Benromach takes top prize in Hong Kong competition 

Benromach, creators of the classic Speyside Single Malt scotch whisky, have won one of Asia’s most prized accolades.

Benromach 100° Proof won the award for Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 15 Years and Under at this year’s Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The award was announced last week at a gala dinner to begin the 2015 Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, one of the premier events in the Asian drinks industry.

Benromach’s flagship 10 Years Old also picked up a gold award in the competition, bringing its tally of gold awards this year so far to four.  The classic Speyside whisky, hand-crafted by just three distillers, secured “Big Gold” and the accolade of Spirit of the Year at the 2015 International Spirits Awards in Germany, a gold medal in the Scotch Whisky Masters competition run by the Spirits Business Magazine, and a gold medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition earlier this year.

Benromach 100° Proof is bottled at 57% vol with the classic Benromach style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies of the pre-1960s.  It is an intense and richly complex whisky with sherry kicks, stewed fruit, beeswax polish, vanilla pods and delicate smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Benromach continues to grow around the world and we’re delighted to be recognised by our industry peers. Our focus is on making our whisky the time honoured way and Benromach100° Proof very much reflects the way things used to be done, when the proof system was used to describe whiskies bottled at a higher strength.”

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd produces a range of award winning expressions including Benromach 10 Years Old, Benromach Organic and Benromach Peat Smoke.

Sales of Benromach have grown rapidly and the whisky is now exported to more than 30 countries around the world.

Notes  

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

Benromach 100° Proof

Benromach 100° Proof is a 10 Years Old single malt whisky with a distinctive golden amber colour. Sherry aromas lead, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla, with toasted malt aromas complementing an underlying menthol edge. Notes of cracked black pepper with juicy fresh strawberry and raspberry lead on the tongue, with hints of orange peel and milk chocolate, combined with a delicate smoky finish.

Benromach 10 Years Old

Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least 10 years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

What is proof measurement?

The old measure of spirit strength – the proof – followed a tradition established when sceptical sailors, who wanted to ensure their rum rations had not been watered down, mixed spirit with gunpowder. If the mixture ignited, then its strength was “proved” and in Great Britain this was described as 100 degrees proof (100°), a value still used as the British definition, although the gunpowder test had been replaced by a gravity test. 100 degrees proof (100°) in the UK is equivalent to 57% alc/vol.

Jim Murray Awards 2016 “World Whisky of the Year” to Canada’s Crown Royal

One of the world’s most remote distilleries has been awarded World Whisky of the Year for the very first time.

The Gimli Distillery, which sits on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in central Canada, is the home to the Crown Royal brand. Which in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016, published today, has been given the coveted title of World Whisky of the Year with its special Northern Harvest Rye edition.

It is the first time a Canadian Whisky has won the top prize in the Whisky Bible in this, its thirteenth annual edition. Last year the whisky world was shaken when the award went to a Japanese single malt.

Whisky authority Jim Murray, who tasted over 1,000 new whiskies before making his announcement said: “Last year people were shocked when I gave Yamazaki the award – until they tasted it. Then they saw it was not the affront to Scotch they first thought and something truly extraordinary.

“This year, doubtless there will be many more eyebrows raised because rarely is Canada mentioned when it come to the world’s top whiskies. But, again, I have no doubt people finding the bottling I tasted will be blown away with this whisky’s uncompromising and unique beauty. It certainly puts the rye into Canadian rye.”

Although Canadian whisky is commonly known as rye, this new brand is one of only a handful which is actually made from near 100% rye grain. Most others are distilled from corn or wheat with rye and other flavourings added.

Said Mr Murray: “To be honest, I had been considering actually demoting Canadian whisky from having its own chapter in the Bible The quality of Canadian has been disappointing me for some time with too many non-whisky products, like fruit juice or wine, being added to give a softer flavour.

“Then Crown Royal Northern Harvest pops up out of nowhere and changes the game. I think other distillers out there have to have a close look at this and see if they can at least have a go at reaching where this new bar has been set. Otherwise the name of Canadian whisky will continue to decline against the high standards being set in other countries.”

In his Whisky Bible 2016 he gives Northern Harvest Rye a record-qualifying 97.5 out of 100 points and comments: “Rye, that most eloquent of grains, not just turning up to charm and enthral but to also take us through a routine which reaches new heights of beauty and complexity. To say this is a masterpiece is barely doing it justice.”

The Gimli Distillery in Manitoba was first visited by Mr Murray in the mid-1990s when he described it in his Complete Book of Whisky as being located “where the Prairies are at their Prairiest”. The warehouses each year sit under a foot of snow and the usual -18 temperature in January can sometimes plummet to -40. It is, quite literally, many hundreds of miles from its nearest fellow distillery.

Crown Royal’s Northern Harvest Rye made it a astonishing one-two for rye whisky, as it narrowly eclipsed Pikesville 100 proof Straight Rye from the Heaven Hill Distillery Kentucky for top spot. Third came another traditional whiskey, a pure pot still from Ireland – Midleton Dair Ghaelach. It is the first time an Irish whiskey has made one of the top three spots.

With Buffalo Trace’s William Larue Weller bourbon coming in fourth and Yamazaki Mizunara from Japan fifth, it is the second year running Scotland has missed out in a top five placing in the Whisky Bible.

NEWSDESK NOTES:

*   Other award winners: Scotch of the Year – Glenfarclas Family Cask 1957; European Whisky (Multiple casks) – English Whisky Co. Chapter 16; European Whisky (Single cask) – Kornog Taouarc’h Chwec’hved 14

*   Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is available from Monday in all good book shops and online at whiskybible.com, priced £12.99.

*   The 2016 edition contains detailed taste notes for around 4,600 whiskies – including more than 1,000 new labels – all marked for nose, taste, finish and balance.       *

*   Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible has sold more than half a million copies in English language.

Glenmorangie House announces final Whisky Weekend for 2015  

Glenmorangie House, the boutique hotel operated by the Glenmorangie Company, has announced the final date for its 2015 series of whisky weekends on the 20^th and 21^st of November.

Often hailed as the pinnacle of a whisky lover’s calendar, the Weekends are the perfect way to be introduced to whisky, its history and heritage, all enjoyed in the luxurious surroundings of Glenmorangie House.

A special part of the weekend will be a tasting of Glenmorangie ‘A Midwinter Night’s Dram’, a new UK only limited edition single malt whisky, crafted by Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Distilling & Creation at Glenmorangie.

This whisky is inspired by the long held tradition where The Men of Tain were treated with a special whisky in the festive season created by the Master Distiller as a thank you for their role in the creation of Glenmorangie. This gift was shared by the Men of Tain with friends and family from St Andrew’s Day to Christmas to Burns Night.

There is a full programme of events over this whisky weekend including a visit to the Cadboll Stone which was the inspiration for the Signet logo that you see on all Glenmorangie products.

Rooms start at £900 for double occupancy and include all activities, tastings, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and Lunch on Saturday.

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create “unnecessarily well-made whiskies”.

Glenmorangie House:

Glenmorangie House is the highland home of the Glenmorangie Company, based on the shores of the Cromarty peninsula, only 20 minutes from the distillery at Tain. Once a 17th Century mansion of some note, this exclusive and beautiful hotel has retained many of the period features from the original building and has been fused with modern amenities throughout to please the 21st Century traveller. Each and every guest room has luxurious furnishings and many enjoy views over the fantastic local countryside. Glenmorangie House is presented as your home away from home with guests joining together for dinner “as one” in the elegant dining room.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Full Itinerary:

Friday:

• Home-made afternoon tea on arrival
• A Sensory Whisky Session to awaken your senses
• Pre-dinner canapés, and a whisky serve sampling
• 3 course Highland dinner followed by coffee and Petit Fours
• Overnight accommodation in one of our luxurious bedrooms 

Saturday:

• Full traditional Scottish breakfast
• Personal tour of Glenmorangie Distillery
• Visit to Tarlogie Springs to sample the source of the rich mineral water used for the whisky
• View the Cadboll stone: the inspiration behind the emblem on each bottle of Glenmorangie
• Tasting of Glenmorangie Midwinter Night’s Dram (a limited edition UK only expression)
• Lunch at Glenmorangie House
• Clay pigeon shoot
• Home-made traditional afternoon tea
• Blind tasting
• The fabulous Signet tasting – this is quite a whisky experience!
• Pre-dinner canapés
• 4 course Gala Scottish Dinner followed by coffee & Petit Fours

Sunday

• Full traditional Scottish breakfast

Famous For Making Ours Yours This Christmas at Selfridges

This Christmas, shoppers visiting Selfridges will have a unique opportunity to make their loved ones famous by gifting a personalised bottle of the UK’s favourite whisky, The Famous Grouse. This timeless keepsake is the perfect gift for your loved ones or for marking a special occasion you shared together.

Following the release of The Famous Grouse’s new look premium packaging the personalisation service will be available exclusively from 30 October in Selfridges, Birmingham; and from 7 November in Selfridges stores in Manchester and London. Shoppers who purchase a bottle of The Famous Grouse will receive a free personalised label, printed live in store and added to their bottle – instantly transforming it into a perfect memento.

Behind the label is also something special. The Famous Grouse is a blend of the finest scotch whiskies, expertly married and matured in seasoned oak casks for a rich, sweet, well-rounded whisky, and is a perfect ingredient for quality drinks at home.

For a winter warmer, shoppers can try creating The Famous Hot Toddy. Take 50ml of The Famous Grouse, one teaspoon of honey, a squeeze of lemon juice, a spiced tea bag such as apple and cinnamon and top with hot water. Please note each Hot Toddy contains 2 units of alcohol and the tea bag should be removed before drinking. The Famous Grouse will be sold in Selfridges for £27.99 for 70cl bottle and the label is free of charge.

Notes

The Famous Grouse (http://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.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.

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

Gordon & MacPhail roll out ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ Campaign 

Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s leading single malt whisky specialists, has selected a special series of whiskies to showcase the company’s ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign which highlights the importance of this essential element in the whisky maturation process.

For over 120 years Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit with oak in order to ensure a premium taste which reflects the company’s philosophy. Through ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign consumers are invited to gain a more in-depth insight into how Gordon & MacPhail’s approach to matching wood to spirit has shaped a number of whiskies in their portfolio.

Using expertise honed over four generations, Gordon & MacPhail believe that wood really does make the whisky, with their skilfully coopered casks delivering a full spectrum of flavour compounds; from sweet vanilla notes found through Bourbon cask maturation to rich toffee, dark chocolate and spice notes derived through maturation in Sherry casks.

The array of flavours derived from oak are abundant across the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio, with each whisky demonstrating a unique flavour profile which reflects the cask type as well as the distillery character.

Gordon & MacPhail has selected a series of whiskies, from various Collections including Connoisseurs Choice, The MacPhail’s Collection and Rare Vintage, which they feel best demonstrate ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ philosophy.

A book and website have been created to accompany the campaign which can be used to guide whisky lovers through the series, explaining the flavours of each whisky and how this relates to the wood.

Ewen Macintosh, Chief Operating Officer said: “Here at Gordon & MacPhail we have always been focused on the close relationship between oak and spirit, and have learned from vast experience that wood really does make the whisky. We have selected the special series of whiskies to demonstrate this complex relationship.

“Our unrivalled collection is a liquid library showcasing whiskies from numerous Scottish distilleries, age profiles and whisky characteristics. From branch to barrel, we aim to deliver a perfectly matured whisky time and time again.”

For more information on the Wood Makes the Whisky campaign please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com/wood  

Notes 

About Gordon & MacPhail 

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts.  In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honor that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

About the Wood Makes the Whisky Series

Connoisseurs Choice Speyburn 1991 (46% ABV)

A delicate and well balanced Single Malt Whisky, Connoisseurs Choice Speyburn, is fresh and sweet with hints of pineapple and honey. The palate is peppery initially with banana, aniseed and milk chocolate flavours developing. It’s matured in a Refill Sherry Hogshead cask.

The MacPhail’s Collection Bunnahabhain 8 Years Old (43% ABV)

The MacPhail’s Collection Bunnahabhain is sweet and fruity initially, with ripe banana, kiwi and vanilla. The palate is sweet and creamy with hints of soft tropical fruits and a lingering milk chocolate edge.

Distillery Labels Ardmore 1996 (43% ABV)

This long, smooth Highland Single Malt has rich sherry influences with hints of stewed fruits and charred oak. The palate has black pepper initially with green apple and ripe banana flavours. An underling peat smoke edge lingers in the finish.

Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1954 (40% ABV)

This Rare Vintage Single Malt Whisky is very fruity initially with strawberries, raspberries and melon. Delicate hessian and old leather aromas develop. The palate is deliciously smooth with summer fruits and menthol flavours and is matured in 1st Fill Sherry casks.

Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey 2004 (46% ABV)

Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey has sweet vanilla with tropical fruit aromas, pineapple and mango. Subtle floral and toasted malt notes develop. The palate has chilli spice initially with citrus flavours and a creamy milk chocolate finish. It is medium in length, with sweet fruit elements.

Connoisseurs Choice Tormore 1997 (46% ABV)

This light Speyside Single Malt Whisky is sweet and fruity with hints of toffee, green apple and subtle vanilla notes. On the palate very sweet and peppery initially with honey, tropical fruit and honey and a long and smooth finish.

Speymalt Macallan 2006 (43% ABV)

Speymalt Macallan has delicate Sherry influences with red apple, lemon and subtle beeswax aromas. The palate is peppery initially with ripe banana and orange zest flavours, complemented by a creamy milk chocolate finish.

Rare Vintage Strathisla 1965 43%

Rare Vintage Strathisla is sweet and fresh with hints of bees wax, ripe gooseberries and aniseed. On the palate it’s creamy with toffee, ripe summer fruits and a subtle hint of charred wood. This sweet and lingering malt is matured in 1st Fill Sherry Butt casks and is an ideal after dinner dram.

Isle of Arran Distillery Visitor Centre celebrates award success 

The visitor centre of the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery has been recognised for the second year running in the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge.

Chosen over ten other well-renowned distilleries, including runners-up Glendronach and Ben Nevis, The Isle of Arran Distillery Visitor centre retained its title as the Best Distillery Visitor Experience.

Opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1997, the visitor centre is located right next to the distillery itself overlooking the breath-taking landscape of Lochranza.  A popular destination for whisky fans, this centre offers several packages ranging in time and cost from a smaller scale tours to more in-depth whisky experiences, all lead by friendly and professionally trained guides who are fast gaining the reputation of being the best in the business. It also boasts a thriving café selling local produce and a gift shop well-stocked with core-range and limited edition Arran Single Malts.

Visitor centre manager, Faye Waterlow, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we do at the visitor centre. The distillery produces whisky of an exceptional quality and our aim is always to match that with our warmth, knowledge and dedication.

“The feedback from visitors is always our marker but to be recognised by Scottish Field for the second year running is a wonderful affirmation of our efforts.”

As the distillery approaches its 21st birthday, the visitor centre is expanding to include a new Blending and Tasting room which will open in March 2016. Two new stills are also being installed to meet increasing demand for the Isle of Arran Single Malts.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the distillery commented: “Welcoming people to the distillery is very important to us. The quality and provenance of our whisky naturally attracts some very passionate visitors, including Roman Abramovich this summer, so it’s essential that our visitor experience lives up to expectations.

“With the distillery turning 21 next year, we’re looking forward to expanding and hope to welcome many more whisky fans to Lochranza.”

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon And Quoddy® Shoes to Release Limited Edition Gift Set for the Holiday Season

Deerfield, Ill. (October 29, 2015) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, a distinctive super-premium bourbon known for its trademark spicy finish, and Quoddy®, the Maine-based footwear brand with a century-old family tradition of shoemaking, have come together to create 100 limited edition gift sets for the upcoming holiday season, perfect for bourbon fans who appreciate handcrafted, American-made finds. The co-branded gift sets will be exclusively available for purchase beginning November 1 at the “Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop” on Huckberry.com, an online curator and retailer of products that inspire active, adventurous and stylish lives.

“At Basil Hayden’s, we make our bourbon in small batches, using a family recipe said to date back to 1796, to ensure our fans experience the highest quality product,” said Halley Kehoe, Director, Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We are constantly on a mission to uncover brands that share the same values, which is why we teamed up with Quoddy – a brand rooted in history and dedication to handcraftsmanship – to create a premium gift set this holiday season that we hope bourbon and shoe fans alike will enjoy!”

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set brings to life what each brand is known for: American craftsmanship and style. Each gift set will feature four leather wrapped rocks glasses, artfully packaged in a handmade leather gift box. A pair of custom, made-to-order co-branded Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy shoes will accompany each gift set, giving bourbon fans the opportunity to don their “drinking shoes” as they sip Basil Hayden’s Bourbon.

Each pair of custom Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy drinking shoes is made using hand-sewn Horween® leather – the same leather used to wrap each rocks glass – in a rich whiskey color and feature a co-branded insole and stylishly branded exterior. As one of the oldest running tanneries in America, founded in 1905, Horween offers an unparalleled blend of quality, consistency, responsiveness and innovation.

“We were instantly intrigued when Basil Hayden’s approached us about working together, because our first thought was that they are a brand that has a lot in common with ours. They’re focused on doing things the right way – not the easy way,” said John Andreliunas, President of Quoddy. “The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set is a testament to two brands that hold true to their roots and never give up on striving toward unrivaled craftsmanship and innovation. We think fans of great bourbon and great shoes will love receiving the gift set during the holidays!”

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set will be available for purchase at the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop beginning November 1 and will retail for $399.98. Quoddy’s expert craftsmen will make each gift set by hand, allowing for fifty gift sets to be initially available for consumer purchase on November 1, followed by an additional fifty sets on December 1. Each limited edition gift set includes* the following items:

• Four leather wrapped rocks glasses
• Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy co-branded leather gift box
• Pair of custom, made-to-order co-branded Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy drinking shoes

In addition to selling the Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift sets, the “Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop” on Huckberry.com will also feature a curated collection of additional American-made home barware items, hand selected by Basil Hayden’s Cultural Blooodhound, Max Wastler, to provide bourbon fans with a one-stop shop for all of their home bar gift needs during the holiday season. To go behind the scenes and follow Max as he uncovers handcrafted culture and cocktails, visit Whiskey… Among Other Things at www.BasilHaydens.com.

*A bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is not included in the limited edition gift set

About Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor was originally inspired by a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon.  Today, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a unique experience from the ordinary.

About Quoddy®

Quoddy® is a made-to-order shoe company based in Maine, where handcrafted, quality leather goods are designed, stitched and coaxed into bespoke footwear made to last a lifetime. Quoddy® is rooted in centuries-old handcrafted traditions, passed down through generations, and believes in the simplicity of a wooden workbench, a piece of leather and needle and thread.

About Huckberry®

Huckberry® is an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous, and stylish lives through exclusive sales, original story-telling, and unique experiences for its members.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

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

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

Demand for SPEY delights in the lead up to Whisky Live Holland

A Speyside malt singled out as the signature drink of Holland’s premier whisky event is going down a storm with discerning dram lovers.

Whilst organisers are counting down the days to this year’s Whisky Live Holland, more than 80 per cent of this limited edition SPEY expression from Speyside Distillery, has already been snapped up.

Demand for the last remaining bottles is expected to be high, and all are expected to be sold before the Netherlands’ oldest and biggest whisky event gets underway on 13 November.

Some whisky lovers have been buying two bottles each, one to savour and enjoy and the other to keep, explains festival organiser Wouter Wapenaar, a Keeper of the Quaich.

Wouter was part of the judging panel that selected this limited edition SPEY expression as the exclusive bottling, after the tasters were won over by the SPEY expression’s aroma, flavour, cask finish and characteristics.

Wouter says: “Whisky Live Holland is about great whisky, and we search high and low for the very best whiskies to celebrate the show.

“We only have around 100 bottles still available and with such interest and demand it’s likely that our SPEY limited edition bottling will be sold out before the festival even starts.”

Each bottle was filled at cask strength from a 2007 single sherry cask before being hand finished with specially designed 2015 festival packaging, stating the cask and limited bottle number. With only 600 available, the rare bottles are expected to become highly collectable.

The single malt Scotch whisky is produced at the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie in the Highlands, management and staff are delighted that SPEY has been specially selected as the festival bottle for the 2015 Dutch show.

Speyside Distillers Co Ltd Managing Director, Patricia Dillon says, “We are delighted to bottle this limited edition for what is a very special festival and to be exhibiting other SPEY expressions at the event with our Dutch distributor Whisky Import Netherlands and to be mingling with whisky lovers from all over the world. The exposure that will be achieved through being the festival’s bottling of the year will develop further awareness of SPEY in Europe.

“In addition, our Distillery Manager, Sandy Jamieson shall be present at the festival to share some of our SPEY secrets.”

Whisky Live Holland launched the limited edition SPEY for sale through its website just a few weeks ago.

While all bottles are likely to be sold before the event, the 6,000-plus festival visitors won’t be left disappointed as they will be able to sample a taste of SPEY from its distributor’s exhibition stand.

Details of the SPEY limited edition bottling features on the festival website, http://www.whiskyfestival.nl/

Whisky Live Holland takes place from 13 -15 November 2015 at The Hague. The oldest and biggest whisky event in the Netherlands, it is supported by importers and distributors of whisky, representing hundreds of whisky brands.

The programme features whisky trams, masterclasses, cocktails, trails, books and the opportunity to meet whisky distillers, writers and other celebrities.

Demand for tickets is so high that the festival has been a complete sell out for the past five years in a row.

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

THE GLENROTHES LAUNCHES THE RESERVE COLLECTION WITH A NEW PEATED EXPRESSION 

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits is delighted to unveil The Reserve Collection from award-winning Speyside distillery, The Glenrothes. 

Known for producing Vintage single malt whiskies that are chosen at the peak of their maturity, The Glenrothes is proud to introduce a new selection of non-age statement single malt. The Reserve Collection comprises: Sherry Cask Reserve, Bourbon Cask Reserve, Vintage Reserve and a brand new expression, The Peated Cask Reserve. 

The Reserve Collection

Vintage Reserve, made up of 10 different Vintages, was initially launched in the UK back in July and Sherry Cask Reserve, our first all first-fill sherry cask expression, was launched last year.

In a bid to be more transparent to consumers, The Glenrothes has renamed ‘Alba Reserve’ as the Bourbon Cask Reserve and the newly released, Peated Cask Reserve, is a first for The Glenrothes. 

Vintage Reserve is the expression that best epitomises The Glenrothes Vintage Single Malt philosophy of bottling whisky only once it has reached the peak of its maturity. Vintage Reserve marries together a good many carefully selected Vintages from the last three decades.

The Glenrothes Vintage Reserve 40% ABV

Appearance:  Brassy gold.

Bouquet:                 Unusually fragrant, soft in style, wafts of mature citrus and honeycomb accompanied with characteristic red fruits.

Palate:          Very soft silky/creamy mouth-feel. Red berry fruits swirl and dominate with    time over the nebulous nuttiness.

Finish:           Mid to long citrus and honeyed vanilla and the faint reminder of 1st fill sherry casks.

Sherry Cask Reserve is matured predominantly in European oak, which delivers a greater array of flavours than the American equivalent and, in particular, the resinous and dried fruit character underpinning the sherry top notes.

The Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve 40% ABV Appearance:  Burnished gold. Nose:            Orange peel, fruitcake, vanilla, gingerbread, black cherries, pear drops. Palate:                    Spicy, ginger, oaky notes, crème brûlée. Finish:           Lingering spiciness with orange peel notes.

Bourbon Cask Reserve is matured exclusively in American oak refill bourbon casks and laid to rest in the warehouse, allowing the whisky to pull the aromas and flavours embedded in the grain of the wood.

The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve 40% ABV Appearance:  Pale straw, clear and bright.  Bouquet:                 Fresh, floral, coconut, American oak vanilla. Palate:          Soft mellow, crème brûlée and berry fruits. Finish:           Smooth, sweet, medium length.

The Peated Cask Reserve

The Glenrothes has always taken an interest in different approaches in which to showcase the depth of the distillery’s character. At first, classically by experimentation with different casks, sizes and wood then, secondly, by looking outside the current box.

By delving into the distillery’s heritage it was discovered that one of the first associations with another distillery was with a company called Highland Distilleries back in 1887. This was an association formed between The Glenrothes and the Islay Distillery Co Ltd.

The research provided the inspiration for the new expression, the task now was to identify some excellent whisky. Deciding on Vintage 1992, The Glenrothes was given a temporary home in a cask hailing from the peaty lands of Islay. It doesn’t take much time to add a kiss of peat smoke to complement but not overpower the usual Glenrothes characteristics.

Ronnie Cox, The Glenrothes Brand Heritage Director, describes the Peated Cask Reserve as:

‘A wonderful surprise. Another first! The first modern-day marriage of elegant, fruity, and, of course, mature Glenrothes with subtle but intriguing peaty mists of Islay. “

Malt Master Gordon Motion’s flavour notes appear on the front label: “Lemon fruitiness, spicy and deliciously smoky.” 

The Glenrothes Peated Reserve 40% ABV

Appearance: Mid gold.

Bouquet:       Nettles, new leather, peat, nutmeg and white wine.

Palate:          Peat smokiness, light vanilla, spices and citrus peel.

Finish:                    Spicy and lingering. 

The Glenrothes Peated Cask Reserve will be sold exclusively through M&S in the UK from November; it will be priced at £45 per bottle.  

Notes:

The Glenrothes was founded in 1879.

Only 3% of the distillery capacity is bottled as Single Malt to ensure exceptional quality.

Of the 22 Vintages released to date, 14 have entirely sold out.

Owned by Berry Bros. & Rudd Ltd, the wine and spirit merchants established in 1698, The Glenrothes is an award winning Speyside Single Malt Whisky of exceptional quality from the town of Rothes in Speyside -Scotland’s whisky heartland.

Established in 1879, the Glenrothes is a pioneer in Scotch Whisky. All our single malt is vintage malt. When we say vintage, we mean whisky distilled and put in cask in a single year. When judged to be at its peak of maturity, character and flavour, then we carefully marry selected vintages together as Reserves, or bottle them individually as Single Vintages.

At The Glenrothes, maturity matters more than age. A combination of many factors, including our unusually slow distillation process in tall copper pot stills, deliver our characteristic sweet, fruity and elegant spirit. Further flavours are derived from our extensive knowledge of maturation in oak casks. Each expression has its own unique personality, underpinned by the distinctive, hallmark characteristics of the distillery – ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and an exquisite spicy finish all encased in the creamiest of textures and with a complex and well-poised balance.

The Glenrothes is only selected for bottling when it has reached its zenith of maturity; each cask is carefully checked, nosed and tasted many times. An age statement does not reveal the maturity of the whisky and so the Glenrothes is bottled only when ready, meaning mature and at its peak of perfection. Malt whisky matures at its own pace as shown by the two casks selected.

Some of our recent awards and accolades for current bottlings:

The Glenrothes, Vintage Reserve

• Gold, Scotch Whisky Masters 2015

• Double Gold, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2015

• Gold, The Asian Spirits Masters 2015

• “Officially Amazing”, Guinness World Record holder for largest Burns Supper, 2015

The Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve

• Double Gold, WSWA 2015
• Recommended, Whisky Magazine, Issue 123, February 2015
• Difford’s Guide, Exceptional 5 out of 5 stars 2014

The Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve

• Excellent, Highly Recommended (92/100), Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2014

We’ve moved to 855 Harrison (between 4th and 5th in SoMa)

• Triple the size
• Tons of free parking on site
• More wines, spirits, and craft beers

Come by and check out our new shop a few blocks north of our previous venue. We could not be more excited about the location, access and parking, and a vast amount of additional space that was badly needed. Whether shopping on the floor or picking up your will calls we think you’ll like this new spot as much we do.

Over the next several weeks we’re continuing to add the finishing touches, set up the tasting bar, install additional signage inside and out, and bring over some additional wines we have coming in. Additionally, we have hundreds of temperature controlled storage lockers on site that are wrapping up construction. Those will be available soon – stay tuned for an upcoming announcement and rental rates.

K&L Wine Merchants http://www.klwines.com/ Phone: 877-559-4637 Email: wine@klwines.com San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

“Best wine Web site in the US” – Wall Street Journal “Great for rare and hard-to-find wines.” – Time “The cellar to search first.” – Smart Money “Best Wine Web Site” – Publishers of The Wine Spectator

They also sell quite a bit of WHISKY ~ W.I.