REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS FIRST EVER SINGLE CASK RELEASE 

Redbreast, the most decorated Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world, has unveiled its first ever single barrel offering, Redbreast Single Cask. Available globally from this month, the expression reinforces Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejuvenating the quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style.

Redbreast Single Cask offers a unique take on Redbreast’s full bodied flavour profile, renowned for its signature Christmas cake character – the result of a strong contribution from Oloroso sherry casks. With just 576 bottles available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the recommend selling price of £180, the rare expression is expected to become highly sought after by Irish Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.

Barrel #30087, the butt that matured Redbreast Single Cask, was crafted in late 1996 at the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Southern Spain near Jerez, the world’s sherry capital. The cask was then toasted and seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the Páez Morilla Bodega until early 1999, when the cask was shipped to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, filled with Single Pot Still Irish distillate and laid in warehouse M15A until August 2015 – 16 years and 147 days later.

Only a handful of single casks are selected and bottled at Midleton each year, a process that is overseen by Head Blender Billy Leighton who takes pride in individually nosing each cask to make sure it is at the peak of maturation. Each single cask possesses its own unique flavour character that is inimitable; Redbreast Single Cask #30087 is bottled without chill filtration at 59.9% ABV and offers classic pot still spices with fruit and almond notes, a hint of vanilla and a balanced finish. Cask #30087 was selected by Leighton and The Whisky Exchange team from a choice of two Redbreast single barrel samples in March 2015.

The latest Midleton Single Pot Still single cask release, Cask #48735, is available alongside Redbreast Single Cask exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the RRP of £245. Crafted in the true Midleton style of ex-Bourbon cask maturation, the individual American oak barrel was laid down in early 1991 and has yielded just 186 bottles at 55.2% ABV. This highly collectable bottling offers typical aromatic notes of oil and spices, a palate of ripe fruits and a rich succulent finish.

Billy Leighton, Head Blender at the Midleton Distillery, comments: “Redbreast Irish Whiskey holds a special place in the hearts of Irish Whiskey fans, due to its full-flavoured taste profile and its iconic history as the definitive Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Being able to introduce the world to Redbreast Single Cask is very exciting, as it celebrates the heart of what connoisseurs love about the brand; its exceptional ex-Sherry cask contribution, our relationship with the Spanish bodegas and respect for the craftsmanship throughout the production process. Cask #30087 offers a unique tasting experience, with rich notes of dried fruit, a velvety smooth coffee and vanilla taste with a balanced finish that can never be reproduced, so I hope Irish Whiskey fans will enjoy savouring each sip of this newest addition to the Redbreast family.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Whiskey Portfolio Director at Irish Distillers, adds: “The premiumisation and diversification of Irish Whiskey is one of the category’s most exciting trends as it shows great potential for continued growth, particularly in the super-premium and above sector. We are proud to have led the revival of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and will continue to raise awareness of this quintessential style, and Irish Whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.

“Following the great success last year for Redbreast Mano a Lámh, which is now sold out, we are confident that Redbreast Single Cask offers a new and interesting interpretation and experience that will quench the thirst for innovation and choice in whiskey among Redbreast fans, Irish Whiskey drinkers and spirits aficionados alike. We are committed to whiskey innovation and look forward to more new releases for whiskey fans to enjoy over the coming year.”

Regarded as the definitive expression of traditional Single  Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast dates back to 1903 when Jameson entered into an agreement with the Gilbeys Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply them with new make spirit from their Bow St. Distillery for maturation under bond. 

#RedbreastSingleCask  

Tasting notes:

Nose: Classic Single Pot Still spices in harmony with Oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. Deep dried fruit richness with a little mandarin orange zest blends with bitter almond, leather and toasted oak. Some nutmeg and sweet vanilla bring some balance to the exceptional complexity.

Taste: Full, round and velvety smooth. The rich Single Pot Still spices mingle effortlessly with the abundance of succulent fruit. Soft vanilla complements the robust note of ground coffee on a firm background of Spanish oak.

Finish: Complex and sophisticated, remaining in balance as it fades. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. 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 80 “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 40 index.

http://www.pernodricard.com/

Unveiling ‘blas’ 

We’ve taken yet another unconventional turn by partnering with award-winning fashion designer Patrick Grant to create a new and exceptionally Limited Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

Blas, translated as ‘taste’ in Gaelic, is presented in a specially designed bottle by Edinburgh-born Patrick Grant. Patrick spent over a year designing the bespoke print, which is inspired by the brand, flavour notes of the limited edition liquid, and the time-honoured production methods used at the Knockdhu distillery.

Patrick is the creative director of Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons and luxury menswear label E.Tautz, and a judge on hit BBC2 show The Great British Sewing Bee. The Blas design includes inspiration from members of the public who contributed to Patrick’s work by submitting ideas via social media last year.

Patrick Grant commented: “I spent a lot of time at Knockdhu not only taking in the landscape and surrounding areas, but getting to know the people that work there and the methods that they use. Everything in the print is from the hill, the village of Knock or within the distillery itself and tells the story of the making of Blas. I’ve tried to interpret anCnoc’s history and tradition in a modern way, and hope this is translated through the aesthetic of the bottle.”

Tasting notes

In appearance, Blas is golden and honeyed. On the nose it is densely sweet and fruity with notes of lemon and candied orange peel. Tones of bitter chocolate and vanilla add complexity and weight. To taste, Blas is full bodied and oily, leaving a lasting impression. This limited edition has been matured in American oak barrels and Spanish oak butts. Chosen at its optimum level of maturation by our Blender, Mark Williamson, it has been bottled at 54% and in its most natural state, neither chill filtered nor coloured.

BUSHMILLS® IRISH WHISKEY LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™ is new innovation range, inspired by travel, from Ireland’s oldest working distillery

15 February 2016: BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey today announced its first new range of limited edition Irish whiskeys available exclusively to shoppers in select travel retail outlets – THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™. The first release in the collection, SHERRY CASK RESERVE, combines the centuries-old fine Irish whiskey making craft with intercontinental flavours, to mark the 125^th anniversary of the maiden voyage of SS Bushmills.

The limited edition collection is inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the SS Bushmills steamship to new corners of the world and introduces a range of special cask matured Bushmills Irish Whiskeys. In 1890 the ship, commissioned by then owners The Boyd Brothers, set course for America, travelling as far as Philadelphia and Yokohama, before eventually returning refilled with casks of rum, fortified wine and bourbon – the gateway to new flavour possibilities.

David Phelan, Director of Jose Cuervo® Global Travel Retail, said: “The launch marks an exciting phase for Bushmills and demonstrates Jose Cuervo’s commitment to unlocking the potential of this legendary whiskey in the high profile travel retail channel. The Steamship Collection is available now in Belfast, Dublin and London Heathrow, and while it can’t be purchased elsewhere, we hope distribution will extend across the world, just like the voyages of SS Bushmills to the USA, Asia and beyond.”

SHERRY CASK RESERVE is exclusively matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts to deliver additional spiced honey, dark chocolate and rich dried fruit flavours. The bottle is presented in a distinctive maritime-designed packaging featuring a replica illustration of the famous Bushmills steamship.

Speaking about Bushmills’ tradition for innovation Colum Egan, Master Distiller at The Old Bushmills Distillery, said, “For centuries distillers have experimented with different barrels so naturally I was inspired by the adventures of the ship and the opportunities it opened to experiment with various casks from around the world. So, together with Master Blender Helen Mulholland, we created a whiskey with a rich, complex flavour and a smooth finish – a characteristic synonymous with our range of triple distilled whiskeys.”

A limited number of bottles of SHERRY CASK RESERVE are available now exclusively to travellers in Belfast City, Dublin and Heathrow T5 priced at €80, £65, $89 for 1Litre. It is the first release in the collection, which will soon comprise three permanent expressions plus regular special releases.

Notes

• SHERRY CASK RESERVE is available in 1L
• SHERRY CASK RESERVE has an RRP of €80, £65, $89
• SHERRY CASK RESERVE has an ABV of 40%

TASTING NOTES

Oloroso (‘scented’ in Spanish) is a darker sherry, with a rich and nutty flavour profile. This adds to sherry’s intense raisin characteristics and provides a new layer of complexity within the whiskey.

Colour: Medium rich gold

Nose: A full bodied intriguing aroma with dried fruit, spices and burnt sugar sweetness

Taste: Bushmills’ distinctive honeyed maltiness is intensified in this robust, darker liquid. Dark chocolate, nuttiness and spice with sweet oils mingle with vanilla and honey.

Finish: A long, sweet and smooth finish with subtle liquorice notes.

Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky

Awarded a Gold medal at CWSA the most influential wines & spirits competition in the world

We are proud to announce that Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky has won a Gold medal at CWSA Best Value 2016 wines & spirits competition held in Hong Kong on the 31 st January.

CWSA Judges are drawn from the most renowned and influential Importers, Distributors, Sommeliers, and Hoteliers from throughout China, that together sell 75 million bottles of wine and spirits per year, making CWSA the most influential wine and spirits awards in the world. It is no secret that China has experienced a massive exponential growth in sales of wine & spirits in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue with wine & spirits imports predicted to more than double by 2018.

Recognition with a Gold medal at the largest and most prestigious wine and spirits competition in China is a true honor as we have been singled out by some of the most important buyers in the Chinese wine and spirit market. The results of their blind taste tests will guide consumers buying decisions in 2016 in China and Hong Kong and we hope that Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky will soon be enjoyed by many more.

We entered the competition knowing that the blind tasting would stand us in good stead on a level playing field, but when competing alongside some of the largest companies in the industry and with so many long established world renowned names on the table, this award is simply phenomenal and reaffirms the excellence of our provenance product and our teams commitment in upholding great value for our customers when selecting Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky.

“Amber Glen embodies the flavours and aromas of a time gone by, in a celebration of perfection for you to enjoy”. Sláinte

www.amberglen.co.uk

Victoria Caledonian Distillery Announce a Home and a Larger Family

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd. is proud to announce it has leased a facility for its Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Brewery, a multi‐faceted establishment that will produce beer and whisky onsite as well as offer tutored single malt whisky and craft beer tastings, hands‐on brewery and distillery tours, a brewing and distilling school, and custom whisky casks. Located at 761 Enterprise Crescent in Saanich, Greater Victoria, BC, the 17,320 sq ft facility is presently being fitted out for opening in Spring of 2016.

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd. also announced the recruitment of Production Manager‐Brewmaster, Mr. Dean McLeod BSc., and whisky Brand Ambassador‐Sales Manager, Mr. Andrew Campbell Walls WSET. McLeod, an ex‐pat Aussie was Production Manager at Lighthouse Brewery, one of 10 breweries he has worked in. He has a degree in brewing science and is an international beer judge.

Walls, an expat Scot hails most recently from Edmonton where he was Bar Manager with TheBothy whisky bar and before that a whisky specialty liquor store Manager with Liquor Depot. He is co‐founder and life‐time Brand Ambassador for the Alberta Scotch Society.

McLeod and Walls join Master Distiller Mike Nicolson (previously with 18 Diageo Scotch distilleries) and Scottish whisky maturation guru, Dr. Jim Swan (behind the 2015 World Whisky Awards ‘Best Single Malt’, Kavalan, Glenmorangie’s finishing program, and Amrut).

More than a simple brewery and distillery, the Victoria Caledonian Distillery & Brewery will offer enthusiasts the opportunity to design their own 30L casks of whisky from a variety of 5 new make spirits and 10 oak‐wood choices. Multi‐cask purchasers will be able to attend ‘The Caley Academy’, a 5‐day, hands‐on brewing and distilling school.

In response to popular demand, Macaloney Brewers & Distillers has reopened the opportunity to join the Founder‐Owner group and be part of the Distillery Owner Program. Founder‐Owners will be part of the distillery’s evolution at every stage. Special privileges include private guided tours for you and your family and friends; special events for Founder‐Owners including annual maturation parties, annual celebrity tastings and a space at the 5 day brewing and distilling Caley Academy.

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd, is a destination boutique distillery & craft brewery owned by Canadians for Canadians. The Founder‐Owner group includes 200+ passionate craft beer and whisky enthusiasts. When open in Spring 2016, it will offer professionally guided tours, tutored tastings, a gift store for whisky, beer and related gifts, and a capability to host corporate, family or community events.

Custom Designed 30L Cask Offer:  The Victoria Caledonian Distillery is offering a unique 30L cask whereby you can custom design your own whisky from a range of 5 new-make spirits distilled by our ex-Diageo Master Distiller Mike Nicolson and 10 oak-wood maturation options carefully selected from Spain, Portugal and Kentucky by our Scottish whisky maturation expert, Dr. Jim Swan. Please see ‘Custom Designed Casks and Ownership’ appended or e-mail Andrew Campbell Walls if you wish to order some casks or find out more, please visit: www.VictoriaCaledonian.com/casks.html  and  www.Macaloneydistillers.com/become-a-founder-owner/

For more details on investor opportunities or other information:

Sales: Andrew Campbell Walls, Ph: 780 245 6930, Email: Andrew@MacaloneyDistillers.com

Corporate: Graeme Macaloney, Ph: 250 634 2276, Email: Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com

PROMETHEUS 27 YEAR OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT WHISKY GLOBAL LAUNCH

Across 3 Continents in 3 weeks  – Europe  Asia  America

Launching in Munich, Hong Kong & Las Vegas The Glasgow Distillery Company have today announced the second release of it’s award winning Prometheus Series with an ambitious launch across 3 Continents in 3 weeks during February and March 2016.

Prometheus 27 Year Old will make its debut with distribution partner ‘A Wee Taste of Scotland’ at the Munich Whisky Festival on the 19th of February then move to Hong Kong for the Malt Masters Festival on the 27th & 28th February debuting with Platinum Wines in a VIP tasting before travelling to Las Vegas to attend Mahesh Patel’s Universal Whisky Experience one of the world’s premier whisky events.

Glasgow Distillery Company’s Commercial Director David Brown said “Following on from the success of Prometheus 26 Year Old we have had strong demand to release the 27 Year Old. With it’s bold new packaging this wonderfully aged Speyside single malt whisky is something we are very proud of. To launch on 3 continents in 3 weeks is ambitious for a relatively small distillery, but we felt it was the perfect way to reflect the confidence we have in our brands”.

Prometheus 27 Year Old is a very rare single malt from Speyside, although the exact distillery of origin remains a secret.

This 27 Year Old whisky shares similar roots to it’s younger sibling, but has it’s own distinct character. Rich, round, soft and fruity with a hint of lightly charred oak on the nose, delivering a powerful, savoury, spicy taste with a long, slightly smoky finish.

Industry experts who have been amongst the few to have tasted the spirit commented on the wonderful aromas and especially the warm smokiness, which is often more subdued in aged whiskies.

The bottle is beautifully packaged in a bespoke presentation box, reflecting the precious whisky inside.

“At The Glasgow Distillery Company, we pride ourselves on bringing to our consumers only the finest quality spirits and in our opinion, Prometheus 27YO delivers this in full”, concluded Mr Hughes, Glasgow Distillery Co-Founder.

Prometheus 27YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be available from specialist retailers and online from mid 2016, retailing at approximately £549 for a 70cl bottle at 47% ABV.

NOTES:

-The Glasgow Distillery Company

Launched in 2014 with the creation of Glasgow’s first gin – the premium award winning Makar Glasgow Gin.

Glasgow Distillery is the first single malt distillery in Glasgow since 1902 and laid down it’s first cask in early 2015.

The distillery takes its name from the original distillery, founded at Dundashill in 1770, which became known as The Glasgow Distillery Company and remained active until the beginning of the 20th Century.

The original distillery was, at one point, one of the largest licensed operations in Scotland, with 12 stills producing both peated and unpeated single malts.

Now re-born and located in the heart of the city, The Glasgow Distillery Company is bringing back to life the tradition of metropolitan small-batch craft distillation.

The company uses state-of-the-art equipment to distil craft products using traditional artisanal methods.

-Prometheus

In Greek mythology, Prometheus (meaning “forethought”) was a Titan who sided with Zeus and the ascending Olympian gods in the vast cosmological struggle against Cronus and the other Titans. Prometheus was therefore on the conquering side of the cataclysmic war of the Greek gods, the Titanomachy, where Zeus and the Olympian gods ultimately defeated Cronus and the other Titans.

Prometheus is undoubtedly best remembered today for his great gift to man: fire. When an angered Zeus took fire away from man, Prometheus rebelled against the ruler of the gods. He captured a flame from the hearth of Mount Olympus and carried it back to man, hidden in a giant fennel stalk.

Today, the spirit of Prometheus lives on as champion of man and bringer of fire. In 1988 one of the Olympians of Speyside created a new form of malt: a whisky that combined the peaty fire of the Islands with the rich, bright, complexity of the Highlands.

Like all great malts, time was needed for this new Titan to build character and maturity. But as the young whisky lay sleeping, hidden from expectant eyes, the heavens shifted. The whisky’s creator departed and a malt that was both sophisticated and powerful was seen by some to be a threat.

Protectors of the orphan Titan kept him solitary and hidden until, in the summer of 2014, they met in secret to arrange his release. Prometheus could walk free on two conditions: he could never reveal from whence he came and he would be mortal, destined to live a short, but glorious life.

So we give you Prometheus. A legendary Speyside with the Titanic strength of barley malted by burning peat. A whisky of sublime sophistication and balance, bottled at the peak of its powers. A Single Malt Scotch Whisky of secret origins, available in the most limited quantity for just one moment in time.

Georgian Bay author distills a captivating,

award-winning tale of Scotch whisky

and Canada’s Sixth Great Lake

Canadian author, Daniel Marchildon hopes to make readers fall in love with whisky and its history in his latest novel, The Water of Life (Uisge beatha). Driven by a mysterious voice, Elizabeth Legrand plunges headlong into an insane project: opening a distillery in her small, isolated Canadian community in Georgian Bay. Using ancient reserves of Glen Dubh, a mythical Scotch thought lost to the world, she hopes to create a single-malt whisky better than anything distilled in Scotland. However, the only thing that could prove worse than failing to revive the Glen Dubh is if she succeeds. The water of life, incarnated in the Fearmòr clan’s whisky for over five centuries, is tainted by the dramatic and sometimes fatal struggles of the distillers. It bends the will of those it touches: guiding them or condemning them to their fate.

This turbulent family saga spans two continents and several generations of three lineages, climaxing with the tragic arrival of the whisky in Lake Huron. The present-day descendants of the bloodlines are about to meet, and so will begin yet another tumultuous chapter in the odyssey of “the water of life”, mixing the captivating tale of Scotch whisky with the stories of the challenging Georgian Bay coastal life.

This novel, originally published in French, has been translated into English by Mārta Ziemelis. It was winner of the 2009 Émile-Ollivier literary prize, awarded by the Conseil supérieur de la langue française du Québec, and short-listed for both the Prix des lecteurs de Radio-Canada and The Ontario Trillium Award.

“This book is a remarkable literary expedition that keeps you breathless up until the very last page …  a must read — with a glass in hand.”

— Yves Dubuc, radio-host, CBON FM, for the Radio-Canada web site: 100 Must read Canadian novels (April 2015).

 “In all, The Water of Life is a superb novel. Upon reading the last sentence the reader is left feeling not only entertained and fulfilled, but with a vast knowledge of the history of something they may previously have known little or nothing about: Scotch whisky. The Water of Life lingers in the memory, a book to be savoured, like a dram of Glen Dubh.”

— Isobel Blackthorn, reviewer

See other comments at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25961331-the-water-of-life

The Water of Life (Uisge beatha) by Daniel Marchildon published by Odyssey Books and available in paperback and ebook editions. 322 pp $ 24.95.

For more information visit:

Official  Water of Life Site

Odyssey Books

Available at Amazon Canada:

THE WATER OF LIFE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel Marchildon was born and raised in Penetanguishene, (Ontario, Canada). In his thirty years as a freelance writer, he has published thirteen novels in French, as well as short stories, historical works, and the screenplay of the feature film, La Sacrée, (Holy Brew in the English subtitled version) produced in Canada in 2011. Marchildon is the recipient of numerous literary awards, including The Trillium Award for children’s literature.

Rare Whisky Outperforms Gold, Wine and Equities in Stellar Year

The market for rare whisky in 2015 significantly outperformed many other well established asset classes, including wine and gold, according to figures published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101.

In a record year for the rare whisky market, the leading index for Scotch whisky, the Rare Whisky Apex 1000 Index closed 2015 up 14%, outperforming Wine (Liv-Ex -0.42%), Gold (-10.44%), and many of the world’s leading equity indices (FTSE 100 -4.93%, NASDAQ 100 +9.75%, S&P 500 +0.7%, Shanghai Composite +9.4%).

Volume and value growth

The total value of rare whisky bottles sold at auction in the UK in 2015 hit record levels of £9.56M, exceeding 2014 (£7.64m) by 25%. Over twelve months, 43,458 bottles of single malt Scotch whisky were sold in the UK on the open market, an increase of 9460 bottles and a 28% increase on 2014. As an indication of the speed with which this new asset class has emerged, 2009 saw just 4,072 bottles sold throughout the entire year.

Land of the setting sun?

Early 2015 saw a staggering rise in the values for Japanese whisky, with the Rare Whisky Karuzaiwa Index increasing nearly 75% in just nine months – a rise never witnessed previously by any whisky. Bottles which originally sold for £350 twelve months ago were achieving more than £3,000 on the secondary market. However, the last three months of the year a dip of 6% reflecting a pricing correction which is set to continue into 2016.

Macallan still Number 1

Macallan maintained its dominance as the number one traded distillery on a volume and value basis, accounting for nearly 10% of the market for all bottles sold and 23% of the total value. The next closest distillery from a volume and value perspective is Ardbeg with an 8% share of both volume and value.

 Age matters

The importance of both age and vintage to value has increased over the course of the year. As new releases of aged whisky become increasingly rare, the secondary market highlights the continued significance of an aged statement. The older the age and the earlier the vintage, the better. Even poor quality old aged Scotch is becoming increasingly valuable. Along with old age statements and long lost vintages, silent stills remain very much in the eye of the drinker, collector and investor. The top ten most desirable “investable” distilleries now include seven closed distilleries and just three currently producing distilleries.

Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented: “The recent growth in the rare whisky market has exceeded all our forecasts. The coming year promises to bring even more supply to the market as new auction houses appear. While the sustainability of these volume increases could be called into question, we know for certain that the true rarities will only become rarer. Should demand remain constant or increase, as is fully expected, Scotch’s credentials as a viable collectable and alternative asset class continue to look particularly robust.”

For more information or to download the full report visit HERE

Notes: 

Images: Rare Whisky 101 founder David Robertson About Rare Whisky 101 Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at auction over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first and largest online valuation database for single malt Scotch whisky with over 138,000 recorded prices. In the last 12 months, the business has brokered around 15,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank and Highland Park.

JAMESON’S FIFTH ST. PATRICK’S DAY BOTTLE MARKS LAUNCH OF GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS

Watch the Jameson BeOriginal video here

Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish Whiskey, has unveiled its fifth limited edition bottle ahead of its St. Patrick’s Day 2016 celebrations. Created by Dublin street artist, James Earley, the bottle is designed to mark Jameson’s #BeOriginal celebrations launching in Dublin and around the world this March.

Earley’s design is inspired by the bridges crossing the River Liffey, the backbone of Dublin. His design reflects how these physical structures represent the soul of modern Dublin by linking together spaces, people and ideas. Taking key aspects from great Irish bridges including the Grattan, Sean O’Casey and Samuel Beckett, Earley demonstrates his passion for the Irish capital through intricate details such as the Atlantis and Anna Livia visual icons. Alongside the visual interpretations, Earley uses the slogan “Dublin, our city”, reinforcing the welcoming atmosphere of the city.

The bottle is supported by the Jameson #BeOriginal social media campaign, which is running in 12 markets in the lead up to and throughout March. Jameson fans are encouraged to share their original and authentic St. Patrick’s celebrations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a chance to win a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day 2017.

The Jameson #BeOriginal campaign culminates in a three-day celebration in Dublin around St. Patrick’s Day hosted by Jameson in its spiritual home city. Bringing to life the sights, sounds and provenance of Dublin in a modern way, the festivities include: a journey through underground Dublin from a local’s perspective; a walking tour of James Earley’s art, led by Earley himself; and the Bow Street Sessions 2016 gig, featuring internationally-known talent including Kodaline, Little Hours and July Talk.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, comments: “Jameson’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations have always been authentic and personal and the #BeOriginal campaign continues this long tradition. Our limited edition bottle represents the best of what it means to be Irish – to be part of a lighthearted, confident and inclusive family – an ideal enthusiastically embraced by John Jameson himself. We look forward to welcoming the winners of the #BeOriginal campaign to Dublin next year!”

Jameson’s #BeOriginal campaign is supported by a range of POS and promotional materials available for the on-trade, off-trade, travel retail and on e-commerce, including; tent cards, furniture, pallet wraps, gondola ends, shelf strips and Jameson editions of well-loved bar games. The fifth limited edition bottle will be available in 38 markets around the world from March 2016, with a recommended retail price of €24 or local equivalent.

#BeOriginal
@JamesonWhiskey

NOTES

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.
www.irishdistillers.ie

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. 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 80 “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 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Rich Peat Edition of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky launched

Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd, have released a new heavily peated edition of Angels’ Nectar, their Angels’ share inspired whisky.

As the name suggests the Rich Peat Edition of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is heavily peated, and is described as oozing peat smoke, like the welcoming smoke from the chimney of an old bothy, after a long day on the hill. The smoke is followed by a subtle fruity sweetness akin to toffee apples and dark chocolate.

Created from a selection of Highland malts, the Rich Peat Edition has been bottled at 46% vol., and is thus stronger and more robust than the First Edition of Angels’ Nectar.

Like the First Edition, the Rich Peat Edition bottle features an Angel shaped fractal design, but this time the Angel is pewter in colour, is larger, and has been printed directly onto the bottle, for greater impact. Commenting on the new addition, Highfern Ltd founder Robert Ransom said, ‘Its great to see our range of malts expand. International interest in the Rich Peat Edition has also been particularly exciting. Our Dutch launch will take place at the Hielander Whisky Festival in Alkmaar next week, and we also have bottles on their way to Germany and South Korea’.

Notes for Editors: 1. Angels’ share – the traditional name given to the whisky lost to evaporation during maturation.

2. Blended Malt – a category of whisky which is a blend of malt whiskies, with no grain whisky, previously known as Vatted Malt.
3. Hielander Whisky Festival – 12^th & 13^th February http://www.hielanderwhiskyfestival.nl/
4. The Rich Peat Edition of Angel’s Nectar is available from Elephants in the Pantry (Grantown), Deli Mair (Aviemore), Dow’s (Boat of Garten), Master of Malt (on-line), Nickolls & Perks (Stourbridge), Speyside Centre (Grantown) amongst others. 5. Web: http://www.angelsnectar.co.uk/ Twitter: @angelsnectar     Facebook: angelsnectarwhisky 6. For pictures, more information and sales enquires please contact; Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk  Mobile: 07811 640778