Rocket Cat Is Go!

Ian Macleod Distillers Launch Rocket Cat Spirit Drink 

Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers, has launched a new, spicy party drink, Rocket Cat Spirit Drink.

Rocket Cat launched this month onboard Scandinavian ferry companies, Viking and Tallink Silja who offer cruises of the Baltic Sea. The spirit drink will also soon be available on major ferry operator, Scandlines and on ferries leaving Puttgarden Harbour in Germany.

The boisterous drink is aimed at 21-25 year olds and can be consumed as a shot, used in cocktails and also enjoyed with food. The 50cl bottling has an ABV of 34.7% and contains the finest Scotch whisky and a strong cinnamon hit.

Andy Lane, Travel Retail Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “We are thrilled to be launching this unique golden sprit on board major ferry lines across the Baltic Sea. Rocket Cat contains an infusion of heat and a slight after burn, so it’s not for the faint hearted. Not only is it made of the right stuff but it’s versatile and most importantly, tasty!

“We think Scandinavia is going to be a big market for this drink so the opportunity to sell and promote Rocket Cat with these leading ferry companies couldn’t be more fitting.”

Promotion and sampling of Rocket Cat will be led with a sense of fun in mind staying true to the brand ethos. Passengers aboard the ferries can enjoy video animations; exclusive gifts, spacesuit-clad promoters and rocket launch pads as well as getting involved in user generated social media.

For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com or www.rocketcat.co.uk

Please drink responsibly.

www.drinkaware.co.uk

• Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent family owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd was established on 26 October 1933.
• Ian Macleod Distillers currently produce and sell over 15 million bottles of spirit per year.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES BOURBON EXPERIMENT USING INFRARED LIGHT WAVES 

Two Experiments Employing Short and Medium Wave Light

Make Up the First Experimental Collection Release for 2016  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 11, 2016) Buffalo Trace Distillery has engaged in an unconventional way to use infrared light waves for its latest bourbon experiment, applying the light waves to barrels before charring, with the goal of learning how new and different flavors can be drawn from the oak.

Working with barrel cooper Independent Stave Company in 2009, eight special barrels were constructed. All eight first underwent the same process as standard Buffalo Trace barrels, staves were open air seasoned for six months before being made into barrels.

Then, the barrels were divided into two groups and subjected to two different levels of infrared light waves.  The first group of four barrels underwent 15 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 70% power.  The second group of four barrels was subjected to 30 minutes of both short wave and medium wave frequency at 60% power. The barrels were then given a quick #1 (or 15 seconds) char, before finally being filled with Buffalo Trace’s Bourbon Mash #1.

After six and a half years of aging, the bourbon from both barrels expressed distinct flavor notes of wood, caramel, and vanilla, as well as pepper flavors drawn from the oak. Another observation from the experiment was the short wave infrared light seemed to affect more of the inner layers of the wood, while the medium wave infrared light affected the surface and medium layers.

Tasting notes for each describe the 15 minute infrared light barrels as having a floral nose followed by a complex flavor profile. Oak and tannins mingle with dry raisins and sweet caramel.  The 30 minute infrared light barrels are described as strong wood notes complemented by a taste of dried fruit. A lingering finish leaves a hint of cracked black pepper.

These barrels are part of more than 5,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of them has unique characteristics that differentiate them in distinct ways. Some examples of experiments include unique mash bills, types of wood, and different barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility, and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace has increased its commitment to experimentation with the recent addition of its Warehouse X. Although small in size, Warehouse X is designed to explore the extent of environmental influences on the flavor profiles of whiskey.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles, with six bottles from each infrared light experiment in a case. Both entry proofs were bottled at 90 proof.  Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.35 each and will be available in late May, 2016.  Experimental Collection releases are generally quite small and have limited availability. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.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 being 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.

Glenmorangie’s Men of Tain provide unprecedented access to Distillery at May Open Weekend

Glenmorangie’s legendary craftsmen will share the secrets of their famed single malt at the Distillery’s open weekend in May. On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May, they will open the Distillery for free, offering visitors unprecedented access to Glenmorangie’s innovative whisky making – and an insight into the Distillery’s pioneering work to protect its environment and heritage.

Throughout the day, Distillery tours led by the Men of Tain and Visitor Centre team will allow guests to view Glenmorangie’s stills – the tallest in Scotland, and visitors on both days will also be offered the chance to fill Glenmorangie’s new spirit into oak casks used to mature the Distillery’s flagship whisky, Glenmorangie Original. Meanwhile, the experts who create Glenmorangie’s expressions will also provide an insight into Glenmorangie’s range of whiskies, in a programme of Glenmorangie ‘Master Classes’. A lucky few will also be able to join an intriguing sonic tasting that provides guests with a complete sensory experience of Glenmorangie Signet, one of the Distillery’s rarest and most iconic expressions.

Glenmorangie (Scots Gaelic for the Glen of Tranquillity) is also committed to sustaining and enhancing the fragile beauty of its peaceful setting on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. The Distillery’s innovative project to improve the Dornoch Firth’s marine ecosystem is a big focus of the weekend, inviting visitors to explore the work underway on the DEEP project – an ambitious plan to restore ancient oyster and shellfish beds in the Firth. Experts from the Distillery’s partners, the Marine Conservation Society and Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University will be on hand to explain the project. A touch tank will also give children a hands-on experience of sea life.

The Distillery’s commitment to understand more about the ancient people of its homeland will also be showcased in a display by Glenmorangie’s partner, National Museums Scotland. Centre stage is a recreation of an ornate Pictish throne, crafted as part of archaeological research supported by The Glenmorangie Company that is shedding new light on to the early people of Scotland and which underlines the historic importance of the area around Tain and the Distillery as an epicentre of this early civilisation.

Distillery Manager Andy MacDonald said: “Glenmorangie is dedicated to sustaining the beautiful environment which has inspired our single malt for over 170 years. We hope visitors will immerse themselves in our tranquil surroundings and really enjoy the weekend’s many events.”

The Distillery is open to all 10:00-16:30 on 21st & 22nd May. Entry is free. Booking is advisable for cask-filling, tasting master classes and tours. Contact tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or 01862 892477

Hush Presents: Blades

Hush Mayfair, London’s exclusive dining destination and cocktail bar, is excited to announce the arrival of a new dining space, as Blades brings steak, lobster and whisky to the Mayfair townhouse’s elegant Silver Room. 

Inspired by the Mayfair of a bygone era, Blades harks back to the 1960’s, when Mayfair was “the place to go” for any discerning Londonista worth their bowler hat.  The name references the private member’s club to which James Bond’s M belonged, and was an obvious choice for founder Jamie Barber. “I have always referred to Hush as a private member’s club you don’t have to be a member of, and Blades is the ultimate expression of that,” Barber says. “Hush has a natural ‘60’s connection: our windows look into Jimi Hendrix’s apartment, and iconic 60’s photography lines our walls, so this (plus our natural affiliation with Bond) was a fantastic opportunity for us to rediscover the glamour of the era.”

Reflecting the swinging Mayfair set’s particular taste, ardor for high cuisine and insistence on quality ingredients, Blades’ menu revolves around steak, lobster and craft whiskies. Diners can opt for a Whole Cornish Lobster either grilled, tempura or Thermidor, or pair a half lobster with Rib-Eye, Fillet or Sirloin. These can be paired with Blades’ own Bloody Mary Ketchup, or an array of sauces from Club Stilton Butter to Blades Blend Whisky Glaze. Elsewhere, dishes are decadent and distinctly British, from Whisky-Cured Smoked Salmon to Stargazy Pie with Lobster and Rabbit. Desserts feature twists on British classics, such as Whisky and Brown Butter Brioche Pudding, whilst a “Scoop of Club Stilton with a Glass of Port” is recommended, in homage to M’s penchant for “the ripest spoonful he could gouge from the club Stilton” in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Whiskies have been hand-sourced by Hush Bar Director, Pedro Solorzano, and include a number of limited bottles of American, Japanese and Scottish handcrafted whiskies and Bourbons from “forgotten distilleries”. These can be sipped neat, sampled in a range of whisky “flight,” or enjoyed in a Blades Tipple, such as the Mr Kipling’s, with Apple Wood infused Rye Whisky, egg white and orange bitters, or the Bond Street Boulvardier, built with vanilla infused bourbon. For the ultimate indulgence, signature cocktail The Bowler features Blades’s own bespoke blended whisky, mixed tableside on an iconic golden drinks trolley.

Bedecked with iconic 1960’s photography, Blades’ walls showcase a candid selection of photographs from co-founder Geoffrey (“son of Sir Roger”) Moore’s personal collection, for visitors to peruse as they dine.

They say the devil is in the detail and Blades does not disappoint.

Available now, prices from 14.95 – 38.00 bookings can be made via info@hush.co.uk or by calling 020 7659 1500 

Notes 

About Hush 

Owned by Jamie Barber and co-owned by Roger “James Bond” Moore and Evgeny Lebedev (owner of the Evening Standard and the Independent), Hush is a sophisticated yet relaxed Brasserie and Bar, with one of the most talked-about Private Dining rooms in London. Discreetly tucked away in a cobbled courtyard in the heart of historic Mayfair, Hush is regularly regarded as one of London’s hidden gems.

Hush is open for dining Monday – Saturday from 8am until 11pm; Saturday – Sunday from 12pm – 11pm. The Lounge Bar remains open until 12am.

http://www.hush.co.uk/

@hush_restaurant

Lancashire Court, 8 Brook St, London W1S 1EY

Laphroaig® Lore™, Laphroaig’s Richest Single Malt Expression To-Date, Arrives Stateside

To celebrate a legacy of over 200 years of masterful whisky making, Laphroaig today announces the highly anticipated launch of Laphroaig® Lore™, its richest single malt whisky expression ever.

Laphroaig distillery manager, John Campbell, created Lore to honor how Laphroaig has been made for the last two centuries. As the name suggests, Lore is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of Laphroaig distillery managers and custodians.

“Laphroaig Lore is the story of Laphroaig itself. It’s a massive whisky, as bold as it is deep, and one that I sincerely hope does justice to our many generations of Laphroaig distillery managers,” said Campbell. “We make the whisky we make because of the knowledge and craft that has been passed down throughout the years. Lore is our story, bottled – the richest of the rich.”

Rich and deep with distinctive smoke, peat and seaside minerality, the expression is unmistakably Laphroaig. The remarkable flavor is the result of liquid being drawn from a selection of casks including double matured first-fill ex-bourbon barrels followed by virgin European oak, first-fill oloroso sherry butts, first-fill and refill quarter casks, and refill ex-Laphroaig stock. This careful process captures the timeless passion and very essence of the Laphroaig distillery.

Laphroaig’s story began in 1815 when brothers Alexander and Duncan Johnston created and crafted a recipe for extraordinarily rich single malt. That recipe was significantly added to in the 1920s by then-distillery manager, Ian Hunter, who was amongst the first to pioneer the use of ex-bourbon casks. Further chapters were added to Laphroaig’s history by the 20th century’s only female Scotch whisky distiller/owner, Bessie Williamson.

At 96 proof, Laphroaig Lore is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing the rich flavor of the whisky to speak for itself. If desired, water can also be added to open up the liquid. Laphroaig Lore joins the permanent Laphroaig portfolio of Scotch whiskies that includes Laphroaig 10 Year Old, 10 Year Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, Triple Wood, and Select, and will be available in select markets beginning May 1, 2016 at a suggested retail price of $124.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For more information, please visit www.Laphroaig.com for a product locator, like us on Facebook.com/LaphroaigUSA or follow us @LaphroaigUSA on Twitter. To become a Friend of Laphroaig® and stay up to date on special editions, consumers should look for the code on their next bottle purchase.

About Laphroaig®

Laphroaig (La-‘froyg) literally means “the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.” Born from the streams and blue peat smoke of Islay, Laphroaig is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinct taste and story in every bottle. The secret to Laphroaig is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced—next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig a unique peaty taste. It is one of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. It’s also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles. Further demonstrating the whisky’s superior quality, Laphroaig Select won Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Laphroaig Quarter Cask won Best of Category at the 2015 Los Angeles Spirits Competition, Laphroaig 10 Year Old won Best of Show and Double Gold at the 2015 Denver International Spirits Competition, and Laphroaig Triple Wood received Excellent, Highly Recommended at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The Laphroaig Distillery also won three awards in 2014, including Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Icons of Whisky awards. For additional information on Laphroaig, please visit www.Laphroaig.com.

Laphroaig encourages fans across the world to share their opinion of its expressions via their global campaign, #OpinionsWelcome™. The campaign commemorates the passion of an enlightened few and showcases their candid, real-life opinions of the liquid. Friends can share their own opinions at www.Laphroaig.com/Opinions or on social media with the hashtag #OpinionsWelcome.

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.

A new look for Glengoyne range

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has introduced a new look for two of the most popular expressions in its core range.

Glengoyne’s 10 Year Old and 12 Year Old tubes have been redesigned to give the products great shelf stand out in an increasingly competitive single malt market.

The 10 Year Old has changed from silver-white to a beautiful rich copper-orange foil wrap which really exudes the warming flavour of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt. The 12 Year Old is now a stunning gunmetal grey and silver foil wrap showcasing the quality of the whisky.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, who own Glengoyne said: “At Glengoyne we are passionate about offering consumers a high-quality premium product and our packaging changes reflect our strong vision.

“It’s clear that strong, eye-catching packaging makes a difference when consumers choose their whisky and we’re delighted with the changes we’ve made to two of the most popular members of our core range.

“With this year being Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design there couldn’t be a better time to launch our new tubes and we’re delighted with the bold changes to our 10 Year Old and 12 Year Old expressions.”

www.glengoyne.com

www.drinkaware.co.ukwww.scotch-whisky.org.uk 

Notes

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. It is highly regarded as Scotland’s most beautiful distillery.

Glengoyne, uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the rich, bold flavours for which the brand is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest sherry casks from within its warehouses.

Glengoyne scoops two Gold’s at The Asian Spirits Masters 2016

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is celebrating after bringing home two Gold medals from this year’s Asian Spirits Masters for both their 21 Year Old and 25 Year Old expressions.

Held in April and organised by drinks trade publication, The Spirits Business, the competition honours the rapidly growing Asian market.  Chaired by Kristiane Sherry, Editor of The Spirits Magazine, the panel of well respected and knowledgeable judges blind tasted and judged each entry on their own merit.

The bold, complex flavours of the two expressions, which form part of the Glengoyne core collection, fought off stiff competition from a variety of leading global brands including The Balvenie, The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich in the Single Malt category- one of the most popular categories in the competition.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers owners of Glengoyne said: “The Asian market is one of the most important spirits markets in the world so for two of our expressions to win Gold is something we are incredibly proud of.

 “The Asian market knows good Scotch whisky and we are thrilled the premium quality of our Single Malt has been recognised.”

The Asian Spirits Masters is now in its fourth year and is an extension of the existing Masters competitions held by The Spirits Business. This year’s competition took place in Chinatown’s Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour located in central London.

www.glengoyne.com 

Notes

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. It is highly regarded as Scotland’s most beautiful distillery.

Glengoyne, uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the rich, bold flavours for which the brand is known. Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in the finest sherry casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

Glengoyne 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nose: Red apples, spicy strudel, toffee, sherry and dried fruits. Christmas cake in a glass.

Palate: Lots of Sherry, honey, oak with a developing aromatic sensation. Ends with a heavenly cinnamon nip.

Finish: Long, sherry, spicy, warm and dry.

Glengoyne 25 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nose: Red fruits, old leather, brown sugar and raisins.

Palate: Soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits and a Seville marmalade tang.

Finish: Very long with spicy liquorice, slowly drying.

JACK DANIEL’S SINGLE BARREL ANNOUNCES NEWEST ADDITION TO COLLECTION WITH LAUNCH OF SINGLE BARREL RYE

‘Whisky for the Gods’ arrives in the UK

Langatun Single Malt Whisky, from Switzerland, of which the Old Bear Cask Proof expression has been described by Jim Murray in his renowned guide The Whisky Bible, as ‘Whisky for the gods…’, is now available in the UK for the first time.

With a history dating back to the 1860s, Hans Baumberger, grandson of the original founder Jakob Baumberger, reopened the Langatun Distillery in 2007. Imported by Angels’ Nectar proprietor Highfern Ltd, initially four triple distilled single malt bottlings from Langatun are being offered.

Old Deer is the distillery’s classic single malt, distilled from un-peated barley, fermented with an English stout yeast, and matured in sherry and chardonnay casks. Bottled after six years maturation, Old Deer is offered at sipping strength of 40% and cask proof of ∼62% Vol.

Old Bear, named as a tribute to the family’s former brewery, which had a bear as its emblem, is the distillery’s smoky offering. Distilled from peated malted barley and intriguingly matured in former Chateauneuf-du-Pape casks, again for six years. Like Old Deer, Old Bear is offered at 40%, and cask proof of ∼62.5% Vol. For a chance to taste Langatun, Robert Ransom, from the importer Highfern Ltd, will be sampling at The Whisky Exchange’s Covent Garden store on the afternoon of Friday the 13th of May. Langatun is also available from Drinkfinder, Hedonism Wines, Lincoln Whisky Shop, Master of Malt, and Shop4Whisky.

Notes:

1. Quote from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, published by Dram Good Books, with regard to Langatun Old Bear

Cask Proof, which was awarded a score of 96.

2. Sampling at The Whisky Exchange, 2 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9HH 3pm to 7pm on Friday 13th May 2016.

3. Web: www.langatun.ch www.twitter.com/langatunwhisky www.facebook.com/langatun

4. Highfern Ltd are proprietors of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, and importers of Smögen

Svensk Single Malt Whisky, Strane London Dry Gin and Langatun Swiss Single Malt Whisky.

5. For more information please contact; Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk Mobile: 07811 640778

INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARD FOR THREE SHIPS WHISKY 

The proudly South African Three Ships Whisky beat international competition to be awarded with the Best User Experience at the annual Webby Awards for the live online sale of its limited edition Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt Single Cask PX Finish.

The Webby Awards, now in its 20^th year, is judged by leading internet experts who reviewed over 13 000 entries from 65 countries and Three Ships was awarded for “offering the best user experience through innovative design and useful functionality.” – swopped with below

The online live sale, a first of its kind for South Africa, was the creative genius of digital agency Quirk in collaboration with 140BBDO.

 Using live streaming and innovative technology to augment the online shopping experience, the live store enabled consumers to interact in real time as they select the hand-numbered bottle of their choice. Consumers saw in real-time their selected bottle being collected off the shelf and watched as master distiller Andy Watts signed their name on a certificate and prepared it for delivery.

Using SnapScan as purchase method the 400 bottles sold out in just under four hours equating to a bottle every 45 seconds.

Three Ships’ Marketing Manager, Liezl Dippenaar, was delighted to hear the news. She said that the innovative approach to the campaign was one that certainly complemented the limited edition nature of the whisky launched.

 “This unique online shopping experience mirrored the pioneering spirit of the Three Ships brand which has created many firsts for the South African whisky industry. We wanted to create excitement and offer our consumers an authentic and meaningful engagement. This award we can now add to the many international accolades our whiskies have achieved over the years, marking excellence and innovation in our campaigns too.”

On the win, Quirk’s Executive Creative Director Andrew Bloom says “It’s an honour to be competing against top tier international creative houses and in a category against international power brands like Nike, Cheap Monday, Subaru and Google’s Made with Code initiative – all having created work that we respect and admire. Importantly, it sets the future for Quirk. Not for the benchmark, I believe there is more to come, but for what is possible.”

You can watch the 20^th annual Webby Awards ceremony online at webbyawards.com on 17 May.