The Chicago Independent Spirits Expo Returns for a 6^th year on

September 21st, 2016 at the Chicago Hilton Hotel

　For the 6th　year, the world largest gathering of small, independent & artisanal brands will converge on Chicago, much to the delight of spirits enthusiasts everywhere.　　What started out as just three small brands conducting a tasting in a bar in New York City over 10 years ago has now grown to become one of the most anticipated underground spirit tastings on the planet.　　The brainchild of Dave Schmier, former owner of Redemption Rye & Temptation Bourbon whiskey brands, and Martin C. Duffy, U.S. Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal and former Sr. Masters of Whisky for Diageo, the Indie Spirit Expos has taken place in San Francisco, New York City, Las Vegas and New Orleans (during the fabled Tales of the Cocktail week).　　Now the Windy City hosts the grandest of them all!

The CISE provides members of the service industry as well as consumers an opportunity to meet the new wave of creative & innovated distillers, bottlers, importers and distributors as they sample & speak about their spirits. Attendees will be able to chose from over 500 spirits within the major liquor categories of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, mescal, whisk(e)y, liqueurs and even drink mixers from around the world.

According to Mr. Schmier, “The Chicago Indie Spirits Expo is a direct response to both the growing interest in craft spirits among consumers and the growth of craft distillers and other spirits entrepreneurs.” Co-producer Martin Duffy, after experiencing Schmier’s New York event in 2011, convinced his friend to bring the Expo to City of Big Shoulders. “Chicago has always been a progressive drinking town, so it only seemed logical to bring this event here and make it the biggest and best event of its kind”, said Duffy.　　”Plus, it is a great chance to highlight the best of the Midwest’s own burgeoning distilling community.”

The 2014 Chicago Independent Spirits Expo will feature over 130 exhibitors sampling over 500 different artisanal and independent spirits from all over the world (The USA, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, France, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) to over 1200 key bartenders, F&B managers, bar owners, distributors, importers, retailers and spirit aficionados coming from all over the North America and beyond.

Just a sample of the brands that were showcased at last year’s event:

• Anchor Distilling
• Bar Napkin Spirits, LLC
• Bardstown Barrel Selections, Inc
• Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur
• Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
• Cauldron Beverage Company LLC
• CH Distillery
• Chicago Distilling Company
• Clement USA Inc.
• Compass Box Whisky
• Conecuh Ridge Distillery
• Copper Fiddle Distillery
• Corsair Artisan, LLC
• Craft Distillers
• Davos Brands
• DC Craft Spirits
• Death’s Door Spirits
• Denizen Rum
• Dry Fly Distilling Inc
• Dutch’s Spirits
• Epic Wines and Spirits
• Few Spirits
• Fox River Distilling Co.
• Frederick Wildman and Sons
• Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch
• Global Beverage Team, LLC
• Grand River Spirits
• Great Lakes Distillery
• Greenbar Craft Distillery
• Haus Alpenz
• High West Distillery
• HPS Epicurean
• Infinium Spirits
• Journeyman Distillery
• KOVAL Distillery
• Letherbee
• Mississippi River Distilling Company
• New Holland Brewing & Artisan Spirits
• North Shore Distillery
• Oppidan Spirits
• Parce Rum
• Purely Syrup
• Quincy Street Distillery
• Rhine Hall
• Scorpion Mezcal
• SoulBoxer Cocktail Co.
• St. George Spirits
• St. Louis Distillery, LLC
• Stumpy’s Spirits
• Tailwinds Distilling Company
• The Noble Experiment NYC
• Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.
• Wyoming Whiskey Inc.

THE INDUSTRY ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

A feature unique to the Chicago Indie Spirits Expo from the other ISEs is the addition of The industry roundtable Discussions. Held the afternoon of the Expo in The Buckingham Room of the Chicago Hilton Hotel & Tower, the industry round table discussion (12 noon to 2pm) is a select panel of spirit producers, retailers, distributors and others from various levels of the spirits industry who discuss the current trends, topics, opportunities and challenges that face small spirits brands in the current market place.　　These round table discussions are open only to VIP ticket holders, exhibitors and media.

This year’s panel will include:

• Monique Huston –Director of Spirits, Winebow
• Brett Pontoni – Spirits Buyer, Binny’s Beverage Depot
• Toby Beall – Distillery owner, Tailwinds Distillery
• Paul Hletko – Distillery owner, FEW Spirits & President of the ACSA
• Matt Blaum – Distillery owner, Blaum Bros. Distillery & President of the ICDA
• Bill Welter – Distillery owner, Journeyman Distillery
• Scott Winters – Importer, American Spirits Exchange
• Dave Schmier – Brand Owner, Deadwood Rye
• Danny Shapiro – Bar owner/Mixologist, Scofflaw & Slippery Slope
• Winston Churchill Edwards-Brand Ambassador, Balcones Distillery
• Aaron Zacharias – Bar Owner, Fountainhead Chicago, The Northman, Bar On Buena
• Brian Christensen – Editor of Artisan Spirits Magazine
• Guest Moderator: Emily Pennington Hood – Editor of Wine & Spirits Daily

FOR TICKETS　~　

Tickets for the Chicago Independent Spirits Expo include two options:

VIP ticket ~ $85.00 ~ allows access to the round table discussions, seminars plus early admission to the tasting session at 4:30pm.

General Admission ticket ~$65.00 ~ grants you entry to the tasting session from 6:30pm to close at 9:00pm.

A portion of all ticket sales will go to our charitable partner.

Purchase Tickets here ~　https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-chicago-indie-spirits-expo-tickets-24260637219

For press & media passes, please contact the organizers at indiepspirit@gmail.com.

For online Exhibitor Registration – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-chicago-indies-spirits-expo-exhibitor-registration-tickets-23597446598

Please visit our Facebook event page for updated brand listings, satellite events and to contact the organizers ~

https://www.facebook.com/events/218657131828661/

Five IWSC gold medals for Highland Distillery

Glenmorangie has been honoured with five gold medals in a renowned industry competition. Glenmorangie Original, the hallmark expression of the Scottish Highland Distillery’s elegant floral spirit, achieved a prestigious gold award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) alongside four more of Glenmorangie’s innovative whiskies and a limited-edition expression from Ardbeg.

Glenmorangie Original, the backbone of the Distillery’s range, was praised by the competition judges as a “remarkably easy drinking whisky”. They complimented its “delicate nose of poached pear, vanilla and polished gold” and its “wonderfully relaxed palate”. Glenmorangie’s extra-matured range also shone at the awards, with Glenmorangie Lasanta’s finish of “pure Christmas cake and brandy butter” and Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban’s nose of “stewed plums and rich velvet” rewarded with gold medals. Glenmorangie 25 Years Old and Glenmorangie A Midwinter Night’s Dram also won gold at the IWSC.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg, the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky, received a gold medal for Ardbeg Dark Cove – the Distillery’s 2016 limited edition. For the judges, the expression conjured up a succulent vision of “eating jam roly-poly on a field…in the late autumn heat, with a peat fire…in the background.”

Now in its 47th year, the IWSC receives entries from almost 90 countries worldwide and is renowned for rewarding excellence and recognising quality. Its distinguished judging panel includes master blenders, whisky writers and wine and spirits buyers from across the industry.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, said: “Glenmorangie has been distilled in the same uncompromising way since 1843 – and these gold medals are a testament to the Distillery’s pioneering spirit and long tradition of excellence. We are delighted that the floral elegance of Glenmorangie Original, the backbone of all our whiskies, has achieved recognition once more, alongside a further four of Glenmorangie’s exceptional expressions. We are, of course, equally proud of the accolade awarded to Ardbeg Dark Cove.”

Ewan Lacey, managing director of the IWSC said: “2016 has been a bumper year for the IWSC, where we saw a 17% increase in spirit entries, but fewer gold medals than previous years. This demonstrates what an amazing achievement has been made by The Glenmorangie Company, which has scooped five gold medals for Glenmorangie – and a total of six overall.”

The Macallan brings the triple cask matured Fine Oak Range to South Africa 

The Macallan presents two new expressions to the SA market, Fine Oak 12 and 18, and brings back a favourite; Fine Oak 15

The Macallan, one of the world’s greatest single malt whiskies, will be launching the triple cask matured Fine Oak Range in SA. A firm favourite: Fine Oak 15 will be re-introduced, and two new expressions will also be rolled out over the coming months, Fine Oak 12 and the 18.

The Fine Oak range is triple cask matured in a combination of European oak sherry casks, American oak sherry seasoned casks and American bourbon casks, delivering a more diverse yet subtle style of whisky, whilst maintaining The Macallan’s core DNA which is a focus on sherry seasoned oak casks, natural colour, and rich, fruity full bodied flavours and mouth feel.

To craft Fine Oak, we bring new oak from America across thousands of miles to Spain, where oak casks are crafted and sherry seasoned before traveling to our distillery on Speyside to mature for twelve years. These whiskies are then combined with those aged in the very best sherry seasoned European oak casks and American Bourbon casks. This approach reveals an unmatched investment in time and extraordinary commitment to mastery for which The Macallan has been known since 1824

Bob Dalgarno, Master Whisky Maker explains, “The Macallan Fine Oak requires a distinctive approach to whisky making.  Being created from a triple cask combination, both sherry and bourbon seasoned, we are working with a broader spectrum of character.  The resulting versatile single malt which offers up great flavour diversity.”

The Fine Oak range will sit alongside The Macallan 1824 Masters Series which is available in SA, including Rare Cask, Reflexion, No.6 and M, – which now offers The Macallan fan a wider choice of whiskies from the portfolio.

“The Macallan Fine Oak Range is an extraordinary range of whiskies which bare testament to the incredible wood story of The Macallan, reintroducing this range into the South African market at a time where malt whisky demand and interest is at its highest is an exciting transition for The Macallan brand. This represents our ambition to translate our ultimate luxury spirit positioning and obsession with craft and quality to produce a peerless spirit, in one of the world’s most exciting malt whisky markets” commented Mac Mabidilala, Africa Marketing Manager

Commenting at the launch of The Macallan Fine Oak range, whisky expert Jim Murray said: “The breadth and depth and sophistication of The Macallan Fine Oak range is simply jaw-droppingly good.” 

The Macallan Fine Oak Range is available from selected liquor stores and online retailers (RRP for 12 starts from R599, 15 – R999 and 18 from R2500 (Limited stock))

What makes the Fine Oak Range exceptional?

The American oak casks are crafted from timber sourced in the woodlands of Ohio, Tennessee and Missouri and are logged by third generation woodsmen, who are personally selected by The Macallan’s own Master of Wood. Some of these casks will mature bourbon in humid Kentucky warehouses for three years before the long journey to Scotland whilst others will be transported to Jerez, in Spain, to be filled with sherry.

The addition of American oak bourbon seasoned barrels imparts aromas and flavours slightly drier and more oaky than the American oak sherry casks, with more pronounced aromas and flavours of coconut, but still with the lighter colour and sweetness associated with American oak.

The European oak sherry casks begin life in the dense, sustainable forests of Northern Spain and each cask is handcrafted in the cooperages of Jerez where they are fired to ensure the spirit penetrates deep into the wood. These casks will then be seasoned with sherry for a minimum of two years before being transported to The Macallan Distillery in Speyside for filling with new make spirit. 

The Story of The Macallan 

The Six Pillars are the foundation stones for the fame and character of The Macallan. They encompass the strong sense of place at the heart of the distillery and the estate, together with their long experience of distilling and maturing a single malt whisky with a reputation for product excellence and distinctive character. These, in combination, contribute to the essential character of The Macallan.

• Spiritual Home; Easter Elchies House, built in 1700, lies at the heart of The Macallan estate in an area of great natural beauty and is farmed sensitively, in harmony with the environment. The estate covers 390 acres (158 hectares), of which some 90 acres are sown in the spring with our own exclusive barley variety (Minstrel) to make The Macallan. A single acre will produce nearly two and a half tons of barley, which will yield around 1,800 bottles of The Macallan.
• Curiously Small Stills; The Macallan’s curiously small spirit stills are the smallest on Speyside. Their unique size and shape give the spirit maximum contact with the copper, helping to concentrate the ‘new make’ spirit and provide those rich, fruity, full-bodied flavours so characteristic of The Macallan. There are fourteen of these curiously small stills, crafted from copper, each holding an initial ‘charge’ of 3,900 litres.
• Finest Cut; The Macallan takes only 16% of the final distillation from the spirit stills to fill into their oak casks. This is the best of the best and one of the smallest in the industry.
• Exceptional Oak Casks; The Macallan spends more on sourcing, building, seasoning and caring for its casks than any other single malt whisky.
• Natural Colour; the rich range of colours in The Macallan whiskies is drawn only from the wood of their exceptional oak casks
• The Macallan itself; From humble beginnings in 1824, The Macallan has grown from a small local enterprise to global recognition, based on a constant and determined attention to quality – one of the world’s greatest whiskies. 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars.  An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House at its heart, a Highland Manor built in 1700.

http://www.themacallan.com/

GORDON & MACPHAIL CONNOISSEURS CHOICE WINS GOLD MEDAL

Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Tomatin 1997 has scooped a gold medal at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition, with Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Caol Ila 2004 also being awarded a silver medal.

Judges at the competition, which received entries from 30 different countries across the world, presented Connoisseurs Choice Tomatin 1997 with a gold medal after tasting how the oak, fresh coconut and rapeseed oil on the nose gave way to flavours of vanilla, mixed with elements of oak spice, with a smooth, cracked black pepper finish.

The medals come hot on the heels of Connoisseurs Choice Glen Elgin 1998 winning a silver award in the ‘Speyside single malt aged 13-18 years’ category at the International Spirits Challenge, and being ‘Recommended’ by leading industry platform Whisky Magazine, and Connoisseurs Choice Strathmill 2000 singled out as the best ‘Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years (Multiple Casks)’ in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible Liquid Gold awards.

Recognised by experts across the industry, the Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice range offers consumers the chance to sample rare and sought after single malt whisky from distilleries throughout Scotland.

Since taking the unprecedented step of launching Connoisseurs Choice in the 1960s, leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has been focused on providing exclusive, high quality whiskies which can be enjoyed by both those who are new to the world of single malts, and specialists alike.

Stephen Rankin, Director and a member of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family, the owners of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “An opportunity to enjoy unique whiskies, which otherwise would not be available to purchase, our Connoisseurs Choice range offers consumers the chance to experience something special. Long revered by both consumers and the whisky industry, it is fantastic to see not one but three of the whiskies in the range being recognised by leading spirits authorities.

“These recent accolades, alongside the various awards won throughout the past year, are testament to our dedication to providing whisky lovers across the world with top quality products which are lovingly nurtured by experts in their field.”

For further information on Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice please visit the Gordon & MacPhail website at http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/.

Notes

About Gordon & MacPhail

• Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.
• Since its founding, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.
• Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.
• In 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75-Year-Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

NEW EDINBURGH BAR OFFERS EVER-CHANGING SPECTRUM OF whisky FLAVOURS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society unveils Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar at its 28 Queen Street venue following massive makeover

Whisky fans in Edinburgh and visiting single malt lovers from all over the world are in for a treat this August with the news that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has launched Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar, as part of a major refurbishment of its 28 Queen Street venue.

Kaleidoscope, which opened its doors on 1^st August, will be Edinburgh’s ultimate whisky destination, welcoming everyone from novices to connoisseurs, and locals and international visitors, to explore its ever-changing spectrum of whisky flavours. More than 200 rare single malt whiskies and other spirits are available at the bar each month, with the selection changing regularly throughout the year.

The £300,000 project saw the whole venue, which was first opened in 2004, transformed with a striking new look combining classic features with contemporary design created by Surface ID, the Glasgow designers behind renowned venues such as Stravaigan, Left Bank and Grosvenor Café.

The Society uniquely releases a new selection of its rare single cask single malt whiskies every month, providing Kaleidoscope with a constantly changing menu of choices to explore. A limited range of extremely rare proprietary whiskies carefully selected for the SMWS by a special guest curator will also be available at the bar.

In addition to the whiskies, the bar offers classic whisky cocktails with a Society twist, beers partners Paolozzi Edinburgh Beer Factory and Alechemy, and a range of bar food including sharing platters, a grill section and pairings with whisky.

As part of the refurbishment project, Kaleidoscope takes pride of place on the ground floor of the Georgian townhouse venue at 28 Queen Street, visible and accessible from street level.

The Dining Room restaurant, previously on the ground floor, moves upstairs to the first floor. It has been expanded and features a bespoke Charles Heidsieck champagne table, a unique experience in Edinburgh, which offers diners a 5-course meal matched with Charles Heidsieck champagnes.

A large unique piece of artwork representing the Society’s single cask ethos adorns the main wall in the Dining Room – the 1.5m work which is made from whisky barrels and holds around 220 Society bottles, was designed by Scott Associates.

In addition to the new bar, the Society has also unveiled a number of other changes including a shop selling over 100 bottles of its whisky, and, on the top floor, two new private lounges exclusively for its members.

Jan Damen, Operations Director for the Society, said: “Transforming our venue with this top-to-toe makeover and opening our new Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar is a hugely exciting step in the history of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

“Kaleidoscope is open to all types of visitors, from local whisky fans to international visitors who are just starting out on their whisky journey. The Society is all about exploring the spectrum of flavours within the whisky category and we’ll have one of the biggest selections of rare single malt whisky in the country. More importantly, our selection will change constantly as we release new whiskies each month, providing guests with new flavours of whisky to discover each time they visit.”

The Society will host a free open house event on 5^th August – https://www.smws.com/qs-open-house 

More information: 

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh

https://www.smws.com/qs-open-house

@SMWSUK

#SMWSkaleidoscope

Notes:  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society  

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society releases new whiskies each month
•  The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year from a range of more than 132 distilleries. The very nature of the single cask means that each bottling offered by the Society is limited.
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members around the world with branches in 19 countries.
• Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.
• Exclusive Members’ Rooms are located in Edinburgh and London for tastings, dinners, meeting and presentations.
• Annual renewal after the first year is £61.50
• For more information, visit www.smws.com

Fringe Benefits

Probably Scotland’s smallest distillery will be exhibiting its malt spirit range at The Whisky Fringe 2016

For the first time in its three-year history, probably Scotland’s smallest distillery, Strathearn, will be attending The Whisky Fringe, in its own right, at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh from 12-14^th August 2016.

Having earned a reputation producing top-quality gins, Strathearn are no strangers to creative distilling; however, their classic Scotch is nearing full maturation. For the last few years, they have been maturing their whisky in oak casks and in December, it will reach three years old – the minimum age to be considered Scotch whisky – so purists will have to wait until then to sample it.

Visitors at the Whisky Fringe will be able to taste limited batch Uisge Beathas and learn about the history of Strathearn and its whisky development. This is the Gaelic phrase meaning ‘Water of Life’ and believed to be where the word ‘whisky’ originated. These spirits will reflect the innovative approach to distilling that Strathearn employs because none of them have been near an oak cask, but instead have been aged in cherry, mulberry, chestnut and other casks. Pre-Great War whiskies recreated.

Tony Reeman-Clark, Founder of Strathearn Distillery said:

“Strathearn is the first of a new generation of small distilleries to bring its single malt single cask whisky to market. The Whisky Fringe 2016 provides the perfect opportunity to start the countdown to our third birthday on 23^rd August and the soon to be released 100 bottles.”

The Whisky Fringe is an annual event celebrating this Scottish spirit hosted by Royal Mile Whiskies with the stunning backdrop of the Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh. There will be 26 exhibitors with over 200 whiskies to try each day.

Notes 

• Strathearn Distillery was established in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark who has a passion for whisky and small scale distilling.  Production began in the October of 2013, with their first cask being filled with Strathearn new-make spirit. After three years of maturation, the first Scotch Whisky will be released before the end of this year.  Strathearn also produces a range of highly acclaimed Scottish gins, experimenting with innovative production techniques and flavour profiles.
• Working on a single cask, single malt basis allows Strathearn to experiment with different wood types and finishes, as well as appreciating the natural variations that occur throughout spirit production, influenced by the climate and ingredients used.

EDINBURGH Psychologist CREATES TEST TO PREDICT the PERFECT WHISKY FOR YOUR PERSONALITY 

Dr Adam Moore and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society launch ‘Flavour Behaviour’ test after six-month international scientific study

How does your personality determine what flavours you prefer? And is there a way to predict the perfect whisky flavour for someone? Those are the questions Dr Adam Moore and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) are seeking to answer with the launch of their ‘Flavour Behaviour Test’.

The psychometric test (http://www.flavourbehaviour.com/), which matches personality types to flavours of whisky, is the result of a six-month international scientific study carried out by Dr Moore, a psychologist and research scientist based at the University of Edinburgh*, and the SMWS.

To create the predictive test, Dr Moore and the SMWS conducted quantative research with more than 300 volunteers at tasting events in Edinburgh, London, Islay, Washington D.C., Vancouver and Melbourne.

Each volunteer answered a personality test measuring the ‘Big 5’ personality dimensions (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism). They then rated the 12 core flavours found in whisky by the experts at the SMWS such as sweet, fruity & mellow; light & delicate; juicy, oak & vanilla; oily & coastal; and heavily peated.

Dr Moore analysed the data from the test events and discovered some fascinating correlations between personality and flavour preferences. He used these findings to create an algorithm that analyses answers to the Flavour Behaviour questionnaire to predict which whisky flavours are suited to different personality types.

Dr Adam Moore said: “This has been a particularly exciting research study to be involved in as taste is the least understood of our senses, and this is the first project I’m aware of that has investigated the links between personality traits and preferences for whisky flavours.

“Together with the Society, we’ve used decision-making science and psychometric techniques to gather data from research events around the world to create this test, which we hope will help people to find the perfect whisky for them. These are early stages for this kind of research, but it’s fascinating to think where this type of study could lead for both how food and drink producers make goods and how consumers choose them.”

Helen Stewart, Senior Brand Manager at the SMWS, said: “At the Society, we explore the kaleidoscope of flavours in the whisky spectrum, rather than follow the traditional notions of whisky regions or distillery brands.

“We believe there is a perfect whisky flavour out there for everyone. The Flavour Behaviour Test is a fun and scientifically researched way to help with that search for the perfect dram – from novices struggling to find a whisky flavour they like among all the different varieties, or aficionados looking for inspiration for new whisky flavours to try.” 

Take the Flavour Behaviour test at www.Flavourbehaviour.com

@SMWSUK

#Flavourbehaviour

*Project not in official association with the University of Edinburgh

Tickets to Flavour Behaviour events during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 28 Queen Street available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/project-flavour-behaviour-personality-test

ARRAN’S INDEPENDENT SPIRIT INSPIRES THE FUTURE OF WHISKY

The Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. is toasting impressive annual results with 2015 showing a 25% growth in net profit. In a market perceived to have stalled, the results offer a more positive view of the category and a reflection of changing market dynamics.

Driven by a 16% growth in brand sales and increased visitor numbers to Lochranza, the results, which will be filed with Companies House in the next few days, are the latest in a succession of healthy profits reported over the last six years with a 130% increase since 2010.

A consistent and considered export strategy has also led to another year of impressive growth across over 45 markets. For the industry as whole, exports are under pressure with a 2.4% downturn. Arran, however is flourishing with export representing 61% of total turnover in 2015. While France remained a core market, the tough US market made up 9% exports with rising star Taiwan contributing 7% of total overseas sales.

Despite an apparent struggle within the Scotch whisky industry to grow sales in such an established sector, Arran believe that its results represent a shift within the category and proof of the sustainability of their business model.

Euan Mitchell, managing director, commented: “We are delighted with the results which renew our dedication to creating quality whisky with a story to tell. There is an undeniable consumer desire for authenticity, something which we can deliver as an independently owned Scottish business. In contrast, three quarters of Scottish distilleries are in the hands of international businesses.

“Our success shows that it is not only possible to survive in a challenging market, but to thrive. While the larger companies might be struggling, and that prompts a negative tone, we believe that the future for whisky is very promising.

Currently celebrating its 21^st Anniversary, the distillery continues with a programme of ongoing investment. A new blending and tasting building was constructed in 2016 to welcome distributors from around the world and increase the focus on export sales. Planning permission has also been submitted for a new distillery site and visitor centre on the south of the island at Lagg.

With visitor numbers to the distillery at Lochranza up to 85,000 (from 66,000 in 2014), the new centre will accommodate this increase in whisky tourism as well as increasing capacity to meet the rising demand for the Arran Malt.

Euan Mitchell concluded: “As we toast our 21^st anniversary, we remain very buoyant about future prospects and confident that our success represents a positive outlook for Scotch whisky.”

Notes:

For more information visit 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.

J. & G. Grant are delighted to announce the arrival of the Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V, which takes its place as the fifth limited edition bottling from the Family Collector Series. This expression represents the 5^th generation of the Grant family and current chairman of the distillery, John L. S Grant.

Previous Family Collector editions have spanned the generations and included vintage stocks from Fino Sherry Casks, first fill Oloroso Sherry Casks and Port Casks. The fifth addition now includes a vatting of specially selected refill Sherry Butts, adding a lighter sherry influence to this unique family collection. A small batch production of 1,094 bottles at 53.8% are to be rolled out to international markets next month.

Both John L. S Grant and his father, George S. Grant, would have watched over the filling of these casks in the 1980s. This was a significant time period in the history of the Scotch whisky industry, and also for Glenfarclas. Due to a steady over-production of whisky and falling demand many distilleries were closed, moth-balled or cut back production.

Despite these tough circumstances, in 1984, the Grant’s decided to do the exact opposite and increase production. Their decision was straightforward – “where was all the mature stock going to come from in a few years’ time?” A combination of risk taking and visionary genius, today the Grant family proudly introduce this 1986 vintage, released 30 years after its creation as a treasured collector’s edition.

Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257
Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234
Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK

BENROMACH REVEALS NEW DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE 

A new Distillery Exclusive has been released by the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd, and is available exclusively at the distillery’s visitor centre.

Only 238 bottles are available and, with visitor numbers continuing to rise after the distillery’s recent refurbishment and upgrade, the team at Benromach is advising customers not to wait too long before picking up a bottle.

The first Distillery Exclusive was launched to coincide with the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April. Only 240 bottles of the whisky were available and it sold out within seven weeks.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2016, this Distillery Exclusive is likely to prove as popular as the first release with whisky aficionados across the world. The golden whisky, cask number 757, has a sweet vanilla scent followed by a balance of tropical fruit, cocoa powder and peat smoke aromas. Its smooth but spicy flavour exudes sweet bursts of banana, mango and passionfruit, complemented by bonfire embers, leading to a smoky edge.

Benromach Distillery, based on the outskirts of Forres, was revived by the Urquhart family of Gordon & MacPhail and re-opened in 1998. Since then its handcrafted whisky has grown in popularity around the world with whisky fans keen to enjoy a classic Speyside malt that draws its influence from the Speyside whiskies of the pre 1960s.

The growth of the brand has led to expansion at the distillery, including new warehouses and a larger team. The four-star visitor centre at Benromach Distillery, open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings, has recently upgraded its facilities. There are now three new tasting rooms for visitors to experience, while Benromach House – the old distillery manager’s house – has also been renovated to hold a new tasting room.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “The first Benromach Distillery Exclusive, a first fill bourbon barrel, has been thoroughly enjoyed by whisky lovers across the world.

“We’re sure the new Distillery Exclusive will be a similar success and the new facilities at the distillery certainly provide a wonderful setting for us to introduce this whisky, and the other products in our range.

“It’s a very busy and exciting time for us all here at Benromach Distillery.”

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

RRP – £90 

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.