Beam Suntory Portfolio Awarded Top Accolades at the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Deerfield, IL (August 1, 2016) – Beam Suntory has been awarded multiple medals at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), a worldwide competition that sets the benchmark for quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The most prestigious honors were awarded to Jim Beam Black® Bourbon and Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey, which received the Bourbon Trophy and Worldwide Whiskey Trophy in their respective categories. As the highest of accolades in the IWSC, trophies are presented to only one product per category each year.

“Our products are made with the utmost craftsmanship and care, so we are honored that their premium quality and exceptional taste have been recognized by such a prestigious blind tasting competition,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “We’re especially proud to see expressions from two of our most iconic brands, Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Rye, lauded as the ‘best of the best’ in their categories this year. This is a wonderful tribute to Master Distiller Fred Noe and our immensely talented team at our distilleries in Kentucky, all of whom work hard to exceed consumers’ expectations every day.”

The judges noted that Jim Beam Black Bourbon is “a premium bourbon with a more flavorful character made to be sipped and savored.” At 86 proof, this bourbon is aged longer than original Jim Beam® Bourbon in the same white oak barrels, giving it a taste the judges described as a “full-bodied flavor with smooth caramel and warm oak notes.”

When tasting Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, judges noted “the sweetness of the wood aging and the fantastic balance of the spirit are nothing less than awesome” and described Knob Creek Rye as “a sipping spirit that requires contemplation and a smile in the mind.” Knob Creek Rye, with its unmistakable spiciness that stays true to the big, full flavor of Knob Creek, is the fastest growing rye whiskey today.

In addition to trophy wins for Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Rye, Beam Suntory’s portfolio received 44 total medals, including multiple Gold and Gold Outstanding awards. The Gold award indicates the product is of superior quality, and the Gold Outstanding award recognizes that the product is of the highest quality. These Beam Suntory wins include:

•El Tesoro® Anejo Tequila – Gold Outstanding

•Jim Beam Black – Gold Outstanding

•Knob Creek Rye Whiskey – Gold Outstanding

•Auchentoshan® 18 Year Old – Gold

•Bowmore® 18 Year Old – Gold

•Bowmore® 25 Year Old – Gold

•El Tesoro® Reposado Tequila – Gold

•Knob Creek® Bourbon – Gold

•Laphroaig® Triple Wood – Gold

The IWSC, now in its 47th year, judges spirits with dedicated tasting premises, a permanent onsite cellar, and over 400 global experts who judge products for seven months of the year. To determine the winners, IWSC judges conduct a double-blind tasting for each entry, which is followed by a chemical analysis to test the liquid’s composition. Spirits that win top awards go through a second round of judging to compete for a trophy.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Revealed: the world’s most daring whisky challenge

KARUIZAWA GEISHA SERIES BREAKS HK$1MILLION MARK AT BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION 

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky sold for HK$1,102,500

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky, never before seen at auction, was sold for HK$1,102,500 at Bonhams Hong Kong Whisky sale on 19 August. The sale, which featured more than 260 lots of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies, made a total of HK$8,889,580 Other highlights included a vertical selection of The Macallan. Offered as one lot, the 29 bottles covered the years 1958-1986 and were sold for HK$514,500. A highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter also made HK$514,500 and a bottle of The Macallan 1961 was bought for HK$220,500.

The Macallan: offered as one lot, the 29 bottles covered the years 1958-1986 and were sold for HK$514,500

Among Japanese whiskies, a set of Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Clubs flush of malts 3,7,8,9 and 10 made HK$220,500 as did a set of Hearts flush of malts 3,4,8,10 and J. A collection of vintage bottles of Yamazaki sherry wood whisky from 1982 to 1986 sold for HK$171,500. A single bottle of Bourbon Van Winkle-1967 fetched HK$46,650.

A highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter made HK$514,500

Bonhams whisky specialist, Daniel Lam commented “This was a very strong sale with keen bidding both in the auction room and on-line. As expected, the Geisha Series attracted a lot of attention and there were high prices paid for The Macallan which maintained its position as the most desired Scotch whisky among collectors in Asia.”

NOTES

Enquiries For further information and images call Andrew Currie on +44 (0) 20 7468 5871, or email andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com. NOTES FOR EDITORS Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

TOMATIN DISTILLERY LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION TRIO 

Highland-based Tomatin Distillery have launched a trio of special edition bottlings including a 14 year old Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 year old Caribbean Rum and 21 year old Oloroso Sherry single malt.

Each of the expressions are bottled at a strength of 46% and are set apart by the distinctive cask maturations.

The distillers’ focus on creativity shines through with a punchy medley of exotic flavours across the limited editions from the tropical explosion of the rum cask to the Oloroso sherry honeyed oak spice.

Opening the set is the 9 year old, fully matured in Caribbean rum casks and is the very first rum release from the distillery. It is described as enticing aromas of coconut and pineapple developing into creamy banana and vanilla custard on the palate, relaxing with lingering tropical fruits at the finish. There are only 6600 bottles available with an RRP of £39.99.

Next up is the 14 year old spirit, finished in red wine barriques. Tomatin explain that the whisky presents flavours of red fruits, honey and citrus spices, rounded off with a punchy fruit jam. Bottles are limited to 2436 with an RRP of £69.99.

Rounding off the series is the 1995, finished in Oloroso sherry casks which has also just been awarded one of the top 10 spots at the Whisky Fringe awards. According to the distillery the malt has flavours of heavy dried fruits, rich sherry, honeyed oak spice and dark chocolate. With only 1908 bottles available, this complex whisky it is the rarest of the trilogy and has an RRP of £99.99

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director commented:

‘Our dedication to continuous development of our products has been reflected in our growth of 60% in branded goods over the past 4 years. We are constantly striving to experiment and push boundaries with our Tomatin single malt to produce unique creations that appeal to our existing customers and a wider audience. The array of tropical notes, citrus spices and rich sherry infusions will entice a range of enthusiasts to sample the new products.

Recent triumphs at a number of prestigious awards including this year’s competitive Whisky Fringe which saw 3 of our malts in the top 10, are testament to our ongoing commitment to the brand.’

In addition to the limited editions, the distillery has also recently launched a 12 year old gift pack containing the flagship malt plus two free 5cl bottles of Tomatin Cask Strength and Tomatin 14 year old. Retailing at £39, the product will be available across retailers worldwide ahead of the festive period.

For more information about the new releases and to find your local retailer visit http://www.tomatin.com/.

Notes

1. 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.
2. Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

1. The packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency
2. Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
3. 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.
4. Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
5. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

“FROM DREAM TO DRAM”
KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES FOUNDERS’ CLUB INSTALMENT PLAN

Kingsbarns Distillery is delighted to announce that its Founders’ Club membership is now available to buy through an instalment plan.

The Visitor Centre was opened on St Andrews Day 2014 by the Wemyss family owners and the founder, local man Douglas Clement. Distilling started in January 2015, with the first cask filled in March that year. Scotch whisky has to mature for at least 3 years before it can be bottled, so Kingsbarns Single Malt Whisky won’t be available until later in 2018.

The Founders’ Club is an exciting chance for whisky enthusiasts to enjoy being a part of the journey for this new distillery. The Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club is open to just 3000 members worldwide. Initially, a welcome pack is sent to all members, consisting of a 20cl bottle of Kingsbarns Distillery New Make Spirit, a Founders’ Club Glencairn glass, a membership badge and welcome letter.

Special members’ events are also be planned, such as the Founders’ Club dinner and free daytime tours on September 3^rd, recently announced to the current members who will have the privilege of being the first to taste our 18 month old spirit drawn from the very first cask.

William Wemyss, one of the Wemyss family owners and Managing Director at Kingsbarns Distillery explains further: “The first ever bottles of Kingsbarns Single Malt will be bottled exclusively for members of our Founders’ Club. It is expected that some of the first casks ever filled will be selected for this first bottling around mid 2018. Members will receive a bottle of this exclusive Kingsbarns Founders’ Club Reserve, enabling them to become one of the very first to taste Kingsbarns Single Malt. Following that, each year for 4 subsequent years, members will receive a further Founders’ Club Reserve bottle, allowing members to enjoy the progression of our single malt.“

Membership is priced at £500 plus shipping charges, ranging from UK at £40, Europe at £90, USA at £160 and other selected parts of the world at £300. Membership can be purchased in one payment or now spread over 12 months for an additional £20 administration charge.

Full details are available on the Kingsbarns Distillery website or in the Visitor Centre.

Notes

• Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014 and has been subsequently been awarded a 4 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland. The Visitor Centre is open daily for tours and has a shop and cafe.
• While the Kingsbarns spirit is maturing, Kingsbarns has launched the Founders’ Club. Membership benefits include a Welcome Pack and the first ever bottling of Kingsbarns Single Malt expected in mid 2018. A further 4 exclusive bottlings will follow.
• The founder of the distillery is Douglas Clement. Formerly a golf caddie, Douglas was inspired to open a distillery near to the famous golf courses in the St Andrews and Kingsbarns area.
• Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was previously head brewer at a craft brewery near Glasgow.
• The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The Wemyss family also own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whiskies comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are avilable for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

WHISKY LOVERS TREATED TO NEW VERSION OF RARE BLEND 

A rare blend of Scotch and Japanese whiskies has proven so popular that its makers have today released a third version for whisky lovers around the world.

The “Glover 18” is the third in a series of whiskies honouring “Scottish Samurai” Thomas Blake Glover and celebrating the long history of trade and friendship between Scotland and Japan.

Its owners, Edinburgh-based TBG & Co Ltd, said the new edition has already attracted a “very promising” number of international orders prior to today’s international launch.

The whisky brand takes its name from Thomas Blake Glover, nicknamed the Scottish Samurai because of the profound impact he had on the modernisation of Japan in the 19th century. Mr Glover was the first foreigner to receive the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Emperor in recognition of his many achievements.

Jim Millar, a senior parliamentary adviser at Holyrood and director of TBG & Co Ltd, drove the idea. He said: “The Glover whiskies are a celebration of Scotland’s influence and its international friendships. They honour the achievements of Thomas Blake Glover and celebrate our important relationship with Japan, which continues to flourish, especially in the fields of trade, culture and education.”

TBG & Co confirmed it is now looking towards producing future variants with whiskies from other countries, with the team researching historical characters and options for casks from international single malt distilleries.

Director David Moore, an Asia veteran in the drinks sector and now Scotland-based, said: “We knew the idea behind The Glover was a strong one, but we’re still overwhelmed by the international interest the fusion whisky garnered, both for its concept as well as its look, aroma and taste. The first two editions sold out almost immediately and were heavily over-subscribed, finding their way to 15 international markets.”

“It’s clear there’s a strong market for these types of premium fusions between Scotch whisky and international whisky, which have their own unique character.

Mr Moore highlighted the ongoing relationship with the Fife-based premium bottler Adelphi, whose managing director Alex Bruce blended mature whisky from Longmorn and Glen Garioch distilleries in Scotland with exceptionally rare whisky from the legendary Hanyu distillery in Japan to create the Glover fusions.

Mr Moore said: “There are only a handful of Hanyu casks left in the world. For the Glover, Alex has worked his magic with this highly sought-after whisky to hone and perfect a beautifully balanced and sublimely satisfying dram.”

He also said TBG & Co Ltd was looking at funding options from Scottish Development International and Scotland Food and Drink, and that the company was also looking to appoint a project manager to oversee current operations, with the likelihood of additional employees further down the line as the business grew.

Mr Moore added: “Creating international fusions is not without its challenges, but the rewards are clearly there for people to see and taste. These whiskies are a celebration of Scotland’s internationalism, of its positive influence on other countries, of partnerships that reach across physical borders”.

“We think it’s worth trying that little bit harder to create these fusion whiskies, a drink that was made for sharing with friends.”

He said “orders have been very promising” and that cases of The Glover 18 are likely to be exported to more than 15 countries, including a significant amount to Japan. Domestically, previous editions of The Glover sold in luxury retailers Harvey Nichols and Harrods, as well as specialist whisky shops.

World-renowned whisky consultant Charles MacLean, who worked with Alex Bruce on creating the Glover fusions, also provided the tasting notes for the latest Glover brand. He described the whisky as: “Richly fruity – ripe pear, juicy red apples, cherries, orange juice – on a base of vanilla sponge, spread with strawberry jam and whipped cream.”

The two previous editions of The Glover were launched simultaneously on October 26th, 2015, in Tokyo and Aberdeen, where Thomas Glover is celebrated with an exhibition at the Maritime Museum, at an event that was also attended by Hajime Kitaoka, Consul General of Japan and Lord Bruce, Honorary Patron of the Japan Society of Scotland, and Councillor Jenny Laing, Leader of Aberdeen City Council. Glover was a native of Aberdeenshire and hails from Fraserburgh.

The 22-year-old version, of which only 373 were ever made, retailed at £1050 version. Now sold out, bottles of the 22-year-old have appeared on online auction sites for more than £2000 a bottle. About 1500 of the 14 year old version were made, selling at about £100 a bottle, for which again there is a healthy premium secondary market.

The Glover 18 (48.6%), of which 1448 were made, is available from whisky specialists, in strictly limited quantities, priced around £145.

What’s in a name? If it’s Glen Grant, Glen Murray or Ben Riach – free entry to Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

Brand new whisky festival waives entry fee for visitors who share a name with Speyside distilleries

Calling all Glen Grants, Ben Riachs and Glen Murrays…a VIP invitation to a gathering of Speyside’s best-loved whisky distilleries is waiting for you.

People who can prove they share the same name as any one of Speyside’s famous distilleries are being offered free entry to Spirit of Speyside: Distilled – a brand new food and drink event that will bring together the area’s whisky producers under one roof – and on their own doorstep – for the very first time.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled takes place in Elgin – the largest town in Speyside – from September 9 to 11. It will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the area’s food and drink producers, and taste a fantastic range of whiskies, beer, gin and food.

Event organisers are prepared to waive the entry fee to those who can provide proof of their identity and while they do not expect to be overrun with people called Craig Ellachie or Rose Isle, they hope many other distillery namesakes will join the celebrations.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “I would imagine that there might be a few people out there called Glen Keith or Ben Rinnes. Who knows, maybe there are even some Mac Allans.

“Whatever the name, if they share it with one of our famous distilleries, then we will be happy to provide free entry to any one of the four sessions taking place at Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. After all, they are technically brand ambassadors for our Speyside whisky, spreading the name wherever they go in the world.

“Whisky is our most famous export but to the people who live here and who work in the industry, it is more than just a product to be bought and sold. It is the lifeblood of the area, so we salute all the Glen Grants, Glen Murrays, Ben Riachs – or Reiachs – out there who are flying the flag for Speyside.”

The event is an offshoot of the hugely popular Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which takes place annually over the May Day holiday weekend. The event has been running for almost 20 years and attracts an international audience of whisky lovers.

It comprises almost 500 events over multiple venues, but organisers thought there was scope to create a mini-festival in one place that would appeal to people who enjoy whisky but do not want to create an extensive itinerary.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled kicks off at Elgin Town Hall on Friday, September 9 with an evening session from 7–11pm. There are two sessions on the Saturday – from 1-5pm and again from 7-11pm – with the final session on the Sunday from 12-4pm.

It features a huge range of distilleries responsible for producing world famous brands, including Cragganmore, The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Cardhu.  There is also the chance to sample drinks from local craft breweries and gin distillers and try food from a number of local firms.

Visitors will be able to meet the people behind the products, from master distillers to brand ambassadors, and can also book their place on masterclasses covering topics from cocktails to food pairing.

Pery adds, “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a broad range of exhibitors, from global brands to small craft breweries that are just starting to make a name for themselves. There’s a really good buzz surrounding Distilled, and we can’t wait to raise our glasses and get things underway.”

Anyone who would like further information about entitlement to qualify for free entry should contact the Festival on enquiries@distilled.scot

Tickets, priced £20, are on sale now and the entry fee includes a lanyard, vouchers for five 10ml tasting samples of gin or whisky, a voucher for a tasting measure of a beer, a Glencairn crystal nosing and tasting glass, and a snack using local produce prepared by event caterers, Good Highland Food. There is also an on-site retail outlet being run by The Whisky Shop Dufftown.

There are limited places for masterclasses, full details of which are available on the Spirit of Speyside: Distilled website – www.distilled.scot – where tickets can also be bought. Distilled is active on social media at www.facebook.com/distilledscot on Twitter and Instagram @distilledscot and Google+.

Picture captions:

It’s destination Distilled as Speyside’s whisky industry prepares to gather together in its local area under one roof for the very first time – with free entry to anyone who can prove they share the same name as a Speyside distillery.

Festival manager Pery Zakeri says there will be free entry for Spirit of Speyside: Distilled for anyone who can prove they share the same name as a Speyside distillery.

GLENDRONACH RE-RELEASES 14 YO VIRGIN OAK WOOD FINISH

AWARD-WINNING GLENDRONACH is delighted to launch today (18 August 2016) its new special edition 14 year old Virgin Oak Wood Finish.

It’s a re-release of the critically-acclaimed 14YO Virgin Oak first issued in July 2010.

Bottled at 46%, non chill filtered and with natural colour, this delicious single malt was matured initially in European Oak casks and thereafter finished its maturation in a small batch of the finest Virgin Oak casks, giving the whisky its own unique flavours and aromas.

The result is a nutty, sweet and fruity dram bursting with banana, melon and coconut.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Six years ago we broke new ground by releasing four new GlenDronach Wood Finishes, the ­first to be released by the distillery in its 180-year history.

“They were warmly received worldwide so today we’re re-releasing the 14YO Virgin Oak Wood Finish and I’m confident it will win even more fans.

Colour

Light gold. Freshly harvest straw.

Nose

Toasted oak elements which are so intense that smoky attributes emerge. Sweet and lush tropical fruits rise with prominence. Banana and cacao, with roasted coconut.

Palate

Spiced ginger and cinnamon cake with a beautiful smoky twist. Creamed desiccated coconut and fresh buttered toast with a handful of hazelnuts on the side.

Conclusion

A glorious nut feast with superb depth.

Keep an eye on the GlenDronach website http://www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk/ and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography

BENRIACH LAUNCHES TWO EXTRAORDINARY WOOD FINISHES

WHISKY connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice today (18 August 2016) as BenRiach releases two superb whiskies; a new 17YO Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish and a fantastic 21YO Tawny Port Wood Finish.

The first BenRiach jewel is a new 17YO Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish. Sticky, sweet, spicy and tasting of dark chocolate and coffee beans, it has been matured in the traditional style in American bourbon barrels and replaces the renowned 15YO expression. This creamy, fruity whisky, at 46% abv, has been finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks sourced from the bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia, Southern Spain.

BenRiach has long championed the use of Pedro Ximenez casks in which to finish its award-winning whisky. Maturation in these flavourful casks gives the whisky extra sherry sweetness and richness, darkens the spirit and adds notes of syrupy dried fruits, raisins and molasses on the palate.

Colour

Gleaming polished mahogany.

Nose

Creamy spices, chocolate and sugar-coated almonds flow over sweet sultanas and dark fruit cake.

Taste

Dark chocolate and freshly ground coffee beans merge with sweet dates and fresh figs. Delightful, peppery vintage oak and warm cigar box spices add to the long, contrasting finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “The 15YO took silver at the 2014 International Wine and Spirits Competition and I believe our new 17YO is destined to do even better.

“It’s a fantastic combination of oak, fruit, spice and sherry, with the sensational Pedro Ximenez influence lending this BenRiach a luscious dark chocolate flavour. It’s a liquid fruit bomb that’s full of sweetness.”

Next up is a superb 21YO Tawny Port Wood Finish. Tasting of fresh cranberries, orange peel and boiled candy, it is bottled at 46% vol and replaces the 15YO Tawny Port finish.

This remarkable 21YO was first matured in the traditional style in American bourbon barrels and then finished in a small batch of top-quality Tawny Port casks sourced from the Douro region in the north of Portugal.

During this second period of maturation, the slow interaction of the whisky with the Port cask results in sublime flavours and aromas – in particular, a distinctive and rich red fruit taste.

Colour

Rich amber with a copper glow.

Nose

A perfect balance of fresh cranberries and warm white pepper develops to a combination of tart raspberries and boiled candy.

Taste

Delicious toasted oak spices and hints of orange peel develop to a lively contrast of wild red berry compote and sour cherries, followed by a rich stewed barley character.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We launched our critically-acclaimed range of wood finishes ten years ago and since then the response worldwide has been consistently excellent.

“At BenRiach we’ve carefully selected whisky that has been gently maturing in bourbon casks so that drinkers experience the full impact of the Tawny Port cask after it has been finished.

“It’s a phenomenal Speyside Single Malt with a tawny, fruity heart. A slight earthiness from the port is balanced with contrasting rich fruit characters and warm oak spices.

THREE SHIPS LAUNCHES VINTAGE 10 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT 

Three Ships Whisky, proudly South African and internationally lauded, has launched a limited edition 10 Year Old Single Malt, one that carries a 2005 vintage statement.

The whisky follows the successful release of the first single malt launched in 2003 and the collector’s tin series over a three year period in 2010, 2011 and 2012. 

Master distiller Andy Watts says this is the most powerful single malt he has produced to date, a style he will be continuing in the single malts to come. 

“When we launched South Africa’s first single malt in 2003 we didn’t have a single malt style policy in place and since then we have actively planned towards this moment where we are now in the position to launch a vintage statement single malt, each year and one with a defined style and vision.  

“I use the Cape winter months for fermentation to allow the yeast to follow its natural fermentation curve with as little temperature control interference as possible. We distilled the spirit in 2005 in copper potstills before it was laid to rest for 10 years in a selection of older American oak to compliment the delicate flavours of the spirit. It’s a beautiful whisky and a very proud moment for me!”  

Bottled at a strength of 44.6% it is un-chillfiltered and presented in its most purest form.  Rich and complex, the wonderful combination of pepper, spice, sweet oak, roasted malt, digestive biscuits, dark toffee and peat reveals slowly as the creaminess in the mouth lingers. The finish is exceptionally smooth, full-bodied with a long fruity, peaty aftertaste and slight hint of liquorice.    

The single malt is produced at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington where the year-round warm temperature accelerates the interaction between the cask and the spirit, allowing the whisky to portray an elegancy associated with much older whiskies.   

The Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt 2005 vintage will be available for purchase in select liquor outlets and from www.vinoteque.co.za at about R524.95 per bottle.

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