to paddle across a stretch of water to reach a number of buoy targets en route. Each buoy will lead to a treasure hidden under the water.

The venue for this year’s UK activities will be the Greenwich Yacht Club – a perfect location to celebrate Ardbeg Day and the launch of Kelpie. Tickets will be available to purchase from https://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/ardbegday2017 from 5th May 2017 for £40 per person.

Ardbeg’s general release of Kelpie at 46% ABV, launches on Ardbeg Day (3rd June), the expression will be available to purchase from https://www.moethennessy-selection.co.uk/ardbegday2017 and Ardbeg Embassies* and for a two-week exclusive period. Kelpie will then be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and department stores with a RRP of £98.00.

Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 3^rd June 2017 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.

More details can be found at www.ardbeg.com where fans can also sign up to join the Ardbeg Committee.

#ardbeg #untamed #islay

NOTES :

Ardbeg Kelpie tasting notes at 46% ABV: 

Colour:                Burnished gold

Aroma:                A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.

A splash of water brings forth some classic Ardbeg notes, such as creamy coffee, smoked fudge and pine resin.  Even some hints of smoked coconut.

Taste:                   A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours.  Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate.  A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.

Finish:                  Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home.  On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world.  In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country.  Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215.  For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans at 215 events across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt.

Ardbeg Kelpie:

Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2017.  It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in virgin oak from the Black Sea coast.  Renowned for imparting incredibly deep flavour notes, only a handful of whiskies have ever been matured in these Black Sea casks.  Married with hallmark ex-bourbon Ardbeg, it results in a whisky of incredible depth, which tells of its ties to the Black Sea and the waves of flavour its casks have created. 

The kelpie:

Situated on the shore of Islay’s southernmost coast, the Ardbeg Distillery has always held a deep connection to the sea – and those who live nearby have passed down through generations the stories of mysterious beasts said to live beneath the waves.  Among the most terrifying of these is the kelpie – a Scottish shape-shifting water spirit, rumoured to take the form of a horse or a bull and prey on unwitting travellers.  Legend has it that long ago, a farmer walking near Ardbeg’s shoreline was almost dragged to sea by a water bull.  Managing to overcome and rope the creature, he locked it in a barn where it cried for mercy.  At dusk, the farmer’s daughter was chased by a water horse seeking revenge for its kin.  The terrified girl ran to the barn and released the water bull, whereupon the malevolent beasts took flight back to the sea.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.  

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT JURA TASTIVAL 2017

Jura Single Malt Whisky’s Annual Island Whisky Festival Returns 

Tickets are now on sale for Jura Tastival 2017 – which returns for a one-day single malt spectacular on Thursday 1^st June, offering new ways to enjoy whisky, through a busy programme of one-of-a-kind taste experiences.

The event will run as part of the annual Feis Ile Festival, which attracts whisky fans from all over the world to distillery open days on Islay and neighbouring island, Jura, each year.

Tastival will see Jura’s only whisky distillery throw open its doors to put on a number of free and ticketed activities – from unique whisky tastings and tours, to live entertainment – including music from legendary Scots Trad band RURA – and a chance to join the Jura community at special meet and greets with the distillery team.

This year’s Tastival event is limited to one day only (it has spanned two days in previous years) – so whisky lovers are advised get in early to snap up tickets, which are set to be in high demand.

This year’s ticketed sessions include:

• The Jura Long Table – Dine with the Diurachs (the name for Jura’s community) at this ‘getting to know you’ session. A special one off lunch in the distillery’s Grainstore, guests will join the locals (including some distillery staff) to hear stories on island life as they enjoy Jura’s laid back take on street food, prepared with the freshest local produce, each dish designed to pair with a dram of Jura whisky.

• All Terrain Whisky Tasting – Discover the different sides of Jura and learn how the landscape inspires a whisky range as unique as the island itself. Venturing far beyond the realms of the distillery, the Jura bus will stop off at locations from serene beaches, to craggy mountain foots – with a whisky inspired by each location stashed for guests to find (if they listen to the clues) at every stop.

• Whisky 101 – Meet Whyte & Mackay Whisky Maker & Blender Gregg Glass in this unique session designed for both whisky newcomers and aficionados alike. Smashing perceptions on traditional whisky tastings, guests will be invited to take on a different ‘state of mind’ when it comes to single malt – sampling Jura in a number of non-fluid states, before an anonymous Q&A will give visitors the chance can ask anything they ever wanted to know about whisky…but were too afraid to ask! 

• The Single Malt Masterclass – An exclusive masterclass hosted by Jura Distillery Manager Graham Logan, honorary distillers will get on-the-job whisky making experience – from learning how to keep a careful watch over the spirit gauge, to testing the mash tun and wash backs, rolling a barrel through the warehouse and siphoning whisky straight from the cask.

• Jura Jetty – Ticketholders will arrive at Tastival in true island style, cruising from Islay’s Port Askaig directly to Jura’s Craighouse, delivered to the heart of the event by Captain Nicol. On their journey, guests will enjoy a special tasting of travel retail exclusive Jura Turas-Mara the way it was meant to be experienced – with the wind and sea spray in your face.

Music, live entertainment and the opportunity chance to sample Jura’s range will be available in the Dramming Bar in the distillery’s Cooperage, where guests will have the first opportunity to try, and purchase, Tastival 2017, Jura’s limited edition bottling created to mark the festival.

A £5 general entry fee will include a brochure, souvenir glass and two drams at the bar. A cash bar will be available thereafter, with a full drinks menu including drams, cocktails and an exclusive Drygate beer brewed to pair with Jura’s Tastival 2017 bottling.

The distillery will also run free tours of the still house throughout the day on a first come, first served basis.

The island event will kick off a schedule of localised Tastival events to take place in Europe throughout the summer, and which will be announced in the coming weeks

Ticketed sessions vary between £15 – £45, with entry to the heart of the action in the Cooperage costing just £5 (including goody bag and two drams).  Tickets on sale now, here: juratastival2017.eventbrite.co.uk/

Getting there from Islay: Jura will operate a free passenger ferry and coach shuttle service to and from the Port Feolin ferry station. For more information see www.jurawhisky.com.

#JuraTastival

www.jurawhisky.com 

www.twitter.com/jura_whisky

www.facebook.com/jurawhisky

Instagram: jura_whisky 

NOTES                                                         

About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one distillery and 200 people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

HIGHLAND PARK RELEASES STUNNING AND CATEGORY BREAKING PACKAGING

TO REFLECT VIKING HERITAGE

‘The Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ 

Highland Park has always been proud to stand apart from other single malt Scotch whiskies in terms of flavour and taste. Today, we are delighted to announce the release of our new packaging which forms part of a complete re-imagining of the overall brand identity.

The brand’s Orkney Islands home has an incredibly rich history rooted all the way back to 800AD when the Islands were owned and ruled by the Viking kingdoms of Denmark and Norway. Although Orkney became part of Scotland in 1468, Orcadians still feel a strong connection with their Viking heritage as 1 in 3 of them has Scandinavian DNA. In fact, since the brand’s creation in 1798, Highland Park single malt has been made by the modern day descendants of Vikings and who still today are fiercely proud of their Scandinavian roots.

Jason R. Craig, Brand Director, commented: “For whisky fans, their first point of contact with any brand is the bottle and carton on a shop shelf or on a back bar. So, we had to create a new bottle and carton design which would explain our Viking bloodline and why we are ‘The Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’.

“The inspiration for the design came from an ancient ‘Stavkirke’ (wooden church), a world Heritage site in the tiny Norwegian village of Ornes. The wooden church is heavily decorated with extensive and ornate wood carvings which we thought would look amazing on a glass bottle. The result is a beautiful, heavily embossed bottle featuring an illustration which depicts an ancient Viking legend of a lion locked in an enduring battle with the forces of evil in the form of serpent-like dragons.

“The new packaging includes a new, wider bottle, a metallic label design that complements the glass, embossed with a contemporary looking logo as well as a premium ‘Torq’ closure to keep the whisky safe. All of which, we believe, will add consumer interest and excitement around the brand,” Jason added.

The carton for each of the brand’s 12 and 18 Year Old whiskies also feature the ancient lion and dragon legend with embossed metallic detailing, ensuring enhanced premium cues, great visibility and stand-out on shelf. In addition, the statement ‘Made with Pride on Orkney’ features on the side of each carton as a tribute to the men and women of Orkney who produce the brand’s iconic and renowned single malt.

The whisky profile for Highland Park’s award winning 12 and 18 Year Old single malts remains unchanged. However, each variant has been given a sub-brand name to give a stronger individual identity to each whisky and as a tribute to those first Viking pioneers who settled on Orkney all those hundreds of years ago.

These sub brand names are inspired by the ‘Nine Noble Virtues’ which the Vikings’ community lived by:

• Highland Park 12 Year Old – Viking Honour – one of the Viking Nine Noble Virtues
• Highland Park 18 Year Old – Viking Pride – a virtue and to pay tribute to our multi-award winning whisky

The new packaging for Highland Park 12 Year Old will begin to appear on shelf in the UK from the end of April 2017 while Highland Park 18 Year Old will be out later in the year.

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.

INTRODUCING HIGHLAND PARK VALKYRIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

For Viking Warriors, death was not an end but a glorious beginning and it began with the Valkyries…

HIGHLAND PARK is proud to introduce VALKYRIE Special Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, VALKYRIE is the first in a series of three VIKING LEGEND releases inspired by rich Viking history and mythology.

Having once been part of Denmark and Norway, Orkney became the raiding headquarters for Norwegian Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, shaping a unique past for the island. Magnus Eunson, who founded Highland Park in 1798, was a direct descendent of those first Viking pioneers. Even today, 1 in 3 Orkney islanders bear Scandinavian DNA and share a fierce pride for the rich Nordic ancestry woven into the islands’ traditions and culture.

It is this enduring culture and legacy that is the inspiration for VALKYRIE, set to launch in April 2017.

Highland Park approached Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, himself a modern day Viking and expert in Norse mythology, to design striking new packaging for the three special edition whiskies.

Valkyrie’s unique one-off design is inspired by two important Nordic sources – a typical Viking pendant from around 300-700AD discovered in Uppland, Sweden and the ancient Hammar Stone of Gotland which details the epic journey of the Valkyries,

In his distinctive style, Lyngvild has interpreted the ancient legend of the Valkyries – avenging horse-backed angels who combed the battlefields for the bravest of their fallen warriors – in an expressive, story-telling illustration for Highland Park.

Noticeably different from the traditional black and silver Highland Park packaging, the re-imagined design maintains the distillery’s ongoing references to Viking design whilst updating the graphics with a bolder, hand-drawn aesthetic.

Using embossed metallic detailing, he represents the Valkyries as shield-maidens of Odin, offering their god a drink of mead from a curved horn. The larger illustration features a winged Valkyrie with coiled hair and a necklace that pays homage to the goddess Freya’s magical Brísingamen torc (necklace).

Designer, Jim Lyngvild commented: “I am fiercely proud of my Viking ancestry and connection to the islands of Orkney. Working with Highland Park on the new Viking Legend series has been an honour and a unique opportunity to depict the ancient Norse myths and legends, so revered in Viking culture to a new, contemporary audience.”

Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, added: “We’ve enjoyed delving deeper into Orkney’s history and heritage for the Viking Legend series, culminating in this exciting new collaboration with bona fide 21^st century Viking Jim Lyngvild. Jim’s knowledge about Viking history and the Viking way of life is rich in detail.

“The whisky itself, created by our Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, dials up more of our smoky notes by incorporating more of our heathery peated malt. This creates a richer, fuller phenolic note that has balance due to the sweeter, heathery character of our moorland peat but it is a slight departure from our core 12 Year Old whisky.”

Notes to editors:  

1. Highland Park Valkyrie will launch in over 15 markets from April 2017.
2. RSP: £55.00 (70cl and 75cl)
3. Valkyrie is the first in a series of three Viking Legend releases. It will be followed by Valknut and Valhalla in 2018/19.

Tasting notes

Appearance:      Natural colour – bright, amber hue

Nose: Sharp tang of sweet green apples and ripening lemons

Palate: A bewitching mix of oriental spices. Driven by European Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak sherry-seasoned casks and Bourbon casks, the flavour profile is creamy vanilla with spicy, sweet, preserved ginger and lingering smokiness with hints of liquorice.

Finish: Exquisitely balanced, the long and lingering finish delivers waves of warm aromatic smoke and richly ripened fruit.

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.

www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

Icons of Whisky 2018

It’s that time of year again as the team here at Whisky Magazine begins the Icons of Whisky process for the 2018 awards, and we are very excited to be able to announce two new regions for this year. Australia and Ireland are joining the ever-growing list as we begin our search for the finest people and places in the whisky industry.

Categories remain unchanged for 2018 and as always we will be inviting the industry to nominate and vote for their Icons via our easy online system. We get things going this year with Australia and here are some key dates for your diary (subject to change), along with a reminder of the regions and categories:

Regional Nominations Open: 5 May 2017, Australia – results in Issue 146
21 July 2017, Ireland and Scotland – results in Issue 148
15 September 2017, India and Rest of World – results in Issue 149
10 November 2017, America – results in Issue 150
THE CATEGORIES Company Awards

• Brand Innovator
• Craft Producer
• Distiller
• Visitor Attraction

People Awards

• Distillery Manager
• Master Distiller / Master Blender
• Visitor Attraction Manager
• American Whiskey Brand Ambassador
• Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador
• Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador
• World Whisky Brand Ambassador

Retailer Awards

• Multiple Outlets Retailer
• Online Retailer
• Single Outlet Retailer
• Supermarket
• Travel Retailer

As always, we look forward to your participation and thank you for your continued support with our awards.

Keep an eye out on our website for more information, www.iconsofwhisky.com

Kind regards

Sam Coyne
Editorial Manager

BENROMACH LAUNCHES UNIQUE EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK TO MARK VISITOR CENTRE SUCCESS

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has launched a visitor centre exclusive single cask at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to celebrate a successful year for the distillery and visitor centre.

Benromach 1976 (ABV 53.5%), cask number 2393, is a dark golden malt, matured in a Refill American Hogshead, with an exceptionally rare character of succulent fruits, with smooth, peppery hints followed by sweet aniseed.

Like previous vintage exclusives, this limited-edition Speyside single malt is presented in a bespoke decanter-style bottle with the contours and copper-colour of the neck and shoulder line representing Benromach Distillery’s stills. The oak presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, reflecting the copper of the stills, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime washed distillery walls. A beautifully written hardback 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.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank continued: “This visitor centre exclusive is a great way to mark the distillery’s recent success and I’m sure Benromach enthusiasts will be keen to get their hands on one of the 32 bottles.”

“This single malt was distilled before the Urquhart family took the reins and brought Benromach Distillery back to life and now, after maturing for 40 years, it is finally time for whisky fans to get the chance to savour this treasured and exceptional dram.”

Susan Colville, Benromach Brand Home Manager, explained: “With the growing popularity of our Distillery and visitor centre with whisky fans from around the world, we carried out extensive renovations during 2015 and 2016 to really showcase what Benromach has to offer and last year we welcomed more visitors than ever before, with over 12,000 whisky fans coming through our doors.”

The growth of Benromach led to the expansion at the distillery and visitor centre 18 months ago, and included new warehouses and a larger team. The four-star visitor centre at Benromach Distillery, open to the public throughout the year for tours, now features three tasting rooms for visitors to experience, while Benromach House – the old distillery manager’s house – was also renovated to hold a new tasting room.  Refurbishment of the visitor centre toilets was completed in March 2017.

The Benromach 1976 is available exclusively at the distillery’s visitor centre with a RRP of £1250.

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

Notes

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.

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF FLAVOUR WITH FOOD & DRINK EXPERTS AT SENSORY SYMPOSIUM

Join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a food futurologist and three experts in cheese, coffee and foraging for an exploration of the world of flavour

Are you fanatical about tasting new flavours and expanding your sensory skills? The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with food futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye and three ‘Flavour Fanatic’ experts from cheese, coffee and foraging to stage a special event that explores the world of flavour.

The ‘Flavour Fanatics Sensory Symposium’ (www.smws.com/flavour-fanatics-sensory-symposium), which takes place at Protein Studios, Shoreditch on Wednesday 10 May, will feature a panel of guest speakers exploring the development of flavour in different fields of food and drink to help people understand how to focus on and identify flavours.

Food futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye will give a keynote talk, followed by ‘Flavour Fanatics’ Dumo Mathema, Ned Palmer and Fergus Drennan who will share their insight into flavour in coffee, cheese and foraging respectively. During the talks, the audience will taste pairings of Society whisky matched with items from the three guest speakers.

The guest talks

Host and SMWS ambassador John McCheyne will introduce the concept of exploring whisky by flavour while the audience samples a dram of the Society’s rare single cask single malt whisky.

Food futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye will share her insight into topics such as trends around flavour preferences; the importance of texture; how synthetic smells are affecting our perception; and olfactory branding and how this is used to engage consumers.

Dumo Mathema, head roaster at The Department of Coffee, will share his knowledge of flavour in the constantly-evolving and seasonal coffee world. Ned Palmer, a freelance cheesemonger, will delve into the magical world of artisanal cheese. And Fergus Drennan, a wild food experimentalist and forager, will explore the variety of different flavours to be found in foraged foods.

After the talks, the audience can sample more Society whiskies and more products from the guest speakers.

SMWS ambassador John McCheyne said: “We’re obsessed with flavour at the Society. We categorise all our whiskies through 12 flavour profiles and we’re on mission to help people explore whisky through the lens of flavour. This event is all about helping people to understand the world of flavour more, not only in whisky but also in other food and drink.

“We’ve teamed up with some fellow ‘Flavour Fanatics’ from coffee, cheese and foraging who share our passion for flavour and together we’ll talk and taste our way through the evening and help people to develop their palates and senses in order to better discover flavours.”

Freelance cheesemonger Ned Palmer said: “There are more than 1,500 cheeses in the world, all with different flavours and textures. It’s a magical and fascinating world and at the event I’ll help the audience with how to taste and understand all the flavours and give them an insight into how the cheese world is evolving.”

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Flavour Fanatics Sensory Symposium, Wed 10 May 630pm-830pm, Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EY

Tickets £20 with five whiskies, including three whisky & food pairings

TICKET PAGE https://www.smws.com/flavour-fanatics-sensory-symposium

MORE ABOUT FLAVOUR FANATICS https://www.smws.com/flavour-fanatics

Notes

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks –  each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 132 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers different levels of membership

o   Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122

o   Member without gift box, £61.50

o   Sample Subscription – free trial membership.

o   Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

• For more information about the Society, visit http://www.smws.com/

James Campbell (extreme left), chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, lines up with award winners, from left: Sandy McIntyre (Tamdhu), Graeme Cruickshank (Aberlour), Annelise Hastings (Mannochmore) and Dennis McBain (Glenfiddich).

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Award Winners revealed

The winners have been revealed in the hotly-contested Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards which had a global flavour this year, with judging sessions taking place in three international destinations as well as in Speyside.  

Eight finalists were voted on at a series of judging sessions in Germany, Canada and The Netherlands as well as in Speyside in the run up to and during the Festival.  

The winner of the 12-year-old and under category was Aberlour 12 while the title for malts aged 13 to 20 years went to Glenfiddich 15. In the 21-year-old and over category Mannochmore 25 Special Release topped the poll while in the non-aged statement Tamdhu Batch Strength 002 took top honours. 

The favourite whisky across the eight finalists was The Macallan 30 year old Sherry Cask which was shortlisted in the 21 years and over category. 

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says, “Whisky recognises no boundaries and we were delighted to be able to hold judging sessions in Canada, Germany and The Netherlands this year, spreading the name of the festival further and complementing the tasting events in Speyside. 

“This year saw the biggest number of votes cast with whisky lovers at home and abroad using their noses, knowledge and taste buds to vote on these Speyside drams. Well done to all our winners.” 

The malts had previously been shortlisted by a panel of industry leaders, acclaimed writers and specialist retailers. 

The awards are sponsored by coppersmiths Forsyths of Rothes, the company responsible for building many of the pot stills in which the shortlisted single malts were distilled. 

The winners were announced at the whisky awards ceilidh held on Sunday, 30 April at Knockando Distillery. 

It is hoped that the roving judging sessions will help introduce even more international visitors to the five-day annual Festival – which this year has comprised almost 500 different events from distillery tours to tastings – and encourage them to plan a visit in future years.

Overseas markets are a key area of growth for the Festival and the USA, Germany and Scandinavia have traditionally been very strong for visitor numbers, and organisers are keen to expand knowledge of the event in these regions.

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the 18th Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has taken place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. Events have been held in Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.  

More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com or on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram.

Caption: James Campbell (extreme left), chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, lines up with award winners, from left: Sandy McIntyre (Tamdhu), Graeme Cruickshank (Aberlour), Annelise Hastings (Mannochmore) and Dennis McBain (Glenfiddich).

Notes

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from Festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Event Scotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

INTRODUCING JOHNNIE WALKER BLENDERS’ BATCH BOURBON CASK & RYE FINISH: A LIMITED-EDITION SCOTCH BLEND IN A NEW SERIES OF EXPERIMENTAL WHISKIES FROM JOHNNIE WALKER

London, 25 April 2017:  Diageo Global Travel is proud to announce that Johnnie Walker, the world’s No. 1 Scotch Whisky Brand[1] and the biggest selling spirits brand in travel retail[2], has launched Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish, an innovative new addition to its series of experimental whiskies: Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch. A limited edition, the new blended Scotch is only available in a small number of selected markets including Travel Retail. 

A bold experiment in flavour, Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish has been drawn from over 200 whisky samples, aged in first-fill bourbon casks and finished for up to six months in former rye casks. Featuring whiskies from just five distilleries including Dufftown and the now closed Port Dundas, it’s a rich and warming Scotch Whisky with an intense honeyed sweetness.

This limited edition whisky is part of the experimental Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch portfolio, a series of limited edition Scotch Whiskies created as a result of hundreds of ongoing flavour experiments carried out by a small team of expert blenders at the brand’s home in Scotland.

The Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch range lifts the lid on the skill and never-ending pursuit of flavour that drives the blending team, led by master blender Dr Jim Beveridge, a man whose personal journey making whisky began over 40 years ago.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish is inspired by the time Beveridge spent blending bourbons and ryes in Kentucky in the 1990s. He said:

“Blended from just a handful of Single malts and carefully chosen grain whiskies matured in first fill bourbon casks and finished in casks that formerly held rye whisky – Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask and Rye Finish is a rich, sweet, intensely honeyed and smooth Scotch Whisky, with the warming vanilla spiciness usually associated with the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label. To my mind, it’s the best of Scotch but with an exciting twist inspired by the best of traditional American whiskey flavours.”

Dayalan Nayager, Managing Director, Diageo Global Travel said “The launch of Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish is a welcome addition to the Scotch Whisky category in travel retail, made possible by the hundreds of ongoing flavour experiments and skill of the blending team at Johnnie Walker. This is an incredibly exciting time for Scotch Whisky and we believe the new blend will act as a signpost for those shoppers who want to explore the category.”

“Travellers are looking for brands that have discovery, authenticity, craftsmanship and real human stories behind them. Johnnie Walker has a truly unique story to tell and with the latest innovation in the Blenders’ Batch series, we are excited to offer our customers and consumers a glimpse into the constantly shifting world of flavour exploration from the biggest spirits brand in the channel.” 

The blenders at Johnnie Walker think ‘from the bar back’ when making whisky, ensuring bartenders and whisky fans at home have the perfect liquids at hand to serve neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a flawless Scotch-based cocktail.

The limited edition Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish is the second release from the Blenders’ Batch series, inspired by the recent success of Johnnie Walker Select Casks – Rye Cask Finish. It is available now in selected travel retail outlets globally, retailing at $52.50/£32.00 RRSP for a 1L bottle.

Notes: 

About Diageo

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

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

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

[1] IWSR, 2015

[2] IWSR, 2015