Glenfiddich prepares for Resident Artists First Exhibition 

Work by international artists participating in Glenfiddich’s annual artist in residence programme will go on show at the Distillery’s on-site Gallery from July 30^th.

This year marks Glenfiddich’s 15^th residency and eight artists are taking part in the programme. To date 120 artists from over twenty different countries have been through the experience, living and working at the Distillery over the summer months.

The first exhibition will feature a series of stunning abstract paintings by Norwich based artist, Lisa Almond and a sculptural work designed to provide a visual representation of whisky evaporating from a cask by Taiwanese artist Lin Kun Ying who has been working in collaboration with Glenfiddich’s head cooper, local craftsman Allan Morrison, and Glasstorm studios in Tain. Also on show will be striking photographic landscape images by the residency’s first ever Australian artist, Joan Ross.  The images have been augmented by the artist to incorporate her trademark use of fluro colours.

Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the Glenfiddich Artist in Residence programme said:

“This exhibition is a stimulating start to our 15^th residency. The three artists have embraced the local surroundings to create pieces that are highly engaging and impactful. We will be showcasing work by other artists involved in the programme over the coming months.”

The eight artists participating in the 2016 residency are Emily Binks (UK), Min Joon Park (Korea), Lisa Almond (UK), Lin Kun Ying (Taiwan), Joan Ross

(Australia), Subir Hati (India), Hu Weiyi (China) and Eleanor King (Canada).

The first 2016 Artists in Residence exhibition will run from July 30^th until Sunday 21^st August in the Glenfiddich Gallery situated near the Distillery car park. The Gallery is open daily Wednesday to Sunday from 12.30pm – 5.00pm (closed Monday/Tuesday) and admission is free.

Glenfiddich will also host a special preview of the exhibition on July 29^th from 6.30pm, to which all are welcome.

JULY AUCTION NOW LIVE

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

(ends Sunday 31st July)

EASY REGISTRATION

Sate of the art online bidding platform

BID NOW

An excellent selection of whiskies; to drink, collect or invest

HIGHEST BIDDER? GET IT FAST

Immediate shipping worldwide

COMPETITIVE

The lowest whisky auctioneer commission found online

KARUIZAWA GEISHA SERIES OFFERED FOR FIRST TIME AT AUCTION
LEADS BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky, never before seen at auction and estimated at HK$1,000,000-1,300,000, leads Bonhams Hong Kong Whisky sale on 19 August. The sale, which features more than 260 lots of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies, takes place at Bonhams Hong Kong saleroom (2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong).

Karuizawa is a silent distillery in Japan which closed in 2000. The finest expressions of its whisky were carefully selected and bottled as the Geisha Series. The 27 bottles which make up the Geisha Series contain whiskies aged for 29, 30, 31 and 50 years and bottled in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Bonhams whisky specialist, Daniel Lam commented “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a legendary whisky. The Geisha Series has never been offered at auction before and I am expecting great interest from collectors around the world.”

Other highlights of the auction include a selection of the coveted Hanyu Ichiro’s Card Series. A set of Clubs flush of malts 3,7,8,9 and 10 is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000 as is a set of Hearts flush of malts 3,4,8,10 and J. A collection of vintage bottles of Yamazaki sherry wood whisky from 1982 to 1986 is estimated at HK$140,000-180,000.  

From Scottish distilleries comes a vertical selection of The Macallan. Offered as one lot and estimated at HK$420,000-460,000, the 29 bottles cover the years 1958-1986. The sale also includes a highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter, estimated at HK$280,000-340,000, and a bottle of Royal Salute 50 year old specially bottled in 2003 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne. It is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000

Auction Highlights

1.

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

2.

Macallan Lalique 50 year old

Est: HK$280,000 – 340,000

Royal Salute 50 Years Old

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

4.

Macallan vintage collection 1958 – 1986

Est: HK$420,000-460,000

5.

Macallan 1961

Est: HK$110,000 –140,000

6.

Macallan Millennium Decanter-1949-50 year old

Est: HK$100,000 –140,000

7.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Six Full House

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

8.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Hearts flush of 3,4,8,10,J

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

9.

Yamazaki Sherry Wood Vintage Collection 1982 – 1986

Est: HK$140,000 – 180,000

10.

Very Olde St. Nick Bourbon Collection 22 -25 year old

Est: HK$22,000 – 26,000

NOTES

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

Hibiki 21 Years Old is honored with the Category’s Top “Trophy” Award for the 4th consecutive year at the International Spirits Challenge 2016

Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old was honored with the top Trophy award in the Japanese Whisky category at the 21st International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2016 held in London, England on July 6 (Wednesday, local time). Hibiki 21 Years Old took the Trophy award as a particularly outstanding product in this category. This marks the 4th consecutive year that Hibiki 21 Years Old has won the Trophy.

Winning this prize is highly significant, as it further cements Suntory’s reputation for the high quality of our malt whisky and grain whisky as well as our excellent blending techniques.

Award Name, Winners
Trophy in Japanese Whisky Categories: Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old

For more information on Brand
Suntory Whisky Hibiki Website:  http://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/hibiki/en%20

It’s time to buy your tickets!

Early Bird ticket sales for the 2016 Whiskies of the World Atlanta event has been extended until July 30! We hope you will join us in anticipation of a savory evening full of great whisky flavors and more. Early Bird tickets are refundable within a two-week notice. Buy your tickets for our event(s) in Austin, Houston and Atlanta today! For more information about our events, visit our website.

About Whiskies of the World

As one of the largest whisky tasting events in the US, Whiskies of the World gathers over 200 of the most fascinating distilled spirits from around the globe, along with their makers and ambassadors, to give guests an unforgettable experience. Guests can explore whisky tastings, whisky and food pairings, whisky and cigar pairings, and the chance to interact with outstanding whisky brands and fellow whisky enthusiasts.

Whiskies of the World Houston will be held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown on October 1, from 3 PM – 7 PM. General Admission is $140.

Whiskies of the World Austin will be held at the Four Seasons on San Jacinto Blvd on September 29, from 7 PM – 10 PM. General Admission is $140.

Whiskies of the World Atlanta will be held at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel on October 22, from 7 PM – 11 PM. General Admission is $140.

BAIN’S AWARDED HIGHEST HONOUR IN LONDON

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has been awarded the Whiskies of the World Trophy, the highest honour at the International Spirits Competition (ISC) held recently in London.

Bain’s is one of only three whiskies in the category which featured many international brands, to have been bestowed a trophy.

The competition promotes outstanding quality spirits from around the world with just over 1300 entries judged from 70 countries. Entries are tasted blind by a panel of 50 international judges and scored based on aroma, appearance, taste, and finish.

The Whiskies of the World category includes all countries from around the world such as Ireland, the USA, Japan, Australia and Taiwan, excluding Scotland. Bain’s was one of only seven whiskies in this category to be awarded gold and in the final round of blind tasting the whiskies all competed against each other for the trophy accolade.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky Master distiller Andy Watts says this award is a great acknowledgment for the quality of South African whisky.

“Bain’s is such an incredible success story for South African whisky. The multiple awards, praise from the international whisky community and interest from consumers around the world, is incredibly rewarding.

“We set-out when launching this whisky in 2009 to truly showcase the essence of South African whisky, to set a benchmark for single grain in the world and to highlight the strides that we have taken in our short history of making whisky in this country.”

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is made from the finest South African grain, double matured in ex-Bourbon casks first for an initial three years before being re-vatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks for a further 18 to 30 months. The result is an exceptionally smooth whisky with a delicious combination of floral, banana, honey, toasted hazelnuts and toffee aromas, revealing wood, vanilla and spice. Beautifully balanced vanilla, cocoa butter and light spices from the oak casks lead to a warm mouth-feel and long, smooth finish.

About Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington near the foot of the Bain’s Kloof Pass. The beauty of the pass and the extraordinary craftsmanship of Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneer road builder who built the pass by hand in 1853, is the inspiration behind this South African whisky.

The Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available nationwide and retails for about R249

Twitter

@BainsWhisky

@TheWhiskyMaker

@Jigsaw_PR

NEW ERA FOR SA WHISKY

Jeff Green has been appointed as the new distillery manager of the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington taking over the helm from Andy Watts after 25 years. Jeff has been working at the distillery as process manager and distiller since 2009.

Andy will now take lead responsibility for the entire whisky portfolio of Distell as the global head of whisky intrinsic for the Centre of Excellence, a new department created by Distell to focus on the process, quality and style of products across its range of wines, spirits, ciders and other ready-to-drinks.

He will in addition to providing strategic guidance to the production of the range of Three Ships Whiskies and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, made at the James Sedgwick Distillery, be responsible for the company’s Scottish whisky portfolio which includes Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader.

Andy says this new chapter in his career is very exciting and one he will embrace wholeheartedly.

“It will be very difficult to not have the lead responsibility anymore for the James Sedgwick Distillery family and the 24/7 operation of the site, but I couldn’t have left the reins in more capable hands than that of Jeff and I will be supporting him throughout this transition as best I can.”

“I look forward in taking on the challenges of helping craft the production of our world-class brands along with our world-class teams already in place and focusing on innovation and bringing to life some of my work in progress whiskies at the James Sedgwick Distillery.”

Andy will continue to work closely alongside the South African marketing team as the master distiller of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and Three Ships range of whiskies. He leaves for the USA in two weeks time to continue the roll-out of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky into two more states.

Jeff, who has worked alongside Andy for the past six years, taking lead responsibility for mashing, fermentation and distillation, is set to continue the legacy that Andy leaves behind.

“It is an incredible honour to be appointed as distillery manager, only the 7^th in the 130 year history of the distillery. I have the deepest respect and appreciation for what Andy has achieved during his tenure, not only shaping the way whisky is made in South Africa, but also creating a demand for our whiskies abroad with the incredible international awards he managed to garner over the years.

“It certainly is big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of catapulting South African whisky to the next level!”

Jeff has always had a keen interest in the latest food and beverage trends. He completed his Masters in Food Science before starting his career in beer, wine and cider-making. Ironically, it was his love of science that brought him to the making of whisky a few years later in 2009, when he joined the SA whisky team.

Grindlay’s Selection Single Cask Release

Grindlay’s Selection’s latest releases from the family owned Scotland Grindlay Ltd. Quality Single Cask Single Malts produced in premium packaging for the discerning client.  These quality Single Cask Single Malts are available at selected retailers in the UK and EU.

Single Cask 1997 from Ben Nevis distillery 228 bottles produced at 52.6% Single Cask 1996 from Glentauchers distillery 210 bottles produced at 54.5% Single Cask 1996 from Dailuaine distillery 236 bottles produced at 57%      Single Cask 2006 from Craigellachie distillery 292 bottles produced at 64.1%

The Scotland Grindlay family are delighted with the quality of the premium packaged Single Cask Single Malts and the good reception the products have received in the Marketplace.

More information and contact information at www.scotlandgrindlay.com/

www.drinkaware.co.uk

DEWAR’S® STRIKES GOLD AT THE ISC

Glasgow, Scotland, 15^th July 2016 – In a category dominated by single malt whisky, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky won an impressive, four GOLD awards at the International Spirits Challenge™ 2016.  The awards highlight the commitment to premium Scotch whisky through the DEWAR’S portfolio of aged blends and reinforces DEWAR’S claim as the most awarded Blended Scotch whisky in the world.

Holding its own in a world of single malts, DEWAR’S received the competition’s distinguished GOLD medal for DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old, DEWAR’S White Label Scratched Cask and for DEWAR’s 30 Years Old Ne Plus Ultra, a small batch premium bottling of the oldest ever release from DEWAR’S in its enduring 170-year history.

“When it comes to creating outstanding whisky cocktails and recommending exceptionally smooth blends to customers, bartenders are continually reaching for DEWAR’S all over the world,” said Fraser Campbell, Dewar’s Global Brand Ambassador.  “We continue to champion age statements which we believe is the single, clearest signifier to consumers of quality and are proud to see our double-aged and limited edition blends continually receiving recognition in highly respected competitions like the International Spirits Challenge. ”

DEWAR’S enjoys an unrivalled track record in international competitions and is famed the world over for its blended whiskies. Taking extra steps in the maturation process with double-ageing and proudly proclaimed age statements are just two of the reasons why DEWAR’S has become the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky.

Now in its 21^st year, the International Spirits Challenge is one of the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. Founded on a rigorous and independent judging process. They receive over 1,300 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide, making the ISC a truly global competition. Winning an ISC award is indeed an impressive achievement for any spirit that passes the scrupulous blind assessment from the experienced panel of specialist judges. 

For more information about DEWAR’S Scotch whisky, visit www.dewars.com/

Notes: 

The International Spirits Challenge

Now in its 21st year, the ISC is the premier event in promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which serves to encourage the high calibre of spirits, designs and campaigns entered each year. Receiving more than 1,300 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide makes the ISC a truly global competition. It is supported by many of the world’s leading spirits producers as the international standard for quality and excellence. www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/

About DEWAR’S Scotch whisky Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world.  Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, DEWAR’S 15 Year Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year Old, the exclusive DEWAR’S Signature and most recently DEWAR’S Scratched Cask. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S® brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

www.dewars.com/

List of International Spirits Challenge 2016 awards:

Dewar’s White Label

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s White Label Scratched Cask

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 12 Years Old

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 15 Years Old

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 18 Years Old

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s Signature

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 30 Years Old NE PLUS ULTRA

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

DEWAR’S, ITS TRADE DRESS, TRUE SCOTCH, THE CELTIC DEVICE AND THE JOHN DEWAR SIGNATURE ARE TRADEMARKS. ©2016 ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

50% ABV Bourbon Barrel Matured
Kilchoman 100% Islay

Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, is set to launch the 6th edition of its 100% Islay range. Every part of the production process takes place at the distillery from growing the barley to bottling. Kilchoman’s 100% Islay is a truly unique single malt. No other distillery can claim to complete all parts of the whisky-making process.

The folks at Kilchoman distillery, nestled in the outbuildings of Rockside Farm on the west coast of Islay, work throughout the year to grow, malt, distill, mature and bottle Kilchoman’s unique single malt using traditional farm distilling techniques not seen on Islay for generations:

“When we first set out to build Kilchoman, the ambition was to create a small-scale distillery producing exclusively for single malt using barely grown and malted on-site as was once the norm for many distilleries.”-Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director.

This, the 6th edition of the annually released limited edition, is a vatting of fresh and refill ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels filled in 2010 and bottled in 2016. This latest edition will be the most mature 100% Islay to have been released to date. Produced exclusively from barley grown at the distillery, the 100% Islay range has a lighter peating level compared to the rest of the Kilchoman range, creating a uniquely fresh and distinct style of Islay single malt.

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director: “We expect Kilchoman fans will enjoy the 6th Edition, the 100% Islay expressions have come along significantly in recent years, sourcing our bourbon barrels from one US producer has a significant impact on the quality of the whisky at what is a relatively young age.”

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and was the first distillery to be built on Islay for over 124 years. Today, Kilchoman is the only independently owned Islay distillery.

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman 100% Islay 6th Edition
Colour: Straw.
Nose: Light, fresh and vibrant with soft peat smoke.
Palate: Fresh and light with citrus and lemon notes with sweetness on the finish.
Finish: Long, clean and sweet with graceful peat smoke.

Notes 
Kilchoman Distillery is a small, family run farm-distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have now been joined by their three sons: George, James and Peter.

Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this. Kilchoman is now very much a family affair:

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

• Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
• Machir Bay was named best Islay Whisky under 12 years old at the 2015 Spirits Business Whisky Masters, 100% Islay and Loch Gorm also won Gold Medals in the same competition.
• Machir Bay was also recently awarded a Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with Loch Gorm being awarded a Silver Outstanding Medal and 100% Islay a Silver at the prestigious awards.
• Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottling: office@impexbev.com