BenRiach is today (17 March 2016) delighted to launch the very first edition of its new Cask Strength release.

Like the critically-acclaimed GlenDronach Cask Strength batches which have been eagerly snapped up by whisky enthusiasts worldwide, BenRiach plans to regularly release new batches from its award-winning Elgin distillery.

The whisky chosen for Batch 1 is classic BenRiach in style. You will be treated to a voluptuous sweet taste of honey, soft fruits and gentle spices – but at a cask strength of 57.2% ABV, it packs a real punch!

Master Blender Billy Walker’s tasting notes show that the whisky chosen as the Batch 1 Cask Strength is absolutely outstanding.

Colour

Gleaming harvest gold with a burnished copper edge.

Nose

Sweet toasted oak spices are interwoven with roasted orchard fruits and dusted with cracked barley. Black vanilla pods, desiccated coconut and a gentle floral note add complexity to the ripe, fruit-laden nose.

Palate

An excellent example of the delicious BenRiach character. Creamy heather honey pours over a medley of apples, pears and apricots. Subtle notes of candied peel and fresh ginger give a delicate warmth and lead to a classic combination of vanilla, toasted coconut and sweet barley in the luscious, velvety finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Cask Strength Batch 1 is another momentous and exciting “first” for the BenRiach distillery.

“This stunning Speyside whisky, with all its classic BenRiach characteristics, is the first Cask Strength expression to be added to our core range, allowing us to showcase the true BenRiach style in its most natural state – straight from the cask to the bottle, non-chill filtered and at its natural colour, allowing the distillery’s unique spirit to shine through.

“It is an incredibly fine dram and I am confident it will prove as successful as our wonderful GlenDronach batches.”

The BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1 is available from specialist whisky retailers soon.

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on the BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

MICHEL ROUX JR AND THE BALVENIE JOIN FORCES IN THE ULTIMATE EXPLORATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’: a new film series featuring leading experts in various fields ranging from pottery to salmon smoking unearths the true meaning of craftsmanship.   

The Balvenie has a rich history of celebrating excellent craftsmanship; however the launch of ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ – a six part short film series in which exceptionally skilled individuals in various fields are met and profiled by multi award winning chef Michel Roux Jr – will mark the brand’s foremost exploration of outstanding artistry to date.

The YouTube film series sees the two Michelin starred chef – naturally a master of his own trade – set out to unveil the true meaning of craftsmanship by meeting and discussing the talents and secret skills of six equally gifted people; including one of the only knife makers left in Britain, a music-loving salmon smoker, an organic farmer, a potter and a sparkling wine producer.

The series culminates with Michel creating the mouthwatering ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ for each of the individuals, using contributions from each artist; including salmon for the guests to enjoy, and beautiful hand crafted plates to serve it on. The first instalment of the series will launch at https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the 15^th March 2016, and will be released on a fortnightly basis thereafter.

Michel Roux Jr commented: “I have tremendous respect for people who dedicate the years required to mastering and perfecting their trade, so it was a fantastic experience to work with The Balvenie on this project, and to meet such talented individuals.”

Scores of captivating stories emerge from the films; including Ole Hansen:  a salmon smoker who lovingly plays piano music to his produce every day in the belief that it adds a certain dimension to the taste. And Will Ferraby: a Sheffield-based knife maker whose chef’s knives are famously so precise that they perfectly slice a tomato in two, even when dropped from a height.

Jonny Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager, The Balvenie commented: “Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do for The Balvenie; so it is a privilege to work with Michel Roux Jr and these six individuals who really capture the heart of our brand ethos. ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is our largest and most ambitious project to date; and we’re very excited to introduce the series to the public.”

The films will be released at www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the following dates:

• 15^th March 2016 (Ferraby Knives)
• 29^th March (Grierson Organic)
• 12^th April (North Street Potters)
• 26^th April (Ridgeview Wines)
• 10^th May (Hansen & Lyderson)
• 24^th May (Craftsman’s Dinner)

Hibiki 21 Years Old takes World’s Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards 2016

Honored as chosen “World’s Best” for the Fourth Time, the Most Ever in the Blended Whisky Category

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory Spirits Limited received the World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2016 held by Whisky Magazine. This marks the fourth time and the first time in three years in which Hibiki 21 Years Old has been bestowed with the World’s Best Blended Whisky award. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, March 17 in London.

Now in its tenth year, the World Whiskies Awards, held by Whisky Magazine, is a world-wide whisky contest. Representative whiskies are selected from each of the countries submitting entries, including the UK and Japan, before the final judgment. Final judging takes place in some categories, including Single Malt Whisky and Blended Whisky. Winners in each category are selected based on rigorous blind tasting.

About Hibiki 21 Years Old This whisky is a blend of rare and painstakingly selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. The key Yamazaki sherry casked malt is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain whiskies over 21 years old. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

Major Awards Received by Hibiki 21 Years Old

World Whiskies Awards – “World’s Best Blended Whisky” 2010, 2011, 2013

International Spirits Challenge – Category’s Top Award “Trophy” 2013, 2014, 2015 and “Gold medal” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Competition Summary

Name of Competition – World Whiskies Awards 2016

Sponsor – Whisky Magazine (Paragraph Publishing Limited)

Prize – World’s Best Blended Whisky

Winner – Hibiki 21 Years Old

Awards ceremony – Thursday, March 17, 2016 *GMT

For more information on whisky, visit our homepage http://www.suntory.com//

Barrel of laughs: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival aims to find a high roller on the streets of the world’s malt whisky capital

The casinos of Las Vegas may have their high rollers, but the streets of the world’s unofficial malt whisky capital will soon have their very own barrel rollers. Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will have the chance to compete in the ancient ‘sport’ of barrel rolling – a tribute to the warehousemen who perform the task on a daily basis.

The event takes place in Dufftown – recognised as the hub of Scotland’s whisky industry because it is surrounded by seven distilleries, including the world famous Glenfiddich – and takes place over a 50m track.

It is just one of many quirky events taking place at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 28 to May 2 in the heart of Scotland’s best known – and best loved – whisky producing region.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world will descend on Speyside to raise a glass to the national drink at almost 500 separate events. The programme includes distillery tours, exclusive tastings, food events, music, comedy and outdoor activities for whisky connoisseurs and novices.

Barrel racing takes place on a closed road in the town centre of Dufftown on Sunday, May 1 and has been organised by the Dufftown and District Community Association. Nicola Alexander, a trustee of the group, says the event will offer something very different.

She adds, “The idea came about because we wanted to do something different from all the tours and nosings and tastings, but still keeping with the whisky theme. We hope the community will come out for this event, along with the visitors, and enjoy the Festival spirit.

“Competitors will be asked to race a 50m track and back up again, when the other member of the team will take over and do the same. The winner will be the fastest team.

“Before the race, two experienced warehouse men from a local cooperage will show everyone how’s it’s done. We hope to make this a yearly event and even get all the local distilleries to have a competition between each other.”

The event is open to teams of two – individuals can be paired up – and there’s even prizes on offer for the fastest finishers. The action takes place under the shadow of Dufftown’s iconic clock tower from 2.15 – 3.15pm. It forms part of the wider Dufftown Whisky Street Festival, with lots of Scottish entertainment throughout the afternoon.

For those who still have the energy, there’s the chance to take in all seven of the town’s distilleries in the 7 Stills Race. The course will take in all the famous and lesser known names and offers a varied and challenging route. The race takes place from 2pm to 6pm.

Other quirky events on the programme include the opportunity to canoe down the mighty River Spey and sample some drams inside a tepee at the end of the trip; trying out craft skills by carving a wooden whisky tumbler and needle felting a Highland cow; and taking part in a ‘dramble’ through the Quarrelwood in Elgin where experts from renowned whisky merchants Gordon and MacPhail will discuss the importance of wood in whisky production.

There’s also a women-only event, Whisky Women & WAGS. Dufftown whisky expert Michelle Myron will be leading a walk around the local distilleries, showing how chocolate is the perfect match for whisky. And there’s even the chance to enjoy a whisky pancake breakfast at Grantown YMCA – with a special limited edition Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival topping.

Whisky festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone, regardless of their level of interest in whisky. It’s possible to come and enjoy the Festival and the atmosphere without touching a drop – although we thoroughly recommend that all our visitors give the region’s fantastic whisky a try.

“There are almost 500 events on the programme this year and we defy anyone not to be able to find something that they will enjoy.”

Tickets for all events in the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme are available to buy now at http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and on Instagram.

Picture caption: Barrel racing will take place in the distillery town of Dufftown during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

The former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky Koichi Inatomi has been inducted into Hall of Fame

The Second Japanese in Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”

Koichi Inatomi, former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky (former Director of Suntory Limited) has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”, becoming only the second Japanese member of the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held together with the awards ceremony for the World Whiskies Awards 2016 (also hosted by the magazine) in London, England on Thursday, March 17.

The “Hall of Fame” is a prestigious award from Paragraph Publishing Ltd’s Whisky Magazine, and is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the world of whisky over many years. Winners have been announced every year since 2004. The host awarded trophy to Inatomi with commenting “I have known Dr Inatomi – or ‘Tomi’ as we know him – for over 20 years. Japan stands tall in the world of whisky, and he has genuinely changed the industry he works within. The results of his work have laid the foundations for the reputation of Suntory whisky and, as an honorary researcher at Glasgow University, he continues to live, breathe and shape the world of whisky today.” Inatomi expressed his joy and pride at receiving the award, commenting “The very honorable award of induction of me into the Whisky Magazine ‘Hall of Fame’ this time is totally unexpected joy and would like to say many thanks to all the people who supported me throughout my life long whisky career. My special thanks are directed to the people including scientists, producers, journalists, distributers and bartenders for their kind yet hard comments and advices. Without the kindness of these people the road of Japanese whisky would have been much harder.”

Koichi Inatomi – Brief Personal History

Born in 1936. Joined Kotobukiya Limited (now Suntory Holdings Limited) in 1959. His career took him through the Whisky production, Technology Development Department and Research Laboratories of Distilled Spirits and Liqueurs etc., becoming the Chief Blender in 1982. He played a leading role in developing well-known products such as Hibiki blended whiskies, Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt whiskies. He retired in 2000.

Cask88 Launches Exclusive Whisky for The Merchistonian Club in Edinburgh 

UNITED KINGDOM — 03/11/2016 – Cask88, one of the world’s leading suppliers of bespoke whisky, today unveiled a historic bottling produced exclusively for The Merchistonian Club in Edinburgh. For over 15 years, the team at Cask88 has been helping world-class companies deliver legendary experiences with one-of-a-kind bottles of the finest whisky. Cask88 empowers brands and organizations to offer unique whisky to further initiatives and increase brand value. The team specializes in all aspects of the perfect bottle including cask procurement, bottling, labels and final distribution.

Three generations of Merchistonians working in the whisky industry have come together for this exclusive alumni release. Charles Maclean (1965-1969), Edward Davidson (1986-1989) and Patrick Costello (2001-2009) carefully selected a 1997 single malt from the widely acclaimed Clynelish distillery.  This 19 year old Highland whisky is from a single cask with only 350 bottles available worldwide, in Charles’ tasting notes he mentions that the whisky is “a splendid expression of Clynelish, embodying the make’s sophistication and elegance.”

This outstanding whisky is complemented by two bottling options, a decanter or bottle. The decanter has been carefully designed by Glencairn Crystal to offer an impeccable presentation piece. Either option includes a red and blue box baring the old Merchiston logo and selected bottle number (subject to availability). Patrick Costello notes, “this whisky is the perfect wedding, birthday or reunion gift for any Merchistonian.  It’s a great collectible that contributes to the fundraising appeal for new sporting facilities.”

FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE

The Merchistonian Club Whisky is being launched as part of The Fundraising Appeal. Merchiston Castle School is embarking on their biggest sporting development in a generation.  Facilities are being upgraded in order to expand offerings and allow student athletes to excel to new heights.  These facilities will be among the best in Scotland.  To date, two thirds of the target has been raised; enough to allow the initial phase of development to begin.

ABOUT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

Merchiston is a Scottish School located in Edinburgh offering the English curriculum with a global, out-ward looking dimension. The school prides itself in the education of boys to prepare them for the world, as they have done for over 180 years.  A balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A level pass rate make Merchiston one of the UK’s leading independent schools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For those looking to learn more about The Merchistonian Club Whisky, information is available on the Cask88 website. You can visit http://store.cask88.com/ for more details.

Speyside Distillery shares the secret of Cask 27: exclusive limited edition single malt whisky from its first distillation

Bottle number one in an exclusive limited edition release of the first distillation from Speyside Distillery is to go under the hammer at auction. It is one of just 250 bottles from Cask 27, which contained the very first spirit to be produced by the artisan distillery in December 1990.

Cask 27 was the final cask to be filled on that milestone occasion and the single malt Scotch whisky has lain sleeping, patiently waiting to give up its secrets for the past 25 years. Bottle number one will be auctioned through McTear’s on Wednesday,, March 23 and it is anticipated there will be high level interest in the rare malt from whisky connoisseurs and collectors.

John Harvey McDonough, chief executive officer of Speyside Distillery, says the time feels right to finally share the historic dram through this limited edition bottling, which will go on general release following the auction.

The distillery is located at the foot of the Cairngorm mountain range in the Scottish Highlands within a former barley mill and croft. It was created by George Christie – a retired Royal Navy submarine captain – and was built by hand in a painstaking 30-year process.

“Mr Christie obviously knew that good things come to those who wait, and that is one of the reasons why we have been in no rush to release this very first distillate,” adds John.

“Managing director, Patricia Dillon and I feel honoured to be in a position of being able to release this very special cask. In doing so I personally felt that I was able to share the tremendous, meticulous work that went into building the distillery and laying down the first casks.

“This truly is a beautiful dram in which the passion of this first distillate can be tasted. We are delighted to be joining together with McTear’s to auction bottle number one: as a prestigious auction house it is fitting for our rare bottle to be in their safe hands.

 “This is not just a whisky: this is an integral part of the distillery’s heritage. We are extremely proud to be able to share this part of our history with whisky lovers and we hope those who are lucky enough to secure one of the special limited edition bottles will raise a toast to those who painstakingly worked together to build the beautiful distillery and lay down this very first distillate.”

Cask 27 is bottled at 55.1% cask strength from American oak casks, and is non-colour and non-chill filtered.  It has a hue of light golden colour with an aroma of refreshing, delicate fruits with hints of vanilla and honey, and a taste of subtle vanilla with a smooth crème brûlée flavour. Its finish is mild, fresh citrus fruit

Cask 27 is presented in a beautiful humidor box with a hand written label, numbered bottle number and wax stamped with the wording – 1990 year of 1^st distillation. The box has a certificate of authenticity signed by the CEO.

Stephen McGinty, whisky specialist at McTear’s Auctioneers  says, “We handle many special limited edition whiskies, however, to have the great privilege of auctioning SPEY from Speyside Distillery bottle number one of this special edition bottling of Cask 27 is a very rare occasion indeed. This whisky ticks all the boxes and more for any investor and we are expecting to receive significant interest.”

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie is home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky. It has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. In 2012 the SPEY brand and packaging with its specially designed unique bottle was introduced.

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit http://www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

Further information about the auction can be found at http://www.mctears.co.uk/ and on 0141 810 2880.

Picture caption – The new Spey from Speyside Distillery Cask 27 is a special limited edition from the first distillate. Bottle number one is being auctioned by McTear’s on Wednesday, March 23.

Old Pulteney on Top of the World as 1989 Vintage Crowned Best Single Malt

We’re celebrating one of our greatest triumphs to date – Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage has been crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’!

The extraordinary achievement was announced last night at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards, hosted at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

Only the world’s most exceptional whiskies were nominated, and with a record number of entries this year leading to tough competition, we have even greater cause to celebrate this accolade!

We released our peated 1989 Vintage in September 2015 as the embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s renowned craftsmanship. Its distinctive smoky character comes from maturation in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which previously held heavily peated malt.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke was thrilled to hear news of the success. She commented: “This is a wonderful win for everyone at Pulteney Distillery and we couldn’t be more proud to have our 1989 Vintage recognised as the world’s best single malt. When we released the whisky last year it was a real hit with whisky enthusiasts and Old Pulteney devotees, who already recognise the quality and character of our full range of fine single malts. Last night’s award is another great testament to the dedicated Distillery team up in Wick whose passion and skill for creating incredible malt whiskies continue to be recognised around the world.”

The Managing Editor of Whisky Magazine, Mr Rupert Wheeler said: “This year has seen a record number of entries into our World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky continue to grow with the addition of new categories. I was delighted to have met so many guests last night, all of which make the whisky industry a pleasure to be a part of. The evening went extremely well and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the judges and sponsors of all of our awards. We look forward to doing it all over again next year.”

Our malt has been acclaimed for its excellence many times over. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Our whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world, so we’re sure you’ll join us this evening in raising a dram to our team here at Pulteney Distillery.  Sláinte!

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Andrew Cowan, Managing Director, Diageo Great Britain said: “Scotch, as a home grown industry, flies the flag for the UK abroad and the alcohol industry as a whole generates billions for the UK economy. This year’s freeze on beer and spirits will help to continue this. We have already seen the positive impact that last year’s duty cut had on industries such as Scotch whisky  and so tonight, people across the nation will once again raise a toast to the Chancellor.”

William Grant & Sons Brings Whisky Craft and Innovation to a New Level

with Launch of Ailsa Bay 

New Single Malt Reveals Unique Balance of Smoke and Sweetness  

Dufftown, Scotland, – William Grant & Sons UK is proud to launch Ailsa Bay, a single malt whisky that brings whisky-craft and innovation to a new level, as a singular, precision-distilled spirit, with a unique balance of smoke and sweetness.

This precision balance is driven by whisky visionaries Director Peter Gordon, Master Blender Brian Kinsman, Projects Director Conn Lynch and Technical Leader John Ross who have teamed together to create a spirit as beautiful, balanced and unique as the brand’s timeless muse, Ailsa Craig, which dominates the distillery’s horizon at Girvan.

“With Ailsa Bay, we wanted to create a very heavily peated whisky with all of the sweetness and smokiness we could muster, but also dial down on  some of the medicinal notes that characterise some peated whiskies,” says Peter Gordon, Director of William Grant & Sons and great great grandson of William Grant.  “Ailsa Bay is a testament to our whisky-making expertise and the skills of our Master Blender Brian Kinsman. We invest heavily in keeping the innovation conveyor belt going. Hopefully, we can do this in a pioneering way that respects the traditions that our family has passed down through the generations.”

Ailsa Bay is a state-of-the-art distillery created in 2007 from Peter Gordon’s vision and initially built to combine the purpose of increasing capacity and supply of malt whisky for blending and growing demand, plus the capacity to develop a new style of peated whisky. With its unique advanced technologies and precise controls, the distillery allowed Master Blender Brian Kinsman and his team the ability to isolate and control more elements from the initial distillation, to the maturation process, which enabled optimal control over the type and quality of liquid produced. Rarely will a Master Blender be able to exercise more control of his craft and, at the same time, be given such space and encouragement to innovate.

“Ailsa Bay Distillery has allowed us to do something extremely special,” says Master Blender Brian Kinsman. “Using our precision distilling methods and a special process for cask maturation, I am able to carefully control the outcome of the whisky. With Ailsa Bay, I took exceptional peated malt and ex Baby Bourbon Hudson casks to create a whisky with a balance of smoke and sweetness, to occupy a new space on the flavour map.”

Ailsa Bay will be launching in the UK from February 2016. Ailsa Bay has an ABV of 48.9% with a recommended retail price of £55 per 70 cl bottle.

Ailsa Bay Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh wood smoke with notes of smouldering damp heather and extinguished bonfire.  Following the smoke is a wave of oaky sweetness and hot, buttered toast with an intriguing hint of caramelised apple.

Taste

An immediate punch of peat is quickly balanced by a burst of vanilla oakiness.  The flavour meanders between smoke, fruit, creamy toffee and back again.  With every sip, the complexity of the whisky deepens as layer upon layer of flavour is revealed.

Finish

An intriguing balance of oaky sweetness and peaty dryness.

 Ailsa Bay Distillery The Ailsa Bay Distillery is a malt distillery based at William Grant & Sons’ Girvan site in South Ayrshire on the Scottish west coast. It is named after the Ailsa Craig rock, situated 10 miles from the distillery in the Firth of Clyde.

The Ailsa Bay distillery was created in 2007 from Peter Gordon’s vision with the sole purpose of allowing Master Blender Brian Kinsman and those that will follow him the ability to isolate and control more elements from the distillation, to maturation, to filtration process. Never before has a Master Blender had more control of his craft and more ability to innovate.

About William Grant & Sons

Ailsa Bay is made by William Grant & Sons, Ltd. an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® along with iconic premium spirits brands Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Drambuie and Milagro® Tequila.