TOMATIN DISTILLERY UNVEILS SUPER PREMIUM 44 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT 

Highland based Tomatin Distillery unveiled last night at the RSA Vaults in London, an extremely rare single malt whisky, distilled in 1971.  This 44 year old single cask release is the first of the luxury Warehouse 6 Collection which will include some of the most refined spirits from the Highland distiller.

The unique malt was revealed at the London event by Distillery Manager, Graham Eunson who was joined by journalists, specialist drink retailers, bartenders and bloggers to toast the new limited edition expression.  Just 252 bottles of the spirit, matured in hand selected Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, are available.

Bottled at a strength of 45.8% volume, the whisky is described as having aromas of almond, plum, ginger cake and marzipan merged with warm flavours of caramel, dark chocolate, coffee and winter fruits before a rich, refined, lingering finish.

The complex malt is encased in a crystal decanter decorated with solid copper along with two crystal tumblers, inside an impressively ornate box comprising of varnished wood laminate, plexiglass and rose gold metal to reflect its exclusivity.

Sales Director, Stephen Bremner commented: ‘We are thrilled to launch our 1971 single malt today, the first rare and limited expression in our Warehouse 6 Collection.  We have spent decades perfecting this delicate spirit that reflects our dedication to producing whisky of exceptional quality.  The single malt evokes the soft house character of Tomatin with an intricate medley of rich tones and flavours which are truly unique.’

This exquisite creation will be available at specialist retailers and establishments worldwide, retailing at £2,500.

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.

Website: www.tomatin.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 – a live recording from the event is available on this page

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

The presentation packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency

Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/

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.

Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

Which whisky sounds best?

This July, Kansas Smitty’s will play host to an unusual whisky experiment from renowned whisky brand, The Glenrothes, where the question ‘Which whisky sounds best?’ will be answered in a unique tasting and listening experience.

As part of this interesting residency, every Wednesday in July will see a relaxed evening of whisky tasting accompanied by specially selected jazz music played on vinyl. Guests will receive a welcome The Glenrothes julep, followed by the opportunity to taste three whiskies from the award-winning The Glenrothes Speyside distillery. Each dram will be paired with music specially chosen by Giacomo Smith, one of the Kansas Smitty’s house band’s eight founding members. The aim of the tastings is to measure the effect music has on the way people taste whisky.

Amanda Baxter, from Berry Bros & Rudd, brand owners of The Glenrothes commented “the idea was born from the two team’s mutual passions for fine whisky and jazz; we are trying to create a unique tasting and listening experience that is both instructive and also a lot of fun. We think it’s the best way to learn and share a dram!”

In previous studies, relating to wine and other spirits, pitch, tempo and melody have all demonstrated notable effects on our perception of flavour. Assisting with the research is Bjorn Thorleifsson, who is currently studying a MA in Consumer Behaviour at Goldsmiths University, focusing on how music and sound affect consumption. After completing the month of tastings, results will be compiled and studied for correlation.

Kansas Smitty’s has become renowned for bringing its signature combination of jazz and juleps to their intimate bar on Broadway market, Hackney. Thanks to regular appearances on the jazz circuit, swing octet Kansas Smitty’s opened the bar last year, inviting in new talent and established acts alike. From May 2016, Kansas Smitty’s have been partnering up with a collection of exciting drinks brands for a series of monthly julep collaborations.

The Glenrothes distillery, founded in 1879, is located in the town of Rothes in Speyside – Scotland’s whisky heartland. Their vintage single malt is slowly distilled in tall copper pot stills and casked in oak until peak maturity, character and flavour has been reached. The Glenrothes distillery team then carefully marry selected vintages together as reserves, or bottle as Single Vintages. Malt whisky matures at its own pace and at Glenrothes, maturity is valued over age with each cask nosed and tasted many times before bottling to ensure the flavour is perfect.

Each residency is highlighted with a Julep special, July’s collaboration see’s ‘Joe’s Julep ft. The Glenrothes’ Speyside Single Malt’ grace the Kansas Smitty’s bar. Paying respect to the late, great Joe Temperley, a Julep as sweet as the music he played has been developed using The Glenrothes’ Single Malt, infused with vanilla, cloves, dark cherries, demerara cane, topped with a fresh cherry. Joe, a Scottish born, Glasgow raised jazz musician who made a big impression playing alongside the luminaries of the New York scene, played amongst the likes of Buddy Rich, Joe Henderson and even performed in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. This trans-Atlantic, improvisation fuses together his homeland and the place he made his name, all in one drink.

The tastings will take place on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th July between 6.30pm – 8.00pm.

Tickets here: £8 or £15 including Basement Tapes

Kansas Smitty’s
63-65 Broadway Market,
London
E8 4PH

International Sales Director recruited as sales continue to grow

Whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail has recruited an International Sales Director as demand continues to grow for their products across the globe.

David King has joined the company after more than twenty years in the drinks business, working across five continents. He will help the company continue to build sales of Gordon & MacPhail’s whiskies globally, with a particular focus on the growth of Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The family-owned company revived the distillery and re-opened it in 1998. The classic single malt, handcrafted in a style that draws its influence from pre 1960s Speyside whiskies, is now in demand around the world.   Over the last twelve months alone sales grew 36%.

And as Ewen Mackintosh, Chief Operating Officer at Gordon & MacPhail explained, appointing an International Sales Director is the latest step in a planned programme of investment for the company: “Benromach is an enormous success for us and we continue to invest in our infrastructure and resources in order to meet demand.

“We’ve increased the size of the production team and trebled our distilling capacity, recruited new colleagues in international sales, built new warehouses and created a suite of tasting rooms at the distillery and this is already paying off in our ongoing growth.

“The appointment of an International Sales Director is the next step on this journey. David has the perfect credentials for the task, combining extensive knowledge of Scotch whisky with experience of working in some of our key markets, including the USA. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

The classic Benromach 10 Years Old is popular with both expert whisky lovers and those who are discovering Scotch malt whisky for the first time. The award winning range also includes Benromach 15 Years Old, Benromach 100 Proof and Benromach Organic, the world’s first fully certified organic Single Malt.

David will also work to drive sales globally of the extensive range of products in the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio. The company is one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, exporting to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts.

David King commented: “It’s a great privilege to join Gordon & MacPhail, a renowned and respected family owned business, known around the world for its extensive portfolio of high quality, unique and rare Scotch whiskies. I am very much looking forward to working with my colleagues and customers to develop our business and grow sales internationally.”

The company made history in 2010 by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Years Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. The first product in the Generations range, this was followed by a 70 Years Old Glenlivet in 2011 and most recently a 75 Years Old Mortlach, launched in 2015 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Notes

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was revived by Gordon & MacPhail who 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.

Pre-orders and pre-eminent whiskies!

This week we have two brand new releases available to pre-order at Loch Fyne. The first is the much anticipated Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3, a highlight of the whisky-lover’s calendar, while the second is a special single cask edition of the Springbank 21 year old. There’s also a Blended Scotch made with some very exclusive whisky from the Rare Cask Reserves, an Octave expression from Glenglassaugh, and a sweetshop dram from Glenmorangie.

 Worldwide shipping available
Next day delivery on UK orders

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3

The third batch from the eponymous Tun 1509 at the Balvenie distillery in Speyside, this expression is limited to just 8,850 bottles worldwide. Composed of 31 casks hand-selected by Malt Master David Stewart and married together for a period of months, this release is always highly sought-after.  Described by Stewart as “a whisky of rich coimplexitywith elegant oaky notes and dried fruits balanced by mellow cinnamon spices and ginger. It also has lovely layers of vanilla oak, rich woody spices, dark fruits and a definite sherry character interspersed with elegant honey.”

£280 Pre-Order Now

Springbank 21 Year Old Single Cask

Hailing from Campbeltown’s oldest remaining distillery and our friends down the road, this Springbank expression has been matured for 21 years in a single Oloroso sherry butt. Bottled at a strength of 49.6% abv, this release is limited to just 702 bottles so pre-order now to make sure you get your hands on a bottle!

£229 Pre-Order Now

Rare Cask Reserves Ghosted Reserve
21 Year Old

The 2015 release from William Grant & Sons of the Rare Cask Reserves Ghosted Reserve is a 21 year old Blended Scotch that contains some incredible rare whisky from long-closed distilleries such as Inverleven, Ladyburn and Dumbarton.  With fresh fruity notes inherited from the Dumbarton grain whisky, light oaky notes and hints of floral blossom from the Inverleven component, while Ladyburn adds its own unique flavour profile.

£120 Buy Now

Glenglassaugh Octaves Peated

Another dram produced in Octaves from Glenglassaugh, this variant uses peated malt barley to give a character not usually associated with Speyside whiskies.  The nose offers clotted cream over apple crumble with delicious waves of sweet heather burning on a hillside. The palate has the warmth of cracked black pepper contrasting with apricot jam and plums. The finish is delicate and sweet from the interaction of the Highland peat with the oak casks.

£68 Buy Now

Glenmorangie Milsean

Matured in a bourbon cask, this expression would have already been sweet as is, but determined to replicated the flavours of traditional sweet shops Glenmorangie finished this expression off in flame toasted Portuguese wine casks.  Truly remarkable this expression has a hint of tingling spice and chilli, which gives way to a sweet boastful flavours. Candy, citrus zest, tart, plummy fruits, cherries, nectarines, plums and melons to name but a few of the flavours present in this whisky… this is a whisky with a difference.

£76 Buy Now

FOUR SPIRITS FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

AWARDED “BEST OF CATEGORY”

AT 2016 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Total of 12 spirits awarded medals 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 28, 2016) Four spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery were awarded “Best of Category” at the 2016 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, including Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey. An additional 12 medals were awarded to spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery, seven of which were Gold Medals.

These spirits were ranked among 401 spirits that were submitted from a total of 29 countries.

Spirits earning medals include:

Gold Medal

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream

            Silver Medal

• Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Wheatley Vodka
• Platinum 7X Vodka
• Rain Cucumber Vodka

            Bronze Medal

• E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

            The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 2 – 25, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

            Complete results of the 2016 LAIWSC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com/.

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 www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

After two years of intensive research, the German publisher Alba-Collection is pleased to present the new and detailed “Bourbon – Rye – Whiskey Distilleries in USA“ whiskey map. The map contains 805 distilleries and shows the great variety of the American whiskey landscape. It is probably the most detailed special subject map of its kind.

The map is accompanied by a 24-page booklet, which gives the details of all 805 distilleries. Apart from a few dozens of large distilleries, we also found many hundreds of small craft and micro distilleries, which fall into 10 distinct whiskey categories. This also shows the enormous upswing whiskey has taken in the USA during the past years.

The map is supplemented by a set of 12 regional whiskey maps due to the high density of distilleries in some areas. Also new in our publishing portfolio the maps · „Canadian Whisky Distilleries“ and · „Whisky Distilleries in Japan“ .

You can take a look at our map collection at www.alba-collection.com/ or facebook: Alba-collection. All maps come in several sizes. We also offer attractive bundles for resellers. For further information, please contact hirst@alba-collection.com.

Excerpt of the Alba-Collection Publisher Portfolio: 

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA  Large Map (40 × 28 inch)    ISBN: 978-3-944148-31-1

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA  Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-32-8

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (complete)      Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-33-5

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 1) ME – VT – NH – MA – RI – CT          Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-36-6

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 2) NY – PA – NJ – DE – MD – DC          Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-37-3

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 3) Virginia – West Virginia       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-38-0

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 4) North Carolina – South Carolina     Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-39-7

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 5) Kentucky – Tennessee         Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-40-3

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 6) Ohio – Indiana – Illinois       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-41-0

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 7) Michigan – Wisconsin          Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-42-7

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 8) Texas – Oklahoma – Kansas            Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-43-4

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 9) Colorado       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-44-1

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 10) California – Nevada            Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-45-8

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 11) Oregon         Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-46-5

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 12) Washington Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-47-2

Canadian Whisky Distilleries           Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-34-2

Canadian Whisky Distilleries           Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-35-9

Whisky-Distilleries in Japan Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-25-0

Whisky-Distilleries in Japan Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-30-4

Contact:

Alba-Collection Verlag GbR

Owner Ruediger Joerg Hirst & Frank Rittel Meldorfer Straße 11b

D-20251 Hamburg

Germany

hirst@alba-collection.com

http://www.alba-collection.com/

facebook: Alba-collection

Alba-Collection was founded in 2011. Since then, we have sold our high-quality whisk(e)y maps into over 100 countries of the world.

FOUR LOCAL CHARITIES CHOSEN BY CHIVAS BROTHERS EMPLOYEES

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding a combined £20,000 to four charities across the UK as part of its ongoing commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ 1,600 employees across four regions collectively select their favourite causes to support, with each charity receiving a £5,000 donation. The chosen charities for 2016 are:

• Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland (Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire)

o   A £5,000 donation ensures that a Macmillan nurse is able to give in-home support for people living with cancer for a whole month

• Beatson Cancer Charity (Dunbartonshire)

o   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.

• Alzheimer Scotland (Northern Scotland region)

o   A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s work across Aberdeenshire and Moray through initiatives such as dementia cafes, carer groups and the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre

• Jake McCarthy Foundation (London and Plymouth region)

o   Last year’s £5,000 contributed to The Wall of Hope, a symbol of the ongoing aim to eradicate brain cancer, with each brick representing one day of research for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumour

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce the four charities that our employees have chosen to support 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 workforce across the country. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

For the second consecutive year, Hammersmith, Kennington and Plymouth sites voted for The Jake McCarthy Foundation, which was set up in memory of the brother of an employee and aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours to help ensure early diagnosis.

Josh McCarthy (pictured), Senior Brand Manager for Chivas Brothers, is Jake’s brother. He said: “I’m thrilled that the Jake McCarthy Foundation has been chosen as 2016 Charity of the Year. Chivas Brothers has such a warm, welcoming community of people and their compassion and support for our cause just showcases the kind-hearted nature of the people I’m lucky enough to work with each day.

“It is obviously a cause extremely close to my heart and with brain tumours still responsible for more cancer deaths in under 40s than any other illness, the support amongst such a big business like this helps our cause enormously. This partnership helps us to fund further research into the disease as well as get support from a wide community of people.”

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

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ NORTHERN SCOTLAND EMPLOYEES DONATE TO ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Alzheimer Scotland after employees across its Northern Scotland operations voted in their droves to support the charity.

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. As the leading dementia organisation in the region, Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s work across Aberdeenshire and Moray through initiatives such as dementia cafes, carer groups and the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre.

“On behalf of Alzheimer Scotland, I would like to thank everyone at Chivas Brothers for supporting our charity”, said Andrea Watt, Aberdeen-based Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland. “Funds raised will help us to continue to run our new Dementia Resource Centre here on King Street, Aberdeen, plus our various groups and activities across Aberdeenshire and Moray. In addition these vital funds will help ensure we continue to provide dementia advisors and dementia nurse consultants to help people live well with dementia and to make sure that no one faces dementia alone.”

Elma Mackay (pictured), Alzheimer Scotland Community Fundraiser in Inverness, added: “Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading dementia charity, offering specialist support services, community activities, information and advice at every stage of the dementia journey, from over 60 locations across Scotland. We depend on generous donations and fundraised income to maintain and develop our work to improve quality of life for the 90,000 people in Scotland with dementia and their carers”.

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Alzheimer Scotland 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 Northern Scotland workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

Karen McGillivray works for Chivas Brothers at Strathisla Distillery. She said: “My uncle has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it’s not until you are faced with conditions like these that you can fully understand and appreciate the work that these charities do, not only for the patient but also for their partners and families. I have read up on all the benefits and effects the work the charity does and appreciate this.”

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

21 Years in the Making

Isle of Arran Distillers Release Anniversary Book  

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillers, who began whisky production in 1995 for the first time on Arran in almost 160 years, has now reached 21 years of age. As part of the on-going anniversary celebrations, a new book ‘The Arran Malt – An island whisky renaissance’ will be officially released during the popular Malt and Music Festival in Lochranza on the 2^nd July.

A complete account of the history of the distillery, from before it was even an idea in the mind of its creators to the present day, the book is illustrated with archive and contemporary illustrations as well as stunning photography of the distillery’s island home.

Researched by Neil Wilson, the respected whisky writer and one of those who originally purchased a bond in Isle of Arran Distillers, it follows the growth of this much-loved island distillery from its founding directors, Hal Currie and David Hutchison to its current status as one of Scotland’s finest malt whisky producers.

Along the way, Neil has interviewed many of the people who were involved in the company’s development as well as current employees and enthusiasts of the brand to create a true celebration of a the Arran Malt.

As the Isle of Arran Distillery looks forward to the next 21 years, and expansion with a second distillery site on the south of the island at Lagg, ‘The Arran Malt – An island whisky renaissance’ is an essential edition to the whisky lover’s bookshelf.

Soft cover book – £19.99

Hard case book – £29.99

Availble from http://www.arranwhisky.com/, the Lochranza Visitor Centre, Neil Wilson Publishing and Amazon

Notes:

NEIL WILSON is a whisky historian, writer and publisher specialising in the Hebridean distilleries. His other works

include Scotch and Water, The Island Whisky Trail, Ardbeg – Jewel of Islay, The Whisky Map of Scotland and Whisky In Your Pocket. He has also written for Whisky Magazine and is a contributor to www.scotchwhisky.com/

www.nwp.co.uk/

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (20070

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

NEIL WILSON (neil@nwp.co.uk)

Neil Wilson is one of Scotland’s most respected publishers and whisky writers. His food and drink imprint, The Angels’ Share, regularly releases new material on the subject, the latest of which is The Arran Malt: An Island Whisky Renaissance. As one of the original investors in Isle of Arran Distillers, having purchased Bond number 0479 in 1994, he jumped at the opportunity to research and write a book on the company’s history when he was asked to do so by MD Euan Mitchell in March 2015. After a year of painstaking research involving interviews with current and past employees, visits to archives and numerous visits to Arran and further afield, he completed the book in May and it will be launched at the annual Arran Music & Malt Festival on 2 July 2106 at Lochranza Distillery, marking its 21^st anniversary.

MORE INFO:

Neil Wilson Publishing Ltd was formed in 1992 and now has over 200 titles in print and Ebook formats, many of them written by award-winning authors such as Jim Perrin, Roger Protz, Trevor Braham (Boardman-Tasker award winner 2004) Catherine Brown, Jim Murray and Wallace Milroy.

Originally a drilling fluids engineer working in the oil business, in the mid-1980s he wrote Scotch and Water (Lochar Publishing, 1985) after a sailing trip around the Hebridean malt whisky distilleries (later revised and reissued as The Island Whisky Trail in 2002) and it was out of this project that his publishing and writing interests grew. Wallace Milroy’s Malt Whisky Almanac, which he co-authored, followed and achieved worldwide sales of 300,000 in seven editions and many languages. Most recently this title was reprised as Whisky In Your Pocket, published by Waverley Books.

He has fostered close relationships with the whisky industry and this has allowed him to work on many projects for a wide spectrum of distillers. He has written and published a five-language book on Ardbeg Distillery for Glenmorangie plc, a cellar book for Glengoyne Distillery, Loch Fyne Whiskies and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and published numerous corporate publications. Included in these are:

The Enduring Legacy of Dewars by Ian Buxton

Glenglassaugh: A Distillery Reborn by Ian Buxton.

Goodness Nose by Richard Paterson and Gavin D. Smith

Glenfarclas 175 by Ian Buxton.

But The Distilleries Went On: The Morrison Bowmore Story by Ian Buxton 

He formed Classic Expressions with Ian Buxton in 2007 to republish rare whisky editions and the result of this was the reissue of books such as Nettleton’s Manufacture of Plain Spirit and Truths About Whiskey amongst others.

He has attended the Diageo Malt Advocates course and is a regular invitee to trade events and new release launches. He has contributed to Whisky Magazine, Wine, Decanter and the national press. He currently writes for www.scotchwhisky.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DISTILLS FIRST CORN CROP FOR FARM TO TABLE BOURBON  

Second Year of Corn – A New Variety – Planted 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 23, 2016) A little over a year ago, Buffalo Trace Distillery quietly purchased an additional 293 acres of farm land adjacent to the Distillery, with the intention of building more barrel warehouses to meet the growing demands of bourbon. In the meantime while permits were being secured for the new construction, Buffalo Trace decided it would be “fun” to plant its own corn, with an idea of creating its own farm to table “single estate” bourbon experience.

But it couldn’t be just any corn that was planted, the Distillery wanted to plant something that had historical meaning to this 243-year-old National Historic Landmark. Research began, and soon a strain was identified that dated back to 1876, around the same time E. H. Taylor, Jr. was making his mark on Buffalo Trace. The strain originated from a White Mastodon variety and through selection techniques in isolation it became “Boone County White,” after a farmer named James Riley coined the name. Coincidentally, Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace, was born in Boone County, Ky., making that strain even more fitting.

After planting 18 acres of the non-GMO white corn in the summer of 2015, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and his team eagerly watched the corn sprout up and begin to grow, and grow, and grow!  And harvest time, the stalks were well over 12 feet tall! The corn was harvested in August of last year and the grain was processed to be dried. After drying all winter, the corn was fermented and distilled at Buffalo Trace on May 31, 2016. All told, 117 barrels of the Boone County White Corn variety were distilled and are now aging in Buffalo Trace’s warehouses, to be taste tested periodically over the next few years to check on progress, and then eventually released, provided the taste profile is up to Buffalo Trace’s rigorous standards.

Now, in 2016, the cycle is beginning again, with Buffalo Trace planting its second year of non-GMO corn, this time Japonica Striped Corn, a strain originally from Japan and dating back to the 1890s. This variety will have variegated leaves of green, white, yellow and pink stripes with dark purple tassels and burgundy kernels. Typically used as an ornamental corn, this variety will be a true experiment to see how it tastes once fermented and distilled next year!  In addition to both the Boone County and Japonica Striped corn being from E. H. Taylor, Jr.’s era, both are dent corn varieties, which have a high starch content and are ideal for distilling, unlike traditional sweet corn one might see in the grocery store.  Buffalo Trace uses a different variety of dent corn in the distillation of the rest of the bourbons in its portfolio.

Buffalo Trace Distillery intends to plant a different variety of corn each year at its farm so each year in the future there will be a unique release.  Name, age or price of this future bourbon has not yet been determined.

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 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.