THE FAMOUS GROUSE APPOINTS NEW MASTER BLENDER

Kirsteen Campbell has been appointed to the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse, taking over from current Master Blender Gordon Motion this month.

Kirsteen has worked alongside Gordon for over 8 years and became Master Blender for Cutty Sark at the age of just 33.

Kirsteen will now become one of the few people allowed to share the secret of the unique blend of whiskies that combine to make The Famous Grouse. 43 million bottles of The Famous Grouse are produced each year, and it is exported to over 100 countries. It also holds the prestigious title of being the best-selling Blended Scotch in Scotland, and the UK.

The role involves managing the legendary ‘106 Sample Room’ at Edrington’s Blending Headquarters on Great Western Road.  Here, an estimated 11,000 samples of single malts, grains and blends are stored – a working library for Edrington’s team of nosers lead by Gordon and Kirsteen. The team can nose up to 600 samples a day, hunting down the right aromas, colour and character needed to create The Famous Grouse blend.

Gordon Motion will remain at Edrington in his new role as Edrington Master Whisky Maker, and will focus on the company’s single malt portfolio, concentrating on Highland Park and The Glenturret Single Malts and including The Macallan.

Kirsteen Campbell said: “I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse. It is an exceptional blend and I’m looking forward to working with the team here to ensure we that we continue to deliver the quality and character expected of the UK’s number one selling blend.”

Gordon Motion commented: “Kirsteen is a very talented Master Blender and I’ve no doubt she will rise to this new challenge. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last six years as Master Blender for The Famous Grouse. My highlight would have to be when The Famous Grouse 40 Year Old was awarded the Trophy Award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013, it was a very proud moment for me and the team.”

Kirsteen will continue in her role as Master Blender for Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky.

Notes

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

FEBRUARY AUCTION LIVE! 

Plenty of great bottles this month, exciting new releases, interesting older bottlings. There is a huge range of bottles available in our biggest auction ever, a great range of products that should please collectors, investors and especially drinkers.

SPRINGBANK 50 YEAR OLD 

One of the many auction highlights this month is the Springbank 50 Year Old. Distilled in 1919 and bottled in 1969, this 50 Year Old is a rare opportunity to own a rare expression from one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.

YAMAZAKI SHERRY CASK 2016

Best whisky in the world is a hard act to follow, this hasn’t stopped Suntory from trying.  The only problem is everyone wants one and there isn’t enough to go around.  So here’s your chance, get bidding!

BRORA 1976 SMWS 61.1

A legendary bottling of Brora! This is the first bottling of Brora released by the Scotch Malt Whisky society and also the first time the world saw Brora as a single malt. That’s right… The First Brora!

KARUIZAWA FIGHT CLUB COLLECTION 1986/1987/1988

We are about to break the first two rules! A presentation of three single sherry cask Karuizawa distilled in 1986, 1987 and 1988. As usual they come with fantastic labels, this impressive collection depicts an epic samurai battle!

OLD FORESTER BOURBON 1946

Old Forester is the longest running bourbon on the market, celebrating its 145th year. This was part of their personalized label range and was bottled in 1946.

DALMORE 1966 SINGLE CASK

There was a time with whisky when simple elegance reigned. This 30 Year Old Dalmore lacks the ostentation of today’s releases… But a 1966 single cask can’t be ignored!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

With close to 20 years of experience in the whisky industry, Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, we aim to be the most comprehensive website for the buying and selling of whisky online.

http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/

 Happy Bidding!

PASSPORT TAKES MILLENNIALS ‘TO A NEW WORLD’ WITH NEW ABOVE-THE-LINE CAMPAIGN

Passport, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Angola, and No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Mexico and Brazil¹has unveiled an innovative new above-the-line campaign designed to build on the brand’s recent success. Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases last year²as it continues to consolidate its relevance among young adults in emerging markets.

Playing on the brand’s name, Your Passport to a new world, captures the free spirited, colourful and approachable personality of the blended Scotch in TV and out of home formats. The campaign was recently introduced in Angola and will be released in Mexico later this year. Passport is also being supported by advertising in Brazil, the world’s fifth market for Scotch whisky by volume³.

In the TV advertisement, a group of millennial friends are taken on a journey. Beginning in a home setting, the camera reveals the group in increasingly aspirational bars and ending in a nightclub. Use of social media among the target audience is brought to life in the creative, with the friends taking and sharing photos of themselves in the different locations.

Strong appeal for the brand among millennials in emerging markets has earned it the position as the fastest growing of all spirits brands that sell more than 200,000 cases per year⁴.

Mark Thorne, Passport Global Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Passport is currently a fantastic success story for Scotch and is leading the way in introducing new consumers in emerging markets to the unique vibrancy, quality, craftsmanship and heritage that the category offers.

“The ‘Your Passport to a new world’ campaign is set to unlock the curiosity of young people in Angola, Brazil and Mexico; millennials in these regions have an increasingly global outlook on life and are using social media and drinking quality international spirits such as Passport to demonstrate their personalities and aspirations. We are extremely proud of the success that Passport has achieved to date and are excited to see how the campaign helps to further spread the word on Scotch whisky around the world.”

NOTES

1 IWSR 2014
2 Pernod Ricard figures
3 SWA figures (April 2015)
4 IWSR 2014

About Passport Scotch
Crafted for the first time in 1965, Passport is the unconventional blended Scotch whisky with an original taste profile and a fruity, creamy finish that is increasingly popular among millennial consumers in emerging Scotch markets around the world. The No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Brazil and performing strongly in Angola, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Poland, Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases in the year ending in June 2015 – helping to earn its position as the fastest growing blended Scotch that sells more than 200,000 cases per annum.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivaspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 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

Whisky Mash Goes Bigger and Better for 2016

Aberdeen’s Whisky Mash Festival is aiming big for this year’s event on Sunday 1^st May. After the success of last year’s inaugural Whisky Mash, the team behind the whisky tasting festival with a difference are looking to recreate the atmosphere that towed the line between informal and informative.

CASC – the event organisers – are already well-known in the city for providing the crowds with excellent drams from their impressive gantry at CASC Bar, a dedicated craft beer and whisky venue in the heart of Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter. For Whisky Mash 2016, however, the team will be moving the event outside the confines of the bar itself and into a larger venue, the Carmelite Hotel.

“The move has allowed us a more spacious venue so we’ve invited even more exhibitors to the Mash this year,” said CASC’s Whisky Ambassador, Aly Mathers. “It’s all about the drams, and by using the Carmelite we can make sure to cram in as much excitement as possible.”

“The best thing about last year’s event was that we focussed primarily on independent bottlers and local producers of Scotch whisky. We always like to showcase everything that is available in the world of whisky and not just the major players, so you can expect a few surprises this year.”

Not only will attendees be able to sample some amazing drams from specially selected producers of Scotch whisky, rum and gin but there will be a series of exclusive masterclasses being held on the day too.

With tickets for this year’s event set to be released on Tuesday 1^st March the team are expecting the event to prove popular with locals. “We know there are a huge amount of whisky lovers in the North East of Scotland, just like ourselves. We can’t wait for them to come down and enjoy their day with us at Whisky Mash 2016,” said Mr. Mathers.

For more information on Whisky Mash 2016 (and tickets from 01/03/16) – http://www.whiskymash.co.uk/

For more information on CASC – http://www.cascbar.co.uk/ and http://www.cascshop.co.uk/

AMERICAN BOURBON ASSOCIATION WEBSITE LAUNCHED 

Comprehensive Website Aims to Help Bourbon Whiskey

Gain Respect Around the World 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Feb. 16, 2016) Although bourbon has certainly been become more popular of late, Scotch whisky remains king of worldwide whiskey sales.  Granted, Scotch whisky has enjoyed a few hundred years head start on bourbon whiskey and ranges of fine Scotch are commonplace in bars around the world, while the selection and appreciation for bourbon whiskey is often limited.

As a result, the Sazerac Company founded the American Bourbon Association in 2012 to educate people around the globe about bourbon whiskey. The website, http://americanbourbonassociation.com/, was launched in 2015 with a mission to become the best source of bourbon news and information online. Curious consumers are invited to learn about distilleries and bourbon brands, not just made in Kentucky, but from all over the United States.

The website gives the history of bourbon, written by esteemed bourbon historian Mike Veach, and explains what it is, how bourbon is made, bourbon myths, daily news, and lists of great bourbon bars and retail stores. Links to bourbon-related blogs, bourbon societies, brand and distillery websites, publications, trade associations and much more are also included.

“We realized there was a gap in appreciation between bourbon and other types of whiskey,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company. “Bourbon whiskey deserves every bit of respect as other whiskeys. Distilleries in Scotland have benefitted from the Scotch Whisky Association promoting, protecting and educating people about Scotch since the turn of the 20^th century, but no one has taken up the cause for bourbon. While the majority of bourbon is made in Kentucky, there are distilleries popping up all across America, and the bourbon industry has grown beyond just the state of Kentucky. Someone needs to be looking after bourbon’s best interest on a national and global scale, which is how the American Bourbon Association came about.”

  The website is being maintained and updated by the Sazerac Company. Any liquor stores, bars, brands or bourbon distilleries that would like to be added can apply on the website.

About the Sazerac Company

            Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest American family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Montreal Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com

NEWS RELEASE

24 February 2015

HONG KONG

PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND TARGETING GLOBAL MARKETS FOR PRIVATE SALES OF ITS OLD AND RARE WHISKY COLLECTION

 US$10 million collection of the rarest whiskies in the world

 Collection increased in value by approximately 26% in its first 18 months

Platinum Whisky Investment Fund – the first of its kind in the world – today released details of its growing, multi-million dollar collection of rare whisky. The collection exclusively focuses on single malt whisky and includes some of the oldest, rarest whiskies in the world.

“Production of aged single malt whisky takes time and demand is outstripping supply globally. We seek out the very rarest and best stocks from a range of private collectors in the UK and across Europe,” said Rickesh Kishnani, The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy is to set up distribution partnerships in key markets globally, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, UK, and the UK, over the next five years,” he added.

Working alongside Mr. Kishnani is The Fund’s Chief Investment Officer, David Robertson, who has 20 years’ experience in the industry and is a former Master Distiller at The Macallan and former Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore.

“Using our combined industry knowledge and genuine love for whisky, we have built what we believe is the world’s finest, privately held collection of hand-picked, rare, single malt whisky. I have personally inspected and authenticated every single bottle of our 7,500-strong collection, which is a carefully-designed mix of silent stills (closed distilleries), vintage bottles dating back to 1902; iconic whiskies aged up to 64 years and limited edition bottles from Japan. The collection has been created to ensure we have a diversified portfolio that will appreciate in value over time and appeal to connoisseurs, collectors and investors at the point of exit,” Mr. Robertson said.

The oldest vintage in The Fund’s collection is an early Berry Bros & Rudd bottling of Highland Park 1902. The highest age statement is the Glenfiddich 64 year old from 1937 (only 61 bottles were ever produced from a single cask) and the most expensive, single bottle is the Macallan 60 year old Valerio Adami Edition from 1926 (only 12 individually numbered bottles were ever produced and The Fund owns bottle number 8) valued at over US$200,000.

Oldest and Rarest Single Malt Whisky Collection (Left to right): Springbank 50, Laphroaig 1903, Balvenie 50YO 1937, Springbank 50 YO 1928, Dalmore 50YO 1926, Glenfiddich 64YO 1937, Mortlach 50YO 1936, Highland Park 1902, Macallan 50YO 1928

Over 30% of The Fund’s holdings are invested into silent stills, or bottles from distilleries that closed during the 1980s and 1990s, making them extremely rare and difficult to find in the open market. Some examples include the Karuizawa Founders’ Cask 30 YO 1981 (only 347 bottles produced), Rosebank 21 YO 1990 (only 5604 bottles produced), and Port Ellen 18 YO 1982 Old Malt Cask (only 777 bottles produced).

Other limited edition bottles owned by The Fund are from the closed distilleries of Brora, Glenesk, Convalmore, Littlemill, North Port, Glenury Royal, Ladyburn and Glen Flagler.

Platinum was recently named the sole Asia Pacific distributor of Prometheus 27 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky by Glasgow Distillery Company. The second release of the award-winning Prometheus Series will debut exclusively at the Malt Masters Festival in Hong Kong next week.

NOTES

ABOUT PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND

The Platinum Whisky Investment Fund (“The Fund”) is a private investment vehicle focusing exclusively on rare whisky investments, primarily Scotch whiskies. It is a Cayman incorporated private investment company. The estimated value of The Fund’s holdings was independently confirmed by third party valuation agent, David Wainwright of Wainwright Advisors. The Fund is administered by Sinopac Solutions & Services.

For media enquiries please contact:

MHP Communications Hong Kong

Hilda Chan, hilda.chan@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6335

Fiona Parker, fiona.parker@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6337

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