Introducing Whiskey Thief

“Life’s too short to wait for the good things, so we made the clock tick a little faster when we created Whiskey Thief.”

www.whiskeythief.co.uk/

Welcome to Whiskey Thief, the bourbon that fuses whiskey-making tradition with innovation to offer the modern consumer an intriguing, contemporary brand with a smoother, more mature flavour.

Whiskey Thief is authentic to its core and has been created by Bourbon experts specifically to fill a gap in the market by offering consumers something refreshingly different. From its distinctive mask-style label to its contemporary typography and bold colour scheme, Whiskey Thief is very much the antithesis to most bourbon brands that follow a well-trodden design path and apply similarly traditional themes, names and motifs. Everything about Whiskey Thief reflects the ethos and independent spirit of its UK-based creators.

The bourbon in every bottle has been developed over several years with MGP Distillery in Lawrenceberg, ‘Malt Advocate’s 2015 Distiller of the Year’. Even before full production could begin many experiments and tastings were undertaken to finally arrive at the finished taste profile. During this development process the team ran a particularly exciting experiment which utilized new innovation made available from the barrel industry. The results were truly captivating as they discovered a method which helped the clock tick a little faster and accelerate the maturation process.

The result is a mature and truly well-rounded flavour. With a pleasant sweetness, an undercurrent of fruit spice and delicate vanilla and mocha notes, Whiskey Thief is delicious either as a smooth, sipping drink or in a refreshing cocktail. Its initial run is limited to 80 barrels meaning that every drop is created with a labour of love.

Whiskey Thief will be distributed in the UK exclusively by Amathus Drinks Plc and is available now at an accessible retail price point of £25 for a 70cl bottle.

Whiskey Thief is perfectly poised to capture the imagination of bourbon connoisseurs and newcomers alike and make an impact in 2016 as the bourbon scene continues to grow. Its mystery surely won’t remain a secret for long.

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ DUNBARTONSHIRE EMPLOYEES DONATE TO BEATSON CANCER CHARITY

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity, after employees from its Dunbartonshire sites voted in their droves to support the organisation.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ staff select their favourite causes to support as part of the company’s commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates. The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is an internationally renowned cancer centre and the busiest in the UK in terms of clinical activity and patient numbers. A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s pioneering work, which supports the 8,000 new patients and their families who attend the cancer centre every year.

Joyce Ross, Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to everyone at Chivas Brothers for this incredibly generous donation.

“Alarmingly, more than one in three people are affected by cancer in the West of Scotland – the highest cancer rate in Europe. As technology advances and new treatments are developed, the demands on cancer services continue to grow so this truly amazing level of support is so vital in helping us to continue to provide funding and wellbeing services to enhance the wonderful care thousands of patients receive at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities each year.

“All money raised will go a very long way in the fight against cancer, now and in the future and for that we are truly thankful.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Beatson Cancer Charity this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore to support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our Dalmuir, Dumbuck and Kilmalid workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

Three of the Chivas Brothers employees who voted for the charity recently visited the Beatson Cancer Charity Wellbeing Centre and were kindly shown around the facility by Joyce Ross.

Valerie McNamara (pictured) is an employee at Kilmalid manufacturing site in Dumbarton and said: “We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way or another and it’s very rewarding to be involved with such an inspiring charity. The work they do in supporting people at the most difficult time of their lives is fantastic.”

Catherine Cairns (pictured), also based at Kilmalid, added: “My reasons for nominating Beatson Cancer Charity are firstly because of all the help and support given to my boyfriend’s father and his family, before he passed away early last year, and also because it is so local – as I know others who share a connection with The Beatson.”

Another Kilmalid employee, David Moffat (pictured) added: “I have known and know too many family and friends who have had and are currently receiving treatment from The Beatson. I have witnessed first-hand how caring, dedicated and wonderful everyone connected with the centre is and that’s why when The Beatson was one of the nominated charities I opted for it.”

The donation to Beatson Cancer Charity forms part of a £20,000 contribution to four charities across the UK, each representing a region in which Chivas Brothers operates and includes; Beatson Cancer Charity, Dunbartonshire; Alzheimer Scotland, Northern Scotland region; Macmillan Cancer Support West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire; and the Jake McCarthy Foundation, London and Plymouth region.

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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 85 “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 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Lights, camera, action! Speyside Distillery takes on starring role in celebrations for the Edinburgh International Film Festival World Premiere of Whisky Galore!

Speyside Distillery is about take a starring role at the premiere of the remake of Whisky Galore! – almost 70 years after making its screen debut in the original version of the classic Scottish comedy.

The latest big-screen version of Compton McKenzie’s much-loved novel will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday (June 26), and Speyside Distillery will be ensuring plenty of whisky flows at the after-party.

The distillery’s parent company, Harvey’s of Edinburgh, appeared in the original version of the film, which was released in 1949. Boxes branded with the company’s logo appeared in the movie, which is based on the true story of a shipwreck off the coast of Eriskay.

The ship, packed with export-only whisky, was sailing to the United States during World War II and the islanders take advantage of the unexpected windfall of alcohol and try to outfox the local Home Guard.

Speyside Distillery will be the official whisky sponsor for the closing part of the Festival, which takes place in the stunning surroundings of the Playfair Library following an earlier screening of Whisky Galore!

John says, “My family established their whisky business back in the 1770s and it continued through the generations. My grandfather, Alex Harvey, was a whisky trader and actually exported to the United States in the early part of the last century, around the time Whisky Galore! was first made.

“We looked at some shots of the original Whisky Galore! movie, and were both surprised and delighted to see Harvey’s of Edinburgh wooden boxes being scooped up from the water by some of the locals.

“We were extremely pleased to be asked to support the after-party for Whisky Galore! and will even be dressing the venue with some of those wooden boxes which were central to the original film.

“We’ll be supporting Whisky Galore! at other film festivals around the world, and we’re looking forward to this weekend and raising a glass of SPEY from Speyside Distillery in toast to the success of this wonderful Scottish film.”

The remake of Whisky Galore! is produced by Iain McLean and stars several well-known Scottish actors including Gregor Fisher and James Cosmo, in addition to Eddie Izzard in the role of Captain Waggett.

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. It is home to the SPEY from Speyside Distillery range of single malt Scotch whiskies. For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk

Established in 1947, Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema – and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking.

Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, EIFF seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent, in a setting steeped in history. 2016 marks the 70th edition of the Festival, making it the longest continually running film festival in the world.

Ends

Picture caption: Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough with one of the wooden boxes form Harvey’s of Edinburgh which appeared in the original film version of Whisky Galore!

CHIVAS BROTHERS MARKS GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION WITH HUGE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE

Scotch whisky and premium gin producer Chivas Brothers is set to get into the spirit of National Volunteers Week 2016 by supporting community projects across the UK. The activity will form part of Responsib’ALL Day, a global day of action hosted annually by its parent company Pernod Ricard.

Chivas Brothers’ 1,600 employees will dedicate thousands of hours to causes on Thursday 2^nd June by undertaking activities to support and develop their local communities. The focus is on creating or renewing convivial spaces for residents. A number of events are due to take place near the company’s sites in Scotland and London as part of the day.

Dozens of green-fingered employees based at the company’s site in Hammersmith, London, will help to spruce up the nearby Bishops Park by planting new flowerbeds and removing waste. Others will spend the day renovating a secret garden for residents at St Vincent Care Home.

In Scotland, teams from Paisley and Dumbarton will join forces with local schools to create allotments to grow their own fresh food as well as outdoor learning areas. Employees will also work with West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership at Langcraigs Day Centre in Dumbarton, which supports elderly people with disabilities and people with mental health issues.

A 30-strong team of green-fingered employees from the company’s Strathisla Distillery will help to spruce up St Rufus Park in Keith. As part of the project, they will work with Moray Council and St Rufus Regeneration Group to replace benches and install new bicycle racks at the park’s entrance.

Employees who are unable to take part in the community projects will be tasked to join a two minute litter pick with Keep Scotland Beautiful, a charity which aims to make Scotland green, clean and more sustainable.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “This year, we focused on supporting the communities where we have a presence, helping to create and renew convivial spaces for residents. Responsib’ALL Day has coincided with National Volunteers Week, giving us even more motivation to show our support for a number of fantastic local projects.

“Volunteers make a real difference across our communities by helping to develop and sustain the local area and support those who need our help. We are extremely proud of our staff for embracing the activities with enthusiasm and I hope our achievements will have a lasting impact.”

Investing in local communities is just one of Chivas Brothers’ commitments, along with promoting responsible drinking, protecting the planet and empowering its people. Throughout the year employees are also encouraged to participate in Chivas Spirit of Support (Chivas SOS) – a staff inspired community scheme that offers all employees an opportunity to volunteer in local communities.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

All Chivas Brothers 1,600 employees are offered the opportunity to take part in activities which help to develop their communities as part of Responsib’ALL Day.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

http://www.chivasspirit.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chivas-brothers

@ChivasNewsRoom

Evan Williams Bourbon Launches American Hero Edition Bottle for Summer 2016

Evan Williams Bourbon is saluting American veterans with a custom red, white and blue edition of Evan Williams Black Bourbon featuring the heroic stories of 10 military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery. Available exclusively during the month of May for Memorial Day and extending through July 4, this limited edition bottle will be sold nationwide.

The American Hero Edition bottle features custom labels showcasing the individual stories of the ten Evan Williams American-Made Heroes on one side. Adorned with stars and stripes, the red, white and blue bottle pays homage to the ultimate symbol of American independence. Evan Williams is the world’s second largest selling Bourbon in the world, and remains family-owned and operated to this day.

“Evan Williams is proud to work directly with our chosen military heroes to showcase their achievements in the military and in their communities,” said Chris Ratterman, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “The American-Made Heroes program encompasses the spirit of Evan Williams’ American heritage and those who protect the American spirit day in and day out. Every hero has a story, and Evan Williams is honored to share them.”

Evan Williams is also extending the program by inviting others to nominate the military hero in their life to win a $250 gift of thanks and the chance to be selected as one of the next official Evan Williams American-Made Heroes – a prize that will be awarded to hundreds of military members. Nominations will showcase the difference each of the veterans are making in the lives of others while exemplifying their courageousness. To learn more about the program, go to http://www.american-madeheroes.com/.

The American Hero Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75L and is bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof). The launch of the new custom label is supported by national advertising through ESPN the Magazine, Military.com, newspaper, and other key digital video and social media partners. Custom bottle neckers and retail displays featuring a military-grade footlocker to display the bottles will also support the launch.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

EAGLE RARE BOURBON LAUNCHES 2017 RARE LIFE AWARD

National contest seeks nominations to award $80,000

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (May 31, 2016) – Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is seeking nominations of people who dedicate their lives to helping others for its annual Rare Life Award competition. Now in its seventh year, the contest will award $80,000 to winners. To date, the Rare Life Award program has donated a total of $320,000 to 42 charities across the United States.

Nominations are now being accepted online at www.eaglerarelife.com. The 2017 Grand Prize winner will receive a $50,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Six runners-up will receive $5,000 for their charities.

The Rare Life Awards honor individuals who exhibit courage, leadership, survival, devotion, character and heroism. Those making nominations will identify which Rare Life value their nominee’s story best represents. The general public will vote for the person who most embodies the “Rare Life” core values, with the top 30 across all categories considered for the Grand Prize and the top five in each category considered for a runner-up prize. Nominations and voting are open beginning today and continue through Jan. 4, 2017. Winners will be announced in March of 2017.

“The accomplishments of our past winners are incredible, and we look forward to more stories of everyday people making a difference,” said Kris Comstock, Eagle Rare Bourbon brand manager. “We are honored to help bring awareness to charities working to make the world a better place, and to people who truly embody what it means to live a rare life.”

About Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is part of the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery, an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, (Franklin County), Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling 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. Eagle Rare Bourbon is a 10-year-old bourbon that has won multiple awards, including five double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more about Eagle Rare, visit www.eaglerarelife.com.

MS Society auctions rare whisky to raise vital funds for research

The MS Society is auctioning a rare bottle of 1980 Bowmore Single Malt Whisky from the Queen’s Cask to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. This is only the sixth bottle to ever be released from the cask; the five previous have all raised substantial sums for charities.

A cask of whisky was given to Her Majesty the Queen when she visited the Bowmore Distillery on the Isle of Islay in 1980. In 2002, the cask was bottled to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee – the bottles were specially designed and placed in commemorative boxes with individually numbered labels.

629 bottles were delivered to various Royal Palaces – but only six bottles have ever been released, with the permission of the Queen, to be auctioned to raise money for charities. One of those bottles made more than £60,000.

Michelle Mitchell is chief executive of the MS Society: “We’re incredibly grateful to have been given this bottle of whisky from the Queen’s Cask. We want to use this amazing opportunity to raise as much as we can to fund multiple sclerosis research.

“More than 100,000 people are living with MS in the UK and it’s an unpredictable and debilitating condition. We’ve already made important breakthroughs and we’re now at the start of a generation of MS research that holds incredible promise. The money raised from this auction could make a huge difference.”

The silent auction ends on 30 June at midday and there’s a reserve of £10,000. Anyone who wants to make a bid should email Fiona Foulkes, Special Events Manager at the MS Society on fiona.foulkes@mssociety.org.uk

About multiple sclerosis

• MS affects more than 100,000 of us in UK
• MS symptoms typically appear when people are in their 20s or 30s
• MS attacks the nervous system. Symptoms include sight loss, pain, fatigue, incontinence and disability
• MS is unpredictable – one day you can be fine, the next you might lose your sight or be unable to move

About the MS Society

• The MS Society is the leading UK charity for people with MS
• We have a free helpline – 0808 800 8000 and information can be found on our websitewww.mssociety.org.uk/
• We’re funding research to stop MS, we’re now at the start of a generation of MS research that holds incredible promise
• With your help we’ll beat MS

On Monday 13th June, award-winning Scotch whisky brand, R&B Distillers, commenced their momentous endeavour – to build the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay. With construction now underway, R&B plan to open, and begin production, in April 2017.

R&B stands for Raasay and Borders, two unique landscapes brought together through one unique whisky company. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling. His great grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides while his other great grandfather, Richard Day was a master-blender in the Borders in the early 19th Century. It is this history that has prompted R&B’s ongoing project to build distilleries at these twin roots. The former, on Raasay, is steadily becoming a reality.

In February 2016, R&B Distillers received permission from the Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to the remote Isle of Raasay, an island where illicit distilling was once rife. The island’s striking Victorian villa and ex-hotel, Borodale House, has stood empty since 2006, and will now be converted into a visitors centre and luxury members’ accommodation with adjacent distillery. Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island’s 120 residents. Having subsequently secured grants for the distillery build from the FPMC (Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme), and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre, construction for this long-anticipated project can at last commence.

Patience is imperative to the whisky business but R&B are satisfying their notorious impatience with Raasay style whisky already on the shelves. In December 2015, R&B Distillers released the aptly named, Raasay While We Wait whisky, a lightly peated single malt offering a handcrafted tantalising impression of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come from their Isle of Raasay Distillery. The distillery on Raasay will be furnished with two copper pot stills from Frilli in Tuscany, thus R&B decided to finish While We Wait in Tuscan red wine casks, endowing the whisky with its distinctive soft heather hue. Its profile signifies the care and attention the company will take to handcraft uncommon Scotch whisky with quality ingredients and a local water supply filtered through volcanic rock, on an island boasting some of Scotland’s most unique geology. In May 2016, it was awarded its first international award, a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a tremendous accolade for such a young whisky and an exciting taster of things to come. With the distillery set to open and begin production in April 2017, the first single malt from Raasay will be bottled in 2020. R&B Distillers predict that they will produce 150,000 bottles of Scotch whisky a year.

Borodale House will be transformed into the Isle of Raasay Distillery visitor centre which is projected to bring in 12,000 visitors to the island in the first year. Nestled below the magnificent Dùn Caan and with some of the best views of the Isle of Skye; uninterrupted sight of the Cuillin mountain range, Borodale House will offer an atmospheric escape for R&B Distillers’ Na Tùsairean Club members.  Na Tùsairean is Scot Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’, members are invited to join R&B Distillers on their whisky journey and watch the distilling process unfold. Members will own whisky from the first 100 casks distilled, and be able to enjoy the luxury members’ lounge and five members’ ensuite rooms – three with views towards Skye and two looking onto the distillery itself.

Environmental concerns are always paramount when undergoing a construction project of this scale thus in 2015 R&B Distillers carried out a host of wildlife surveys to ensure they were accommodating the islands diverse wildlife. This revealed that the UK’s most North-Westerly population of Brown Long Eared bats, were nesting in the roof. R&B have now accommodated this colony in a new ‘Bat Hotel’ in the roof and bat boxes up in the trees to protect these precious creatures during, and after, the build.

Of this exciting news, co-founder Alasdair Day comments “it has taken an enormous amount of effort and endeavour to get to this point and we are all aware of what we still have to achieve, however we are delighted that work has commenced on site. We are all full of excitement and anticipation for the future as we aim to be Scotland’s leading craft distiller”.

HIGHLAND PARK CELEBRATES SOLSTICE WITH MIDSUMMER SOCIAL 

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ distributed by Maxxium UK, is taking over London’s Dalston Roof Park for two evenings to celebrate Midsummer Solstice.

The narrative of Highland Park is deeply rooted in Nordic traditions and the people on Orkney (1 in 3 have Viking ancestry) take huge pride in honouring the spirit of their Viking ancestors by hosting a week’s worth of events dedicated to Midsummer Solstice, the official start of summer and when the evenings are at their longest.

The Highland Park Midsummer Social at Dalston Roof Park will bring to life this wonderful Solstice heritage through the following:

• Torchlight whisky tastings with Highland Park’s global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park Boilermaker pairings with 40ft Brewery
• DJ Eelke Kleijn will play a set on Tuesday 21 June
• Acoustic band Slow Club will provide live music on Wednesday 22 June
• Live streaming of the events on Highland Park Facebook page 

The brand is also extending celebrations with several bars surrounding Dalston adding special Highland Park Solstice serves to their bar menus.

Mike Mackenzie, Highland Park Brand Manager said: “Highland Park’s Midsummer Social is a unique and exciting event to celebrate the brand’s Viking heritage and the beginning of summer. The fantastic rooftop setting at Dalston provides an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky and enjoy great cocktails and food”.

A limited number of tickets are available for Tuesday 21 June and Wednesday 22 June at 6.30pm priced at £15. To reserve your place please click here or visit www.skiddle.com/ and search ‘Highland Park’. 

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #HPSolstice

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial   

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Bars supporting Highland Park Midsummer Social activity:

• BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, 196 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6LG
• HIGH WATER, 23 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8BJ
• FONTAINES, 176 Stoke Newington Rd, London, N16 7UY
• VICTORY MANSION, 18 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 7PL

• POND DALSTON, Unit G2, Stamford Works, 3 Gillett St, London, N16 8JH

• ORIGINAL SIN, 129 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 0PH
• APPLES AND PEARS, 26 Osborn St, London, E1 6TD 

Livestreaming of the Midsummer Solstice events:

Livestreaming can be viewed at:  https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky/?fref=ts  

Eelke Kleijn

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch producer and DJ hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is known mostly for his electronic dance music, but nowadays also produces music for other media, such as television series, commercials, movie trailers and animations. 

Slow Club

Slow Club are an English duo formed in Sheffield in 2006. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, with Watson contributing piano, Taylor contributing drums, and both performing guitar and vocals.

GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASES TWO NEW “OCTAVES” EXPRESSIONS

Glenglassaugh is today (7th June 2016) launching its new Octaves Classic and Octaves Peated single malts.

For these two new expressions from the Portsoy distillery, small is indeed beautiful.

Both have been matured in octave casks, which are made from staves of a used cask and are approximately 1/8th the size of a butt.

Like The BenRiach’s new “Quarter” casks, also released today, a smaller cask allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky greater depth and aroma in a shorter period of time.

The Octaves Classic – non chill filtered, with natural colour and at 44% abv – has an abundance of candy characteristics.

Colour – Rich golden amber.

Nose – Sherbet and candy apples with a gentle warmth of white pepper and cinnamon.

Palate – A vibrant green apple skin note balances with stewed yellow plums and hints of black vanilla pod. Clean, freshly sawn oak softens to crisp, sweet barley in the long finish.

Finish – A delicious combination of citrus and sweet notes complement the unique oak characteristics from the octave cask maturation.

The Octaves Peated – also matured in octave casks, non chill filtered, with natural colour and at 44% abv – offers a delightful alternative to the Classic. It was produced using richly peated malted barley as the cereal varietal.

Colour – Bright autumn gold.

Nose – A dollop of rich clotted cream spread over apple crumble, infused with delicious, sweet waves of heather burning on the hillside.

Palate – Apricot jam and greengage plums contrast with the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper. A subtle and delicate smouldering peat ember smokiness flows through the palate.

Finish – The delicate, sweet nature of Highland peat marries harmoniously with the distinctive spirit and cask interaction found in octave maturation.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “These wonderfully smooth Glenglassaugh single malts are matured in top-quality octave casks which bring a new depth of flavour. And as the whisky has been neither coloured nor chill filtered, the original flavours, nuances and textures remain absolutely unchanged. The result in both cases is a complex and hugely satisfying dram.”

Keep an eye on the Glenglassaugh website www.glenglassaugh.com/ and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.