Old Pulteney returns to Liverpool Food and Drink Festival with local Chef Aiden Byrne

Following their successful debut at the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival in 2015, Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky and leading local chef Aiden Byrne have teamed up again to bring fine drams and delicious food pairings to this year’s event (17th – 18th September).

‘The Old Pulteney Drifter’, the whisky’s hand-crafted, boat-shaped bar featuring original nautical details and an eye-catching sail-like canopy, will be anchored at Sefton Park throughout the festival. It pays homage to the award-winning whisky’s home in Wick on the rugged north coast of Scotland where Pulteney Distillery was founded in 1826 during the town’s historic herring boom.

Old Pulteney has had an exciting year with appearances at a number of food festivals and special events around the North of England. Aiden, who is chef and owner of The Church Green British Grill in Lymm and Chef Patron at Manchester House, is an Old Pulteney brand ambassador, on a mission to give food lovers a fresh taste of malt whisky and to pioneer whisky and food pairing.

Aiden began 2016 with a visit to the Pulteney Distillery to immerse himself in the rich maritime heritage and traditional crafting of the whisky, enjoying a personal masterclass with Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke. Inspired by its distinctive flavours and faint hint of the sea, Aiden has devised a selection of Old Pulteney-inspired food pairings. He will be educating festival visitors on how to bring together the perfect combination of complementary flavours during his appearance at the Old Pulteney Drifter on Sunday 18^th September from 2 – 4pm.

Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney commented: ‘We really enjoyed our last trip to Liverpool, we found that Festival visitors were keen to learn more about Scotch malt whisky and to sample our collection. It’s a huge asset for us to be able to work alongside as talented and passionate a chef as Aiden. Pairing food and whisky is a relatively new idea and he has taken our challenge and created some wonderful and creative dishes which we’re all looking forward to sharing with Festival guests over the weekend.’

Aiden Byrne added: ‘Since starting to work with Old Pulteney at last year’s Liverpool Food and Drink Festival, we have developed a partnership that has been fascinating for both parties. I love working with the delicious, complex and slightly salty flavours of the various Old Pulteney malts and developing flavour pairings has become something of a passion for me. Having the chance to introduce so many people to the taste of malt whisky and the foods that it can pair with has also been very rewarding.’

At this year’s Festival, Aiden will be preparing a special food pairing for Old Pulteney 12 Year Old – a nori rice cracker with cured salmon and seaweed salad. ‘ The citrusy and salty back notes in the 12 year old are complemented perfectly by the seaweed, citrus fruits and small bursts of seafood from the salmon caviar’, he commented.

The Liverpool Food and Drink Festival takes place on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th September 2016 at Sefton Park, Liverpool. The Old Pulteney Drifter Bar will be on site in Zone B throughout the Festival. Aiden Byrne will appear at the Old Pulteney Drifter Bar on Sunday the 18^th of September from 2 – 4pm. 

www.oldpulteney.com / @OldPulteneyMalt

http://www.liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk 

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as ‘The Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Earlier this year Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage was crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Aiden Byrne

Aiden Byrne was raised in Kirkby in Merseyside and comes from a humble background. Excelling in Home Economics at school, Aiden spent his college summer holidays working for free at the Stanneylands Hotel in Cheshire and decided to embark on a career as a chef.

After a spell at London’s Royal Garden Hotel he left to join Adlards Restaurant in Norwich. Aiden was made Head Chef by the tender age of 22 and his cuisine helped to win back Adlards’ Michelin Star. He went on to work at a number of Michelin-Starred establishments in England and Ireland including The Oak Room and Orangery Restaurants, The Commons Restaurant and Tom Aikens where he was Head Chef. Aiden had previously worked with Tom Aikens at Pied à Terre restaurant and cites him as one of his mentors. After parting ways with Tom, Aiden went on to work at Danesfield House Hotel before joining The Dorchester as Head Chef of The Grill Room in London. His first book, Made in Great Britain, was released in September 2008.

A Northern boy at heart, Aiden and his wife yearned to be closer to home and in 2008 purchased the Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire. After converting the local pub into “The British Grill” the couple won the AA restaurant of the year award in 2012. In 2013, Aiden opened Manchester House with Living Ventures. A passion project for Byrne, Manchester House has won him both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. This autumn Aiden appeared on new BBC programme Yes Chef, which saw 16 chefs mentor amateur home cooks to do battle in the kitchen. A new book based around the recipes and ethos of Manchester House will be published this winter.

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky welcomes European exclusive, Stack to Peaty Collection 

Premium Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, anCnoc has announced a brand new regional exclusive will join its Peaty Collection at Whisky Live Paris on 24^th September – a full-bodied, long-lasting smoky expression named Stack.

With just 6,000 bottles being produced, anCnoc’s limited edition will be released exclusively in Western and Eastern Europe before becoming available in Scandinavia from 21^st October.

Stack joins sister expressions Peatlands, Tushkar, Rutter, Flaughter, Cutter and Rascan in the award winning range carrying the names of traditional peat cutting tools, referencing the heritage within whisky making and bringing it into the modern day. The term ‘stack’ refers to the last step in the gathering process, where the peat blocks are stored together to dry ahead of being burnt.

The liquid, which is pale gold in appearance, introduced by an initial smoky aroma, is gently pierced by accents of lemons and oranges.  This citrus sharpness, so typical of anCnoc, slowly gives way to the softer sweetness of honey and vanilla. Earthy peat smoke is overlaid with dark chocolate while green apples complement this with a fruity tang.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the Knockdhu distillery is on the doorstep of a region rich in peat which is combined with the clear, spring water from nearby Knock Hill to create the distinctive base for all anCnoc’s peaty expressions. Matured for more than 10 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Stack has a full-bodied smoky finish owing to its phenol content of 20 ppm.

anCnoc brand manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We’re excited for the release of Stack as it complements the existing collection perfectly. Whilst Peaty connoisseurs will revel in its smooth smoky notes, we would encourage all whisky connoisseurs looking for something different to explore this beautifully crafted expression.”  

Stack follows the distinctive anCnoc Peaty style, packaged in green glass reflecting the look and feel of Peaty whiskies whilst using contemporary label designs to depict the distillery and its surroundings.Stack joins the Peaty Collection at a price point of £52 for 70cl and will begin to appear on shelves from 24^th September 2016.

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

About International Beverage 

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

• Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
• Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

The Sazerac Company acquires The Last Drop Distillers

Sept 6, 2016: The world’s most exclusive spirits brand, The Last Drop Distillers Limited, is today announcing its acquisition by Sazerac – one of the world’s top selling global spirits brands, and one of New Orleans’ oldest family-owned, privately-held companies.

The investment that will be injected into the craft spirits brand through the acquisition will accelerate its ambitious growth plans whilst also allowing the existing Last Drop Distillers team to continue to run the business autonomously, with the small, personal operation remaining intact.

The Sazerac Company portfolio includes a range of global spirits brands: this acquisition will allow the company to extend its portfolio into the super-premium, craft market as well as expand its European footprint.

The Last Drop Distillers is a family-run company dedicated to discovering and bottling some of the most exclusive spirits in the world. Spirits pioneers James Espey and Tom Jago founded the company in 2008 after long and successful careers in the industry. Between them they created some of the world’s best-loved spirits brands, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, The Classic Malts, and, with Malibu and Baileys Irish Cream, two of the most original and successful new drinks categories in the world. Today, the company is run by their two daughters, Beanie Espey and Rebecca Jago.

The Last Drop Distillers story is now at an important stage. Having established its brand and business model, the company is looking towards accelerated growth as global demand for luxury goods continues to rise. This was recently acknowledged by the appointment of the former CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Mike Keiller, as a Board Director.

Mark Brown, president and CEO of The Sazerac Company said: “We are very excited to be partnering with such industry legends as Tom and James.  Equally, we are looking forward to working alongside their daughters Rebecca and Beanie as well as the rest of The Last Drop Distillers team in bringing some of the rarest spirits available to the global consumer market.  As a family owned company we fully appreciate the value of a small, engaged and passionate team in a venture such as The Last Drop Distillers and look forward to continuing the excellent progress the business has made since its inception.”

James Espey, Co-Founder and Chairman of The Last Drop Distillers said: “This acquisition marks the next stage of The Last Drop Distillers story that will see us take the brand into the next phase, while retaining and building on our core values of exclusivity, craft and excellence. The existing team of passionate and experienced spirits pioneers will continue to steer the direction of the brand, while the investment allows us to grow our international footprint and broaden our opportunities to search for the rarest spirits in the world.”

NOTES  

About The Last Drop Distillers Limited

The Last Drop Distillers Limited specializes in discovering and hand-bottling the finest, rarest and most exclusive spirits from remote cellars and warehouses across Scotland, and the rest of the world. The team’s quest is rigorous and painstaking, choosing only liquids that are old and rare, but fresh and delicious, a juxtaposition that makes The Last Drop collection truly unique.

The Last Drop collection currently includes:

• Release VI The Last Drop 50 Year Old Double Matured Whisky
• Release V The Last Drop 1967 Glen Garioch Single Malt
• Release IV The Last Drop 48 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release III The Last Drop 50 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
• Release II The Last Drop 1950 Cognac
• Release I The Last Drop 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky.

Behind This Wall Autumn Menu Launch

Behind This Wall, the subterranean neighbourhood cocktail bar  on Hackney’s Mare Street,  has created a new cocktail and oyster offering that brings  together the world’s most Autumnal flavours in one highly conceptual  menu. Launching on 22nd September, Behind This Wall’s new menu  will fuse  the rich flavours of a classic New England fall with the spiced warmth of an Indian Summer.

Alex Harris is the co-founder, head bartender  and chef at  Behind This Wall  and  creator  of  the new seasonal concept. He has created the ultimate autumnal menu inspired by a fantasy place; a tropical island, influenced by the flavours of Indian trade roots and  the iconic  tastes o f New England.  This inspired  new  menu draws from the heat of the Indian summer with heady spices such as garam masala extract, cardamom tonic and naga chilli molasses, which complement and contrast the rich russets of
New England – absinthe-flamed maple bourbon cherries and cold apple cedar smoke.

The  new  menu blurs the  margins between food and drink; with many of the cocktails reading like a gastronomic experience. In structure, it is reminiscent of classic  hotel cocktail lists,  where drinks are grouped  by  time  of  day.  Behind  This  Wall’s  menu  is  thoughtfully  divided  into  aperitifs,  digestifs, highballs and pousse-cafes which seek to gently guide the drinker through the evening.

Example from the menu include:

  Hail  Mary:  Blended  Scotch,  clam  chowder  oyster,  garam  masala  extract,  Chesapeake seasoning, tomato, beetroot & celery juice, pickle juice, lemon sea foam and timut pepper £8

  Vieux Over Manhattan – 100 proof rye, sweet vermouth, pisco, herbal liqueur and cold apple cedar smoke £9

Complementing the cocktails,  Alex’s thoughtfully honed bar snack menu is inspired by  a melange of culinary influences ranging from Heston Blumenthal to Hawaiian chef, Roy Choi, and his mother , also a chef. Alex takes bar snacks seriously and believes they should be of equal calibre to the drinks menu and a vital part of the whole experience. He is an advocate of the pure flavours of raw eating and the autumn menu features inventive,  elaborate  and perfectly formed morsels  such as  pumpkin oyster
with  black  rice,  switchel  glaze,  lime  pickled  onions,  lemon  sea  foam,  Chesapeake  seasoning  withtoasted pumpkin seeds.
Alex Harris’s career in the food and drink industry started traditionally,  working with a catalogue of esteemed restaurants and bars  –  Met Bar, The Ritz, Soho House Group. This was unconventionally followed  by  an  interlude  as  a  music  technology  teacher  alongside  continued  mixed  bar  and promotional work at sorely missed club-land institutions: T-Bar and Plastic People.  Food, drink and music work hand in hand for Alex and after a successful pop up at events hub, Oval Space, Behind This
Wall found a permanent home for cleverly crafted evenings of music, poke and cocktails in March 2016.

In Hackney, basement bars are ubiquitous, but Behind This Wall contravenes the stereotype. With a white  tiled  bar  and  pale  plywood  seating,  the  aesthetic  is  Scandi-Japanese  –  bright,  tactile  and minimalist. Designed by friend and collaborator Elliot Barnes of Separate Blues, and part built by Alex himself, the venue is a blank canvas on which Alex has unleashed his culinary creativity.

THE MACALLAN CELEBRATES COMMITMENT TO WOOD

Limited edition gifting series launched

The Macallan single malt whisky has unveiled a new premium gifting series, inspired by the brand’s commitment to exceptional oak casks, featuring a range of whiskies in the current portfolio. This celebration of wood highlights the oak casks which deliver 100% natural colour and account for up to 80% of the character of The Macallan.

The Macallan’s commitment to wood is unrivalled in the industry. From each acorn and individual tree, through to the selection of the sherry bodega that seasons the cask to their specifications, this obsession ensures The Macallan produces exceptional whiskies with rich colour and flavour delivered from the casks.

This new series, which features three distinct designs, is to be released sequentially over the next three years, beginning with Oak Forests.

The limited edition Oak Forests value added gift packs include The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton, The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin, The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack and The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack.

Available for a limited time only, this gifting series makes for the ideal gift or a collectable for any Macallan whisky enthusiast and has real standout appeal. The use of stunning photography showcased on these limited edition packs will appeal to those who love The Macallan and those looking for that special gift.

The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton

This single footprint carton box has a striking image which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The photography features on the limited edition label to help drive collectability and shelf-standout. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton will be available from Sainsbury’s and Asda from September 2016.

The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin

A single footprint limited edition presentation pack made of tin with striking imagery reflecting an exploration of the journey of wood theme throughout the pack. The outer packaging will be collectable with the option of use by the consumer after purchase. The photography on the limited edition label will help drive collectability. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin will be available from Waitrose and Tesco from September 2016.

The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack

This double footprint limited edition rigid box has striking imagery which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The pack contains two etched whisky glasses inspired by the oak used to craft The Macallan’s exceptional casks. Distinctive glasses will be released annually to drive collectability. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack will be available from specialist and luxury whisky retailers from November 2016.

The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack

This double footprint limited edition rigid box has striking imagery which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The glassware is bespoke to this limited edition, with wood etching featured on both The Macallan glass and water jug. Distinctive glasses will be released annually to encourage consumers to collect the series. The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack will be available from specialist and luxury whisky retailers from November 2016.

The Macallan Gold value added gifting packs are available for an RRP of £38. The Macallan Amber value added gift pack is available for an RRP of £48.95.

Notes

The Macallan

About The Macallan:

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds 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, a Highland manor built in 1700, at its heart.

Traditionally known for maturation in Spanish oak, sherry seasoned casks, The Macallan’s range of outstanding single malts includes :Sherry Oak, matured in Spanish oak casks seasoned with sherry; Fine Oak, matured both in sherry casks of Spanish and American oak and in American oak casks seasoned with bourbon; the 1824 range, exclusive to Global Travel Retail. In addition, The Macallan is well known for its great range of vintage whiskies, dating back to 1926, and is considered the most sought after of all single malts among collectors and connoisseurs at auction.

www.themacallan.com

Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

TOMATIN DISTILLERY TOUCHES DOWN WITH NEW TRAVEL RETAIL RANGE  

The Highland distillers are voyaging into the world of duty free having launched a series of new and exclusive whiskies available now in airports across Europe.

Making the most of captive holiday makers, the brand’s travel retail offerings are currently checking in to travel hubs initially around Europe, to be followed by the USA and Asia over the next few years.  The age statement collection comprises the distillery’s flagship 12 year old and three travel retail exclusive editions: an 8 year old, a 15 year old and a rare 40 year old vintage.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director commented:

‘We have been working on a strategy to establish our presence in the travel retail market for some time now in response to growing demand for Tomatin single malt on a global level.  While the majority of Scotch brands have elected to present no-age statement duty free ranges, our collection of age statement whiskies provides a point of difference. This is a priority market for us as it provides an introduction to Tomatin for thousands of globe-trotters so we wanted to create a range that caters for all tastes and budgets, whether you’re a whisky novice or a high-end collector.

The range is already en route to several airports and we look forward to seeing the brand in airports across Europe over the coming months.  There’s great potential in each of these markets and we hope that the success we have seen recently with our core range will be mirrored within travel retail, with sales of the core Tomatin range increasing dramatically over the past few years.  We have seen sales growth of 60% in our branded goods over the last 4 years and currently exports make up 92% of our business.  It’s an encouraging sign for the future.’

World-renowned whisky connoisseur Charles MacLean has already sampled the range and described it as: ‘First rate, with an elegant sweet and spicy flavour profile across all the ages.’

Introducing the series is the 8 year old, matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks.  The nose has aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears developing into deeper dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy finish. Bottled at a strength of 40% with an RRP of 35 Euro.

The Tomatin 12 Year Old is a 1 Litre version of the distiller’s flagship malt which has an array of accolades including a double gold from the San Francisco World Spirits competition 2016. With an ABV of 43% and an RRP of 41.50 Euro.

Next up to board the range is the 15 year old, matured in North American Oak.  Light and fresh on the nose, charming citrus fruits are well balanced with emerging honey and toffee flavours, lingering softly on the palate for some time. Bottled at a strength of 46%, the limited edition retails at 55 Euro.

The final expression is a 40 year old malt matured in Oloroso Sherry casks.  According to the distillery this is a smooth and rounded triumph of dark and tropical fruits resulting in a big and fruity finish with just a touch of oak.  Charles MacLean described this mature malt as ‘a highly distinguished whisky with a long, warming spirit’. Retailing at a price of 1250 Euro and bottled at 43%.

In addition to Tomatin single malt, the range will also include a 1 Litre bottle of Standard Edition Cù Bòcan.  This is the distillery’s only peated expression originally launched in 2013.  The spirit was recently awarded a silver at the prestigious IWSC 2016 awards.

For more information about the Travel Retail range visit http://www.tomatin.com/.

Notes

For more information about the Tomatin Distillery contact Shelagh Considine, Communications Executive on 01463 248 148 , 07970908111 ,shelagh@tomatin.com.

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Website: http://www.tomatin.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

3. The packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency
4. Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
5. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
6. Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
7. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

Lagavulin™  launches limited edition 2016 Jazz bottling

Lagavulin today launches its brand new limited edition single malt Scotch whisky release, Lagavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival 2016.
6,000 bottles are being produced following the popularity of previous Jazz festival bottlings. The whisky is a blend of refill American oak hogsheads and first fill American oak standard barrels. Available only for personal callers at thedistillery from September 9th, 2016.

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at Lagavulin distillery adds: “This year’s limited edition is extra special. It encapsulates 200 years of Lagavulin and one of our busiest and best times on Islay – the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival.”

The release of the limited edition Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2016 boasts notes of honey and fresh fruit, delivering syrupy harmonies on the palate, but ending with the classic Lagavulin smoke. Once mixed with water, the whisky presents more vanilla notes on the nose and the signature Lagavulin smoke moves front of stage.

2016 is a special year for Lagavulin and this bottling joins Lagavulin 8 Year Old and Lagavulin 25 Year Old to celebrate the bicentenary year. Another great reason to celebrate 200 years of Islay’s most famous whisky.

RRP: £99
ABV: 54.5%
Available from: only available from Lagavulin distilleryin brief… sweet and smoky on the nose with a taste of creamy toffee and fruit alongside signature smoke.

Whisky Legend Richard Paterson Celebrates 50 Years in the Industry

‘The Nose’ to mark anniversary with a global tour 

The greatest whisky maker of his generation is set to celebrate 50 years of work in the industry this month.

Richard Paterson, renowned for his role as Master Distiller at The Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, has spent the past 50 years of his illustrious career creating some of the worlds most coveted and iconic whiskies.

The landmark will see Richard, a true artisan, pioneer and innovator, host a series of tasting events around the world while showcasing a selection of bottles including the renowned The Dalmore Paterson Collection and the recently released The Dalmore Quintessence.

Richard Paterson has been at the helm of The Dalmore for nearly five decades. His unparalleled passion, expertise and intimate knowledge of rare and exclusive casks allowed him to create the category of super luxury single malt, a category he has been defining with The Dalmore ever since.

Nicknamed ‘The Nose’ for his exceptional ability to assess and understand the structure of whiskies through smell alone, Richard’s charismatic and energetic approach to illuminating the art of whisky making has earned him a legion of fans and a celebrity status amongst whisky lovers the world over.

At the 2013 World Whisky Awards, he was recognised by Whisky Magazine with an Icons of Whisky Lifetime Achievement Award and entered into the magazine’s Hall of Fame – a permanent tribute honouring those noteworthy individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the world of whisky.

Bryan Donaghey, CEO of The Dalmore owners, Whyte & Mackay said: “With a unique flair and unwavering passion for developing only the finest whisky, Richard continues to be a driving force in the industry. His natural ability is unparalleled and he is, without doubt, a master of his art. Watching Richard work with The Dalmore is inspiring, and we are privileged to be able to help him celebrate such an important milestone in his career.”

The Dalmore Master Distiller Richard Paterson added: “The past 50 years has flown by and I am so proud of what I have achieved in the industry. My time with The Dalmore has provided me with some of my fondest moments. The chance to create and work with the world’s oldest and rarest malts has been an absolute privilege and I’m forever grateful that I’ve been able to share these treasures with fellow whisky lovers across the world.

“While my work with The Dalmore has undoubtedly been a career highlight, I’ve also been fortunate enough to share my passion with whisky fans whilst contributing to the work of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. This variety has made my time in the industry all the more enjoyable.

“The next 18 months are shaping up to be among my best yet. I enjoy meeting people who have a passion for whisky and I’m relishing the chance to share my celebration with connoisseurs from across the world.”

A brand film has been created by The Dalmore to celebrate the life of Richard Paterson and his work to date in the industry. The film can be viewed at http://bit.ly/TheDalmoreRP50

Notes:

The Dalmore is the definitive luxury malt, since 1839.

Founded by Sir Alexander Matheson, a restless entrepreneur and international businessman, The Dalmore was born with a different purpose, to go above and beyond to create luxurious single malt whisky unlike any other.

An unbroken chain of exceptional whisky makers have been fulfilling Sir Alexander’s vision ever since, pioneering both aged single malt, and also multi cask maturation over 100 years before this was commonly adopted by others in the industry.

Richard Paterson has been Master Distiller at The Dalmore for nearly 50 years.  The whiskies he has created during his tenure have help Richard to achieve global celebrity status.  He is the man who, with The Dalmore, created the category of super luxury single malt, a category he continues to define to this very day.

Rebel Yell® Bourbon Launches Single Barrel
New offering is aged a full 10 years and offered in limited quantity

(St. Louis) September 6, 2016 – Rebel Yell® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has introduced Rebel Yell® Single Barrel, meticulously aged for a full 10 years and bottled one barrel at a time at 100 proof. This hand-bottled wheated bourbon will be available nationwide in limited quantity – 2,000 cases – in September, and 4,000 cases are planned for 2017.

This ultra-premium bourbon is robust in flavor with a mature finish and hand-bottled for a uniquely rebellious experience. By being bottled barrel-by-barrel, each bottle will have a unique flavor profile — depending on how it aged, where in the rickhouse it was placed and the flavors that developed within that barrel.  In addition, each bottle includes the barrel number and an “aged since” date on the silk-screened front label. Each bottle, complete with a premium matte finish closure and natural wood cork, is sold in individual boxes.

“We are excited to take the classic Rebel Yell recipe and age it 10 years, creating a robust and complex finish,” says Fletcher uchman, brand manager at Luxco. “By bottling each barrel independently, we are creating a unique flavor profile specific to each batch. Some bottles may have a stronger vanilla and caramel flavor, some may favor more oak and wood tones, others may have more floral or tobacco notes, creating a unique tasting experience that may vary from bottle to bottle.”

Rebel Yell Single Barrel will be available in 750 ml bottles and offered at a suggested retail price of $49.99 (100 proof/50%ABV). Click here for a video with more details.

For more information on Rebel Yell and its product lineup, visit www.rebelyellbourbon.com. For more information on the brand’s loyalty program, Band of Rebels, fans can sign up at www.bandofrebels.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.

Rare Scotch Whisky Breaks £5 Million Barrier for H1 2016

The value of collectable bottles of Scotch whisky traded within a half year period has surpassed £5 million for the first time since records began in 2008, according to figures published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101.

During the first six months of 2016, the value of collectable bottles sold in the UK on the open market rose more than 25 per cent to £5.771M compared to the same period last year. The volume of collectable bottles experienced an ever bigger rise of 28.5 per cent to 26,527 bottles.

Based on current trends, Rare Whisky 101 is predicting the UK auction market for rare Scotch to reach 55,000 bottles for the full year, ten times the volumes sold in 2010 and to exceed a total value of £12M.

Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented: “For some in the broader Scotch category, export and sales figures still appear challenging. However, the secondary market for rarities shows little of this stress and 2016 is shaping up to be yet another record year for rare whisky”.

“The lack of truly collectable new product releases in recent years continues to fuel demand for older and discontinued releases where quality and rarity are powerful motivations for purchase.  However, the market continues to be heavily polarised with value for collectables and limited editions from less sought-after brands softening as buyers stick to the best known, iconic brands.”

“As the secondary market continues to grow and mature, so the profile of the buyer has changed. We’re beginning to see the arrival of more high net worth buyers – be they connoisseurs, collectors or investors – and we are now seeing an emerging group of professionals entering the market. While many believe this will drive up prices, in our experience, few of these larger buyers seek to acquire at auction.”

Japanese gems driving up bottle prices 

The availability of Japanese whisky at auction continues to increase led by the highly sought-after Karuizawa, the iconic Japanese silent distillery. These low volume but high value bottles impact the market significantly with many bottles fetching in excess of £2,000.

Best performing indices rise while worst performers soften

The top 100 performing bottles of Investment Grade Scotch (Rare Whisky 101 Apex 100 Index) increased by 19.87% in the half year and have delivered a 24.05% increase over the last 12 months.

This positive trend is reflected across all of the key composite indices for Scotch single malts. In contrast the negative indices for the worst performing 100, 250 and 1000 bottles have continued to soften. The star performers over the first half of the year have been the Macallan 18 and 25 YO indices, experiencing rises of 29 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.

Little change in collectors rankings but investors rankings highlight star performers.

Leading rare whisky brands, Brora and The Dalmore, retain their positions as the top two ranked investor distilleries, while Macallan and Ardbeg occupy the same positions in the collectors’ rankings.

The investors’ rankings continue to show the greatest movement with the biggest risers in the market including Balvenie (up 8), Lagavulin (up 10), Pittyvaich (up 16) and Highland Park (up 9). Conversely, the biggest fallers are the silent stills (closed distilleries) Ben Wyvis, Millburn, Lochside and Coleburn with the iconic Skye based Talisker being the biggest faller for an open distillery.

For more information or to download the full report visit http://www.rarewhisky101.com/   

Notes  

About Rare Whisky 101 Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering some 175,000 price records over 25,000 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Highland Park.