Booker’s® Rye Whiskey Named “World Whisky Of The Year” By Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017

Deerfield, IL (October 17, 2016) – Two years after naming Yamazaki® Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 the “World Whisky of the Year,” Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible anointed Booker’s® Rye Whiskey the “World Whisky of the Year” for 2017. Booker’s® Rye, the first-ever rye whiskey released by the ultra-premium Booker’s® Bourbon brand, joins other Beam Suntory Whiskies to earn top honors at recent industry competitions, including Jim Beam Black® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey and Yamazaki® Sherry Cask 2016.

“It is a high honor to be named the world’s best by Jim Murray and his authoritative Whisky Bible, and I could not be more thrilled for Master Distiller Fred Noe and his family,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “For Fred to achieve this honor for the brand began by his father, Booker Noe, it warms the heart of everyone at our company and reflects the utmost care and craftsmanship that goes into our American whiskies each and every day.”

After being tasted alongside 1,240 other new whiskies in this year’s judging, Booker’s Rye is described in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible as “simply a staggering example of a magnificent rye showing exactly what genius in terms of whiskey actually means.” Booker’s Rye features a never-before-released rye mash bill, aged for just over 13 years and bottled uncut and unfiltered1, true to Booker’s® Bourbon standards. Released in extremely limited quantities earlier this year, it is made from some of the last rye barrels laid down by Booker Noe and marks one of his greatest and final experiments to date.

“On behalf of my dad, Booker Noe, I could not be more proud to see Booker’s Rye named ‘World Whisky of the Year,’ said Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “Dad was more than just a distiller. He was a big thinker and a man who loved to experiment – and Booker’s Rye is a true celebration of that. Together with my son, Freddie Noe, I’m excited to carry on this legacy of innovation – and our family’s 220-year tradition of crafting the highest quality bourbon and whiskey – for years to come. Let’s just say we have some exciting things ahead.”

Joining Booker’s Rye with a best-in-class ranking this year is Yamazaki® Single Malt Sherry Cask 2016 – a follow-up to the 2013 edition that won Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible’s “World Whisky of the Year” in 2015. In the 2017 Whisky Bible, Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 swept both Japanese Whisky categories, earning “Japanese Whisky of the Year” and “Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Barrels).”

These outstanding accolades from Whisky Bible are the latest in a wave of recent industry honors for spirits within Beam Suntory’s broad portfolio of premium whiskies:

• Jim Beam Black® Bourbon was the highest-rated bourbon at the 2016 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), earning the best-in-class “Bourbon Trophy.” Jim Beam® Bourbon was also named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Awards.
• Demonstrating leadership in the fast-growing rye category, Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey was awarded the best-in-class “World Whiskies Trophy” at the 2016 IWSC, while Jim Beam® Rye and Canadian Club® 100% Rye each earned Double Gold medals at the New York Wine & Spirits Competition.
• Leading Islay Single Malt, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, took home Double Gold medals for Laphroaig® 10 Year Old and Laphroaig® Lore at the New York Wine & Spirits Competition.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is the world’s leading whisky guide, featuring thousands of detailed tasting notes for the world’s whiskies, including brands both large and small. Published annually, each edition features reviews of the newest whiskey releases and each year, only one whiskey is selected to hold the prestigious title of “World Whisky of the Year.”

For more information on Booker’s Rye and Booker’s Bourbon, visit: www.BookersBourbon.com and for more information on Beam Suntory, visit: www.BeamSuntory.com.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS HONORED AS ONE OF THREE WORLD WHISKIES OF THE YEAR, BOURBON OF THE YEAR, AND NO AGE STATEMENT RYE OF THE YEAR

High praise from world renowned whiskey writer Jim Murray 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 26, 2016) Prominent whiskey writer Jim Murray has honored two whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery with four top awards in his 2017 “Whisky Bible.”

            The 2015 release of William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was selected as part of Murray’s top three World Whiskies of the Year. William Larue Weller was also named the 2017 Bourbon of the Year, no age statement and American Whiskey of the Year. Murray named Thomas H. Handy Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey the 2017 Rye of the Year, no age statement.

            “This is a great honor,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We are very pleased to be recognized among the world’s best. We’ve got a great team at the Distillery who work very hard to ensure we’re making the best whiskey we can through every step of the process, so it’s a great feeling to see all that hard work recognized in the Whisky Bible.”

            “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible” contains tasting notes from more than 5,000 whiskies, and this year’s Bible marks 25 years since Murray became the world’s first full-time whisky writer.

            These honors will be published in the 2017 Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible which can be purchased at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop, select bookstores, or online at www.whiskybible.com/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Unearths

FOUNDATION from 1873 Distillery

A SIGNIFICANT AND UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIND AT

THIS NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTILLERY

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (October 18, 2016) Buffalo Trace Distillery has gone back to its early distilling days, literally, with the discovery of early foundations and fermenting vats dating back to 1873. This is a unique find as intact remains of early buildings and equipment on many distilleries are completely removed during development and expansion.

            The discovery happened when Buffalo Trace began renovating a very old building on property called the O.F.C. Building once used for distilling, but long since vacant. The building sits alongside the Kentucky River and was going to be turned into meeting and event space. When construction crews went in to shore up the foundation, the crew discovered there was more than met the eye.  As digging proceeded, the original 1873 distillery foundation as well as fermenters from 1882 were unearthed.  The Distillery immediately stopped work and called in two area experts, Historic Preservation Consultant/Whiskey Historian Carolyn Brooks and Bourbon Archaeologist Nicolas Laracuente.

            Brooks and Laracuente confirmed what Buffalo Trace had suspected, the foundation and fermenters were from an earlier build of the Distillery and dated back to the days of Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr, in 1873. This Distillery, called the O.F.C. Distillery, was later destroyed by fire in 1882 but work began immediately to restore it.  The 1873 foundation was left in place and Taylor expanded the Distillery, installing the 11,000 gallon fermenting vats in a massive construction project that was completed in a single year. Taylor described it as “the walls of the O.F. C. fermenting room are constructed of rough ashler from limestone quarries – the floor is grouted in best English cement…. The vats… are constructed of brick, laid in English cement – the base six feet below the level of the floor, and the top eleven feet below the ceiling.  They are first lined with first quality of Portland cement, and this again lined with the best sheet copper, manufactured especially for this purpose.”  The foundation and the vats were covered with a cement floor when the building was decommissioned in 1958 and forgotten, until today.

            “To have a find like this, that dates back to Taylor’s time in the 1800’s is simply amazing,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “We look forward to preserving these discoveries for many more generations to enjoy.”   

            Bourbon Archaeologist Nick Laracuente agrees, stating “archaeological investigations at large, continuously active, distilleries like this never yield intact remains since the buildings and equipment are typically salvaged, repurposed, or torn down. We were lucky to discover it. But, what is even more impressive is that Buffalo Trace took the time and effort to completely change their project in order to preserve and interpret this unique piece of whiskey history.”

This rare and intact discovery has altered this National Historic Landmark Distillery’s plan of renovating the first floor of the building for meeting and events space; instead the new discoveries will be preserved and available for visitors on a future tour to be announced, complete with at least one restored fermenter that will be operational in the near future. The remaining upper levels of the building will continue to be renovated according to the original plan for meetings and events.

Fermenting Room OFC 1882

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

EDRINGTON AWARDS KEY CONTRACT TO ELITE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR NEW MACALLAN DISTILLERY 

Software process control system to ensure iconic new distillery and visitor centre operate like clock-work

LIVINGSTON, Scotland – 20 October 2016 – Elite Control Systems Ltd, a leading provider of systems integration and engineering support services, announced that it has been awarded a major contract by Scotland’s leading premium spirits company Edrington for its new distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan whisky, one of the world’s leading luxury Scotch malt whiskies.

Nestled in the parklands of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, the contemporary distillery promises to be, according to Edrington, “a site of major architectural significance,” as well as a huge boost to tourism and the local economy. With architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, designers of the Millennium Dome and Pompidou Centre, commissioned to design and build it, the new facility will not only “complement the natural beauty of the area,” but be highly innovative and environmentally sound.

Edrington is relying on Elite Control Systems to write the full process software control package, and provide ongoing support services following commissioning. This combination of technology and 24-hour technical support will ensure that the automated control systems that Edrington uses to operate the new plant function properly, so that production remains on track and the visitor centre remains open to welcome thousands of visitors all year-round.

Whisky distillery project from “ground up”

For Elite Control Systems, the project represents the challenge of providing a fully operational software control system for a distillery from the “ground up.” “It’s very exciting that a brand new distillery of this size, sophistication and calibre is being built in Scotland,” said Ewan McAllister, Technical Director for Elite Control Systems.

“The fact that Elite Control Systems were selected by Edrington to provide a full software control system for the entire facility illustrates that we have earned our reputation as a recognised leader in providing control systems for the whisky industry. Clearly, Edrington are confident that we will deliver the large, complex system that this high profile facility demands. It’s an honour to have been given this opportunity to contribute to what is certain to become a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of The Macallan brand, and an outstanding experience that will attract visitors from around the world,” added McAllister.

Prior to installing the software control system on-site in Speyside, Elite will make certain that it conforms with Edrington’s specific requirements. Initially, the control software will be simulated, tested and fully documented at Elite’s facility in Livingston to ensure a smooth commissioning period, with minimal programming required on-site.

After the facility is up and running, Elite’s dedicated Support Services division will provide around-the-clock support of the new distillery’s state-of-the-art control system. Should any hardware or network problems arise, Elite Control Systems engineers will be on standby to respond immediately to rectify the situation so that operations will resume as soon as possible. To make certain that the system functions properly, Elite will also conduct regular preventative maintenance checks, minor system modifications and training of Edrington technical staff.

Improving efficiencies for Edrington

For the past six years, Elite Control Systems has worked alongside Edrington to ensure that its process control systems operate reliably, so that production continues at optimum levels. For example, last year Elite Control Systems helped Edrington improve efficiencies at a large tank farm located at its Great Western Road facility in Glasgow, Scotland. Elite carried out an upgrade to the control system that was being used and, by doing so, eliminated the need for operators to manually route batches for blending and preparation. These functions are now carried out within the new SCADA & PLC control platform, which also allows for real-time monitoring via an internal web portal. This effectively allows management to view tank levels, transfers, final product and routes, as required.

About Elite Control Systems Limited 

Founded in 1992, Elite Control Systems Limited specialises in systems integration and engineering support. It is known for helping companies within a variety of industries to use fast-moving process control, automation and information technology to achieve their business objectives. Elite Control Systems operate from its global headquarters in Livingston, Scotland. Additional information may be found at www.elitecontrols.com/.

GOLDEN DECANTERS LAUNCHES FIRST COLLECTION OF THE

FINEST SINGLE CASK SCOTCH WHISKIES

London – October 18th, 2016. Julia Hall Mackenzie-Gillanders and Ann Medlock, Owners, today announced the launch of Golden Decanters, independent curators of exceptional and distinctive single cask whisky, bottled for collectors globally.

By leveraging its status as an independent bottler Golden Decanters is able to explore Scotland’s exclusive and finest distilleries, tasting some excellent casks of single malt. It acquires only a small number of the best tasting casks, to bottle a limited edition collection of distinctive and singularly great single malt whiskies.

Golden Decanters’ inaugural collection is diverse in age, flavour and hue, taken from four of the finest casks of single malt Scotch whisky. The casks are from the distilleries of Glenlivet in Speyside, Bowmore in Islay, Ben Nevis in the Highlands and Auchentoshan in the Lowlands.

“Our two year journey has taken us across Scotland, tasting hundreds of the best single malt whiskies,” said Ann Medlock, Owner. “As independent curators we were able to select the finest casks from each distillery, basing our decisions on what tasted exceptional. Not just our own taste, but also that of industry experts to corroborate the selection.”

“Once the whiskies were selected we commissioned iconic Scottish designers Timorous Beasties to design the etched bottles and carved oak presentation boxes, creating works of art, both inside and out,” said Julia Hall Mackenzie-Gillanders, Owner. “The result is a collection of four single cask whiskies that looks and tastes spectacular. This is proving extremely attractive to collectors and investors around the world, with pre sales already accounting for nearly 10 per cent of this first release.”

“The first Golden Decanters’ selection showcases outstanding single cask malts from Scotland’s four leading whisky regions,” said Charles MacLean, the well-known independent whisky expert. “I enjoyed all of them hugely and can say without hesitation that they all merit their place in this exclusive collection.”

The cask in which the whisky matures is recognised as the single most important factor in terms of the final aroma and taste. Single malts seemingly identical on paper have different tastes and Golden Decanters has embraced this fact, conducting extensive sourcing and tasting of single cask whiskies over a two-year period, to deliver some of the finest Scotch whiskies available today. The collection is less about the age of the whisky or which distillery is in fashion, rather each bottle combines exceptional taste from four different Scottish regions with a striking and elegant design.

Golden Decanters has created something unique which portrays the traditional icons of Scotland in a modern and refreshing manner, which is reflected in all aspects of the collection, from the names of individual whiskies through to the bottle and presentation box designs. The collection comprises:

– The Tight Line (34 Year Old, 41.8%) from the Glenlivet distillery in the River Spey Valley, famous for its fishing.

– The High Drive (26 Year Old, 46.8%) from the Bowmore distillery in the Isle of Islay, an area with a long history of stalking and shooting.

– The Golf Widow (22 Year Old, 59.8%) from the Auchentoshan distillery in the golfing country of the Scottish Lowlands.

– The Highlander (19 Year Old, 55.5%) from the Ben Nevis distillery in the Scottish Highlands, the home of Highland cattle.

The first release from Golden Decanters is limited to 180 sets of four bottles. The set is available to purchase at The Conran Shop, Hedonism and direct from Golden Decanters.

This is what is being said about Golden Decanters –

“An excellent assembly of whiskies representing the major distilling areas of Scotland, presented with style. A must for the serious collector.” Private Client, Edinburgh.

“The Golden Decanters set gives the buyer a wonderful opportunity to experience four very individual and above all, excellent-quality whiskies whilst being immaculately presented.” Hedonism.

“An exquisite collection of the finest single malt Scotch whisky, with each individual bottle capturing the essence of Scotland’s finest regions. The passion for whisky behind Golden Decanters is evident in the detail and dedication to this limited edition collection. Each bottle has been incredibly hand etched and the collection is truly a work of art. The ultimate gift, a unique sensory experience, and it tastes great too!” The Conran Shop. 

About Golden Decanters

Launched in 2016, Golden Decanters is an independent curator and bottler of some of the finest single cask Scotch whiskies, continually exploring Scotland’s oldest and most exclusive distilleries to offer limited edition collections to collectors, connoisseurs and investors globally. The first collection comprises four individually selected single malt whiskies, representing the finest flavours sourced from four different Scottish regions.

Golden Decanters plans to release future limited edition collections, once further sourcing of single cask malt whiskies has been completed.

http://www.goldendecanters.com/

CHARLES MACLEAN HANDPICKS COLLECTION OF 30 WHISKIES FOR EDINBURGH BAR

World-renowned whisky expert curates guest whisky list from his personal collection and auction for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s new Kaleidoscope bar

Whisky fans across the country may want to book a trip to Edinburgh as soon as possible with the news that international whisky doyen Charles MacLean has handpicked a guest whisky list of 30 old and rare bottles for the city’s new whisky bar, Kaleidoscope.

The Edinburgh-based whisky specialist and star of 2012’s whisky-inspired film ‘The Angel’s Share’ has curated a guest selection of 30 exceptional whiskies from his personal collection and auction for Kaleidoscope. The bar was recently opened by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society following a £300,000 makeover of its 28 Queen Street venue.

The selection includes 21 Scotch whiskies that MacLean sourced from a whisky auction, including a Dufftown-Glenlivet 12 year old distilled in the 1960s, The Balvenie Founder’s Reserve, distilled in the early 1970s, and a Mortlach ‘Flora & Fauna 16 year old.

A further nine whiskies are drawn from MacLean’s personal collection and around the world, including the Hakushu 18 year old Japanese Single Malt Whisky and the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask from Taiwan, which was named ‘Best New World Single Malt’ in the 2012 World Whisky Awards.

This is the first time that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which bottles single cask single malt whisky, has offered non-Society whiskies alongside its own bottlings at its bar.

Charles MacLean, who has been writing about whisky for 35 years, said, “The Scotch Malt Whisky Society looks at whisky through the lens of flavour, and my idea for this guest selection is to encourage everyone to explore how whisky flavours have evolved over the past decades.

“All of these expressions are discontinued so there are very few places in the world you can taste them, making a visit to Kaleidoscope a unique experience for whisky fans. I recommend a visit soon before all of the drams are gone!”

Charles MacLean’s guest whisky selection is available at Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar, 28 Queen Street Edinburgh, EH2 1JX, 0131 220 2044  

www.smws.com/kaleidoscopebar  

Notes  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club and bottler, which specialises in rare single cask single malt whisky.
• The Society releases a new batch of single cask single malt whiskies every month to provide an ever-changing selection of malts for its members.
• 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 very nature of the single cask means that each bottling offered by the Society is limited.
• Only the very best whiskies are selected and approved for bottling by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.
• The Society offers three levels of membership; Membership Pioneer at £120; Member at £61.50 and a Sample Subscription, which is free. For more details, visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

About Charles MacLean 

• Charles Maclean has been writing about whisky for 35 years and published 15 books on the subject
• He sits on several whisky judging panels including the International Wine & Spirits Competition
• He was a founding editor of Whisky Magazine
• In 2009, he was elected a Master of The Quaich, the whisky industry’s highest accolade

Taking the Arran Waters:

Second release in history-inspired Smugglers’ Series from the Isle of Arran Distillery 

Now in its 21^st year, the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery continues to celebrate the whisky-making heritage of its island home with the highly-anticipated second release in its Smugglers’ Series.

The Smugglers Series’ honours the tradition of the illicit whisky trade that operated from Arran and up the Clyde to Glasgow. Each release is ‘smuggled’ in unique packaging reminiscent of the hiding places used in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Smugglers’ Series Vol. 2 ‘The High Seas’ is presented in packaging that mimics a beautiful hardbound book, complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle.

This dram is a powerful marriage of whisky matured in the finest rum casks with time-honoured peated spirit and a rich layer of first-fill Bourbon barrel adding sweetness and fruit.

The use of rum casks in the maturation process serves as recognition of Arran’s importance, in years gone by, in the trade of diverse, black market liquor. The resulting liquid is complex, full of character and a perfect tribute to these independent characters of Arran.

James MacTaggart, master distiller of the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “Smugglers’ Vol.1 ‘The Illicit Stills’ was a tremendous success, selling out within days.

“There is a real desire for whisky with a story, something the Smugglers’ Series has in abundance.

“As the first legal distillery on the island in over 160 years we draw a great deal of inspiration from Arrans whisky-making heritage and are delighted to be able to share it through this, the second bottling of the Smugglers’ Series.”

The iconic citrus notes of the Arran Malt are at the fore of ‘The High Seas’, mingling with scents evocative of the outdoors, a touch of seaweed and a hint of coastal character. Refreshing hints of sherbet and spearmint lift the warming flavours of Bramley apple and marmalade. A drop of water reveals a layer of sweet honey dew melon and pear drops.

With a subtle smokey finish, this non-chill filtered malt is an Arran dram of true unbridled character, reminiscent of the trade which gave rise to the illustrious reputation of ‘the Arran Waters’.

Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.4% abv, Smugglers’ Series Vol.2 ‘The High Seas’ is a limited edition release of 8,700 bottles worldwide.

It is available online at arranwhisky.com and at specialist whisky retailers.

UK RSP £86.99

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die

Ian Buxton

Published by Headline in hardback on 24th November 2016, priced £13.99

Third edition, fully revised and updated. Witty, focused, practical guide to some of the world’s finest whiskies.

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference. It is not an awards list. It is not a list of the 101 ‘best’ whiskies in the world in the opinion of a self-appointed whisky guru. It is simply a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education.

Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk.

The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. Try them before you die – Slainte!

Ian Buxton

Ian Buxton is a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. He now runs a successful consultancy business. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1991, the highest honour of the Scotch whisky industry, and is a member of the international tasting panel for the annual World Whisky Awards and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

Twitter: @101whiskies

Black Mountain launches new smoky whisky « BM Notes Fumées »

Black Mountain has revealed a new addition to its award-winning range (World Whisky Awards 2015, IWSC 2016). The expression comes in a stylish black painted bottle and sees the French brand go smoky. Well, delicately smoky.

According to Cédric Leprette, co-founder of Black Mountain, such an addition had been made natural and obvious since the very beginning of the adventure: « When we first met with our future consumers, a significant part, although not a majority, of fine whisky enthusiats showed a real interest for peaty/smoky whiskies. Committed to answer their needs in the best possible way, we then went on a quest to find the nectar that would suit their palate. »

The Black Mountain team still attached great importance in remaining true to themselves and stick to the house style, a style that has earned its whiskies many awards since its creation in 2013 : « The biggest challenge for us was not to shift away from our specific aromatic profile, mainly based on fruity and floral notes with a hint of spices. »

BM Notes Fumées appears quite light, floral and fruity with subtle herbal notes, a slightly medicinal profile and some aromas of toasted bread, dried fruits and vanilla. Despite its willingness to create a smokier expression, Cédric Leprette declares that « it wasn’t about offering a whisky meant to compete with the famous peaty beasts of Islay, renowned for this specific aromatic profile, but more creating a pleasant whisky with character, showing both a certain lightness and clear smoky notes that would appeal to smoky-whisky fans and novices alike. »

After some long months of researches and experiments, BM Notes Fumées is finally born from a savvy recipe: « We use our main whisky blend from Scotland, showing a 3-year-old age statement on the certificate but most likely aged for an average of 5/6 years. We then mature it for an extra 12 to 16 months in the heart of Occitania here in Southwestern France within very special casks that used to contain a famous local grape-based spirit (that we can’t tell the name by law). The next step for us is to add two different smoky whiskies in a proportion of 20% following a special allocation enabling us to achieve the desired aromatic profile. Finally, the whisky stays for several further weeks in a 3rd-fill or 4th-fill cask in order to let it blend together perfectly and thus create the most harmonious whisky possible ».

So, why deciding to go smoky instead of peaty ? The reason is pretty simple, with its Selection range, Black Mountain is willing to provide whisky enthusiasts with an idea of the future whiskies distilled in the soon-to-be distillery, still at pre-building stage, and « in France, unlike Scotland and Ireland, peat

bogs are rare and protected as they are fragile natural environments being home to sensitive flora and fauna. They also cannot regenerate. It is therefore completely impossible for us to use French peat and that’s why we chose to go smoky instead of peaty. »

A first release of this new expression will see 3000 bottles put onto the market by the end of the year 2016.

Black Mountain Compagnie

The story of Black Mountain begins in 2011, when 4 passionate friends came up with the idea to use the exceptional waters of a high altitude spring (1000m) located within a natural wonder, the national park of Haut Languedoc, which will be the location of the future distillery, meant to be built by 2018.

Before the distillery starts operating, and with the aim to demonstrate its know-how, the founding team at Black Mountain Compagnie has launched two blended whiskies, finished in the best French spirits casks and named “Black Mountain Selection”.

BM N°1 was named Best European Blended Whisky at the 2015 edition of The World Whiskies Awards.

BM N°2 Received a Silver Medal at the IWSC 2016.

To find out more, please visit www.blackmountain.fr

Victoria Caledonian Distillery: Inaugural Cask Offer

– custom design your own 30L single malt, single cask whisky –

From Graeme Macaloney, Victoria Caledonian Distillery

I am delighted to announce the Victoria Caledonian Distillery is now producing single malt new-make spirit and has a popular 30L custom-designed single malt, cask owners program.

Uniquely, we have great Scottish whisky makers in Dr. Jim Swan and Mike Nicolson, the best pot stills from Forsyths coppersmiths in Scotland, and finest ingredients (incl. oak wood from Spain, Portugal and Kentucky) underscoring the quality of our single malt cask offer. Dr. Swan, said when commissioning our distilling process that:

“your new-make is the best that I have seen in any distillery at this stage, super fruity”.

Truly a great compliment from the man behind the World Whisky Awards Best Single Malt Whisky of 2015. Thanks also to Mike Nicolson’s expertise as a 3rd generation master distiller having worked in 18 Scotch whisky distilleries, our new-make is super-fruity, surprisingly smooth, with a clean, mouth-watering malt base.

As you design your own cask(s) of whisky from our choice of 10 oak wood casks and 5 different new-make spirits (unpeated, light peated, medium peated, heavy peated single malt, and Irish-style pot still whisky), with input and support from Andrew Campbell Walls, our Scottish level III WSET whisky Sommelier, we are confident that the resulting whisky will be top quality. This is underscored by the fact that you are buying a 30L portion of a 200L – 500L cask, the remainder of which will be bottled and sold by our distillery as special expressions.

R to L: 3rd generation Scotch Master Distiller Mike Nicolson, world award winning Scottish wood maturation expert Dr. Jim Swan, and Founder/fermentation engineer, Scotsman Dr. Graeme Macaloney.

We have carefully designed the cask offering to be a fun, interactive experience all the way from designing your cask with Andrew from your choice 5 new-make spirits and 10 oak-wood options, to distillery visits to track your spirit’s progress, to bottling parties and ultimately a bottle / case swapping party where you might exchange your whisky with other cask owners you may have coordinated with!

We have carefully designed the cask offering to be a fun, interactive experience all the way from designing your cask with Andrew from your choice 5 new-make spirits and 10 oak-wood options, to distillery visits to track your spirit’s progress, to bottling parties and ultimately a bottle / case swapping party where you might exchange your whisky with other cask owners you may have coordinated with!

R to L: 3rd generation Scotch Master Distiller Mike Nicolson, world award winning Scottish wood maturation expert Dr. Jim Swan, and Founder/fermentation engineer, Scotsman Dr. Graeme Macaloney.

Caley Academy.

For those who purchase 4 casks, we have a special reward program such that you will be eligible to attend our 5 day exclusive Caledonian Academy at no extra cost (due to its exclusivity, the Caley Academy is restricted to one person per 4 casks). This academy carries a value of $1,500 and is not open to the public but reserved for distillery investors and cask owners, and select ‘trade’ people.

Curriculum:

* Theory 101 (mornings): malting, brewing, distilling, maturation;
* Practical hands-on (afternoons, depending on production schedule): Turning the malt floor, milling the grist, mashing for wort, extracting the hops, fermenting, cutting the spirit, filling casks;
* ‘Quality control tastings’: valinch cask sampling, tutored tastings (beers & whiskies), blending
* Graduation party: Caley Academy Diploma presentation.

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