CHRISTMAS WHISKY CONCIERGE SERVICE LAUNCHED TO HELP SHOPPERS FIND THE PERFECT PRESENT 

Experts at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will help make finding the right whisky easy and fun

Christmas shoppers searching for a whisky to buy can now get expert advice thanks to The Christmas Whisky Concierge, a new service launched by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (www.smws.com/).

The Society is inviting shoppers searching for whisky to sign up and join a Christmas Whisky Concierge session at its Kaleidoscope Bar.

The weekly group sessions, which start on Tuesday 22 November, will be hosted by a Society Whisky Concierge, who will help make the often-tricky job of choosing a whisky to buy as a present easy and fun.

The Whisky Concierge will guide shoppers through the different flavours of whisky available, and give them the opportunity to sample some whiskies from the Society’s range of 12 different flavour profiles. The Society has released 60 new single cask whiskies for Christmas, which are now on sale.

For those who can’t visit one of the sessions at Kaleidoscope, the Society has also posted an ‘Ultimate Christmas whisky gift guide’ article on its website at www.smws.com/gift-guide

The Society’s online shop at www.SMWS.com/whisky also offers a live chat ‘Whisky Concierge’ service.

Jan Damen, Operations Director at the Society, said: “Whisky is top of many people’s Christmas wish-lists but with so many styles of whisky now available, we know that choosing the right one can be complicated.

“At the Society, we bottle whisky from different distilleries around Scotland and the world every year and we focus on the flavours of whisky. This makes it easier to understand and more fun for people who are often daunted by traditional regional classifications and distillery brand names.” 

To reserve a place at a Christmas Whisky Concierge session, visit www.SMWS.com/christmas-whisky-concierge 

The Christmas Whisky Concierge sessions, Kaleidoscope Bar, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX.

£15, 22 November, then every Tuesday and Wednesday 6-7pm, and every Saturday and Sunday 3-4pm, until Thursday 29 December 

@SMWSUK

#whiskyconcierge

Notes:  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club which bottles rare single cask whisky, and a range of other spirits

• The Society releases a new batch of around 20 single cask single malt whiskies every month
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history.
• The Society offers 3 levels of membership

1. Membership Pioneer with gift box containing 3 samples, £122
2. Member at £61.50 – without gift box
3. Sample Subscription – free.

For more details, visit www.smws.com/society-membership

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar – In Stores Now! 

The only Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar in the world. Independently bottled and selected just for our calendar. Designed to take you on a journey through the regions and styles that make Scotch the most sought after whisky in the world.

The vast majority of the scotches in this calendar have never been seen before and not be seen again. They are single barrel bottlings exclusive to our calendar and you.

Now releasing our 3rd edition of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Secret Spirits has been forging a new category in the world of spirits that encompasses the three tenants that make up the foundation of their releases. Explore, Experience, Entertain.

Boasting a unique tasting glass each edition, a collector’s lapel pin, tasting booklet with background on all the independent bottler’s and room for your own notes the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar is truly unique.

The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar contains 25 x 50ml bottles that are filled by Secret Spirits direct from the cask or occasionally decanted from rare single cask bottling’s from years past.

Utilizing world class independent bottlers like A.D. Rattray, Wemyss Malts, Samaroli, Malt Whisky Company, Adelphi, Single Cask Nation, Ainneamh, and now our own Secret Spirits selections.

Limited to only 2000 calendars plus the gorgeous Collector’s Editions with solid rosewood and brass fittings of which only 100 are made.

Available for order throughout Canada the UK and EU in 2016 and the US in 2017.

Go to www.scotchwhiskyadvent.com 

Video: CTV Calgary Morning Show LIVE

www.secretspirits.com

THE FAMOUS GROUSE BRINGS BACK THE BIRD THIS CHRISTMAS 

There’s already a sense of Christmas in the air but it will all become very real on Monday when The Famous Grouse is back on our screens with a brand new advert.

For over 20 years the famous bird has graced our TV screens, heralding the start of the festive season, and this year sees the brand’s icon return but in his natural habitat, in the Highlands of Scotland.

The UK’s No.1 whisky has created two new TV adverts communicating ‘perfectly balanced’ and ‘smooth’ – two key characteristics of The Famous Grouse – underpinning the quality of the nation’s favourite whisky.

The ‘Perfectly Balanced’ advert will air for the first time on 17 October on various channels and VOD with the second advert set to air in November.

“Our fans tell us they know Christmas is coming when they see our icon on TV” explained Johna Penman, Marketing Controller for The Famous Grouse. “This year he is back and can now be seen enjoying life in his natural habitat, whilst retaining his playful sense of humour.”  

Notes

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka (Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock).

Rabbit Hole Distilling Announces First Release of Bourbon and Rye Whiskey

The craft producer is releasing three whiskeys throughout Kentucky and Illinois

Louisville, Kentucky – October 20, 2016

Rabbit Hole Distilling announced today that their inaugural release is now available at restaurants and retail outlets throughout Kentucky and Illinois. The product line includes their signature Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and a Straight Bourbon Finished in PX Sherry Casks.

Some consumers have already had an opportunity to sample the bourbon, which took home top honors at the Bourbon Mixer in August, being named “Fan Favorite” by the Whisky Chicks and Bourbon Brotherhood. The Beverage Tasting Institute recently awarded medals to each of the whiskeys, including a Gold Medal going to the Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

CEO and Founder Kaveh Zamanian, along with his wife Heather Bass, began Rabbit Hole in 2012 to pursue his vision to craft unique spirits, with a focus on Bourbon, America’s native spirit. “For us, Bourbon is more than just a drink. It is a symbol of individualism, self-sufficiency and living life to the fullest. I started Rabbit Hole with a singular mission to make exceptional spirits.”

The outfit recently celebrated the groundbreaking at the site of their distillery in NuLu with Mayor Greg Fischer and Colleen Thomas, Bourbon Ambassador for the Kentucky Distillers Association, as guests of honor. The distillery, located at 711 E. Jefferson Street in Louisville, is slated to open Fall 2017. Approximately $12.5 million is going into the project, which will house a distillery operation producing 20,000 barrels per year. It will also include multiple tasting rooms, a restaurant, gift shop, as well as a 160+ person event space. Tours will be offered daily.

Rabbit Hole Distilling chose NuLu as the site for their distillery in order to be a part of what Zamanian calls “the Southern vibrancy of Downtown Louisville.” Award- winning architect Doug Pierson (http://www.podand.com), well known for designing Louisville’s Green Building, conceived this project as a way to join Market Street to Jefferson Street by way of a public walkway and civic gathering space.

The distillery operation will be overseen by Master Distiller Cameron Talley, a veteran of Wild Turkey and Brown Forman. Other collaborators in the project include Larry Ebersold, former master distiller at Seagram’s and Pernod-Ricard, Dave Scheurich formerly at Brown-Forman, and Randy Allender from Jim Beam.

Other planned releases include a London Dry Gin Finished in Rye Barrels and a High Rye Bourbon.

Distribution in Kentucky is through Republic National Distributing Company (www.rndc-usa.com/) while Illinois distribution is being operated by Heritage Wine Cellars (www.heritagewinecellars.com/).

For more information, visit their website www.rabbitholedistilling.com/.

Ballantine’s toasts 21 Year Old American Oak

A Signature Taste Worth Waiting For
Ballantine’s toasts 21 Year Old American Oak, available now

Ballantine’s, Europe’s No. 1 Scotch whisky and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world, raises a dram to the highly anticipated second edition of its Signature Oak range, Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak, now available exclusively at Duty Free stores.

Following the success of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old European Oak unveiled in 2015, the limited release is an exceptionally smooth prestigious whisky that celebrates the flavours brought forward while aging in wooden casks and is ideal for the discerning traveller looking for a unique gift to bring home.

The distinct and creamy whisky displays the sweet vanilla characteristic of American Oak cask influence and pays homage to Ballantine’s founding father and visionary, George Ballantine, who recognised the importance of the cask in the development of rare, complex whiskies.

The qualities of American Oak casks are similarly prized by true creators like the Ballantine’s Master Blenders for their creamy vanilla and toffee keynotes, which are revealed to perfection in the Signature American Oak edition of the original Ballantine’s 21 Year Old blend.

 “Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak, with its mellowness and depth of flavour, is the ultimate expression of American Oak cask influence,” said Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender.

 “Drawing the best from Ballantine’s prestige whisky reserves, we use only rare and exquisite whiskies and nose each cask to ensure a balance between wood and whisky that results in a distinguished blend.”

Travellers are encouraged to discover the story of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak for themselves at a special installation in South Korea’s Incheon and Jeju International Airports, running throughout November and December.

The installation heroes the role of an American Oak, reflecting its 21 rings to show growth over time through an interactive tasting table. By passing a glass across the rings, travellers can discover the unique tasting notes of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak and immerse themselves in a film that follows the growth of an American Oak tree alongside the maturation of whisky.

Whisky aficionados can also explore an interactive new website – www.echoesofwood.com/ – to create a personalised film clip showcasing their life’s key events through the lens of the American Oak, pulling photos and videos from Facebook. The website also links to redeemable vouchers for Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak tastings at the airport activation stations.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak is available exclusively in duty free stores globally, at a RRP of USD $140 in Asia. For more information visit www.echoesofwood.com.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old American Oak: Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vibrant fruity notes of ripe peach, creamy crème brûlée and sweet oaky vanilla
• Taste: Indulgent chocolate orange flavours, and vanilla fudge with a warming ginger spice
• Finish: Smooth and honey sweet

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

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

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader 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 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Wolfburn Wins Gold!

Wolfburn whisky has won a top award in its first ever competition. Entered into the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, Wolfburn’s “Northland” expression won the coveted Gold Award in the category “Single Malt Scotch Whisky – No Age Statement.”

“The whole Wolfburn team is absolutely delighted,” enthuses Shane Fraser, distillery manager. “Right from the launch of our inaugural release back in February people have been loving our whisky – and now we’ve won our first award. It’s a very special day for everyone at the distillery.”

The IWSC judging panel is made up of master distillers from around the world and, as might be expected of such a prestigious award, competition is fierce, with dozens of entries in all categories. Winning the award means that Wolfburn’s Northland bottles will now be adorned with a gold medal on the shoulder – something that buyers everywhere recognise as a mark of quality.

“Wolfburn has always been about quality,” says Shane. “We maintain the highest standards in everything we do, with the simple aim of making the best possible single malt whisky. Winning the gold award means we must be getting it right!”

Wolfburn’s Northland expression is made via a long and gentle production process, which creates a sweet, smooth spirit. This is matured in top-quality ex-bourbon quarter casks, which impart a mellow flavour to the spirit, making a wonderfully easy-drinking and enjoyable whisky. “I’ve enjoyed it from the very first dram,” says Shane, “and I’m incredibly pleased that it’s already gaining worldwide recognition.”

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s first expressions were launched globally in 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

Randy Strand Named North Central Division Manager for Heaven Hill Brands

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands is pleased to announce that Randy Strand has been named North Central Division Manager. In this role, Strand will manage Region and Area Managers, as well as wholesaler execution of our business strategies for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. He will report to Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. This newly created position comes amidst a reconfiguration of Heaven Hill sales staff to address new opportunities out of the Southern-Glazer’s Wine & Spirits merger and other spirits industry changes.

An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Strand came to Heaven Hill in 2013 as Indiana Regional Manager. Previously he was Regional Manager for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. He has also worked in similar positions with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Schieffelin & Sommerset.

“Randy has an extensive background in our industry and we are excited to have him continue to lead our growing sales team,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales.

Strand is a graduate of Michigan State University. He resides in Carmel, IN.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com/) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

National Museums Scotland to expand the Glenmorangie Research Project

Heaven Hill Distillery Unveils New Cox’s Creek Warehouse Location

Grand Opening Ceremony Held at Warehouse Two

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the grand opening of the new Cox’s Creek warehouse site. President Max L. Shapira held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Warehouse Two to honor the historical occasion.

Cox’s Creek is the newest expansion to Heaven Hill Distillery, which now holds over 1.2 million aging barrels across Jefferson and Nelson Counties. The Cox’s Creek Warehouses have seven floors and cover 40,000 square feet, which will make them the largest warehouses permitted by code in Kentucky. The 175 acre site will hold in excess of 660,000 barrels after all development is complete.

“Heaven Hill has been lifting America’s spirit since 1935 and the opening of this fifty third warehouse signifies our commitment to this booming industry. As we unveil the newest expansion to Heaven Hill’s infrastructure, we recognize the forethought and perseverance my father and his four uncles had to build a solid foundation for success. More than eight decades later, Heaven Hill is proudly at the forefront of the Bourbon Renaissance as we look forward to the next 80 years,” said President Max L. Shapira.

The company remains true today to its original mission as a family-owned and operated, independent Kentucky company—the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Heaven Hill now has more than one million aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in its inventory and its flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the world.

A commemorative barrel was signed by Heaven Hill employees and local dignitaries, and then rolled into Warehouse Two as the first to fill the latest warehouse.

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 53 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 and Whiskey Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year. For more information, please visit http://www.heavenhill.com/home.

NEW RECORD FOR YAMAKAZI 50 YEAR OLD AT BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION

A new world record price at auction was set for a bottle of Yamazaki 50 year old (3rd Edition) when it sold for HK$588,000 at Bonhams Fine and Rare Wine, Cognac and Single Malt Whisky sale in Hong Kong on 18 November. There was a strong showing for Macallan with all vintage bottles selling including the Macallan Lalique 62 year old which sold for HK$269,500.  In total, the sale made more than HK£14,000,000.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.