BARTON 1792 WINS GOLD MEDAL AT 2015 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Aug. 5, 2015) – Barton 1792 Distillery’s namesake brand, 1792 Small Batch, was awarded a gold medal at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition for its exceptional taste profile.

The Distillery’s 1792 Small Batch bourbon was ranked among 365 spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries, and was ultimately awarded for demonstrating superior quality and taste.

“We feel honored to receive this gold for our 1792 Small Batch at the LAIWS,” Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, said. “To have placed so well among all the excellent spirits entered is truly humbling.”

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

Complete results of the 2012 LAIWSC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent Best of Category winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit www.1792bourbon.com.

BENROMACH LAUNCHES COMPETITION TO FIND THE IDEAL DRAM DESTINATION

Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is savoured the world over; from its spiritual home in Scotland to the sunny shores of Australia, The United States of America and beyond. To celebrate, the team at Benromach is on the hunt to find the perfect place to enjoy a dram of the award-winning classic Speyside single malt whisky.

To launch their campaign to find the ideal Benromach destination, the Benromach team is asking you to get involved in the #Benromachplaces competition. Share a picture of your favourite place to enjoy a dram, whether that’s with friends as you look out over the rolling Scottish hills, or on a beach with a glass in one hand and a book in the other, and upload to social media using the hashtag #Benromachplaces to be in with a chance of winning.

One lucky winner will not only see their dram destination chosen as the best place to enjoy a glass of Benromach, but they will also win an illustration of their winning image drawn by Scottish artist Jill Calder.

To put forward your special place to enjoy your favoured expression, and to be in with a chance of winning this exclusive prize, share your images on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #Benromachplaces.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “We have seen Benromach grow in popularity across the world year on year, and we are delighted to have customers as far afield as Canada and Australia. We love to see all of the pictures that are shared with us on social media of customers enjoying Benromach, and are looking forward to seeing many more throughout our #Benromachplaces competition.

“Jill Calder is an incredible illustrator and we are thrilled to partner with her to offer one lucky winner the chance to receive an illustration of their perfect dram destination. Everyone enjoys whisky in different ways, whether served straight, on the rocks, with water or in a whisky cocktail, and we are looking forward to finding out where people choose to enjoy their favourite serve.”

For more information on the campaign and to see existing entries please visit www.summerplaces.benromach.com.

Notes

Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. Established in 1898, the distillery was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993.

Following careful restoration and re-equipment, it was re-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 pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

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.

STAGG JR NAMED BEST OF WHISKEY AT

2015 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Buffalo Trace named Best of Category

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 4, 2015) – Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Stagg Jr received highest honors at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, being named Best of Whiskey. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon also garnered top praise, winning Best of Category. For demonstrating superior quality and taste, these two bourbons were ranked among 365 other premium spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries.

            In addition to these honors, the Distillery won five gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies earning medals include:

• Gold Medal
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Eagle Rare Single Barrel
  • Stagg Jr.
  • Sazerac Straight Rye
  • E.H. Taylor Small Batch
• Silver Medal
  • Benchmark
  • Wheatley Vodka
• Bronze Medal
  • Blanton’s Single Barrel

“These honors distinguish us among a range of highly regarded premium spirits,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We couldn’t be more proud of these recognitions.”

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

Complete results of the 2012 LAIWSC are available at http://www.laspiritscomp.com/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

A TOAST TO SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY 

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. partners with the Scotch Whisky Association for environmental gains 

Hamilton, Bermuda, August 4, 2015 – In Scotland, a small country of just five million people, Scotch whisky is at the heart of the economy. Estimates are that 36 bottles of Scotch whisky are exported every second – yes, every single second – in an industry that supports some 35,000 jobs.

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. – one of the world’s most established and respected spirits producers – works closely with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to protect its 169-year history and ensure its viability for centuries to come. That means a spot-on commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The environment is so important to Scotch whisky,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons Ltd., part of the Bacardi group of companies. “We are so closely tied to the air, the water and the landscape where we grow our barley and distil our whiskies that it’s crucial we have a sustainable future. Without our barley, there is no Scotch whisky industry.”

“Working with companies like John Dewar & Sons, the SWA is implementing an award-winning, industry wide environment strategy,” says David Williamson, Public Affairs & Communications Director, for the Scotch Whisky Association. “It’s the first of its kind here in Scotland. Our aim is to reduce our emissions and increase our investment in renewables – at a time when production is growing.”

“By reducing carbon emissions, we believe we are playing our part in making the environment in Scotland sustainable,” adds Lochhead. “Because we use natural ingredients to make our whisky, we want to return at least as much as we take away.”

The Scotch Whisky Association partnership is part of a broad scope of sustainability initiatives by John Dewar & Sons, producers of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S®  Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON®  and ROYAL BRACKLA®.

As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:

• 34 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
• 46 percent reduction in water use since 2009
• 30 percent reduction of waste to landfill since 2010

Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28 percent and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28 percent. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40 percent of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100 percent by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10 percent and achieve 15 percent by 2022.
3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55 percent and GHG emissions by 50 percent. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.

To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.  John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland. DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.  http://www.bacardilimited.com/

Great Northern Distillery           

The Stills are Alive in Dundalk with completion of €10m whiskey distilling development  

30 million bottle a year capacity distillery is now producing new spirit

Additional 12 million bottle distillery will begin distillation by the end of August

Distillation expected to continue on site for another 100 years

Dundalk, 31 July 2015. The Great Northern Distillery (GND) has begun to distil in the first of two distilleries built on the former Harp Brewery site in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  The two new distilleries adapted and extended, at a cost of €10 million, the world class brewing facilities which existed on the site which had been brewing for 120 years up to 2014.

Following the investment by GND a 30 million bottle a year capacity three-column still grain whiskey distillery is now producing new spirit.  This will be casked in oak barrels and matured in bonded warehouses for at least three years before it can be called Irish whiskey.  A sister distillery on the site is being commissioned and will begin distillation by the end of August.  The second distillery has three large copper pots capable of distilling 12 million bottles a year of single malt and pot still whiskey.

The site, only the third grain distillery in the country, was identified as being most suitable to house the distillery due to a range of factors.  A dedicated water supply, perfect for distilling whiskey, is piped directly to the site from the Cooley Mountains.  Natural gas is delivered on site.  A sophisticated effluent control system feeds into the Dundalk Town sewerage system.  Excellent local engineering skills were available and a deep pool of skilled workers.  Some of the new employees, in what is a largely automated plant, are former Harp workers.

GND will supply a range of whiskies to the new Irish distilleries coming on stream and to the Retail Own Label and Private Label segments worldwide.  Irish whiskey is growing rapidly and is expected to double sales to 250 million bottles by 2024, still only a small fraction of Scotch sales.

As more and more international drinkers discover the superior qualities of Irish whiskey, mellow and smooth, the range of Irish whiskeys offered is expanding to serve different tastes.  The bulk of Irish sold will be a blend of grain and/or malt or pot still.  Most of the new distilleries under construction or consideration are pot still.  The owners will need a consistent supply of quality grain whiskey to blend with their premium malts and pot still whiskeys.  GND expects to be a major supplier to this market.

The second market for GND is Retail Own Label and Private Label whiskeys.  These will be mainly entry level and value labels not of interest to most of the new distilleries.  GND has the scale and the capacity to supply these markets on an international basis.

GND is owned by the Teeling family and two former directors of Cooley Distillery, Jim Finn and David Hynes

John Teeling co-founder of GND, commented “It is 95 years since the last whiskey stills went dark in Dundalk, where the Dundalk Distillery had operated since 1800.  It is 120 years since brewing started on what is now the Great Northern Distillery site.  Dundalk is a good town for business.  Good local skills, a good tradition of engineering, a pro-business council all combined with a strong project management team and a top class distiller.  We are reviving the whiskey tradition and continuing alcohol production on what is a wonderful site.  With fair winds, distillation will continue on the GND site for the next 100 years. 

Irish whiskey is on a roll – but from a tiny base.  When the Dundalk Distillery was set up in 1800 Irish whiskey was the dominant force in world markets.  Up to 1860 this strengthened to a position where Irish had about 60% of world sales and was sold all over the world.  Due to a combination of circumstances and poor management, Irish whiskey was virtually wiped out.  From hundreds of distilleries it fell to one in 1973.  The share of Irish in the world market fell to less than 2% of Scotch.  Even then it was mainly sold in Ireland as brands and aboard as Irish coffee. 

When the GND founders set up Cooley Distillery in 1987, it was the first new Irish whiskey distillery in 100 years.  It was a long road to success.  Now look at Irish whiskey, the fastest growing brown spirit in the world.  Most of the world’s major drinks companies are now in the sector.  There are 20 plus new distilleries in the works.  But, critically, Irish is now the drink of choice for 25-39 year olds, almost half of them female.  The revival is only in its infancy.  Irish is not available in most of the world.  Worldwide sales are about 10 million cases now.  The Indian market for whiskey is 350 million cases!!!  Carpe Diem. 

GND has an important role to play in the renaissance.  We know how to distil good whiskey.  Because of the size and automation of our distilleries we can supply at good prices.  We have the capacity to meet needs for a long time.”

CHIVAS BROTHERS CHOOSES THE JAKE MCCARTHY FOUNDATION AS CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2015

Employees of Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers have chosen The Jake McCarthy Foundation as their Charity of the Year for 2015. The organisation was chosen by employees at the company’s Hammersmith office as well as its gin distilleries in Plymouth and Kennington. The company has donated £5,000 to the charity.

The Jake McCarthy Foundation takes its name from 24-year-old Jake, who tragically lost his life to an undiagnosed brain tumour in late 2012. The charity has two key objectives – the first is to raise awareness of the vital signs and symptoms associated with brain tumours, urging people displaying such symptoms to push for medical treatments such as CT and MRI scans; the second is to raise funds for much-needed research into this disease, as brain tumours are statistically the biggest killer of those under 40 and yet it only receives 1% of the national research spend on cancer.

Charities of the Year are nominated by employees, before a shortlist is created and voting takes place. The Jake McCarthy Foundation has a special place in the heart of one employee – Jake’s brother Josh, who works in the company’s Marketing team.

He said: “I was thrilled to find out that we could nominate any registered charity to appear on the shortlist, and was even happier when I found out that The Jake McCarthy Foundation had gathered the most votes. Obviously the charity means a great deal to me and my family.”

Barbara McCarthy, Josh’s mother and founder of the charity added: “We were absolutely delighted to find out that we had been chosen as Chivas Brothers Charity of the Year and look forward to working together to help raise awareness of brain tumours.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “The great thing about our Charities of the Year scheme is that it’s completely driven by employee nominations and votes – meaning the charities that win are the ones that mean the most to our employees, and can be anything from local up to national and international level. The Jake McCarthy Foundation is a thoroughly deserving cause, and we look forward to working with them in the year ahead.”

There are four regional Chivas Brothers charities of the year in total. The others are: Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club (Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire region), The Kiltwalk (Dunbartonshire region) and the Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (Northern Scotland region).

Picture caption:

Chivas Brothers employees (l-r) Mathilde Robelin, Marie Coussin, Rohan Nayee, Martina Burolo and Katy McDougal with John, Josh and Barbara McCarthy (centre three)

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.

http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

@ChivasNewsRoom

About The Jake McCarthy Foundation:

Jake’s Story

Jake McCarthy was a bright, talented, fit young man who lost his life to an undiagnosed brain tumour leaving his family devastated.

Jake began having severe headaches on a daily basis in October 2012; he went to his GP and was given migraine medication. Jake went back to the GP four times in the next four weeks only to receive more medication for migraines, by this time Jake was vomiting with more frequent headaches. Despite all these symptoms Jake was not referred for a CT scan and was given the all clear to travel to Thailand with his brother Josh for 10 days, which was on 4 December 2012. On 8 December Jake had a massive seizure and after having a scan was found to have a very large brain tumour on the left frontal lobe. He underwent immediate emergency surgery but tragically for his family he never regained consciousness and passed away on 24 December 2012.

The Foundation 

Jake’s Foundation was set up by his family to raise awareness of the symptoms and early warning signs of brain tumours to help improve early diagnosis and so save lives.

Through its events The Foundation aims to raise money for further research into treatment of brain tumours as well as improve earlier diagnosis by alerting medical professionals, parents and carers, through clearer guidelines, to identify the signs of those with persistent symptoms to seek urgent further treatment. Catching this condition in its infancy can dramatically increase a patient’s chance of survival. Brain tumours kill more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Twitter @jakesfoundation

Facebook jakemccarthyfoundation

Website www.jakemccarthyfoundation.co.uk

GLANN AR MOR DISTILLERY ADAPTS ITSELF AND CONTINUES ITS ACTIVITY

The artisan distillery Glann ar Mor (Celtic Whisky Cie) which produces Kornog and Glann ar Mor whiskies had announced earlier this month on 1st July that it had to stop its activity by 15 August. This decision was coming as a direct result of the new “Whisky Breton” Geographical Indication (GI) laid down this year by the French INAO organization.

This GI, the legitimacy of which is disputed by Glann ar Mor as well as its technical file which defines what a “Whisky Breton” can be or cannot be, is challenging the economic model of the company and in particular its perspectives of development.

Yet, to the great surprise of Martine and Jean Donnay who founded and run the company, the INAO has announced earlier this month through its general manager that “of course” the technical file could be revised. This, whereas Glann ar Mor had been told in September 2014 that any modification was strictly impossible.

If naturally this announcement does not guarantee that the problems resulting from the GI can be forgotten, it represents an opening which is bringing sufficient hope for having Martine and Jean Donnay reconsidering the very difficult decision with such sever consequences they have had to take.

After having taken the full measure of this new element and of the resulting situation, Glann ar Mor has considered that it should be possible after all to continue its activity. Nothing being yet certain for now, in view of the uncertainties to be taken in consideration a cautious approach has to be retained and the company will pursue its activity with a reduced structure which will nevertheless allow the preservation of four jobs out of the six existing one.

For the record, Jean Donnay has proposed by an open letter on July 24Th to the INAO a debate on the theme of the “Whisky Breton” GI. He hopes it will actually take place and will allow to solve in a positive and satisfying manner for Glann ar Mor and for the future of the company the problems which this GI raise.

Facebook : Kornog Whisky

Twitter : KORNOGWHISKY@Glannarmor

PRESENTING THE FAMOUS GROUSE HOUSE  

Promising to turn the world of whisky on its head, The Famous Grouse House is coming to Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August 2015 (Thursday 6^th August – Sunday 30^th August). Situated in the central hub of the capital’s festival entertainment, the destination pop up bar will land on George Street, where visitors will be transported to a whisky-infused world where drams and cocktails will be brought to life like never before.

The Famous Grouse House will play host to hundreds of thousands of visitors and performers from across the globe as part of the Universal Arts Festival at New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on the pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open from 11:00am to midnight, seven days a week throughout the month of August, providing the perfect spot to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the festival.

Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, transforming one of the most beautiful cities into a stage for three exhilarating weeks attracting the most colourful performers from the world of arts for everyone.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy Scotland’s No.1 selling Blended Scotch Whisky, The Famous Grouse, taking in the atmosphere of the festival! Visitors to The Famous Grouse House can try mixing it up with The Famous Grouse and Ginger – a refreshing long serve over ice with a wedge of orange – perfect for festival summer days.”

Reflecting its Scottish heritage, quality and personality The Famous Grouse House will offer festival goers a month of live music, laughter, surprises, dancing, sunshine, whisky barrel leaning and vintage themed fun.

The venue will play host to some of Scotland’s best up and coming music acts, as well as musical fringe performances from all over the globe, including ‘Nina Simone Black Diva Power’ all the way from Australia, ‘Ticket to Bollywood’ from India as well as Edinburgh’s local heroes ‘Indigo Velvet’ taking to The Famous Grouse House Stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, there’s no better place for a famous gathering!

The Famous Grouse House is open daily from the 6th to 30th August, from 11am until midnight, situated outside New Town Theatre, 96 George Street, as part of the Universal Arts Festival.

Please enjoy our drink responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

For more information visit http://www.famousgrouse.com/. For the latest news follow on twitter @TheFamousGrouse or Facebook at: TheFamousGrouseUK  #famousforareason

NOTES 

The Famous Grouse (http://www.thefamousgrouse.com/)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 5* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2013).
• 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) 

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse and Famous Ginger Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Black Grouse, The Naked Grouse and Famous Ginger Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington Group.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag), cognac and brandy (Courvoisier and Fundador), sherry (Harveys), vodka (Stolichnaya), tequila (Sauza), rum (Brugal and Cruzan), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, Vaccari, After Shock)

Scotch whisky brand anCnoc voted ‘outstanding’ at the International Wine and Spirit Competition  

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is celebrating after five of its core and limited edition expressions were recognised at this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The 18 year old malt from the Aberdeen-based distillery scored the highest, winning the coveted title of Gold Outstanding. Matured in hand-selected Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks, the 18 year old’s unique flavour profile stood out for the judges who commented on its layers of complexity and ‘well balanced long, sustained finish’.

Also placing highly was anCnoc’s 22 year old, which impressed the judges with a long finish and ‘silky smooth and beautiful balance’ and won gold, whilst Cutter from the Peaty Collection and the 12 year old won silver.

The prestigious IWSC ceremony, now in its 45th year, sets the international benchmark for quality and recognises excellence in the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Each year it receives entries from many of the world’s top wine and spirit producers in over 90 countries.

Judging for the competition take place in two stages, with a blind tasting by an expert panel drawn from 300 qualified industry judges, followed by a technical analysis before the results are unveiled.

anCnoc Brand Manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We had a very strong performance this year and are thrilled that both our limited edition releases and expressions from the core collection received such recognition from the panel. An IWSC award, particularly a Gold Outstanding, is a badge of quality and distinction which we’re proud to have to our name.”

For further information visit www.ancnoc.com

CONTRASTING CASKS 

New limited edition packs released from Tomatin Distillery

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has released a limited edition pack of Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky called Contrast – a unique comparison of fully matured Bourbon and Sherry whiskies from Tomatin Distillery.

In each pack, there are two 350ml bottles each containing a vatting of casks from 1973, 1977, 1988, 1991, 2002 and 2006, with one of the vattings being from Ex-Bourbon casks and the other from Ex-Sherry casks. Bottled at 46%, both whiskies are non-chill filtered and natural colour, and display greatly contrasting colours and flavours.

Casks from the same six years were selected and vatted by Tomatin’s Distillery Manager, Graham Eunson – “It is well accepted that up to 70% of the final flavour of Scotch Whisky is derived from the cask it was matured in. We wanted to directly compare the effect of different casks on the same whisky – the actual contrast between these two whiskies is far greater than we had anticipated. These are two incredible whiskies which consumers will enjoy comparing side by side in their own home.”

There are 5,400 of this limited edition pack available and it is expected to retail at £99.99. 

Bourbon Matured:

AROMA Golden syrup and honey. Lemon & lime. Almond and macadamia nuts, vanilla and custard.

PALATE Sweet vanilla custard and lemon sponge. Pineapple chunks, raspberries and icing sugar.

FINISH Sweet, fresh and mellow. 

Sherry Matured:

AROMA Toffee-apple crumble, Christmas pudding, raisins and treacle.

PALATE Cinnamon and cloves, peppercorns. Thick cut marmalade.

FINISH Oily, spicy and chewy.

The company has also announced the launch of its final release in the Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Limited Release Trilogy – The Bourbon Edition.

The Bourbon Edition is the third and final release in a trilogy of limited editions showcasing the flavours which make up the standard edition of Cù Bòcan; Sherry, Virgin Oak and Bourbon. The Sherry Edition was released in 2014 and the Virgin Oak Edition earlier this year. Fully matured in First Fill Bourbon casks, this edition is rich and creamy with hints of smoke and sweet citrus.

There are 6,000 bottles available worldwide (except USA) and it is expected to retail at £49.99.

AROMA Toffee and honey are prominent. The smoke is distant at first but continues to emerge and then slowly fades to reveal pineapple and pear drops. A rich and creamy vanilla custard lingers.

PALATE Velvety smooth coconut and vanilla. Milk chocolate covered marshmallows, almonds and toffee. Citrus fruits, especially orange and lime, have a significant presence.

FINISH Long lasting and sweet.

Notes

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Website: http://www.tomatin.com/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897         www.facebook.com/CuBocan Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
3. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
4. Tomatin Distillery also produces Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
5. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
6. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm