ROYAL SALUTE MARRIES BLENDERS’ SKILL AND BRITISHCRAFTSMANSHIP

Royal Salute, the skilfully crafted and timeless Scotch whisky, is delighted to unveil The Age Collection – a tribute to legacy and longevity. Comprising ten distinctive blends with the youngest containing only whiskies 21 years or older and the oldest containing whiskies at least 30 years old, The Age Collection gives whisky collectors a unique ‘taste’ of the passage of time and experience the subtle flavour changes from blend to blend.

Hand blended by Royal Salute’s expert master blending team, The Age Collection ascends in age year by year, with each possessing a unique story. Blends that feature include whiskies from long closed distilleries to others stored only in first fill American oak barrels.

To reinforce the brand’s ongoing investigation on time, Royal Salute commissioned British creatives Sally Mackereth, from Studio Mackereth architects, and craft workshop Jack Badger. The Age Collection is presented on Mackereth’s designed rare handcrafted plinth carved by Jack Badger using 8,000 year old Neolithic wood taken from ancient river beds in the heart of Croatia. This second instalment follows the reveal of the Royal Salute Neolithic Bar, which debuted at Salone de Mobile, Milan earlier this year.

Each blend comes in a dark blue crystal decanter hand crafted using techniques dating back to the First Century AD by Dartington, a traditional glass manufacturer based in England.

Vadim Grigorian, Global Brand Director, Royal Salute said: “The Age Collection combines timeless tradition with contemporary understanding to create a celebration of longevity and dedication in the year Queen Elizabeth becomes Britain’s longest serving monarch. As sources of this naturally preserved material are very limited, this rare oak is the perfect way to display the time and craft behind these blends. The Age Collection unites time, craft and quality; all values encapsulated by Royal Salute.”

Sally Mackereth, Studio Mackereth says: “The rich dark timber we have used for the Royal Salute The Age Collection is from ancient trees that have been trapped in the rich peat of a riverbed in Croatia, which has been preserved it for 8,000 years from the natural decaying process. To witness the tree trunks being raised from their watery lair is an extraordinary sight. To have the opportunity to work with this ancient wood is a great privilege and the piece that we have designed consciously celebrates the beauty of nature and the passage of time.”

Ben Naylor, Director, Jack Badger said: “The morta wood used for the Age Collection plinths for Royal Salute is an elusive and rare wood. The material doesn’t need us to shout about it as the beauty of the wood truly does speak for itself. Once we shaped the ancient wood into the mountains and valleys, which the bottles nestle amongst, all that was left for us to do was to enhance the colour and patina of the wood’s rippling rich grain with a French polish, which amplifies the character and detail of this unique material.”

There are only 21 sets of The Age Collections (RRP $40,000) in existence – and Royal Salute has produced a one-off limited edition set for DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits 2015, with a unique and remarkable version of the plinth carved entirely from one single morta oak tree, formed when oak lies buried in waterlogged soil for thousands of years.

For further information about Royal Salute, please visit www.royalsalute.com.

Notes

A Taste of Time

Each of these blends is a bespoke, handcrafted one-off – they’ve been through no bottling plant, just hand mixed and bottled by our Master Blender in the sampling room over the course of months. After they’re finished – and we suggest you take it slowly – the world will never taste these pinnacles of the blender’s craft again.

Each begins with the big, rich finish of the classic Royal Salute blend.

The 21 Year Old is richer and sweeter than our signature 21 Years Old blend – there’s a high proportion of malt whisky added, bringing the voluptuous hints of toffee and peach. A sensual blend with a long finish.

Nose: Rich and sweet with notes of creamy toffee and ripe peaches in syrup.

Taste: Fondant orange smothered in milk chocolate, honeycomb candy and poached pears.

Finish: Long sweet and fruity.

The 22 Year Old contains a higher proportion ofmalts from first fill American oak barrels – the casks, full of maturation potential, are sweet, adding traces of vanilla and honey like a first kiss in the buds of spring, and the thrilling shiver of the tangy nights that follow.

Nose: Honey and vanilla in abundance, soft red apple toasted almond and a sensation of treacle toffee.

Taste: Runny honey and vanilla echoing the nose, sweet homemade orange marmalade with a touch of ginger.

Finish: Long and tangy.

The 23 Year Old is the old fashioned kind, containing somewhiskies from distilleries that are no longer in existence. This blend contributes totheir legacy – flavours that can never be reproduced, like the memory of your finest hour.

Nose: Old fashioned boiled sweets (barley sugar) vanilla, a touch of milk chocolate and hazelnuts.

Taste: Incredibly creamy, smooth and perfectly balanced. Concentrated vanilla with a mixture of luxurious ice cream texture and Peach Melba.

Finish: Medium and very slightly dry.

The 24 Year Old contains whiskies matured in top quality Hogsheads. The background of subtle, nutty oak recalls the quiet moments of the outsider with a purpose. Its finish is long and slightly dry – like the wit of a wise man.

Nose: Apricot jam, subtle sweet oak notes, crusty bread and creamy banoffee pie.

Taste: Replicates the nose perfectly with a rich creamy toffee and ripe banana flavours. Also a background of subtle nutty oak.

Finish: Long and dry.

The 25 Year Old blend is the most faithful to its family – the Royal Salute bedrock malts – including Strathisla – contribute perfectly to this blend’s character, with their hints of spice, cinnamon and sweet pink lady apples. The finish is sweet and smooth like the first moment of a long holiday.

Nose: Creamy toffee, moist Madeira cake and a touch of spicy liquorice root.

Taste: Sweet red apples (Pink Lady) soaked in honey and cinnamon, soft creamy caramel toffee.

Finish: Sweet and silky smooth.

The 26 Year Old boasts two brothers from a single Glen. Rich and delicate with the floral blossom of the gorse that surrounds them, its finish is long and sweet like a summer evening.

Nose: Soft ripe fruits, predominantly peaches in syrup, and delicate notes of vanilla and toasted oak.

Taste: Luxuriously sweet with rich fruity flavours, namely raspberry and soft fudge and a delicate floral blossom (gorse) note in the background.

Finish: Long and sweet.

The 27 Year Old contains a Speyside classic – a generous proportion of malts from the first legally distilled whisky in Scotland. You could say these are where the story of fine whisky began. Speyside malts are legendarily smooth and this elegant blend offers deep fruitcake flavours and a long, spicy, tangy finish.

Nose: Old fashioned pear drop sweets stewed plums, a touch of spicy gingerbread and moist sultanas.

Taste: Deep and fruity with a concentrated desert pear and rich fruitcake flavours.

Finish: Long, spicy and tangy.

The 28 Year Old is the rich fulfilment of the 23 year old’s promise – similar in style but softer, finer with the insolent demands of peaches and fudge claiming the tongue. Compare and contrast and feel the difference.

Nose: Notes of vanilla chocolate and ripe honeydew melon, sweet clementine orange and a sensation of bonfire smoke.

Taste: Engulfs the mouth with wonderful sweet fruity flavours (peach) allied with this are flavours of rich creamy raisin fudge.

Finish: Long, full and sweet.

The 29 Year Old contains whiskies that have been matured in sherry casks – European oak with the influence of the Spanish plains. Expect ripe damson plums and a long, sleepy finish – like drifting Andalucian afternoon.

Nose: Rich and spicy, raisin fruitcake and ripe damson plums and dark chocolate ginger sweets.

Taste: Perfectly complements the nose with the sweet and tangy flavours of dark chocolate and ripe plums followed by ginger, aniseed and liquorice.

Finish: Long and fruity.

The 30 Year Old is the venerable head of the clan – there are whiskies that are older than some European countries in this blend. Based on generous, tropical base notes of Speyside single malts and the rich, sweet creamy touch of Orkney malts, its long, sweet finish may never quite leave you.

Nose: Rich ripe pears, concentrated pineapple, almost tropical in appearance honeycomb candy smothered in milk chocolate.

Taste: Chocolate Orange liqueur sweets, moist raisins, rich sweet mango and pineapple, vanilla, incredibly creamy.

Finish: Long sweet and syrupy.

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest blend matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her, the brand is steeped in tradition, but is firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.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.chivasbrothers.com

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

Amrut releases world’s first ever multi-wood barrel Single Malt Whisky – Amrut Spectrum ®

Amrut Distilleries, Bangalore known the world over for their popular single malts such as the Fusion, Naarangi, Herald and Greedy Angels have launched the Amrut Spectrum ® single malt, the first ever whisky in the world to be produced in a custom barrel made with not one,  but five different types of Oak. This whisky is expected to be at the forefront of innovation in the world of whisky and has anticipations running high amongst the whisky pros.

Malmo, Sweden.

Amrut Distilleries, based in Bangalore, India is a boutique distillery known for their award winning  single  malt  whiskies.  Amrut  recently  concluded  10  years after  the  launch  of their malts in 2004 in Glasgow, Scotland by N.R. Jagdale, the Managing Director through his son Rakshit  &  his  friend  Ashok.  The  brand  peaked  in  the  limelight  in  2010  when  acclaimed whisky writer, Jim Murray rated the Amrut Fusion with 97/100 points voting it the ‘3rd finest whisky in the world’ putting behind over 4000 whiskies. Amrut is also the only Indian whisky to feature in Ian Buxton’s ‘101 whiskies to have before you die’.

The  latest  offering  from  Amrut – the  Spectrum,  is  expected  to  put  Amrut  on  top  of  the game, yet again. To make this whisky, malts were initially matured for a period of 3 years in ex-Bourbon barrels after which they were transferred to a custom built barrel. This barrel was constructed at an undisclosed location in Europe with the help of a few experts. Whisky is traditionally  aged  in  a  barrel  made  of  one  type  of  wood,  which  lends  the  flavor  and complexities  to  the  malt,  however,  Amrut  wanted  to  experiment  with  a  barrel  with  five different  types  of  wood.  This  however  presented  a  challenge,  as  each  wood stave had different thickness and properties.

The  problem  was  addressed  in  Europe  with  an  indigenous  solution;  five  different  barrels were  made,  each  of  a  different  type  of  wood,  and  corresponding  staves  removed  to  be stitched  together  in  one  barrel.  The barrel therefore  consisted  of  a  mix  of  new  American Oak, new French Oak, new Spanish Oak, ex-PX cask sherry cask stave & ex-Olorosso sherry cask stave. The five different woods, some old, some new, were expected to unleash a level of complexity on the malt unlike ever before in the centuries of whisky making.

Testing the malt:
Once  the  malt  had  aged  in  these new casks  for  a  period  of three  and  a  half years  and  bottled,  Amrut  decided  to  take  another  bold  stand  by  not  releasing  the  tasting  notes themselves  and  let  the  consumers  decide.  So  off  went  Ashok  Chokalingam,  Senior  GM, International Operations, to Malmo, Sweden for a tasting session at the leading whisky club: Press Release – 12 November 2015 | Amrut Distilleries Private Limited, Bangalore, India.

Biskopen Gustavs Maltklubb. The session was also attended by Ingvar Ronde, the author of Malt Whisky Year Book, Sweden and he along with the 40 other people in attendance were absolutely amazed. To quote Ingvar after the tasting, “One of the most innovative whiskies I´ve tried in a long time and one of the best this year. With three years in ex bourbon barrels and another three and half years in casks made of – wait for it – new American oak, new French  oak,  new  Spanish  oak,  ex  PX  sherry  cask  stave  and  ex  Oloroso  sherry  cask  stave. That´s right, five different types of oak in one cask. I can´t remember when I last experienced such a complexity of flavours in one whisky and at the same time, everything was in balance. I  got  coffee,  chocolate,  tobacco,  cinnamon,  cardamom,  clove,  orange  preserve, sandalwood, walnuts, pecans, stracciatella and cocoa. This is pushing boundaries and whisky making at its best and I love it!”

Says Ashok after the tasting, “It is the most exciting time at the distillery. As a team we have stitched this together and yet another time pushed the boundaries of innovation in whisky making.  Perhaps  for  the  first  time,  we  have  asked  a  whisky  club  to  give a  go  on  Official Tasting  Notes.  In  a  way  I  am  happy  with  that  as  I  am  dealing  with  perhaps  the  most knowledgeable  consumer  group  in  the  world  on  single  malt  whiskies.  This  is  another approach  from  Amrut  to  show  the  inclusiveness  of  the  high  end  and  knowledgeable consumers to be part of our business. My sincere thanks to the people of Biskopen Gustavs Maltklubb for their contribution”

A limited release of 1000 bottles priced at £100/ bottle @ 50% abv, these malts will soon be available with select retailers in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Canada.

About Amrut Single Malt
Amrut Single Malt was launched in 2004 as an experiment by Amrut Distilleries, a Bangalore based conglomerate that started operations in 1948. Amrut was the first ever-Indian single malt  and  was  launched  in  Glasgow,  right  in  the  heart  of  Scotland.  The  whiskies  were received well across the world owing to their quality and have grown aggressively. Amrut now  bottles  around  18  expressions  of  single  malts,  which  are  sold  in  40  countries and growing.

Tasting Notes from Biskopen Gustavs Maltklubb
On the Nose: raisins, rum, nougat, figs, oranges, tiramisu, cocoa, caramel, coffee, dried fruit, burnt rubber
On  the  Palate: sherry,  rum,  butterscotch,  chocolate,  prunes,  molasses,  pecans,  walnuts, almonds, English wine gum
To the Finish: caramelized almonds, old cognac, apricots, Brazil nuts

Rebecca Creek Distillery Adds to its Repertoire with a New Version of Texas in a Glass

Texas Single Malt Whiskey hits shelves ~ Oldest single malt distilled, aged and bottled in Texas

SAN ANTONIO  Rebecca Creek Distillery, the connoisseurs of craft spirits Rebecca Creek Whiskey and Enchanted Rock Vodka, released the Rebecca Creek Texas Single Malt Whiskey.  The single malt whiskey has been aged in American Oak for four years and the end result is Texas’ only whiskey aged in 53-gallon casks in the Texas Hill Country.

“Rebecca Creek Single Malt Whiskey brings a new taste to our craft spirits,” said Steve Ison, co-owner of Rebecca Creek Distillery. “The Single Malt Whiskey is made with 100 percent American Malted Barley, and we’re proud to introduce this new Texas whiskey across the nation.”

The Rebecca Creek Single Malt Whiskey samples were sent to Industry Consultant and Master Distiller, Eric Watson, who then assembled a panel to develop the taste profile attributes. The whiskey was sampled neat with ice.

The new single malt comes with the following unique characteristics:

• Aroma: Light caramel, light vanilla, well integrated oak, cocoa in background, smooth
• Mouth feel: Medium, light oak tannin
• Flavor: Starts with caramel and cocoa yields to mature oak notes with a finish of medium complexity
• Overall: The panel liked the whiskey and found its profile to be unique

Rebecca Creek Whiskey recently received a 93 point rating in The Ultimate Spirits Challenge produced by the #1 whiskey writer in the world, Paul Pacult. This prestigious rating put Rebecca Creek Whiskey in the Top 3 American Whiskeys in terms of taste and quality. Rebecca Creek Whiskey also earned a “Drop Dead Delicious” rating in the Manhattan Cocktail event with The Ultimate Spirits Challenge noting Rebecca Creek Whiskey as an “excellent and highly recommended” choice for an American Whiskey that won’t break the bank.

Rebecca Creek products are currently available in eight states – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana and Nebraska, with California being added to the mix in November.

The new Rebecca Creek Texas Single Malt Whiskey hit the shelves this week, with  the suggested retail price at approximately $70. The single malt is also available for purchase at the Rebecca Creek Distillery Tasting Room (26605 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, 78260). For more information about all of the Rebecca Creek Distillery spirits or to schedule a tour, visit rebeccacreekdistillery.com.

About Rebecca Creek Distillery

Based in San Antonio, Texas, the Rebecca Creek Distillery was founded in October of 2009 by Steve Ison and Mike Cameron. Their combined vision and passion for high quality spirits led to building the distillery using a blend of old and new technology to produce some of the highest quality distilled spirits available in the ultra premium category. Since its founding, the Rebecca Creek Distillery has become one of the largest artisan spirits producers in the region with our vodkas and whiskey available in multiple states across the country. Rebecca Creek products are currently available in eight states – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana and Nebraska, with California being added to the mix in November. To learn more, visit www.rebeccacreekdistillery.com.

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES THREE EXTRAORDINARY NEW EXPRESSIONS 

AWARD-WINNING GlenDronach has today (10 November 2015) launched three stunning new expressions in time for Christmas and New Year celebrations. 

They comprise the Aberdeenshire distillery’s first-ever peated release, a new 19 years old Madeira finish single malt and its latest Cask Strength bottling.

The most unusual expression of the trio is the new GlenDronach Peated which is just astonishing. In contrast to the traditional, non-peated character of The GlenDronach, this particular whisky has, unusually, been distilled using peated malted barley. Vivid harvest gold in colour and bottled at 46%, it was first matured in bourbon casks followed by a second period of maturation in the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

The result is a superb “first” for GlenDronach – a sensational and beautifully balanced smoky/fruity dram bursting with character and flavour. The delicate peat influence provides a smouldering charred wood character filled with freshly ground barley and hints of vanilla toffee, while elsewhere on the nose a delightful aroma of ripe gooseberries dusted with cinnamon sugar combines with a contrasting crisp citrus twist.

On the palate, vibrant oak spices and floral heather honey develop to rosehips and barley sugars, all warmed by a touch of white pepper. Subtle peat notes complement the palate by giving a delicate depth and dryness of glowing campfire embers.

The finish is memorable; a unique marriage of crisp fruit and barley-laden Highland characteristics is surrounded by gentle peat smoke, intriguingly reminiscent of heather burning in the distant glens. Master Distiller Billy Walker said simply: “It is absolutely phenomenal.”

From the gentle aroma of smoke to a dram bursting with ripe summer fruits and warm spices. Bottled at 46%, non chill fi­ltered and with natural colour, the GlenDronach 19 Years Old Madeira Cask Finish was initially matured in European oak casks and thereafter finished its maturation in a very small batch of superior Madeira hogsheads, giving the final whisky its own range of astonishing flavours and aromas.

In this new expression you immediately appreciate the transformative effect of the Madeira wood on the golden Highland spirit. The crisp sweetness of the hogsheads seeps gently into the rich whisky to add subtle fruity and spicy overtones – notably cinnamon, apple, citrus and pepper.

On the nose, crisp apple and pear sweeten to apricot syrup and ripe gooseberry. Cinnamon-dusted tarte Tatin and notes of green apple skin balance with the clean, crisp warmth of stem ginger and candied peel on the palate.

The top-quality trio is completed with the release of GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 5. The whisky has been matured in a combination of the best Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks, giving the appearance of rich amber edged with gold.

Bottled at cask strength, 55.3%, non chill filtered and at natural colour, on the nose there is a perfect combination of sweet golden sultanas, rich ­fig syrup, ground almonds, orange bitters and a gentle dusting of black pepper.

On the palate, Demerara sugar-glazed dark fruits lighten to apricot syrup infused with stem ginger and vanilla. The combination of elegant sherry influences and robust Highland style creates a perfect example of the traditional GlenDronach character.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are thrilled today to release three exceptional Highland malts which display completely different characteristics.

“There is the unique smoky sweetness of the new Peated expression, the richly fragrant Madeira finish and the signature robust sherry character of the Cask Strength batch five. Everyone here at GlenDronach is amazed by these three magnificent expressions…and we know our customers worldwide will be too.”

All three are now available at your local retailer.

Glendalough Distillery launches global brand film

Please view the new Glendalough brand film that showcases the history and origins of Irish Whiskey and our brand.  The film charts the history of distillation, which began in Irish monasteries in the 6^th century. Irish monks were the world’s first distillers, monks like St. Kevin – the man featured on every Glendalough bottle. The film tells the epic story of St. Kevin and the Glendalough monastic settlement he came to build.     Shot over three days in the Wicklow Mountains, the film was directed by Stephen Walsh and produced by Al Butler, post production was done in The Mill, London and it is voiced by singer songwriter Jerry Fish. You’ll see it on our site, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook over the coming days and weeks.

Sláinte,

The Glendalough Team

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.