TOMATIN DISTILLERY’S PUNCHY LINE UP FOR SUMMER

Highland-based Tomatin Distillery has teamed up with award-winning mixologist Calum Lawrie to create a series of summer whisky cocktails aimed at the growing market of female whisky drinkers.

Scotland’s national drink is enjoying a renewed popularity amongst women, particularly younger women, with some companies in the industry looking for new, innovative ways to experiment with different serves. Single malt is shaking off its previous image as a drink for the older gentleman, typically served neat or on the rocks. Women worldwide are developing a taste for the spirit and the Highland distillery wants to show off the versatility of the drink to this ‘new’ audience with their range of cocktails.

Jennifer Masson, Marketing Manager commented:

“Scotch whisky has had a somewhat demure reputation for decades but the fact is that there is only one way to enjoy single malt; the way you like it. Having recently rebranded our packaging we are looking at other ways to engage with new audiences. This new range of cocktails has been developed in response to demand from our customers worldwide and has allowed us to reinforce our brand positioning as the softer side of the Highlands.

Cocktails have proved an effective means of attracting new customers for Tomatin Distillery in the past, Masson continues –

“As sponsors of the local Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival held near Inverness each August, we’ve seen brand awareness among festival-goers increase by 73% since 2012 with the introduction of whisky cocktails appealing to a wide demographic who would have previously avoided the consumption of whisky due to a preconception about traditional serves.”

The cocktail series features a mix of traditional and accessible entry-level cocktails with a twist, for example a modern take on the classic ‘Old Fashioned’ whisky cocktail to create the ‘Bold Fashioned’ with luxurious coffee and nutty walnut flavours providing an intensely rich serve. The ‘Freeburn Highball’ takes its name from Tomatin’s water source – the Alt-na-Frith Burn – meaning Freeburn, to create a nicely rounded highball serve. One of the most accessible and popular is their simple but refreshing ‘Toma’tin & Tonic’, paying homage to the nation’s favourite; the gin and tonic.

Calum Lawrie, mixologist and former National Bartender of the Year went on to say:

“Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sunshine and spirits and the smooth, dynamic Tomatin malt provides the perfect base for this collection of cocktails. We want to capture the attention of new audiences and showcase new and fresh ways to enjoy this versatile drink this summer.”

These delicious summer sippers can be found at http://www.tomatin.com/enjoyTomatin and will be rolled out in bars worldwide.

Notes

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.

1. Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

3. The cocktails were created by Calum Lawrie of Panch Drinks http://www.panchdrinks.com/
4. Belladrum Festival will take place Aug 4-6 2016: www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/
5. Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
6. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
7. Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
8. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm
9. Images of all cocktails are available on request. Cocktail photography by Till Britze.

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky wins silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016 with travel retail exclusive Black Hill Reserve

Single Malt Scotch whisky brand anCnoc is proud to announce that Black Hill Reserve from it’s the travel retail collection has become a Silver winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016.

Launched in 2014, Black Hill Reserve – named after the Knockdhu Distillery which means Black Hill in Gaelic, pays tribute to anCnoc’s Highland home. Matured in first fill American oak ex-bourbon casks and bright gold in appearance, Black Hill Reserve is crisp on the nose with notes of citrus and green apples along with a full bodied taste of ground spices and pear drops.  The finish is long and intense.

Now in its 47^th year, the International Wine & Spirit Competition aims to award excellence to wines and spirits across the world and sets the international benchmark for quality. This year, the competition received entries from over 90 countries which were judged by over 400 global experts judging products for 7 months of the year.

Stephanie Allison, Brand Manager for anCnoc says “At anCnoc, we pride ourselves on creating award winning whiskies to be celebrated the world over. Black Hill Reserve winning Silver at such a prestigious ceremony is testament to our distillery team’s hard work and passion. The coveted win couldn’t have been more timely as it comes ahead of some exciting news for the expression, with all being revealed at TFWA Cannes this year!”

For further information, please visit www.ancnoc.com/

JACK DANIEL’S CELEBRATES 150^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF

FIRST-EVER WORLDWIDE WHISKEY BARREL HUNT

South Africa joins global scavenger hunt to give Jack fans a chance to win a trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery

in Lynchburg and be a part of Jack Daniel’s history

 July 29, 2016 – In celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the first registered distillery in the U.S., Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey recently announced a global Jack Daniel’s Barrel Hunt – a global scavenger hunt to find 150 handcrafted barrels located at historic and cultural sites that will unite friends of Jack across the world.

It has been confirmed that two of these 150 coveted barrels will be hidden in different locations in South Africa and Jack Daniel’s together with KFM and 947 will be providing clues to help fans find them and stand the chance to win the incredible prizes concealed inside. Both barrel’s contents are valued at over R150,000 each and include all-expenses paid trips to Lynchburg, Tennessee, to be part of the 150^th Distillery Anniversary celebration, and New York to learn more about the New York bar and American whiskey culture. This is the ultimate opportunity to be a part of Jack Daniel’s history.

“Jack Daniel’s has grown from a local name in Lynchburg to an iconic brand in more than 170 countries by remaining true to its legacy of authenticity, independence and integrity,” said Mark McCallum, President of Jack Daniel’s. “The 150^th anniversary is a major milestone for the distillery and is a perfect opportunity to invite everyone to join us in our celebration of Jack Daniel’s with our first-ever global Barrel Hunt.”

947’s Anele Mdoda and KFM’s Rob Vember could be your travel companions

To find the barrel hidden in the city of gold, Jozi fans will need to listen to Anele’s show on 947 on Friday, 5 August and follow the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Facebook page. After the final clue has been given the first 50 fans to crack the clue and reach the secret location – bringing with them the password and proof of passport* – will each receive a key to open the barrel. Meanwhile, in Cape Town, KFM DJ Rob Vember will keep fans in suspense with clues on Friday, 19 August before the final dash to find the second barrel. In both cities, only one key opens each barrel!

The Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Facebook page will be integral to helping fans locate the barrels at the secret locations. Each hidden barrel in the scavenger hunt was handcrafted from the distillery and used to mature Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey before being specially fabricated for the Barrel Hunt to house prizes including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the home of Jack Daniel’s and also NYC accompanied by DJs Anele and Rob Vember. Other prizes hidden inside each barrel include an original, one-of-a-kind bar kit made with white oak from the barrels to commemorate the historic milestone.

* Participants need to be over the age of 21 

“The barrel is key to crafting Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey as it accounts for 100 percent of its color and 70 to 80 percent of its flavor,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “It’s an important part of our process that’s remained unchanged for 150 years, and that tradition will continue to live on in every barrel we make and each drop of our whiskey. The Barrel Hunt celebrates the distillery’s history and gives fans a chance to own a barrel and be forever linked to Jack Daniel’s.” 

Bespoke +NESS designs reveal the clues for each city

Masters at their craft – depicting architectural projects that help define the skylines, culture, and history of South African cities – SA artists Max Melvill and Jamil Randera are the talented duo that make up +NESS. Selected to be a part of the 150^th Anniversary celebration thanks to the craftsmanship evidenced in their work, Jack Daniel’s has commissioned +NESS to create a special series of works that showcase the facades of different locations, which will form the clues that ultimately uncover the whereabouts of the two SA-based barrels. Fans can look out for digital versions of these on Facebook.com/Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and the limited edition series will be among the prizes inside the two barrels.

Stay tuned to KFM and 947 during July and August to hear more stories about what makes Jack Daniel’s so special and stand the chance of winning daily prizes.

To be in the running to win one of the two barrels in SA visit Facebook.com/Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

For more information on the global Jack Daniel’s Barrel Hunt, official rules and regulations, and details on locations and dates, visit www.jackdanielsbarrelhunt.com

To learn more about Jack Daniel’s and the Jack Daniel Distillery’s 150^th anniversary, visit www.jackdaniels.com. 

Notes to Editors 

About Jack Daniel’s:

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Kilchoman Sanaig Wins a Trophy at International Wine and Spirits Competition 2016 in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Category (NAS)

The rumors are true!  Kilchoman Sanaig won a prestigious award at the well-respected IWSC. Kilchoman Sanaig has been on a winning streak, having won Gold Medal, scoring 92 points “Best of Category Award” at the LA Competition and Double Gold at the San Diego Wine and Spirits Challenge.  Kilchoman Sanaig is renowned for:

• Sanaig was matured in Bourbon Barrels from Buffalo Trace, Kentucky and finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, giving it a distinctive taste that critics love
• From malting floor to distillery, Kilchoman invests home-grown quality into their Single Malt Scotches
• Sanaig is a peated malt, achieving a well-balanced smokiness
• 90 Countries Participate in the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC)
• Almost 80% of all Scotch Whisky sold doesn’t have an age statement, making Sanaig’s success in this category even more significant

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director: ‘We are thrilled that Sanaig has been named the best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – No Age Statement in this year’s IWSC.The IWSC is the most prestigious awards in the industry and is reward for the dedication and hard work of Robin Bignal, Distillery Manager and his team here at the distillery.’

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla.

Palate: Toffee, peat smoke and citrus with lingering sweetness.

Finish: A lovely balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.

12 YEAR OLD GLASS PACK

70cl / 40%

£33.95
WAS £39.95

BUY NOW »

One of Diageo’s most popular single malts, Cardhu 12 Year Old is soft, sweet and fruity, and comes with two branded glasses. Perfect summer sipping.

The BenRiach Distillery Company wins 16 medals in the 2016 International Wine and Spirits Competition

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 16 medals, including 3 Gold medals, across its three brands at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition. 

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It was set up to highlight excellence amongst the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its forty-seventh year, it receives entries from over 90 countries, giving it global reach and reputation.

Judging for the Competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products which receive the top medals are subject to technical analysis before results are released. This crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

The company took three Gold, six Silver Outstanding, five Silver and two Bronze awards.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to win these sixteen awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands.

“For three years running, our Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old has taken Gold so it’s clearly a magnificent dram. It was our first release from the Portsoy distillery after we took over in 2013 so it’s very special to us. It has matured in coastal warehouses for over 30 years and has an elegant sherry-cask background.

“It’s very pleasing that GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years took Gold for a second year. This is testament to the quality of the whisky, which has matured in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks.

“And we’re also delighted to see the GlenDronach Hielan’ Aged 8 Years move up from last year’s Silver to take Gold this year. For such a young whisky, it has consistently won critical acclaim worldwide, and it’s great to see it up there taking Gold and being compared with some venerable aged whiskies.”

The full list of awards is:

GOLD

GlenDronach 8YO The Hielan’

GlenDronach 12YO Original  

Glenglassaugh 30YO

SILVER OUTSTANDING

BenRiach 10YO

BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1

BenRiach 10YO Curiositas

GlenDronach 18YO Allardice

Glenglassaugh Octaves Peated

Glenglassaugh Revival

SILVER

BenRiach Heart of Speyside

BenRiach 25YO

BenRiach Peated Quarter Casks

GlenDronach Peated

Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic 

BRONZE

BenRiach 16YO

GlenDronach 21YO Parliament

Proud to pioneer handcrafted whiskies of uncommon provenance, R&B Distillers, an exciting new whisky brand, launched their new premium whiskies in December 2015. Firmly ingrained in family history whilst simultaneously being a taste of the brand’s evolving future, Raasay While We Wait and Borders, two distinct and characterful whiskies, will mark a new chapter for R&B Distillers.

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 in the Isle of Raasay and in the Scottish Borders.

R&B have now been granted permission by the Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to Raasay in the Inner Hebrides, an island where illicit distilling was once rife. While the distillery is being built, R&B Distillers have released the aptly named While We Wait whisky, a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come – every sip certain to transport the drinker to the rugged island of Raasay.

With While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one unpeated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. In May 2016, While We Wait was awarded its first international award, a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a tremendous accolade for such a young whisky.

Meanwhile, the newly released Borders whisky echoes the soft rolling landscape of its future location in the South of Scotland. This single grain whisky is lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of While We Wait. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect a lowland style. Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and now, over 150 years since the last distillery in the Scottish Borders, Alasdair is returning to his roots and planning to reinstate whisky in this forgotten region. Just announced, Peebles was selected by the Scottish general public as the preferred location for the new distillery.

As a precursor to the new distilleries being built, R&B Distillers also unveiled membership to their Na Tùsairean club (Scots Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’) – an exclusive offering for whisky aficionados. The inaugural 100 casks of Raasay whisky will be bottled exclusively for Na Tùsairean members who will receive one bottle each year for ten years, gradually acquiring up a rare collection of R&B Whisky. Members will also receive miniatures so they can experience a dram of the whisky without breaking into their collector’s bottle, are entitled to the equivalent of one night’s stay per year for the duration of their membership in the luxury members accommodation.

While We Wait, priced at £56.85 and Borders priced at £49.98 will be available to buy directly from the R&B Distillers website

www.rbdistillers.com

T: 0131 564 0761 E: sales@rbdistillers.com

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

 Mainstreet Trading Co. (St Boswells, Scottish Borders)

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

Aroma: Surprisingly very little smoke on the nose but instead light fruity notes come through.

Colour: Natural colour, heather tinted imparted from Tuscan red wine oak casks.

Taste: Instantly there is peat smoke and spice (a distant campfire, black pepper, liquorice, oak and then the sea breeze) slowly this is balanced with the dry fruit from the Tuscan red wine casks (black currant, blackberry, raspberry and cherries).

Finish: A long lingering finish.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Sconser Scallops, Smoked Salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

Aroma: Prominent sherry notes on the nose, hints of sugar-coated nuts.

Colour: Natural colour, lightly golden taken from sherry finishing casks.

Taste: Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating. Walnuts balanced with vanilla, herbaceous and floral notes coming through towards the end, and just a touch of warm spice.

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Cocoa Black dark praline chocolates.

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

GLEN GRANT ADDS THREE NEW PREMIUM SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

AND UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGN

Award-winning Glen Grant launches new premium quality whiskies: 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old

LONDON, 14th June 2016 – Award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, Glen Grant, today announces the launch of new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies whilst unveiling a new contemporary brand identity with packaging and logo redesign. The introduction of three unique and unmatched expressions to Glen Grant’s existing portfolio aims to reaffirm Glen Grant’s position as a leading player in the luxury whisky market and answers the surge in global sales of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Launching in June, the new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old expressions will allow consumers to enjoy the unfolding layers of mature and beautifully intricate taste and aroma that is achieved only through Glen Grant’s unique distillation process.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky. With a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, this exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite and delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel and finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-filtered, which will be exclusively available to travel retailers, delivers a full and creamy mouth-feel, with an aroma and flavour that, is unmistakably Glen Grant. With its signature bright, golden colour and a sweet, welcoming nose, this beautifully crafted whisky offers notes of toffee and rich fruit, and a pleasingly long, nutty finish with subtle bursts of spice.

The rarest in the new collection is the Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

The latest packaging features a new colour palette, allowing the consumer to easily identify the different dram varieties. The 12 Year Old and 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered feature a striking bronze label and casing, while the 18 Year Old is enclosed within a superior frosted-blue gift box with luxurious silver hues, reiterating its premium status.

The new Glen Grant logo, the Grant family monogram, stands proudly on the front of each bottle – with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, reminding consumers of the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Melanie Batchelor, Global Vice Press President of Spirits at Gruppo Campari, commented: “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

Glen Grant’s new packaging will be rolled out across all Glen Grant products from June. The new 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available to purchase from June at the Whisky Exchange, whilst the new 12 Year Old Non Chill Filtered will be available from June to purchase from duty free and travel retailers. The new 18 Year Old expression will be available from June to purchase from Tesco.

About Glen Grant:

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABV of Glen Grant single malt Scotch whiskies

 The Major’s Reserve – 40% ABV

 5 Year Old – 40% ABV

 10 Year Old – 40% ABV

 12 Year Old – 43% ABV

 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered – 48% ABV (Travel retail exclusively)

 18 Year Old – 43% ABV

About Glen Grant 12 and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies:

Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available in online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £37.40.

The 12 Year Old malt bears the same bright gold hue as is synonymous with the Glen Grant range. Orchard fruits combine with hints of almonds and citrus to create a lingering fruit finish which is enhanced by subtle hints of spice. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Honey, pear and apple with hints of almonds and citrus

 Taste – Apple pie crust, caramel and vanilla

 Finish – Lingering fruit with subtle hints of spice

Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky will launch only in duty free and travel retailers at the recommended retail price of £37.00. The ABV is 48%.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered offers a unique aroma of butterscotch and vanilla, mixed with hints of almond and clove spice. This results in a long, fruity and nutty finish, leaving a taste of toffee apple combined with rich, complex fruit.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma– Butterscotch with vanilla, almonds and clove spice

 Taste – Toffee apple with rich complex fruit

 Finish – Long, chewy with a fruity and nutty finish

Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £110.

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available.

Glen Grant’s 18 Year Old expression is rich and floral on the palate; its oaky overtones combined with baking spices to deliver the delicate aroma of malted caramel, with a sweet nutty finish. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Rich and floral with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices

 Taste – Malty caramel, delicate, dried raisins and vanilla

UK’s Ultimate Bartender crowned at world’s biggest cocktail festival

Sussex barman Dave White beat over 120 contestants to take the title at the final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans 

Dave White has been awarded the coveted title of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Champion, for the second year running. Defending last year’s title, Dave re-entered the competition designed for bartenders to showcase their talents and put their skills to the ultimate test in a series of trials. 

After beating stiff competition from over 120 bartenders across 15 regional heats, Dave and the other finalists were flown on all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans to battle it out in the final rounds at the iconic Tales of the Cocktail event.

Dave, 36, Manager of Dead Parrot bar in Horsham won the Brighton heat which took place at the city’s Merkaba Bar in May. After winning with his team last year, Dave returned to the competition as a solo bartender with his eyes set on the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans to win the final prize.

With the competition tougher than ever before, contestants were tasked with a series of new rounds designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, including gross profit testing contestant’s business acumen, rote challenges to test management and HR skills and a mega quiz to test general bartending knowledge. New for this year, and to take advantage of the competition’s first overseas final, Monkey Shoulder also set a series of daily ‘scavenger hunt’ challenges across New Orleans.

As part of the winner’s prize, Dave will run his own bar at London Cocktail Week from the 3^rd to 9^th October 2016, which will be promoted and stocked by Monkey Shoulder. He’ll also get to keep all the takings made during the week. Last year, Dave and his team mates from Dead Parrot took home over £13,000.

Dave White commented: “I’m thrilled to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Bartender for the second year in a row. Monkey Shoulder really stepped up the competition this year but the scavenger hunt around New Orleans was the real icing on the cake. The trophy will take pride of place in the bar whilst planning for London Cocktail Week gets underway!” 

Dave beat Nick Gordon, Jonathon Arthur and Cameron Woodger, the trio of bartenders from Aberdeen and remaining finalist Adam Binnersley of Manchester who all did their upmost to smash the challenges. With only a small number of votes between first and final place, it was neck and neck right until the very end.

All finalists attended the annual William Grants & Son’s “Party on Your Palate” soiree at the Orpheum Theatre during their stay with drinks on offer from across the brands portfolio.

Grant Neave, Monkey Shoulder’s UK brand ambassador said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about challenging the best bartenders on the UK bar scene. Dave did a great job across the new challenges and the scavenger hunt, proving he definitely has the skills to pay the bills. And what better place to celebrate his win at the home of cocktails; the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans”.

To find out more about the Ultimate Bartender Champion visit: http://ultimatebartenderchampionship.com/

Notes to Editors 

About The Ultimate Bartender Championship

Back for a third year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of UK bartenders. This year saw the Monkey troupe travelling across the UK in an ultra-pimped-out tour bus, reaching more cities and more importantly more bartenders than ever before, culminating in the final challenges at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans. All applicants whatever their ability – from bar newbie to seasoned pro – had the chance to gain knowledge and improve their skills at each stage of the journey.

About Monkey Shoulder 

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% triple malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky drinking and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Not that we like to brag, but Monkey Shoulder’s mantelpiece is resplendent with numerous awards – some will be impressed that Drinks International rated Monkey Shoulder as the world’s top trending Scotch in the World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report 2015.

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information about Monkey Shoulder, visit: http://www.monkeyshoulder.com/

THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE ‘FAMOUS FRIDAYS’ HEADLINER COMPETITION 

The Famous Grouse has released the winners of its ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition. The competition which launched at the beginning of July by Scotland’s favourite whisky gave four talented artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played on stage at The Famous Grouse House this Edinburgh Festival!

The winners; Edinburgh based electronic pop rock band DMS will be joined by psychedelic pop band The Mink Stoles, Livingston born Adriana Spina, who will perform her unique brand of alternative acoustic Americana – some of which has enjoyed immediate critical acclaim including being listed as “Single of the Week” on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as folky indie pop singer-songwriter Lou Mclean, who combines her exceptional voice with original acoustic guitar – providing an array of musical talent to the famous venue.

Scottish entertainer and Forth 1 radio presenter Grant Scott was joined by Edinburgh born musical director, writer and producer David Whitmey, who has worked with the likes of The Wanted, Mika and The Saturdays, to lend their ears and help The Famous Grouse team to help choose the lucky shortlist before the going through to the next stage – the public vote via The Famous Grouse Facebook page.

David Whitmey, who is currently working with Gary Barlow and Sony Records projects, said : “This was an amazing chance for unsigned bands and artists to win a prime slot to headline on one of the most coveted stages at the Edinburgh Festival this August. The quality of entries was exceptional and it was a tough call when it came to selecting the shortlist. The winners all have huge potential and we can’t wait to have them perform on the stage. They will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming bands and breaking acts from all over the globe” 

The competition was launched to celebrate the return of The Famous Grouse House for its second consecutive year to Scotland’s Capital and Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3^rd August – Saturday 27th August 2016)

The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at The New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on a pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from 11:00am to midnight and include performances from the hugely popular Posable Action Figures, Glasgow based indie rock band Kelvin and the hugely admired solo artist Luke Carey taking to the stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, The Famous Grouse House is going to be the perfect place to soak up the best of the festival.

Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “Congratulations to our four winners! The Famous Grouse House made its name at the festival last year with a combination of great live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves. We can’t wait to welcome DMS, The Mink Stoles, Lou McLean and Adriana Spina to our famous venue – there’s no better place to be this August.”

The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from the 3rd to the 27th August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, 96 George Street.

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

For more information visit www.famousgrouse.com. For the latest news follow on twitter @TheFamousGrouse or Facebook at: TheFamousGrouseUK #famousgrousehouse #famousfridays

NOTES 

The Famous Grouse House Headliner Competition

Bands entered the competition by sending their YouTube video to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com

The competition opened on Monday 20^th June and closed Friday 8^th July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts was selected by the panel of x4 judges on Friday 8^th July and this shortlist was then put to a public vote on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page for fans to decide who would win the headliner slot. Winners were notified on Monday 18^th July. 

Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse website. 

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington Group.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka (Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock)