BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY RECEIVED FOUR TOP AWARDS

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

         BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (April 11, 2017) – Four bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery received high honors at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition. Two received Gold and two received Silver.

            Those awarded Gold include:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

            Those awarded Silver include:

• Zachariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Big House Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

Niven Miller

CUTTER BOAT SETS SAIL TO SING!

The Murray McDavid, a cutter boat built in 1954, is setting out on the first ever singing voyage, taking opera ‘doon the watter’, to the marinas down the Clyde.

Interestingly, the boat already has a remarkable link with singing. It was built by the father of Scottish singer Niven Miller, famous in the 1950s for his operatic style.

This June, as part of Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour, songs from Pirates of Penzance and Bubble McBea will be performed on board the beautifully restored Murray McDavid. Children and members of the public will be given the chance to enjoy opera on the water.The Murray McDavid on the Clyde

The boat is owned by the independent scotch whisky company Murray McDavid. Its Managing Director, Edward Odim, is delighted to be supporting Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour: ‘It’s very exciting to work with Scottish Opera and to be part of such an innovative project. I fell in love with opera when I was young and it means a great deal to me to help bring opera to others, especially children.’

The Murray McDavid

For more information, contact:Eilidh.Clark@scottishopera.org.uk

www.scottishopera.org.uk

Alexandra.Roberts@aceo.co.uk www.murray-mcdavid.com

Tel: 01452 762024 Mob: 07919 037335 

History of the Murray McDavid

The Murray McDavid (aka ‘NewCraig’) was built in St Monans, Fife in 1954 by shipbuilders James N. Miller & Sons Limited; a family run business established 270 years ago. In the 50s, the company was run by brothers Tom and Willie Miller. Willie’s son, Niven, like his father before him, served as an apprentice boat engineer in Glasgow. However, he gave up boat building for a life as a singer and went on to find fame as a singer of traditional Scottish songs, receiving worldwide acclaim.

he Murray McDavid began life as a pilot boat transporting mariners (pilots) to and from ships in the open sea. The pilot’s job was to guide and manoeuvre larger ships through the shallow waters of the busy harbour of Dundee. As such, the Murray McDavid needed to be able to withstand heavy seas and bumping against the much bigger vessels she worked alongside. 

Renovation

Fast forward 60 years, and the boat has been acquired by the Murray McDavid company, fully renovated and given a new lease of life. It has been nearly seven years since the advert for the sale of the ‘NewCraig’ first caught the attention of Edward, who had always dreamed of restoring an old boat. Since buying the boat in 2010, it’s taken a team of four, five years to lovingly restore the boat. 

The Murray McDavid in Dundee Harbour in 1954

Whisky Month May 2017

Cask Is King
The Truth Behind The Taste

To celebrate Whisky month, The Real Mary King’s Close will be launching ‘Cask Is King’, an exciting new experience for the budding whisky connoisseur. Following the 2016 sell out ‘The Perfect Blend’ tour, every Thursday evening this May a limited number of guests will be guided through the dark streets of Mary King’s Close where they will enjoy a dram with a difference.

Combining Scotland’s best known exports of whisky and history, this specialist tour blends two must do experiences; whisky tasting and our capital’s fascinating history. Guests will travel back in time through the underground closes of Mary King’s Close as they uncover the incredible story of not only Edinburgh but also Scotland’s national drink.

From the humble beginnings of brewing ale to whisky and its many medicinal uses through to global appreciation, hosted by Mary King’s Close and partner Skene Whisky this bespoke tour tells the story of whisky. During their journey visitors will enjoy an authentic historical experience which goes beyond guide books and bus tours, including samples and stories from the experts, topping off the evening with a whisky cocktail which has been created especially for The Real Mary King’s Close.

The tour will also see the launch of The Real Mary King’s Close blend. Bottled at 40% ABV, this exclusive expression is mellow on the nose with a well-integrated aroma and a fruity top note. The taste is smooth with a citric note and a thread of smoke and butterscotch, with a spicy warming finish. Presented in a bespoke bottle which is decorated with The Real Mary King’s Close tartan, the malt is available in 50ml and 200ml, retailing at £5.95 and £18.50 respectively. The perfect souvenir for anyone visiting Edinburgh or a treat for a whisky fan.

Craig Miller, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close comments:
“This is a really exciting opportunity for visitors to enjoy a truly unique Scottish experience for Whisky Month. This tour will not only give guests the chance to sample some fantastic whisky, they will also discover the fascinating history behind the cask in the unique environment of The Real Mary King’s Close.”

Andrew Skene, founder of Skene Whisky adds:
“We’re incredibly excited to be working with The Real Mary King’s Close to celebrate Whisky Month. From its origins as a local “moonshine” to the leading international spirit it is today, we take you on an underground whisky journey. We can’t wait to share Edinburgh’s unique place in the turbulent and yet remarkable history of Scotch Whisky.”

Tours are taking place every Thursday in May at 9.15pm, advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets are priced at £35 per ticket and can be purchased online at www.realmarykingsclose.com, by phone on 0131 225 0672 or in person at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Continuum Attractions is the leading operator of cultural heritage experiences in the UK. Continuum currently manages an award winning portfolio of visitor attractions including Oxford Castle Unlocked and York’s Chocolate Story.

Date: Every Thursday in May at 9.15pm
Duration: 90mins
Ticket Price: £35
The evening includes 3 x whisky samples, 1 x cocktail
Over 18s only (ID may be required)

NOTES

The Real Mary King’s Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, lies one of Edinburgh’s deepest secrets – The Real Mary King’s Close. This warren of hidden ‘closes’ or narrow streets where real people lived, worked and died, lay forgotten and covered by the City Chambers on the Royal Mile for centuries, until in 2003 it opened as a fascinating new visitor attraction for Edinburgh.

Operated by Continuum Attractions, this VisitScotland five-star attraction allows visitors to step back in time and be guided through these famous underground closes to witness some of the most dramatic episodes from Edinburgh’s incredible past.

For more information on Continuum Attractions, please visit www.continuumattractions.com
Continuum Attractions owns, operates and manages cultural attractions across the UK:
• Continuum Heritage Attractions
– The Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
– The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
– Oxford Castle Unlocked, Oxford
– York’s Chocolate Story, York

• Continuum Icon Attractions
– Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
– The Royal Mint Experience, Cardiff
– Emmerdale Studio Experience, Leeds
– Emmerdale Village Tour, Leeds

The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology

The 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, running from 1 January to 31 December, is a celebration of Scotland’s people, our traditions, our distinct culture, our landscapes, attractions and icons, as well as our hidden gems.

More information: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/history-heritage-archaeology/

Ghost River Theatre introduces a MULTISENSORY SCOTCH TASTING Daring audiences to journey from the moors of Scotland to the grit of the Texas racetrack

April, 2017, Calgary AB – Ghost River Theatre is teaming up with renowned scotch expert Andrew Ferguson and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society to create a blindfolded scotch tasting event, to be hosted on May 2nd at Last Best Brewing and Distillery.

Audience members will be blindfolded, and led into the venue where they will experience an intimate scotch tasting that will be joined by live performance, and a specially planned tactile tasting mat that will engage the audience’s sense of touch. In addition to the scotches, Last Best Brewing will be providing a customized spread of delicious food chosen for its unique taste and geographic profile, intended to complement the tasting.

Joining this event is renowned playwright Jason Patrick Rothery, award winning sound pundit Matthew Waddell, and GRT Artistic Associate Louise Casemore who will be unearthing her own Scottish heritage as a performer for the piece.

“After 15 years of hosting specialized whisky tastings, I can say with confidence that this event is the first of its nature” says Ferguson. “We are taking five whiskies, breaking down their stories, their sense of place and creating a narrative around them. By removing our participants’ sense of sight we want not just to enhance the other senses, but allow their imaginations to take control of the experience. Whether you are a scotch fan looking to test their palate or a newcomer who’s looking to break into the world bold tastes, this is an event you should not miss!”

TASTING SCOTCH is part of the Six Senses Series, a bold sequence of sensory performance experiences that Ghost River has been producing since 2014. Each installment focuses on the theatrical potential of our senses. Tasting Scotch reimagines the traditional scotch tasting as a multisensory performance, designed to expand the audience’s perception of some of the world’s most exceptional scotches.

“The goal is to offer Calgary audiences and scotch lovers an exceptional one-of-a-kind performance,” says Rose. “We are experimenting with how story and the interaction from the different senses enhances the taste and profile of the scotch.”

New to the partnership this year is the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and an array of exciting products for tasting courtesy of Kelly Carpenter. “The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is delighted to be the Scotch provider for this unique sensory event. Join us as we explore five of our limited edition single malts in a blindfolded environment guaranteed to heighten your senses!”

For one night only, this will be one to remember!

Tuesday, May 2nd at 6:30pm at Last Best Brewing and Distillery.

Tickets: $150 each including a $90 tax receipt and are available at www.ghostrivertheatre.com/tastingscotch2017

About Ghost River Theatre:

Led by Artistic Director Eric Rose, GRT is a devised theatre company that creates, develops and mounts original productions through a significant investment in imaginative research and development. We make our work in a rigorous, supportive collaborative-creation environment that recognizes and utilizes the unique abilities of all participants, premiering our work in Calgary and then touring it nationally and internationally. Our work embraces a hybrid of high tech visual spectacle with low-fi theatrical magic. Jessica Goldman of CBC Radio stated “…no one is better at mounting a totally unique and exquisitely creative piece of work than Ghost River Theatre.” Over our 24 year history, our unique creation process has yielded an impressive roster of critically acclaimed productions: Mesa, Eye for an Eye, ONE, The Highest Step in the World, The Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst, The Six Senses Series, amongst many others. GRT has created and toured some of the most thoughtful, daring, imaginative, and seemingly impossible work that this country has produced. With a keen desire to create, to engage and to push the boundaries of live performance GRT has established itself firmly as a leader in the Calgary, Alberta, and national cultural ecologies.

About Andrew Ferguson and Kensington Wine Market:

Ghost River Theatre’s collaborator behind this tasting adventure is none other than Calgary’s “The Scotch Guy” Andrew Ferguson. After 13 years working for Kensington Wine Market, first as a delivery driver and then as the store’s resident Scotch and whisky expert he purchased the business April 1 2015. In his time here he helped put KWM on the international map as one of the World’s top whisky shops. In March of 2015 Whisky Magazine awarded KWM “Highly Commended” or 2nd place for “Whisky Retailer of the Year Single Outlet”. He also built a reputation as one of Canada’s most trusted whisky experts. On April 11th 2011 he was inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich, the first Canadian retail expert to be so honored. He has his own whisky tour company, www.fergusonwhiskytours.com. He is also the President of a Calgary whisky club, The Companions of the Quaich, Calgary Chapter. A native of Calgary, he studied Military History at the University of Calgary.

About the Scotch Malt Whisky Society:

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers as well as being internationally renowned for their mission: to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest selection of single cask whiskies. As a member, you will join over 25,000 other members in 19 countries and have access to the very best single cask, single malt whisky available anywhere. Only members can purchase The Society’s fantastic and interesting whiskies.

Lord Calvert® Canadian Whisky Expands Line of Products

Brand launches two new variants

(St. Louis) April 12, 2017 – Lord Calvert® Canadian Whisky has announced the addition of two new variants to its line of Canadian whiskies. Lord Calvert Black® and Lord Calvert Spiced Peach® are hitting the market this spring and will be available in select markets across the country where Lord Calvert is sold.

Lord Calvert Black offers the mild oak and sherry essence you would expect from smooth Canadian whisky yet heightened by its premium blend, giving it subtle hints of caramel, vanilla and spice. Serving suggestion includes mixing with ginger ale for a refreshing Canadian twist.

Lord Calvert Spiced Peach brings a fresh peach twist to the smooth flavor of the original Lord Calvert with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon spice. Serving suggestion includes mixing with iced tea for a new take on a traditional combination of flavors.

“These two new variants are growing the Lord Calvert family of products and offering something new for consumers of Canadian whisky,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “We have seen growth in these categories – both Canadian whisky and flavored whisky – and by bringing innovative variants to markets where there is already current interest in Canadian whisky, we can set the brand apart.”

Lord Calvert Black is bottled at 80 proof and Lord Calvert Spiced Peach at 70 proof. Both are available in 750ml, with Spiced Peach also available in 50ml and 1.75L.

Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky is distilled in the heart of Canada, offering a smooth flavor with a touch of sweetness from a mixture of rye, corn, wheat and barley mash aged for 36 months. The brand recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

For more information about this product, please visit facebook.com/LordCalvertCanadian, LordCalvert.com or Luxco.com.  

About Luxco

Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit www.luxco.com

THREE CANADIAN WHISKIES HIGHLY AWARDED

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 12, 2017) Three of Sazerac’s Canadian whiskies received high honors at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition, including one that received Gold and two that received Silver.

Those awarded Gold include:

• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

Those awarded Silver include:

• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky
• Legacy Canadian Blended Whisky

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at www.denverspiritscomp.com

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com

HIGHLAND PARK LAUNCHES REBUS30 WHISKY

An exclusive 10 Year Old Single Malt to celebrate special 30^th anniversary

Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky is proud to announce plans to collaborate with legend of British crime author Ian Rankin and The Orion Publishing Group to help mark the thirtieth anniversary of John Rebus, one of crime fiction’s best loved creations.

To help start the celebration in style, a very special edition of Highland Park is being produced – Rebus30, a 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky, that will be available for Rebus fans to buy exclusively from Highland Park.

Jason R. Craig, Highland Park, Brand Director, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to produce this exclusive bottle to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of a great crime icon.

“This is a very special partnership for the brand as we were involved ten years ago when Ian celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the publication of the first ‘Inspector Rebus’ novel Knots and Crosses.  At that time, Ian was invited to visit the distillery on Orkney where he chose a special single cask.  The whisky’s flavour profile was chosen according to what Ian felt Rebus would prefer – cask no 3272, was ‘dark, complex and with a long finish’.

“To celebrate Rebus30, our brief was to craft a 10 year old single malt fit for an iconic detective who truly stands apart. The result is stunning single malt created by Gordon Motion, our Master Whisky Maker and a tribute to those with a strong independent spirit and those who know their own mind.

“Best shared with friends or when enjoying a dark crime novel!”

Sarah Benton, Group Marketing Director at Orion said: “Working with Highland Park on this partnership for Rebus30 and RebusFest has been a total delight. What better way to celebrate Rebus’ 30^th birthday! We know his fans are going to snap up these exclusive bottles fast. In addition to the Highland Park Rebus30 10 year old single malt, we will be auctioning a few limited edition Highland Park 30 year old single malt also specially created for Rebus30, throughout the year’s celebration – watch out for these!”

Rebus and Highland Park fans will be able to buy this commemorative bottling for £30 (70cl) and it will be delivered in time for the launch of RebusFest at the end of June 2017.  It will only be available for those who join the brand’s Inner Circle tribe. Registration of interest for this bottle will be open from early April.  To hear further news on how to register for a bottle, join our Inner Circle tribe here www.highlandparkwhisky.com/Innercircle

In addition for those who will be in Edinburgh for the RebusFest, Highland Park’s Senior Brand Ambassador Martin Markvardsen will be hosting two whisky Master Classes on Friday 30^th June and Saturday 1^st July at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.  As well as learning all about why Highland Park stands apart from other single malts, guests will be given a unique opportunity to taste Highland Park Rebus30 along with some of the brand’s other special whiskies.  We hope you will #RaiseaGlasstoRebus and celebrate #Rebus30 with us.

Tickets for both events are available to purchase from www.ianrankin.net/rebusfest.

Highland Park Rebus30 10 Year Old is 40% ABV and will RRP at £30 per bottle (70cl).

Fulfilment will be in June 2017.

Tasting Notes

Natural colour, mature citrus fruits and creamy vanilla with a hint of peppery sauce. An intensely balanced single malt fit for a detective who truly stands apart.

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.

WHISKY GIFTWARE FIRM SCOOPS TWO TOP BUSINESS AWARDS

Staff at whisky giftware firm Angels’ Share Glass are celebrating after winning two top business awards.

The Stirling company, run by father-and-daughter team Tom Young and Karen Somerville, has been named Scottish Family Business of the Year by The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The firm also won the organisation’s Scottish Business and Product Innovation Award for its unique whisky water dropper.

Angels’ Share Glass faced tough competition from other small businesses to become regional winner in each category following judging for the FSB and Worldpay UK Business Awards 2017.

Managing Director Mrs Somerville said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win these two awards which are a real tribute to our staff and a great honour for us all.

“Our company has seen phenomenal growth since we launched four years ago, and the news couldn’t come at a better time as we have just celebrated our fourth birthday.

“It’s fantastic to get this kind of recognition from such an important organisation in the business world.”

The FSB Awards are aimed at recognising and rewarding the excellence, resilience and innovation of SMEs across the country and are open to all companies with less than 250 employees.

The Best Family Business Award champions the major contribution family firms make to business and staff at Angels’ Share Glass were delighted its family roots and ethos were recognised by the judging panel.

Meanwhile, the Business and Product Innovation Award highlights innovations which have successfully transformed a company and improved performance.

It was in this category that the firm’s ground-breaking whisky water dropper, created by Master Glassblower Tom Young MBE, caught the judges’ eye.

The elegant glass pipette, which allows whisky connoisseurs to add water to their dram one drop at a time, is the firm’s best-selling product and has won plaudits from buyers all over the world.

Mrs Somerville said: “Demand has been fantastic since we launched the dropper which was created following feedback from drinkers who told us they often ended up spoiling their drams by adding too much water.

“We spotted a gap in the market and came up with the dropper which means whisky lovers can now add water to their drink with precision and style.”

Angels’ Share Glass, which creates a range of giftware for whisky lovers, is now waiting to discover whether the firm has made it through to the next round of the competition.

Further judging is currently underway to select the top scoring regional winners from each category who will then battle it out to win the national title.

The national winners are due to be announced at a glitzy ceremony hosted by the first winner of TV’s ‘The Apprentice’ Tim Campbell MBE in London next month.

For more details on Angels’ Share Glass, visit the website – www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes:

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 nearly 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

Last-minute dash for tickets at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Ever fancied learning how to create your own signature whisky cocktails? How about experiencing a traditional Scottish ceilidh with a dram in hand? Or perhaps you want to learn to blend whisky like a pro?

Whatever whisky-themed activity tickles your tastebuds, you can do it all – and a whole lot more – at the world-renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival when it kicks off later this month.

Tickets have been in high demand since going on sale earlier this year but with almost 500 events on the programme, there are still plenty of opportunities to revel in the five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink.

Thousands of people – many of them travelling from overseas – will descend on the region from April 27 to May 1 to attend the Festival, which is recognised as being one of the best events of its kind.

Festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “Tickets for some of the key events – particularly the very exclusive behind the scenes tours at distilleries not usually open to the public – sold out within a matter of hours.

“There has been phenomenal demand for tickets, but we don’t want people to think that there are no tickets left. Whether visitors want to sample excellent whiskies, enjoy local food or take part in some of the more unusual events on the programme, there is still plenty of availability.

“All the most up to date information about ticket availability is on the website at www.spiritofspeyside.com and for those who are planning a last-minute getaway, there is also information about accommodation.”

There will be the chance to taste exclusive cask strength drams from Chivas Brothers on April 30, in the company of whisky royalty. Acclaimed whisky writers Ian Buxton and Ian Wisniewski will host the event at The Glenlivet and will be sharing their knowledge about distilleries and drams.

This will be a great event for both whisky experts and novices, as they will also give tips on how to get the most out of whisky tasting. Tickets for the event, which includes six different whiskies, cost £30.

Although most whisky drinkers associate Speyside with single malts, there is a strong heritage of blended whisky too. Visitors can learn how to blend in the style of Chivas Regal at an event taking part in the home of the famous blend – Strathisla Distillery – on April 29.

During the special session, which is priced at £25, guests will taste a collection of drams, blend their own whisky under the guidance of an expert tutor from the Chivas Regal team, and take away a small bottle of their creation.

Everything whisky will be on the menu at The Glenlivet Open Day on April 30. The event at the legendary distillery includes tours, a whisky bar, food tastings, music and an exhibition. There will also be a chance to sample a dram from the Sma Still – a replica of one used in the days before distilling was legal. Tickets are priced £5.

There will also be a separate event, running as part of The Glenlivet Open Day, where visitors will be able to learn more about the smugglers who used the glen on an off-road tour on argocat vehicle. Tickets for the tours, which can be booked on the day, cost £40.

An event that will leave visitors shaken and stirred is a cocktail and canapes masterclass at The Macallan – the dram reputed to be the favourite tipple of James Bond. There may not be an appearance from 007 on May 1, but those who go along will learn how to create their own cocktails using three different malts from The Macallan.

Visitors will learn more about the range and enjoy three cocktails which the distillery’s brand ambassadors have specially created. Canapes to match the drinks will be served, and the cost of tickets is £40.

Revellers at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival want to carry on the party after a packed day of activities, and they will be able to do that thanks to an event being staged by Aberlour Community Association.

Visitors to the area will be able to meet locals at a Scottish ceilidh night being staged in the town’s Fleming Hall on April 29. Music will be provided by the very talented young group BROMA – featuring drummer Daniel Gordon, who is ranked as one of the top 40 drummers in the UK. Tickets, including food, are £12.

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises over 500 events, taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.

More information about the Festival is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.Tickets are available to buy for all events – including the awards judging sessions – from the website from February 7. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17.

Ends

Picture caption: Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival still have the chance to snap up tickets to events.

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.

EventScotland

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.

EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

WHISKY FIRM MARKS FOURTH BIRTHDAY WITH NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

Whisky giftware firm Angels’ Share Glass is marking its fourth anniversary with the launch of a series of birthstone angels.

The Stirling-based family company, founded on April 9, 2013, has created a new version of its signature line of whisky-filled glass angels featuring precious gemstone jewels.

The angels are each holding a real gemstone representing months of the year – Diamond for April, Emerald for May and so on.

The firm’s latest innovation was developed by co-founder Karen Somerville.

She says: “People have always liked the Angels which are holding something – like the Thistle and the Saltire which represent Scotland.

“We had some feedback asking if there was anything else we could use and decided gem stones would be a great fit and look lovely.

“And with our own fourth birthday coming up it seemed the perfect time to launch a new birthday product!

“Pre-orders of the Angels are already proving popular as birthday gifts while many – including July’s Ruby and June’s Pearl – will also work for wedding anniversaries.”

Angels’ Share Glass is also marking its fourth anniversary with the start of work on a new glassblowing studio which gets underway later this month.

The move follows a successful crowdfunding campaign which saw generous supporters pledge contributions to help the firm raise funds to create the state-of-the-art studio at its headquarters.

Angels’ Share Glass has come a long way since its beginnings as a home-based business run by co-founders Karen and her father, world-renowned glassmaker, Tom Young.

It now employs three other staff members plus a host of freelance workers in the glassmaking, marketing and sales industries.

The firm has also won a series of honours including Entrepreneur of the Year for Karen Somerville.

And last year it was named Best Micro Business at the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards as well as winning the Most Innovative Product Award for its unique whisky water dropper.

Meanwhile, Tom Young is due to receive an MBE for his services to glassmaking during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in mid-April.

Karen says: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth since setting up as a home-run operation four years ago and I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved since then.

“We’ve gone from a small firm selling one product to a global organisation which sells a host of different gifts to people all over the world.

“It’s great that we’re getting the new studio up and running this year as it will mean a lot to us in terms of increasing production and growing the firm further.

“It also means my dad can train up more apprentices who can help keep glassblowing alive in the heart of Scotland.”

Karen and Tom established the firm after capturing the spirit of a whisky producers’ legend, known as the Angels’ Share, through the creation of handmade glass angels.

The myth claims the small volume of whisky lost to evaporation while it matures is taken away by angels.

And in tribute to that legend, the glass angels are filled and sealed with 30ml of single malt – a measure of the Angels’ Share – in a secret process.

In the past four years, the firm has gone from strength to strength expanding its giftware range and exporting to retailers and online customers all over the world.

For more details, visit the website www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes:

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 nearly 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com