GLENGLASSAGH RELEASES BATCH 2 OF ITS RARE CASK SERIES

GLENGLASSAUGH has today (December 8) released its second critically-acclaimed batch of single cask bottlings.

Once again hand-selected by Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker, there are eight phenomenal malts in this new batch which range from 42 to 36 years. All casks were bottled in September this year.

The eight single cask treasures uncovered from dark corners of the Portsoy warehouses are classic Glenglassaugh – rich, elegant, sweet Highland malts that hit the palate with complex fruit bombs – from pears to raspberry jam, from yellow plum compote to orange peel, from wild red berries to banana loaf.

The oldest, cask # 2125, 42 years old, was distilled in October 1972 and finished in a Massandra Madeira Puncheon. Bottled at 47.3% vol, this rich burnt amber veteran is sublime. On the nose, luxurious rich honey infused with allspice floods over roasted apples while, on the palate, crisp toasted oak characters contrast with Madeira poached pears, sultana syrup and a delicate warm spice.

The youngest in the batch is a 36 years old distilled in October 1978 and finished in a Port Hogshead. This burnished copper gold beauty, cask # 1118/8, was bottled at 43.6% vol. On the nose, there is a delicious harmony of wild red berries and milk chocolate with a black pepper spice and vintage leather background. The palate brings beautifully elegant red fruit preserve dusted with sweet vanilla sugar and combines perfectly with warm oak, cinnamon spice and stem ginger syrup.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “The BenRiach Distillery Company took over Glenglassaugh distillery in 2013 and we released our first batch of rare casks in April last year. The response on this first batch release was fantastic, with connoisseurs worldwide delighted to get their hands on these aged, extraordinary malts. We are therefore delighted to issue Batch 2 today which comprises another eight magnificent expressions – smooth, warm, characterful and sublime Highland whisky at its finest.”

All eight are presented in a beautiful golden box.

The batch details are:

1972 cask # 2125 / 42 years old / Massandra Madeira Puncheon / 47.3% vol

1973 cask # 1865 / 42 years old / Massandra Aleatico Hogshead / 40.5% vol

1973 cask # 761 / 41 years old / Rum Barrel / 41.1% vol

1974 cask # 1282/1 / 41 years old / Rum Barrel / 40.8% vol

1975 cask # 2180 / 40 years old / Massandra Madeira Puncheon / 43.9% vol

1975 cask # 3171 / 40 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Hogshead / 40.2% vol

1976 cask # 3170 / 39 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Hogshead / 40.3% vol

1978 cask # 1118/8 / 36 years old / Port Hogshead / 43.6% vol

All eight are available soon at your local retailer.

WHAT’S NEW (Introduced in 2015)

• Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Extremely Limited Edition; $1,000) – The only single malt Scotch Whisky to be aged in rare Japanese mizunara oak casks. Only 2,000 bottles produced for the world. Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish is a skilled marriage of Scottish strength and passion with Japanese elegance and refinement.
• Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky ($65) – This new Suntory whisky encapsulates the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and people and is inspired by the riches and subtleties of Japan’s 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a meticulous blend of the finest select whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky – at least 10 malt and grain whiskies, aged in five different types of casks, from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.

JAPANESE WHISKY

HAKUSHU SINGLE MALT JAPANESE WHISKY

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts. Straight from the untouched forests, mountains and pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a “green and fresh” whisky, praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt, enlivens and liberates your senses. Prices: $85 for Hakushu 12 Years Old to $250 for Hakushu 18 Years Old.

HIBIKI BLENDED JAPANESE WHISKY

Embodying the soul of Japanese craftsmanship, this harmonious blend resounds with calm complexity and “Wa”, oneness. “Kanzen”or complete, Hibiki is a harmonious blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies which are meticulosly blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. Seductive, blossoming and enigmatic, Hibiki celebrates an unrivaled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory. Prices: $65 for Hibiki Japanese Harmony to $250 for Hibiki 21 Years Old.

YAMAZAKI SINGLE MALT JAPANESE WHISKY

Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt. Spiritual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Prices: $85 for Yamazaki 12 Years Old to $250 for Yamazaki 18 Years Old.

SCOTCH WHISKY

AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Scotland’s only whisky that triple distills every drop making for a spirit that is approachable (and unpeated) that works as well sipped neat/on the rocks (try Three Wood) as it is in cocktails (try American Oak, aged solely in first fill American oak barrels). Prices: $40 for American Oak to $450 for 1988 Wine Matured.

BOWMORE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Made in Islay’s first distillery (since 1779), Bowmore offers just the right amount of smoke (no mirrors) and sweetness to make this whisky a fan favorite. From Small Batch aged in 1^st and 2^nd fill ex-bourbon casks to the collectible Bowmore Black, Gold or White, Bowmore is one of the most well-known whiskies in the world and one of the most collectible. Prices: $40 for Small Batch to $650 for Port Matured.

GLEN GARIOCH SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Called the ‘rare find’, Glen Garioch is made in a tiny distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Never a whisky that will be mass-produced, it’s for those who know a bit about whisky and have come to find this little distillery on their journey. Prices: $45 for Founder’s Reserve to $150 for 1998 Wine Cask Matured.

JOHNNIE WALKER^® AND MCLAREN HONDA F1 STAGE DRIVING SPECTACULAR IN LONDON TO DELIVER ANTI DRINK DRIVING MESSAGE 

F1 STARS MIKA HAKKINEN, JENSON BUTTON AND FERNANDO ALONSO CALL ON LONDONERS TO JOIN THE PACT TO NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

EVENT SUPPORTS THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT’S ‘THINK!’ CAMPAIGN

WEMBLEY, LONDON, 4 DECEMBER 2015: As part of its global responsible drinking programme, Join the Pact, JOHNNIE WALKER®, is today staging a driving spectacular in London with the stars of McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team to encourage people to never drink and drive.

During the event, F1 Stars Mika Häkkinen, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso and fellow McLaren Honda driver and 2015 GP2 Champion Stoffel Vandoorne will thrill spectators, demonstrating their control skills in London’s Wembley Park and driving competition winners, media and special guests in a range of cars, including McLaren road cars and the Johnnie Walker supercar Caparo T1. 

The event is part of responsible drinking festive campaign, Join the Pact. Last year, Johnnie Walker announced its intention to gather five million ‘Join The Pact’ commitments by 2018 and has since passed the half way mark, with almost 2.6 million people having made a personal promise to never drink and drive.

The event is also marked by the premiere of a powerful new ‘Join The Pact’ film featuring Johnnie Walker Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Häkkinen.

As part of the campaign Johnnie Walker is providing safe rides home with UBER in the UK and Lothian Buses in Edinburgh at Hogmanay. Johnnie Walker and UBER are providing £10 off rides for a limited number of existing users who Join The Pact, and UBER will also fund unlimited £10 rides for new users on top of that for the duration of the festive campaign.[1]

The event also supports the Department for Transport’s Road Safety campaign ‘THINK!’

Andrew Jones MP, Minister for Transport said: “Drivers know that drink driving is wrong. It can destroy families and ruin lives.  Yet some people at Christmas will still take the risk and get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

“Over the past thirty years drink drive deaths have fallen significantly but every death or serious injury is one too many.  The best way for drivers to keep themselves and other road users safe is simple: don’t drink and drive.  I encourage drivers to Join the Pact to not drive after a tipple this Christmas.”

McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button said: “As racing drivers, we understand the importance of staying in control and never ever getting behind the wheel after consuming any alcohol.

“We’re confident that people will get the message. Millions already have, and we want to encourage millions more to make a personal commitment to get home safely and ‘Join The Pact’ by visiting jointhepact.com.”

Andrew Cowan, Managing Director of Diageo GB said: “During the festive season millions of Brits will celebrate with a drink, and we are committed to encouraging people to get home safely. We are so excited to be hosting this event in London, and we hope that many Londoners and people across the country will be inspired to join the 2.6 million people globally who have already made a pledge to never drink and drive.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Alcohol Licensing and Harm Reduction, Commander Simon Letchford said: “We’re very pleased to have this opportunity to work together with our partners from the drinks industry to get across the important message around responsible drinking over the festive season in the run-up to Christmas.”

“We want people to enjoy a drink but to do so responsibly and safely, and bear in mind that anti-social behaviour and road traffic accidents put a strain on emergency services and divert them from priority calls. If you cause an offence or an accident as a result of alcohol you could also face serious penalties.”

Mika Häkkinen said: “The holiday season is a time when friends and families get together to celebrate and share gifts of thanks with each other. It’s a time for parties and reunions and we want to make sure that those who are out celebrating with alcohol leave their cars at home.”

People can make their pledge to never drink and drive by visiting http://www.jointhepact.com/ or by tweeting #JoinThePact to @JohnnieWalker_.

About Diageo 

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.  Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. 

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

@DiageoGB

About Join The Pact  

Johnnie Walker places great importance on Responsible Drinking and tackles this issue through the Join The Pact campaign, with Mika Häkkinen as the Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador. Join The Pact asks consumers everywhere to make a commitment to never drink and drive through signing a pact. Since 2006 Mika has led this call-to-action initiative, which has been activated worldwide, collecting over a million signatures.

Mika has visited over 40 countries on five continents, spoken to countless media, government officials, stakeholders and consumers delivering important messages through unique Johnnie Walker experiences.

The JOHNNIE WALKER and JOIN THE PACT words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trademarks © John Walker & Sons 2015.

[1] Cities in the UK which Uber operates in include Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sheffield, as well as in the Merseyside area.

Malt Maniacs Awards 2015 – The Winners

This year (2015) sees the 13th edition of The Malt Maniacs Awards and once again we’ve seen some very strong competition throughout the three different categories for those prestigious awards.

Our three categories are based on high street price and are as follows:

Daily Drams – Whiskies with a retail price up to €50

Premium Whiskies – Whiskies with a retail price between €51 and €150

Ultra Premium Whiskies – Whiskies with a retail price over €150

Within each category we offer five Awards; Supreme Winner, Best Sherried Whisky, Best Peated Whisky, Best Natural Cask Whisky and a “Thumbs Up” Award for a whisky we believe deserves a special mention.

The competition is judged 100% blind, using only numbered samples and also judged only by a panel of our amateur members.

So, without further ado here are our deserving award winners for 2015:

Supreme Champion (Winner of Winners) Kavalan Solist (OB), Sherry Cask No. S060904024

Scoring an average 91 points across all our judges

Daily Drams category

Supreme Winner – TTL Nantou (OB for Aroma TW) Sherry Cask No.841 58%

Best Sherried Whisky – TTL Nantou “Omar” Sherry Cask No.21091305 58.4%

Best Peated Whisky – Lagavulin 16y OB 43%

Best Natural Cask Whisky – Nantou (OB) “Omar” Bourbon Cask No.11090105 56.8%

Thumbs Up – Edradour (OB) Ballechin 10y Bourbon & Oloroso Casks & Heavily Peated 46% (Awarded for great quality and solid performance from this small Independent distillery.)

Premium Whiskies category

Supreme Winner – Kavalan Solist (OB), Sherry Cask No. S060904024 (Also Supreme Champion)

Best Sherried Whisky – Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask No. S081229019 (OB for Asia Palate Assoc) 56.3%

Best Sherried Whisky – Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask No. S081229020 (OB for Asia Palate Assoc) 57.1%

(Both of these Kavalans scored an exact 90 points, drawing for the Best Sherried Premium Award)

Best Peated Whisky – Blackadder “Raw Cask” Peated Amrut Cask BA20/2015 62.1%

Best Natural Cask Whisky – Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “Chibi Daru” 53.5%

Thumbs Up – Amrut (OB) Spectrum 50% (Awarded for ‘cask innovation’ for creating a finishing cask of 5 different woods)

Ultra Premium category

Supreme Winner – Glenfarclas (OB) “Family Casks” 19y Oloroso Casks 3913 & 3914 58.7%

Best Sherried Whisky – Macallan “Remix” (OB) Special Asian Release, 58.9%

Best Peated Whisky – Wilson & Morgan “Barrel Selection” Caol Ila 25y Casks 4707 & 4708 54.3%

Best Natural Cask Whisky –Adelphi “Slaney Malt” 23y Cask No.8585 59%

Thumbs Up – Overeem “Old Hobart” Cask OHD-074 60% (Awarded for outstanding performance of this and all Overeem whiskies this year).

In addition to our Awards we recognize quality with our Medals based upon the average attained scores across all our judges, with our coveted Gold Medals being given to any whisky achieving an average of 90 points or more.

This year four whiskies have won our coveted Gold Medals and they are:

Kavalan Solist (OB), Sherry Cask No. S060904024 91pts

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask No. S081229019 (OB for Asia Palate Assoc) 90pts

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask No. S081229020 (OB for Asia Palate Assoc) 90pts

Glenfarclas (OB) “Family Casks” 19y Oloroso Casks 3913 & 3914 90pts

Full details and scores for MMA 2015 can be found on the Malt Maniacs website http://www.maltmaniacs.net/

and

also our Malt Maniacs & Friends (MM&F) facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaltManiacs/

Tomintoul Five Decades Product Release December 2015

Tomintoul Distillery announces the release of a very special and unique product, The Five Decades, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tomintoul Distillery, which started distilling in 1965. Individual casks have been chosen to represent the flavours from 50 years of craftsmanship at the distillery. Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, has personally selected casks from 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005 and has overseen the marrying of these superb malt whiskies.

“This was a fascinating project. The reason why we chose these particular casks is that they represented unique flavour characteristics from the five decades and moreover when married together they have produced a product of great distinction. This creation is a one-off release to mark the occasion of Tomintoul’s 50th anniversary in a most fitting way. We hope you enjoy The Five Decades as much as we have enjoyed creating it.” – Duncan Baldwin, Regional Director.

The Five Decades Whiskies

1965-2005

1965 – Rare and special whisky from the very first year of distillation has been included in the Five Decades edition. This whisky was notable for its soft and sweet nose with hints of orange peel, fruit cake, glacé cherries and a suggestion of spice caressed with a pot pourri of rose petals and Turkish delight.

1975 – An exceptional summer also produced exceptional whisky at Tomintoul Distillery. The hand-picked casks from this notable year exuded great maturity with generous amounts of spice and vanilla on the nose and with discernible floral characteristics on the palate, most strikingly, those of summer fruits and pear drops.

1985 – This year faithfully represented the 1980’s decade. Cold winters and temperate summers were ideal for maturing casks of malt whisky. The selected casks were very typical of the Tomintoul style, light but with plenty of sweetness – truly living up to the “gentle dram” description.

1995 – To mark this decade and add rich and interesting flavours, first-rate Sherry butts were painstakingly chosen. The whisky which had enjoyed twenty years of maturation in butts previously used to mature Sherry in Southern Spain contributed raisin, plum, prune, orange zest and fig aromas on the nose with hazelnut, walnut, herbal and soft sherried notes on the palate.

2005 – In this year, newly distilled Tomintoul was filled into the very finest virgin American white-oak barrels to mature unhurriedly for the next ten years. This whisky imparted wonderful vanilla, honey-sweetness and coconut flavours backed by an oaky-spice finish.

Only 5230 individually numbered Five Decades bottles have been released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tomintoul Distillery.

Tomintoul Five Decades – Tasting Notes

Colour: Barley gold

Nose: Classic Speyside creamy scents intermingle with hints of banana skin and peppery mace

Palate: Clean, creamy barley-malt and some toffee sweetness balanced by gentle oaky spice

Finish: Enduring with sweetness followed by a nutmeg finalé

The Tomintoul Five Decades is available now, packaged in cases of 4 x 70cl bottles with gift boxes and has been bottled, appropriately, at 50% vol., unchillfiltered and natural in colour.

Contact: Angus Dundee Distillers

20-21 Cato Street

London W1H 5JQ

Tel: 0207 569 2000

dbaldwin@angusdundee.co.uk

Chivas Masters 2016 – Shanghai skyline

CHIVAS MASTERS STARTS SEARCH FOR TOP BARTENDING TALENTS THIS YEAR SUCCESS TASTES BETTER SHARED

THIS YEAR SUCCESS TASTES BETTER SHARED

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has commenced the search for the 2016 Global Chivas Master, where competitors this year will be judged not only on their bartending abilities but also on their demonstration of Chivas’ values of brotherhood and generosity. This month sees national heats start around the world, which will for the first time culminate with the grand final in Shanghai in July 2016, celebrating success through teamwork, collaboration and mentorship.

The national stages will challenge entrants to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. Taking inspiration from the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai, via their local cocktail scene, entrants will be asked to create three drinks that enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth, generous style and epitomise its international appeal in order to reach the grand final.

The most talented competitor from each market will then be invited to spend five immersive days in Shanghai at the Chivas Masters Global Final, where they will undertake a number of key challenges following workshops from the industry’s best. Throughout five days of challenges and inspirational masterclasses, competitors will be judged on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team by a distinguished panel of industry experts.

Collaboration will be rewarded this year by granting a winning team at the Global Final a once in a lifetime trip to The Tales of the Cocktail 2016 in New Orleans to learn from some of the industry’s most renowned bartenders. A further prize will be awarded to the 2016 Global Chivas Master, who will earn a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of their choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as their lasting contribution to the global competition.

Max Warner, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal comments: “Mentorship and collaboration are traits found at the heart of the bartending industry. We want to celebrate this spirit of camaraderie through the Chivas Masters 2016 competition by encouraging entrants to celebrate success with their peers. We will be looking for competitors who are able to demonstrate a true spirit of leadership as well as excellent bartending talent.”

Bartenders with the ambition to become the next Chivas Master are encouraged to get in touch with their local market Pernod Ricard representative for details on how to enter.

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon.  www.chivas.com

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.chivasspirit.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

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert

By: Davin de Kergommeaux 

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert provides whisky lovers with comprehensive information explained in a most accessible manner. This well-illustrated book tells how whisky is made, why it tastes the way it does, the history of whisky making in Canada, in-depth descriptions of each of Canada’s whisky distilleries and tasting notes for over 100 Canadian whiskies.

As renowned whisky writer Dave Broom put it when the book was released, “This is an important time for Canadian whisky and this is an important book which isn’t just a story of a drink, but a story of Canada itself.”

Canadian whisky makers credit de Kergommeaux’s book with stimulating the current renaissance of their whisky. Since its release, sales of Canadian whisky have risen steadily as whisky lovers learn about the hidden wealth of great whisky made in Canada.

Davin de Kergommeaux is an independent whisky expert who has been writing about, talking about and teaching about whisky for more than a decade. His writing and tasting notes appear in Scotch Whisky Review, Whisky Advocate and on such websites as maltmaniacs.org and whiskyadvocate.com.  He is the Canadian editor for Whisky Magazine and publishes comprehensive notes about Canadian whisky on the website, canadianwhisky.org. De Kergommeaux appears at whisky festivals from coast to coast in Canada and abroad and is a judge in a number of prestigious whisky competitions including the World Whisky Awards. 

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert

By: Davin de Kergommeaux

Hardcover| 352 pages| McClelland & Stewart

Cooking – Beverages – Wine & Spirits; Cooking – Beverages; Cooking – Regional & Ethnic – Canadian

978-0-7710-2743-7| $24.99

This week Joe Ellis reviews the SMWS 66.53 A Study in Black

https://youtu.be/OKGb6HYko_c

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

“FROM DREAM TO DRAM” KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY LAUNCHES FOUNDERS’ CLUB 

In celebration of the first anniversary of its opening, Kingsbarns Distillery is delighted to launch the Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club.  Members of the new Founders’ Club will be the very first to own a bottle of Kingsbarns Single Malt.

The Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife officially opened on 30th November 2014, St Andrew’s Day, with the first spirit running through the stills in January 2015. The launch of the Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club is an exciting chance for whisky enthusiasts to enjoy being a part of the journey for this new distillery.

The Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club is open to just 3000 members worldwide. Initially, a welcome pack will be sent to all members, consisting of a 20cl bottle of Kingsbarns Distillery New Make Spirit, a Founders’ Club Glencairn glass, a membership badge and welcome letter.

The first ever bottles of Kingsbarns Single Malt will be bottled exclusively for members of the Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club.  It is expected that some of the first casks ever filled will be selected for this first bottling around mid 2018.  Members will receive a bottle of this exclusive Kingsbarns Founders’ Club Reserve, enabling them to become one of the very first to taste Kingsbarns Single Malt.  Following that, each year for 4 subsequent years, members will receive a further Founders’ Club Reserve bottle, allowing members to enjoy the progression of the single malt.

Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club memberships cost £500 plus carriage and are available at the distillery, online at www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com and also  from Kingsbarns Founders’ Club Membership Subscription – Master of Malt

Notes to Editors:

• Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014, 30th November. Since opening, the Visitor Centre has been awarded a 4 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland.
• The founder of the distillery is Douglas Clement. Formerly a golf caddie, Douglas was inspired to open a distillery near to the famous golf courses in the St Andrews and Kingsbarns area. Douglas has also been appointed a Fife Ambassador by Fife Council and now enjoys the position as Visitor Centre Manager.
• Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was formerly head brewer at craft brewer, Strathaven Ales, near Glasgow.
• The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The family already own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are available for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

Explore 200 years of Hebridean Island Malt Whisky from the sea 

A new 10-night cruise to the Southern Hebridean Islands will take in the whisky isles of Islay and Jura as they celebrate 200 years of malt whisky production. The best way to experience these unique distilleries is from the sea, reflecting the maritime flavour of the whiskies themselves. Mini-cruise operator The Majestic Line is offering two departures for 2016 on May 21st and August 27th 2016 on board their luxury vessel, The Glen Etive. The May date of the new cruise “Islay and the Southern Hebrides” is timed for the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle, from 20 – 28th May 2016.

The cruise has a strong focus on whisky and local gourmet food produce, but the outstanding scenery, ancient history and rare wildlife will ensure a complete appreciation of these islands. Historically, the Southern Hebrides was of great significance as “Argyll’s Sea Kingdom” from the 10th century. The vessel will literally cruise in the wake of the Lords of the Isles, including to Corryvreckan, Europe’s largest whirlpool, and the name of one of Ardbeg’s most explosive whiskies.

The cruise takes in some of our favourites of the 9 distilleries on the isles of Islay and Jura where the world’s most legendary and smokiest malts are created. From the sheltered anchorage of Craighouse, guests will go ashore for a tour of the Isle of Jura distillery. Back on board, guests will dine on hand-dived, local scallops which are a great pairing with Jura’s flagship whisky, Origin. From our anchorage at Port Ellen on Islay, guests can experience a “celebration of smoke” at Laphroaig and Ardbeg Distilleries. Laphroaig is one of the few distilleries to still do their own maltings. Ardbeg is Islay’s ultimate Single Malt, winning Whisky of the Year three years in a row. Their whiskies have been described as ‘perfection on a palate’.

The cruise continues around the Islay coastline to Loch Indaal and a tasting at Islay’s oldest distillery, Bowmore. This distillery is extremely special not only because of the smooth, balanced single malt it produces but it also has the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland and is the only one below sea level. Nearby Bruichladdich is home to the Octomore range, the world’s smokiest whisky.

Visits to non-whisky attractions are on offer depending on the wishes of guests, such as a walk to Kildalton Cross, a visit to the Islay Woollen Mill or a visit Finlaggan, home of Lord of the Isles. Guests have the option of a one-way walk along the shores of Loch Indaal between the Bowmore and Bruichladdich Distilleries, to be picked up by tender en route.

It is also possible to factor in an independent visit to Oban distillery, Scotland’s smallest and oldest distillery established in 1794, at the beginning or end of the cruise.

Apart from Jura and Islay, the cruise calls in at the Isles of Colonsay, Gigha and the Garvellachs as well as exploring some of the magnificent sea lochs on the mainland.

For more information, please contact Craig Wilson craig@themajesticline.co.uk 01369 707951 http://www.themajesticline.co.uk/ 

Notes –

• Travel writers with a firm commission are invited to take this cruise, including a partner.
• “Islay and the Southern Hebrides” 10-night cruise departs on board the Glen Etive on May 21st and August 27th 2016. There are currently spaces for solo guests at no supplement.
• Price 2016: £4500.00 per person, currently on an introductory 10% discount (£4050.00)