SA’s first real-time online shopping experience launched

Following short on the heels of the launch of South Africa’s first single-cask PX Finish, the Three Ships team presents another first for the country with a live, online shopping experience.

On 27 October, consumers will be able to purchase the first of 800 limited edition Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt Single Cask PX Finish whiskies in real time which is a first in South Africa.

Using live streaming and innovative technology to augment the online shopping experience, the live store (http://www.themasterscollection.co.za/) will enable consumers to interact in real time as they select the hand-numbered bottle of their choice. Consumers will see their selected bottle being collected off the shelf and watch as master distiller Andy Watts signs their name on a certificate and prepares it for delivery.

Three Ships marketing manager Liezl Dippenaar said this innovative way of making the whisky available to consumers fits in seamlessly with the limited edition nature of the product.

“To create excitement and awareness we needed a platform that’s unique in the world of online shopping to mirror the pioneering spirit of the Three Ships brand which has created many firsts for the South African whisky industry.

“The process emulates the Old World appeal of walking into a cellar, hand-picking a numbered bottle and meeting the crafter of the product as he signs and wraps your purchase. In our fast-paced life consumers seek authentic, unique experiences, meaningful engagement with the crafter and the opportunity to own a limited edition.”

Three Ships has partnered with SnapScan for the payment method. Consumers will be able to purchase only one bottle at a time to ensure that as many whisky lovers as possible can add this long-awaited whisky to their collection.

The process works as follows: The shop will be open for business from 12h00 to 22h00 on 27 October. Make sure you download the SnapScan app on your smart phone well in advance where you will be prompted to register your payment details. Visit http://www.themasterscollection.co.za/ desktop site and select the number of the bottle you would like to buy. You will be prompted to insert your delivery details and then your unique QR code will be revealed. You will then scan this code, using your SnapScan app. There’s only a 10-minute window to make your payment, so be sure to download SnapScan well in advance.

Once payment has been verified you will see your bottle being removed from the shelf and handed to Andy Watts, all in real-time. On the site you can also view footage and interviews with Andy on the story behind the creation of this limited-edition whisky.

The cost is R850 per bottle with an automatic R100 courier charge to anywhere in South Africa added to the final amount. An email will confirm purchase and delivery is expected to take up to two weeks.

The innovative site and online experience had been created by multi-award winning digital agency Quirk. Andrew Bloom, executive creative director, said they are extremely proud of the project.

“It’s not every day we get to create what pushes the digital envelope. So it’s been a fun challenge to combine the technology of a live stream with an interactive overlay, content and an e-commerce experience. Most of all we’re excited about how it makes a cold e-commerce experience human, interactive and engaging. We’re giving back to the connoisseurs a little bit of Old World romance; it’s what being a collector is all about, right?”

The Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt Single Cask PX Finish whisky was distilled in 2005 and initially matured for eight years and ten months in American oak where after a small quantity was aged for a further 14 months in a cask in which Pedro Ximènez (PX) sherry had previously been matured in.

The whisky forms part of the Master’s Collection which, over the next few years, will see a limited edition being launched each year under the Three Ships brand.

LAKES DISTILLERY LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION WHISKY 

MULTI-AWARD WINNING blend of British whiskies, The ONE, has been taken to another level by its creators who have launched an exclusive sherry cask finished expression to celebrate the spirit’s second birthday.

Created by the Lakes Distillery, England’s premier whisky distillery, The ONE has been ‘finished’ in Oloroso sherry hogshead casks to further enhance the blend which has become a favourite with whisky drinkers.

This is the first time an additional depth of flavour has been added to The ONE and the 3,335 limited edition bottles mark the distillery’s one year anniversary and the whisky’s second – The ONE was officially launched at the Taste Cumbria Festival in September 2013 and the distillery opened in December 2014.

Founder and managing director of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, said: “Experimenting with finishes enables us to enhance what is already an exceptional whisky and there is always great interest in these expressions. Sherry casks are well established in the whisky industry for maturing whisky but are rarely used for finishing a blend.

“Through the use of our sherry cask, we have created a significantly different whisky with a darker tone and a wonderful taste, an excellent way to celebrate our second anniversary. Although still a young blend, The ONE has seen significant success over its two years and is exported across Europe and Asia. It is stocked in some of the UK’s most prestigious retailers – we’re excited to replicate the same success in the next two years.”

The ONE is the only whisky created from whiskies around the British Isles and has already won awards including the Silver Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awards, silver medals at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and a silver medal in the Worldwide Whiskey category at the prestigious Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC).

The ONE limited edition sherry cask finished blend is available at www.lakesdistillery.com, RRP £39.95.

Tasting notes: sweet honey, subtly fruity, slightly smoky, with hints of spice

MULTI-AWARD WINNING blend of British whiskies, The ONE, has been taken to another level by its creators who have launched an exclusive sherry cask finished expression to celebrate the spirit’s second birthday.

Created by the Lakes Distillery, England’s premier whisky distillery, The ONE has been ‘finished’ in Oloroso sherry hogshead casks to further enhance the blend which has become a favourite with whisky drinkers.

This is the first time an additional depth of flavour has been added to The ONE and the 3,335 limited edition bottles mark the distillery’s one year anniversary and the whisky’s second – The ONE was officially launched at the Taste Cumbria Festival in September 2013 and the distillery opened in December 2014.

Founder and managing director of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, said: “Experimenting with finishes enables us to enhance what is already an exceptional whisky and there is always great interest in these expressions. Sherry casks are well established in the whisky industry for maturing whisky but are rarely used for finishing a blend.

“Through the use of our sherry cask, we have created a significantly different whisky with a darker tone and a wonderful taste, an excellent way to celebrate our second anniversary. Although still a young blend, The ONE has seen significant success over its two years and is exported across Europe and Asia. It is stocked in some of the UK’s most prestigious retailers – we’re excited to replicate the same success in the next two years.”

The ONE is the only whisky created from whiskies around the British Isles and has already won awards including the Silver Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awards, silver medals at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and a silver medal in the Worldwide Whiskey category at the prestigious Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC).

The ONE limited edition sherry cask finished blend is available at www.lakesdistillery.com, RRP £39.95.

Tasting notes: sweet honey, subtly fruity, slightly smoky, with hints of spice

The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. A New Entrant into the Irish Whiskey Industry Launches with KickStarter Crowdfunding Campaign

Campaign has Raised 40% of Its £26,000 Goal in Seven Days 

Cooraclare, Co. Clare, Ireland October 23, 2015: The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. will age and produce small batch Irish whiskey with unique cask finishes in unique locations in County Clare, Ireland. The business launched a Kickstarter campaign to allow the public to back the project in return for rewards and has raised 40% of its £26,000 goal in seven days. The company was founded by Louise McGuane, a drinks industry veteran has held senior global marketing and commercial roles in Moet Hennessy, Pernod Ricard and Diageo., After living and working abroad for 20 years she has returned to Ireland to launch The Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. which will be based on the McGuane Family farm in Cooraclare, Co. Clare. 10-12 local jobs are expected to be created within 3 years as a result.

Mc Guane commented “ My mission is to bring true innovation to the Irish Whiskey Category. We all know that Irish whiskey is booming and there are multiple plans for distilleries all over the country. Our model is different, rather than risking enormous capital expenditure initially on building a production facility,, we are reviving the once widespread 19th century practice of Irish Whiskey Bonding. Because of the growth of the category, the internal Irish whiskey market has opened up in the past year.  This gives us access to the highest quality Irish grain, malt and pot still whiskey. Given that 50-80% of whiskies flavour comes from the barrel the whiskey is aged in and the place where that barrel is aged, this allows us to create unique small batch single cask bottlings of innovative whiskey styles for today’s modern whiskey drinker. This business model allows us to get to market and begin building our brand and distribution much faster. Furthermore basing the business on our family farm in West Clare will mean significant rural regeneration & job creation for the area, something very important to me.”

The Kickstarter Crowdfunding platform allows individuals to back creative projects in return for rewards. Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. is hoping to raise $40,000 within 31 days which will go towards purchasing the first batch of Oak barrels for ageing whiskey. “I am a big believer in the sharing economy and have backed multiple crowdfunding campaigns myself. One of our core values as a company is “Collaboration.” We are offering great value added rewards for backers which will allow our backers to truly be a part of the process of bringing a cask of whiskey to life.” said Louise.  Rewards can be claimed in exchange for pledge at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chapelgate/reviving-the-lost-flavours-of-irish-whiskey

Rewards Include:

• An Irish whiskey masterclass in either London, Galway, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta or San Diego £65
• The Backers name on 100 labels of the first bottling £326
• A stay at the Luxury Farm house on McGuane Family Farm for 8 people for a week £1000
• The chance to create your own cask of irish whiskey, choosing the fill for the barrel, the wood for the barrel, the char, & the position in the Rackhouse £4000
• The chance to blend your very own barrel of whiskey from a selection of aged malt and a stay at the Luxury Farm house, including a round of Golf at Doonbeg, a tour of Irish Music pubs in West Clare £5000

Contact: Louise@ChapelGateDistillery.com  http://www.chapelgatewhiskey.com/  Twitter & Instagram @WhiskeyGate

Glengoyne continues rugby-whisky partnership with London Scottish   

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has renewed its 12-month sponsorship of London Scottish for a third year.

Mark Bright, London Scottish captain, was named man of the match and was presented with a personalised bottle of Glengoyne 15 Year Old. This new Glengoyne custom will be carried on throughout the season. A bottle of the 21 Year Old malt was also auctioned off to raise money for charity.

Despite a last minute defeat to Nottingham Rugby on Friday, London Scottish currently sit fifth in the 2015-16 Championship league table.

Neil Boyd, Commercial Director of Malts at Ian Macleod Distillers which owns Glengoyne, said: “Malt whisky and rugby go hand in hand and we’re delighted to be continuing our support of London Scottish for the third consecutive year.

“Despite Friday’s score, the team are doing very well and we’re proud to have the Glengoyne logo on their jersey. It’s fantastic to see the Glengoyne spirit continue to drive the team’s success and we look forward to a great season.”

Mark Kemp Sponsorship Manager of London Scottish said: “Having an iconic Scottish brand like Glengoyne show their support for London Scottish is fantastic and we’re delighted they have chosen to renew their sponsorship for the third consecutive year.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership over the coming season and developing a long lasting relationship between the two great Scottish brands.”

Picture caption: Mark Bright, London Scottish captain, was named man of the match and presented with a personalised bottle of Glengoyne 15 year Old by Neil Boyd, Commercial Director of Malts at Ian Macleod Distillers (right). Ron Wilson, former London Scottish captain and Scotland Rugby player, is also pictured (centre). 

www.glengoyne.com

Notes

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

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

London Scottish are a professional rugby team playing in the Greene King IPA Championship, English Rugby’s second tier. The Scots are one of England’s most famous rugby clubs, having produced four British and Irish Lions captains in their time. After going into administration in 1999, they have worked their way up to the second division with seven promotions in 11 seasons after starting from the bottom.

Last season they made it into the end-of-season play-offs for the first time, and continued their Incredible Journey back to the top of the English game.

Prometheus takes Gold!

Prometheus 26 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has claimed it’s first award, the coveted “Whisky Magazine Editor’s Choice Gold Award”. In each issue of Whisky Magazine they award the very best whisky from their tastings with the coveted Editors Choice Award. Prometheus 26 Years Old was given 94 points out of 100 from whisky expert Chris Goodrum who described the whisky as “…a fine old speyside!”.

Prometheus 26 Years Old has already seen some fantastic reviews since it’s release a very short time ago, with world renowned and internationally respected whisky expert and Master of the Quaich (an extremely rare title given to only a few people in the world for their work with Scotch whisky), Charles MacLean. Charles described Prometheus simply as “ an excellent dram”.

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 at twenty-six years old. A Single Malt Scotch Whisky of secret origins, available in the most limited quantity for just one moment in time.

INTRODUCING THE BALLANTINE’S PRESTIGE RANGE

Ballantine’s, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world, maintains that staying true builds depth of character. Learning from life experiences is what makes us unique and this is the ethos that frames the Ballantine’s Prestige range of whiskies. Our rich history and the many pioneering people who have been a part of our story are all reflected in the deep character of our mature whiskies.

Ballantine’s Prestige blends single malts and grain whiskies of different ages to create an extraordinary range of luxury expressions. Information can be found below on Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, 21 Year Old and 30 Year Old, including downloadable bottle shots, tasting notes and key cocktail images and recipes.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old has a fruity and harmonious taste profile that subtly conveys the character of its original distilleries and notes of oak for an extra depth of flavour, making this Scotch revered by whisky connoisseurs. The expression has been named Best Scottish Blended Whisky by Jim Murray in each edition of the Whisky Bible between 2009 and 2013.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old
Ballantine’s 21 Year Old is a rich and intense Scotch whisky blended with a high proportion of whiskies matured in European oak that impart their character on the spicier and richer fruity finish. The expression was awarded a Gold medal at the IWSC Hong Kong and The Scotch Whisky Masters in 2014.

Ballantine’s 30 Year Old
Ballantine’s 30 Year Old is the pinnacle of the Prestige range, conveying a perfect balance of the character of distilleries that are no longer in existence and the influence of the casks. The whisky presents a powerful and opulent taste profile with concentrated notes of fruits and was awarded with a Best in Class Gold medal at the ISC in 2015 and a Master medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2014.

Ballantine’s Prestige cocktails
Ballantine’s Prestige has partnered with Salts of the Earth’s Head Cocktail Counsellor, Matt Uden, to create modern bespoke serves that hero the flavour, quality and craftsmanship of each expression within the Ballantine’s Prestige portfolio. Having spent 10 years living in Asia, Matt has a deep understanding of cocktail and consumer trends both in the continent and globally.

Notes:

About Salts of the Earth
Salts of the Earth are an innovative cocktail counselling service, who create ground-breaking drinks served with mouth-watering pairings that further enhance the drinking experience.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
www.ballantines.com

Twitter @Ballantines

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.chivasbrothers.com

Twitter @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

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival introduces a second annual event uniting Speyside distilleries under one roof

Speyside’s leading malt whisky producers will unite on their own doorstep for the first time – to launch a brand new ‘dramfest’ organised by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Brand rivalries will be put to one side when Spirit of Speyside brings distillers from all over the region together under one roof in celebration of the area’s most famed product – malt whisky.

Plans for the first event – to take place in September 2016 – were unveiled at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival AGM yesterday (Tuesday, October 13). It will offer an alternative weekend devoted to Speyside whisky in its home and heartland and complementing the internationally-renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival held annually in May.

The September whisky weekend is being introduced to sate the public’s thirst for whisky-themed events in the area that is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries.

Elgin has been chosen as the central location for this Speyside showcase, which as well as whisky, will feature other drinks – including local gin and craft beer – along with fine food and produce from the region.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has become one of the leading events of its kind over the past 17 years. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to Speyside during the May Day weekend to savour a selection of more than 400 events, from tastings to ceilidhs, food pairings to comedy.

Many events are sold out within hours of tickets going on sale and accommodation in the region reaches capacity. Festival organisers could see scope to introduce a second – but distinctive – event to its annual calendar, which will allow people to celebrate Scotland’s national drink in its spiritual home without the need to plan a five-day itinerary.

The event will be held from September 9-11, 2016 at Elgin Town Hall, drawing visitors after the summer season and helping provide an economic boost for the area.

As well as tastings, cocktail making, a food court, and masterclasses will be part of the offering. Distilleries, businesses and partners will be encouraged to develop themes to add to the visitor experience.

Festival chairman James Campbell says, “Our annual whisky festival has grown in size and stature to become one of the leading events of its kind in the world.

“We are now creating a brand new weekend event with the big difference that the distilleries will be together, under one roof, and that’s something that doesn’t normally happen on their home territory.

“We’ve chosen Elgin for the venue because it is central, with good transport links, and we’ll be encouraging businesses and other partners to get involved too. Further announcements on what people can expect from the new event, including its official title, will be made in the coming weeks and months.

“This is a great opportunity for distilleries and food and drink producers of Speyside to showcase their products and share what they do.

“While the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has an international audience, and overseas visitors may be among the contingent, we expect our September event to have a particular appeal to the home market, including people from the local area.

“We look forward to developing our plans and helping keep one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producing regions well and truly on the map, inspiring more visitors to develop their interest and knowledge of our national tipple.”

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s position as a major tourism attraction in Scotland was underlined again this year when it attracted 26,389 visits to events from a record 34 different countries.

The 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – and its traditional musical arm the Spirit of Speyside Sessions – takes place from April 28 to May 2. For further information about the event visit http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ with tickets on sale from January 2015.  The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. 

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 28 to Monday, May 2.

Check out http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

Nova Scotia Whisky Celebrates a New Canadian Tradition

Glynn Williams today celebrates the traditions that bring family and friends together with the launch of GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky. Born in the West and matured on the Atlantic coast by the Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company in historic Guysborough, Nova Scotia, GLYNNEVAN® is the culmination of its unique journey across our great nation.

Truly Canadian, GLYNNEVAN® whisky develops its character as it is shaped by the regions of Canada on its way to Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company’s home on Guysborough harbour. A second barreling by the sea lends a distinctive maritime character to the small-batch spirit, softening and adding depth and complexity to the whisky. At a time when so much seems to divide us, GLYNNEVAN® is the Williams family’s toast to new traditions that bring us together.

“An important belief I share with my son Evan is that character is shaped through personal journey and discovery. Travel can contribute to learning and personal development, with the journey being just as important as the destination. By exploring our limits, we learn more about ourselves,” said Glynn at the launch. “From our travels together, whether by single engine plane to Canada’s high Arctic or hiking at the southernmost point of South America, our desire for adventure has given us a strong sense of purpose in the world and strengthened the bond between father and son. GLYNNEVAN® rye whisky characterizes this spirit of adventure and life-long learning together. The GLYNNEVAN® emblem, that incorporates prairie grains and ocean waves, features the rampant lion, common to the Canadian coat of arms, the Nova Scotia flag and the Williams’ family crest, proudly illustrating the ties that bind us.”

GLYNNEVAN® opens with layers of aroma starting with sweet rye spices and honey, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of tropical fruit. The well-balanced taste is sweet and creamy offering vanilla, spice, hazelnut, butter, toffee and caramel sensations. A mahogany-colored whisky, at 43% alc./vol., it has a powerful, yet smooth mouthfeel, with a finish that is long and warm.

GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is now available at the distillery in Guysborough and throughout Nova Scotia at select Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores and other fine spirits retailers. Read more about GLYNNEVAN® at: www.glynnevan.com

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. produces handmade, craft distilled and blended spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Sea FeverTM Rum and FortressTM Rum at its distillery next to Osprey Shores Golf Resort on the historic Guysborough harbour. It is a key part of Authentic Seacoast Company Ltd, which also includes historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Rare Bird Pub & Eatery, Skipping Stone Café & Store, Full Steam Coffee Co., Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store.

Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: www.glynnevan.com www.authenticseacoast.com

Come Home to a Bottle of Bothy

New Limited Edition Release from the Isle of Arran Distillery

Monday 19^th October: The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery has today launched its latest limited edition bottling. Named for the modest dwellings that were common to the highlands and islands, The Bothy Quarter Cask was matured in small barrels reminiscent of those used in the whisky trade in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

The multi-vintage Arran Single Malt selected for The Bothy was initially matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. It was then transferred for secondary maturation into smaller casks, made of the finest American oak.

This process produces far greater contact between the whisky and oak and a faster, more intense maturation. The end result is a full-bodied expression of The Arran Malt.

James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at the distillery said: “The centuries-old history of whisky making on the island is at the heart of everything we do and with this new bottling we’ve captured those traditions.

“There are only 12,000 bottles available worldwide so we expect this edition to be highly sought-after. The picturesque artwork on the bottle, coupled with a superior dram laden with heritage, makes this a beautiful collector’s item as well as a fantastic whisky to drink and savour.”

Evoking the scents and colours of autumn, The Bothy has a nose of sandalwood, malty barley and damp oak. A sweet palatte with the Arran character of fresh pineapple, green apples and toasted brioche is enriched with a kick of red chilli. Finishing with refreshing citrus notes, The Bothy delivers all the complexity and richness for which the distillery is well renowned.

Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.7% abv, The Bothy Quarter Cask will be available at specialist whisky shops and www.arranwhisky.com from 11am on the 19^th October priced at £54.99. 

Notes:

For more information visit 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.

Van Winkle Bourbon Available Soon

Barrels yield less 15, 20 and 23 Year Old Bourbon than usual 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 14, 2015) – The long anticipated annual release of the Van Winkle bourbons is nearly here, but unfortunately some of the angels were extra greedy over the past two decades, leaving us less bourbon than in previous years.

“When bourbon ages over 15 years, much is lost to the angel’s share.  Many of the 53 gallon oak barrels often yield less than 20 gallons,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “Unfortunately this year we experienced poor yields on the older Van Winkle whiskeys.  Furthermore, we have strict quality standards here at Buffalo Trace and several of the older Van Winkle barrels did not meet those standards. This makes a drastic difference in volume, considering we have very few barrels as it is. The result is less 15 year-old Pappy Van Winkle than usual, and far less 20 year-old and 23 year-old. Frankly, about half as much as last year.”

            Known for their smoother and sweeter flavor, Van Winkle bourbons are aged years longer than most others and garner an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs.  Although the bourbons have become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, very little is sold overseas, so that most of these coveted bottles are available in the United States.

The Van Winkle collection consists of several whiskeys. Suggested retail prices are as follows:

• $49.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof
• $59.99 – Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old
• $99.99 – Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye Whiskey 13 Year Old
• $79.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old
• $149.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
• $249.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old

“Although a lot of retailers charge more than our suggested pricing, we are not asking them to do so,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We have not raised prices and do not intend to do so drastically in the future. We are committed to our quality and our pricing.”

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys has won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 15-year-old being named “Excellent/highly recommended” in the 2014 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; the 20 year-old awarded “Extraordinary/ultimate recommendation” in the 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; a double gold for the 20 year-old in the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; and the Chairman’s Trophy and “Extraordinary/Ultimate Recommendation” for the 20 year-old in the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

            The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in November, but please be mindful that supply is quite limited and bottles shall be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants. They will be packed three bottles per case. 

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The Van Winkle family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend, Alex Farnsley, eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Sitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.              After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.             In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit http://www.oldripvanwinkle.com/.