Wolfburn Distillery Launches “Aurora” Sherry Oak Expression　　

Wolfburn Distillery is today delighted to announce the launch of its second permanent whisky expression, Aurora. The new release is made from a combination of whisky matured in first-fill Spanish sherry casks and American ex-Bourbon casks.

“Aurora is a truly splendid malt,” commented Shane Fraser, distillery manager. “The sherry casks have done an excellent job, producing a really sweet and flavourful whisky. Combined with spirit matured in the ex-Bourbon casks, it makes for a deeper flavour and an incredibly smooth finish. We’re very confident that customers worldwide are going to love it.”

Aurora has been planned by Shane and his team since the inception of the distillery in 2012. Approximately one third of Wolfburn’s laydown is maturing in a combination of first and second-fill sherry casks, with the remainder in American oak (mainly ex-Bourbon casks). “All the casks are hand-selected,” states Shane. “That’s one of the joys of Wolfburn – we’re relatively small in scale, which means our attention to detail and quality control is second to none.”

Wolfburn’s first release was launched in February, to wide acclaim. 2016 sales have significantly exceeded expectations, with distribution now taking place in 21 countries worldwide. “It has been an amazing experience, seeing the brand take off like this,” says Shane. “We always had high hopes for our whisky but the reaction globally has been better than anyone forecast. It’s a great starting point for the business.”

Photographs:

1. Shane Fraser with Aurora carton
2. Shane Fraser with Aurora carton and bottle
3. Aurora carton and bottle studio image

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until the 1860s. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by the 1870s the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 350m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s inaugural whisky was launched globally in February 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

Compass Box is seeking an experienced Whiskymaker to work alongside Compass Box Founder John Glaser to oversee and guide the whiskymaking function of the business, ensuring the business delivers industry-leading products that our audience will find amazing.

About Compass Box

Compass Box is a small and growing Scotch whisky producer launched in 2000. The company is based in London and currently has ten employees in the UK and three in the US. The mission of the Compass Box business is to share the joys of Scotch whisky with more people in the world.  We achieve this by:

making Scotch whisky a more interesting place;
making the enjoyment of Scotch whisky more accessible to more people;
always following our curiosity to seek new ways of producing, working, creating;
being open and honest about everything we do;
never, ever compromising on quality.

We believe the work we do should make a lasting difference. We are working for the ages.

We produce a portfolio of Scotch whiskies in three ranges: the Great King Street range of Blended Scotch whiskies, the Compass Box Signature Range, and a constantly evolving range of Limited Editions.

Learn more about what we do here: http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/

Key Responsibilities:

This is a varied role at the heart of the business with several areas of responsibility, including:

1.  Quality: maintaining the quality of our whiskies, managing and cataloguing the documentation of sensory analysis and product recipes, managing and cataloguing regulatory documentation. Approval of liquid prior to production and of line samples post-production.
2.  Stock Management: working closely with other team-members to ensure the business has appropriate quality of stocks for near- and long-term plans, contributing to the management of mature whisky planning, new fill planning, and managing the linkages with team members in Operations for bottlings and vattings throughout the year.
3.  Product Development: working closely with others to manage the development and delivery of the liquids for new whiskies, as well as ongoing development and improvement of core releases.
4.  R&D: working with colleagues to develop and lead a Research & Development program that keeps us at the forefront of innovation in the category, pursuing opportunities to work collaboratively with industry partners and bodies.
5.  External Relationship Management: managing working relationships with our strategic partners and key specialist suppliers, overseeing and managing relationships with key operational partners such as our bottler and coopers.
6.  Environment Management: oversee the management, usage and functionality of the Compass Box Blending Room, including the bar area and whisky sample room library.

Brand Ambassadorship: responsibility as a lead public face of the company at external events and with visitors to the office and Blending Room, offering educational and competitive tastings, whisky education and resources.

Desired Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will be open and honest with a natural curiosity and desire to learn. They will have a collaborative nature, strong sense of ambition and perseverance coupled with self-discipline, organisation and natural problem solving capability.  Enthusiastic, goal-oriented and a good time manager, if they can’t find a way they will make one.

Skills and experience will include:

Deep experience (minimum three years) in blending and quality assessment with a Scotch whisky producer or other relevant spirits organisation. Demonstrated highly developed nosing and tasting skills.  A track record of successful project management.  Strong communication skills. A fluency regarding the needs of a Scotch whisky business. Experience with whisky R&D projects utilising scientific rigour. A keen interest in the world of wines & spirits.

Compensation

Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, including private health insurance and pension.

Want to Know More?

If you’d like to apply for consideration, please email careers@compassboxwhisky.com with a current CV and a brief letter explaining why you believe you are a perfect fit for this role. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AST NOVEMBER 1st, 2016

– A new twist on the sherry influenced pot still whiskey, thanks to an old friendship –

Redbreast has introduced a new, permanent expression to its decorated Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey family; Redbreast Lustau Edition. Finished in hand selected, first-fill sherry butts that are seasoned with Oloroso sherry from the prestigious Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain, this release celebrates the iconic sherry influence found throughout the Redbreast range.

Matured initially in a combination of exceptional ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, Redbreast Lustau Edition has been wholly finished for one year in prized sherry butts from Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, the sherry capital of the world.

The result is a new interpretation of the signature Redbreast character with a distinctive twist; Redbreast Lustau Edition offers a nose of dark fruits, prunes and marzipan, a luxuriously rich and creamy texture on the palate with iconic Redbreast spices, and a long, sweet finish complemented by notes of Spanish oak and Oloroso sherry.

With a shared history and kinship for excellence, Redbreast Lustau Edition has been born out of the longstanding relationship between the Midleton Distillery, County Cork, and the unrivalled sherry house, Bodegas Lustau. The unique bond between these two houses was established decades ago, built upon mutual respect for craft production processes, tradition and camaraderie.

Crafted to the exacting standards of Midleton Head Blender, Billy Leighton, Redbreast Lustau Edition is a permanent addition to the Redbreast range. Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, Redbreast Lustau Edition is available from this month at the following RRPs; Canada, $90; France, €65; Ireland, €69; and UK, £55. It will also be available in the United States from October 1st 2016, at RRP $69.

On the launch of Redbreast Lustau Edition, Leighton comments: “With Redbreast Lustau Edition we seized the opportunity to celebrate the iconic sherry influence on the Redbreast range, and to do this we turned to our old friends at Bodegas Lustau to source the finest Oloroso sherry casks in the world. I am honoured to be able to finally reveal Redbreast Lustau Edition to the world as it represents the mutual bond, based on our commitment to excellence in craftsmanship, which we have built over time with Bodegas Lustau. Language is no barrier to this marriage of Spanish and Irish craft, and the result is an exceptional new Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey that champions the iconic sherry influence of the Redbreast range, and I hope that whiskey drinkers the world over enjoy it.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Prestige Whiskey Portfolio Director at Irish Distillers, adds: “We are delighted to introduce a fifth, permanent expression to the Redbreast range as it demonstrates the appetite among whiskey connoisseurs and spirits aficionados alike for new, innovative and diverse Irish Whiskey offerings. Since we re-launched the brand in 2011, it has gone from strength to strength and we are committed to spreading word of Redbreast around the world as the Irish Whiskey renaissance continues.

“Our work on Redbreast is part of a wider commitment from Irish Distillers to lead the revival of the quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style and Irish Whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.”

#RedbreastLustau

Notes

Tasting notes by Midleton Head Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Rich infusion of dark fruits, prunes, dates and figs with liquorice, marzipan, toasted oak and Redbreast spices T

aste: Creamy pot still with Redbreast spices balanced with richness of sherry finish and contribution of fresh Spanish oak

Finish: Endless. Sweetness and Pot Still spices endure while Oloroso Sherry and Spanish Oak have the last word

About Bodegas Lustau

The origins of Lustau date back to 1896, when Mr. José Ruiz-Berdejo, a secretary to the Court of Justice, started cultivating the vines of the family’s state in his spare time. With more than 100 years of history since it was founded, its philosophy has not changed: the pursuit of the highest quality in its offer of the widest and finest range of products. With ageing cellars in each of the three towns that make up the Sherry area (Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda), Lustau offers a huge portfolio formed by wines, brandies and vermouth. www.lustau.es

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare. www.irishdistillers.ie

 About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernodricard.com

Benromach Distillery releases Benromach Hermitage 2007

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has launched the latest in its Benromach Wood Finish range:  Benromach Hermitage 2007.

Initially matured in bourbon barrels for six years, the spirit was transferred to oak casks that once nurtured wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, in the northern Rhône region of France, and finished for a further 31 months.

Benromach Hermitage Wood Finish 2007 (ABV 45%) has aromas of sweet summer fruits and zesty lemon and lime. This is followed by a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, and underlined by peat smoke with a peppermint edge. On the palate, it’s a sweet, fruity dram, with succulent dark cherry and orange flavours combining with creamy milk chocolate to create a gentle smoky edge and a long, fruity finish.

This latest whisky follows the limited edition Wood Finish expressions Hermitage 2005, Château Cissac 2006 and Sassicaia 2007.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “At Benromach we work with some of the world’s most exclusive wineries to carefully select casks for finishing.

“The Benromach Hermitage 2007 is the latest release from our Wood Finishes range, which gives our customers the opportunity to experience classic Benromach with a twist.

“This Benromach dram is a delicious offering for whisky aficionados and those looking to try something new.”

Benromach is handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery. Since the distillery was brought back to life in 1998, the team at Benromach has developed a core range of single malts with the classic pre-1960s Speyside character, and has added a range of exciting expressions, including the first certified organic whisky and a heritage range.

Benromach Hermitage 2007 is available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £40.25. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.

For more information on Benromach please visit http://www.benromach.com/.

Notes

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.

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2016 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

Tenth Edition of annual ultra-premium release will feature rare 24-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and continued support of ALS research and patient care

BARDSTOWN, KY— Heaven Hill Distillery announces the 2016 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection – a 24-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. The uniqueness of this bottling lies not only in its age, but also in its Bottled-in-Bond designation. Bottled-in-Bonds, as they are referred, have experienced renewed interest by consumers because of the long and storied history behind such a designation. Offering the most Bottled-in-Bond labels of any distiller, Heaven Hill helped to maintain this sub-category during leaner years and, more recently, has fueled interest in it with the launch of several new Bottled-in-Bond bottlings, including the newest edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection. The 24-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond will be shipping into select markets across the country beginning in September.

The Parker’s Heritage Collection series was originally conceived to showcase the extraordinary quality and broad range of Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey holdings, as Heaven Hill boasts the world’s second largest inventory of aging American Whiskey. The annual release is one of the most highly anticipated bottlings for whiskey and Bourbon lovers worldwide, as the collection produces an innovative, coveted product each year.

The 2016 edition, the tenth in the series, features two separate versions of the Bottled-in-Bond product, expected to be the oldest Bottled-in-Bond in the world. It was produced in Fall 1990 and Spring 1991 at Heaven Hill’s distillery in Bardstown, KY, (D.S.P. KY-31), which was later destroyed in 1996 by fire along with seven rickhouses and over 90,000 barrels. The liquid is bottled by season in order to retain its Bottled-in-Bond designation. While Heaven Hill now produces its award-winning Bourbon and American Whiskey out of the Bernheim Distillery in downtown Louisville, this Parker’s Heritage Collection edition will feature the original distillery designation on the back label, making it a worthy successor to the previous nine releases.

Bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) and non-chill filtered, the Bourbon will retain more of the natural esters and fatty acids that have matured in the barrel for almost a quarter of a century, providing a richer mouthfeel. Oak flavor is prominent with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, rounded out by a clean finish with a hint of chocolate.

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) several years ago. The past three editions from 2013-2015, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, and the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, respectively, have raised over half a million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. Heaven Hill will continue with this cause-related campaign, and will contribute $15 from the average national retail cost of $249.99 of each 750ml bottle sold of this year’s release to the ALS Association. With every past edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection quickly selling out, the company expects to continue to generate significant dollars for this effort.

“We are proud to again offer a unique Bourbon style for the Parker’s Heritage Collection, one that is a nod to Heaven Hill’s expertise with Bottled-in-Bond products,” said Susan Wahl, American Whiskey Group Portfolio Manager at Heaven Hill Distillery. “As the oldest Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon in the world, we anticipate this to be another highly sought after addition to whiskey fanatics’ collections and, as important to us, it will enable a significant contribution to ALS research and patient care efforts.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous nine editions but with a cream colored label, the Parker’s Heritage Collection 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottling reflects the care and craftsmanship of its contents. Available in a three bottle case, it will be featured on the shelves and back bars of the nation’s finest spirits retailers and on-premise accounts starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the rare bottlings stand as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.2 million barrels aging in 52 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the titles of Whisky Magazine’s Distillery of the Year, Whiskey Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year and Rye Whiskey of the Year from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

19 GREVILLE STREET – LONDON

New Outturn Tasting – Sat 3 Sept  More >

Steak & Whisky Tasting – Mon 5 Sept  More >

Boiler Maker Tasting – Tue 13 Sept  More >

New Members’ Sensory Tasting – Tue 27 Sept  More >

UK-WIDE PREVIEWS WITH UISGE SOURCE

Glasgow – Radisson Blu Hotel, Fri 23 Sept More >

Aberdeen: Taster Menu Dinner at MUSA Thu 29 Sept  More >

Liverpool – Radisson Blu Hotel, Fri 30 Sept  More >

Newcastle – The Caledonian Hotel, Fri 30 Sept  More >

Winchester – Winchester Royal Hotel, Fri 30 Sept  More >

28 QUEEN STREET – EDINBURGH

Smoke, Sea & Peat Tasting – Thu 15 Sep  More >

Smoke, Sea & Peat Tasting – Thu 22 Sep  More >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WELCOMES MILLIONTH VISITOR

Visitation has more than doubled at this National Historic Landmark in the past five years  

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 31, 2016) Buffalo Trace Distillery welcomed its one millionth cumulative visitor Wednesday.  The Distillery has been keeping track of visitation since it first opened for tours in 1999, and recently began actively counting down the visitors in anticipation of reaching the one millionth milestone.

            Some careful calculations led the team to narrow down which week they would likely host the one millionth visitor, and with some planning, the team was able to organize a festive day for everyone.

            Around 11 a.m. the unsuspecting visitor, from Lexington, was greeted by Buffalo Trace team members who gathered in the Visitor Center to welcome the lucky person with cheers, a balloon drop and a special prize pack. The exciting moment was captured live on Facebook and can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/buffalotracedistillery/videos/1223133587718628/

            The celebration continued throughout the day with cupcakes and surprises for visitors, commemorative T-shirts for employees, and more. View photos from the day on Instagram at BuffaloTraceDistillery, and on Facebook.com/BuffaloTraceDistillery.

            Visitation at Buffalo Trace has grown leaps and bounds ever since first opening for tours 17 years ago. Regularly welcoming visitors from all 50 states as well as more than 25 other countries, the Distillery has more than doubled its annual visitation over the last five years. In the last year alone, visitation at Buffalo Trace Distillery increased by more than 23 percent.

            With this milestone reached, and with prospects for visitation not slowing anytime soon, Buffalo Trace will count onward to its two millionth visitor.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

Whisky Quotes public Beta release goes live

After months of development and data collecting Whisky Quotes is ready for public Beta release. 

Whisky Quotes is a service for whisky collectors and investors that want all the price information from different auction sites conveniently in one place.

Our database has now close to 5000 bottles with prices from 3 different auctioneers – and counting. 

Sign up at www.whiskyquotes.com and explore. We are open for comments and suggestions. 

Thank you!

The Whisky Quotes Team

THE JAMES SEDGWICK DISTILLERY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

The James Sedgwick’s Distillery in Wellington, the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa and home to the internationally award-winning range of Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, will be opening to the public from 3 September on selected dates and times.

An incredible tourism boost for the town of Wellington and the Western Cape, the whisky distillery is destined in becoming a major attraction for South African and international consumers to experience first-hand how whisky is made.

The tastings and tours are limited to 10 people at a time to ensure a personal experience and offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 10am and again at 2pm. Visitors can explore the passion and craftsmanship of South African whiskies, come to understand the art of whisky-making, learn about the rich history of the distillery spanning 130 years and taste some of the world’s best whiskies.

On arrival, guests will enjoy a whisky-cocktail followed by an informative video. A knowledgeable guide will offer an on-foot tour to witness first-hand how the whiskies are crafted through the various stages from raw material to distillation to maturation. Back at the tasting room, the guide will present a tasting of three whiskies paired with five sample dishes allowing guests to explore in their own time how the flavours of certain dishes complements the aromas found within a particular whisky.

Situated in Wellington about an hour from Cape Town’s City Centre, the distillery offers sweeping views of the Hawekwa and Groenberg Mountains. Award-winning, The James Sedgwick Distillery was awarded as Best Brand Innovator in Whisky Magazines’ 2011 Icons of Whisky as well as in 2015 named Best International Whisky Distillery at the New York International Spirits Competition.

All tours and tastings are for over 18’s only with booking in advance essential at https://www.webtickets.co.za/events/tourism/whisky-experience/1464501779

No bookings can be made at the distillery or on arrival.  The cost is R350 per person for a welcome drink, tour of the distillery, and three whiskies paired with five food sample dishes to explore the various flavour combinations and match your favourite.

The range of South African whiskies will be available to purchase at the end of the tour and tasting. Limited release whiskies, only available at the Distillery, will from time to time be offered for purchase to continue the extraordinary experience you had at home or to share the moment with someone special in the form of a gift.

For more information contact The James Sedgwick Distillery by sending an email to  info@jamessedgwickdistillery.co.za, calling 072 415 3440 or visiting  http://www.bains.co.za/ and http://www.threeshipswhisky.co.za/

#HomeofSAWhisky

Europe’s biggest Harley-Davidson rally toasts drams created by Speyside Distillery in honour of its 20th anniversary year

It may be Scotland’s secret distillery – but its hidden location off the beaten track didn’t stop dozens of leather-clad bikers from discovering drams produced in their honour today (August 28).

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who gathered in the Highlands for the annual Thunder in the Glens motorbike rally this weekend descended on Speyside Distillery to be presented with commemorative bottlings produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event.

The quiet countryside roads around the distillery – located in the shadow of the Cairngorm mountain range – echoed to the sounds of roaring engines as a group of riders staged a ride out from their base in Aviemore.

Speyside Distillery is the home of Beinn Dubh – an unusual ruby-black coloured whisky – which was launched at Thunder in the Glens last year. It won rave reviews from thousands of bikers at the event, which is the biggest Harley-Davidson rally in Europe.

Two limited edition releases have been created for the anniversary. The first is a rare 20 year-old single malt from the archives of Speyside Distillery and just 200 bottles have been produced. In addition, the distillery has produced a second 20th anniversary single malt with commemorative label which is available in greater quantities

One of the commemorative bottles of Beinn Dubh has been sent across the Atlantic to Milwaukee in the United States – the home of the Harley-Davidson and the patriarch of the world renowned company, Willie G. Davidson.

Speyside Distillery’s chief executive officer John Harvey McDonough says the firm is honoured to help Thunder in the Glens mark such a special occasion.

He adds, “Beinn Dubh is the local whisky of the Cairngorms, so it is incredibly fitting for us to produce a very special bottling for an event that has become integral to the local area. Following the launch of Beinn Dubh at last year’s rally, the whisky has gone on to achieve huge global success in markets around the world.

“The distillery has played host to many special visitors over the years, from former England footballer Michael Owen to VIP dignitaries from Taiwan, but I don’t think anything will be quite as memorable as the sound of those motorbikes roaring up the drive of our normally tranquil boutique distillery.

“The 20-year-old single malt Scotch whisky that has been used for this commemorative bottling is extremely rare. We have very limited stocks of vintage whisky, but we felt that only something very special should be used to mark this historic occasion.”

George McGuire is the rally co-ordinator for Thunder in the Glens and led the ride out to the distillery, which is located near the village of Kingussie.

“We feel a special affinity with Speyside Distillery, and being able to take so many of our visitors out here today has been a truly magical experience – one of the highlights of the entire weekend,” he says.

“As we were travelling further and further away from civilisation, I am sure some of them thought I was pulling their leg and the distillery didn’t actually exist. But that’s the real beauty of Speyside Distillery – it can only be found by those who want to seek it out.

“However, now that so many Harley owners around the world have become fans, I’m not sure how much longer it will remain a secret.

“Our visitors recognise what a rare chance they have to own what is essentially a piece of the distillery’s history. Opportunities to buy something like this do not come along every day, and some of our visitors have bought one bottle for drinking and one for keeping on the shelf to commemorate a fantastic weekend.”

Beinn Dubh is the name given to Ben Macdui, the highest peak in the Cairngorm mountain range, and translates from Gaelic as the black mountain. It refers to its dark, spooky and mysterious atmosphere which countless climbers are said to have encountered. The ruby black whisky is Speyside Distillery’s tribute to Ben Macdui and the area that it calls home.

Beinn Dubh’s taste is deep and dark: rich fruits, currants and chocolate dominate at first, but these gradually give way to both bitterness and sweetness.

The 20-year-old single malt Beinn Dubh Thunder In The Glens 2016  is priced at £150 while the 20th Anniversary single malt is £56. A very limited number of bottles are still  available, but can be ordered directly from karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk

For further information about Beinn Dubh, visit www.beinndubh.com or follow Beinn Dubh on Twitter @BeinnDubhWhisky

Ends

Picture caption: Beinn Dubh’s fallen angel Klaudia Zrobek joins bikers from Thunder In The Glens during a ride out to Speyside Distillery which launched commemorative bottlings for this year’s 20th anniversary rally.