Algramo announced as stand out winner of The Venture 2015

[July 27th, 2015]: The Venture, Chivas Regal’s global search for the world’s most promising social entrepreneurs, rewarded all five finalists the remaining share of the $1m fund at the final pitch event which took place on Friday. The announcement came after the five finalists pitched the potential of their start-up to create transformative social change to an expert judging panel that included actor and social entrepreneur Adrian Grenier. Algramo from Chile was awarded the largest share of the fund, receiving $300,000 to further develop the pioneering food distribution enterprise.

Other finalists to come away with funding on the night included Chipsafer ($150,000) from Uruguay who use innovative tracking devices to transform the way farmers look after their livestock; SenSprout ($150,000) from Japan who aim to make farming more efficient using a wireless field-monitoring system; Lumkani ($75,000) from South Africa, a company that uses technology to decrease the risk of devastating fires in informal settlements, and Diseclar ($75,000) from Colombia who turn waste materials into stylish furniture.

The Venture – which saw more than a thousand social entrepreneurs apply for $1million in funding – culminated at The Final Pitch event at The Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco in front of a large audience. The evening was hosted by the Late Late Show presenter, James Corden who applauded all five of the social entrepreneurs who pitched for their commitment to using business as a force for good.

The Final Pitch event was attended by a range of high profile entrepreneurs and business leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond. Also in the audience was Golden Globe nominated actor Oscar Isaac who starred in Chivas Regal’s Win The Right Way film, which helped launch The Venture by issuing a challenge to aspiring social entrepreneurs and the world at large to re-frame their meaning of success.

The judging panel which included Adrian Grenier, Sonal Shah, Alex Ricard and Morgan Clendaniel, assessed each business based on their ability to create sustainable change through a viable business model and potential to scale. To find out more about the winners and the other finalists who took part in The Venture visit www.theventure.com.

Adrian Grenier congratulated each of the winners on the night:
“Social entrepreneurship challenges society to reimagine what is possible and inspires us to create a better future and a better world. All of The Venture finalists tonight challenged us to imagine how business could transform a problem into an opportunity. They are all very deserving of support and show why it’s important for initiatives like The Venture to exist, to inspire as many brilliant minds from around the world as possible and to contribute to using business as a force for good.”

Speaking on behalf of the finalists Jose Manuel Moller Dominguez from Algramo added:
“What a night! I can’t believe I’ve received $300,000 in funding from Chivas – it’s truly life changing for me. The money will enable me to scale the business and really take it to the next level. I’m truly grateful for this experience and can’t wait to apply everything I’ve learnt since being in San Francisco.”

Pernod Ricard’s Chairman and CEO, and The Venture judge, Alex Ricard, expressed his and the brand’s commitment to the world of social entrepreneurship, and congratulated the winner:
“All five of the social entrepreneurs who pitched for funding tonight have founded innovative and inspiring social enterprises, each providing sustainable solutions for different issues. Ultimately Jose from Algramo demonstrated a concrete proof of concept and really convinced us that The Venture funding could deliver tremendous transformative change for their business. We’re extremely proud of the first year of The Venture and Chivas is looking forward to continuing this legacy in years to come.”

Social entrepreneurs from across the world are invited to apply for $1 million in funding as The Venture Year 2 kicks off from 10th August 2015, visit www.theventure.com for further details.

Overview of the Five Finalists

NOTES

The Venture The Venture is Chivas Regal’s global search to find and support the most promising aspiring social entrepreneurs who want to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. With over $1 million in funding and resources, The Venture will enable social entrepreneurs from around the world realise their potential and gain exposure for their business.

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 style, substance and exclusivity.

A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity.

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, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars

Carnegie Court House

Dornoch, Scotland

Job Description: General Manager

Carnegie Whisky Cellars is seeking a General Manager for a new bespoke whisky shop located in The Carnegie Court House retail project in central Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland.

Job Description: The General Manager will be responsible for all aspects on the management of Carnegie Whisky Cellars. Responsibilities will include inventory management, staffing, marketing, finance and administration. Manager will report to a Board of Owners with meaningful whisky industry experience. A portion of Manager’s time will include training in a new Dornoch Distillery (gin,vodka and whisky) as well in the renown Castle Whisky Bar both located next door.

Business Overview: Carnegie Whisky Cellars is a new start-up fine whisky shop to be located in the new Renovated Carnegie Court House in downtown Dornoch. Carnegie Whisky shop will be constructed over the winter of 2015-2016 and is set to open Spring 2016. The shop will cover approximately 50 square meters on the ground floor to include retail space as well as a tasting room.

Carnegie Whisky Cellars is to be one of the finest bespoke whisky shops in the Highlands. Products will include a broad array of specialty whiskies and whisky-related products as well as selected beer, wines and other spirits. Carnegie Whisky Cellars will also develop a very bespoke whisky inventory of unique, high-value specialty whiskies sourced strategically at auction or private purchase. Many of these specialty whiskies will be able for drams in the adjacent Castle Whisky Bar (awarded Best Whisky Bar in UK). Certain attention and potentially strategic relations will be developed with the local distillers such as Balblair, Clynelish, Dalmore, Glenmorangie, and Old Pulteney.

Compensation: Competitive

Experience: The General Manager will have had direct experience and passion for exceptional customer service in a retail setting. Demonstrated experience with employee management and oversight critical. Knowledge and experience in in the beverage industry valuable. Mature, trustworthy, self-starter.

Board of Owners: The General Manager with report directly to a Board of Owners with exceptional whisky industry knowledge and experience. The Board also possesses material experience in customer service, finance, and administration. The Board will include:

Philip Thompson – Proprietor, Castle Hotel Whisky Bar and Founder Dornoch Distillers

Simon Thompson – Proprietor, Castle Hotel Whisky Bar and Founder Dornoch Distillers

Murray Lamont – Proprietor, Mackay Hotel (Wick) and Owner, Bin-Ends Whisky Shops

Todd Warnock – Proprietor, Links House Hotel (Dornoch) and Owner, Carnegie Court House

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT TAKES ARRAN FURTHER 

Isle of Arran Distillers has reported record results with the publication of their latest annual accounts.

The figures to the end of 2014 reveal that turnover rose by 21 per cent and net profit increased by 51 per cent – the best performance posted since the business started in 1995.

Success is being driven by brand sales that are ahead by 25 per cent – in marked contrast to a 7 per cent decline for the Scotch whisky industry as a whole.

The results reflect the underlying strength of the business. After a succession of healthy profits reported over the last five years, turnover for the independent distiller has more than doubled since 2010.

While 2014 saw total Scotch whisky exports fall at their fastest rate for 16 years, export sales for Isle of Arran Distillers climbed, with key markets for growth including Germany, Taiwan and Canada.

The award-winning Arran Single Malts are now available in 45 countries and further markets are being explored.

Managing director, Euan Mitchell, is delighted with the year-end results, saying: “In a challenging period for Scotch whisky our continued growth is testament to a focus on quality and a clear strategy well executed.

“Some people believe when the big companies in the industry sneeze we all catch a cold but this is not our experience. Interest in smaller, independent brands such as ours is surging and we are not even scratching the surface in global terms.”

As well as driving export sales, the Arran Malt is set for increased distribution in the UK with M&S, where two products will be available in stores later in 2015.

A key factor in the recent success of the business has been the repackaging of The Arran Malt core range, which launched in the second half of 2014. Combined with a schedule of limited edition releases, especially the final release of the acclaimed Devil’s Punch Bowl series, helped to grow sales of Arran single malts by 23 per cent over the previous year.

Euan Mitchell added: “We have invested to support the progress we expect to make.

“Two new pot stills are on order and will be installed in late 2016. This will allow production to double beyond one million litres of pure alcohol once fully commissioned.

“We have never been the kind of distillery to produce more than we expect to sell, so this boost in capacity and capability is purely a reflection of the anticipated demand for Arran malts.

“Though never complacent, we look forward with great confidence to celebrating our 21st anniversary in 2016.”

Notes:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

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

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

DIAGEO WINS THE GOLDEN BARREL TROPHY FOR THE WHISKY OF THE YEAR

(Jim Beveridge, Master Blender at Diageo, and his team receiving the Golden Barrel Trophy during a special award ceremony held at Diageo Archive.)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND (July 23 2015) — Held annually in Chicago since 2010, the International Whisky Competition awarded the title Whisky of the Year to John Walker & Sons King George V who scored an impressive 97 Points during the blind tasting competition last spring. With this highest award comes the Golden Barrel Trophy symbolizing the mark of excellence in whisky making.

A ceremony was held last week at Diageo Archive in Menstrie, Scotland to present the trophy to the winning blending team responsible for creating John Walker & Sons King George V. The team is led by Jim Beveridge, master blender at Diageo, who was also awarded the title Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition.

This is the first year that a blended whisky scored higher than a single malt for the top position and shows that a complex marriage of grain and malt whiskies can produce a whisky of exceptional quality. As one of the judges wrote in his notes after blind tasting John Walker & Sons King George V: “This whisky has everything that makes a complex, beautiful, majestic dram featuring all the components of perfection.”

About the Golden Barrel Trophy

Designed in Switzerland and unveiled at Diageo Archive, the Golden Barrel Trophy represents the pinnacle of excellence in whisky making, showcasing two lions holding a whisky barrel. It is casted in bronze with 24K golden leaves on each side of the barrel. The Golden Barrel will be kept by the winner of the Whisky of the Year until next year’s competition and the name of each winner will be engraved in its marble base to commemorate the history of each annual Whisky of the Year. Basically, the Golden Barrel is to whisky what the World Cup is to football.

About the the International Whisky Competition™

The International Whisky Competition brings whiskies from around the world together to be tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel. Unlike other competitions, the judges on its tasting panel are presented with one whisky at a time, to ensure each whisky gets the proper attention. In-depth notes are taken at every step for review ultimately to be compiled by the tasting panel. It’s the only such competition in the spirits world to deliver unique medals designed to promote each of the winning whiskies. Only 3 medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) are awarded per category. Just like in the Olympics, not everyone can be a winner.

DECADENCE DEFINED

Introducing The Macallan Rare Cask

Since 1824, The Macallan name has been a guarantee of unrivalled craftsmanship and quality.  And now there is a new whisky bearing this name; a single malt born from this unwavering endeavour.  This is Macallan Rare Cask, the embodiment of our obsession.

Rare Cask is crafted by our Master Whisky Maker from a small proportion of maturing casks at The Macallan distillery.  These casks are handmade from Spanish and American oak; and are the best in the business.   Wood defines the flavour of The Macallan, with over 60% of the character comes from the cask it is aged in.  But as the name suggests, there is more to this story.  Rare Cask is truly rare.  This rarity comes from the fact that some of the casks used in the creation of this whisky will never be used again.

The Macallan Rare Cask captures a true decadence; its creation goes beyond any other Macallan whisky and its rarity is absolute. It is a single malt of such diversity and intricacy it challenges the very conventions of whisky creation.  It is almost a reinvention by design, but yet The Macallan at its core.

Bob Dalgarno, the Master Whisky Maker is responsible for creating Rare Cask, testing his knowledge and skill to create a whisky worthy of The Macallan name.  “Rare Cask is about firstly identifying a selection of casks which can truly be called rare.  Each of the cask styles result in different character, so each imparts their own distinct influence on the final whisky.”

With a rich mahogany red hue, The Macallan Rare Cask showcases two of The Macallan’s greatest strengths, exceptional oak casks and natural colour, which are combined with knowledge, skill, passion, commitment and creativity.  A whisky produced through meticulous dedication to wood.  Some would call this an obsession. We call it The Macallan.

The Macallan Rare Cask is available from specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop and has a RRP of £200.

NOTES

About Rare Cask

Rare Cask is a truly individual Macallan whisky.  It has been crafted from whiskies selected from 16 individually different casks profiles –the most ever used in a single Macallan whisky.

Less than 1% of the casks maturing are selected for Rare Cask, some of these are no longer available. Owing to the number of cask types involved and the length of time it takes to identify them, it takes longer to create than any other The Macallan. This is an extremely rewarding whisky owing to the complexity of flavour.

Rare Cask has been crafted from Spanish and American sherry seasoned oak casks, a high proportion of them being first fill, including some of the most precious and scarce casks.  Collectively these factors have given rise to an exquisite whisky with a splendidly rich and resonant hue, and an unmistakably woody whisky.

Soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose, giving way to a sweet ensemble of apple, lemon, and orange. All balanced by a spicy quartet of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. On the palate this spicy quartet are unwavering. Oak resonates, timeless, polished and rich. Vanilla and chocolate lead the finale along with a light citrus zest. The finish of this naturally occurring mahogany-red spirit is full, warming and woody.

The Macallan Rare Cask is available from specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop and has a RRP of £200. 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness and fruit to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation to exceptional oak casks which account for over 60% of the final whisky; natural colour and peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan.  The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest.

For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com

Like The Macallan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMacallan

Follow The Macallan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/The_Macallan

Follow The Macallan on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/the_macallan

 Buffalo Trace Distillery opens its new technically advanced Distribution Center

$20 million dollar investment joins two other expansion projects Buffalo Trace completed this month 

            Franklin Co, Frankfort, Ky. (July 21, 2015) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has completed the construction of its 83,000 square foot revolutionary new distribution center, which uses satellite technology to store and retrieve pallets of finished goods. Buffalo Trace Distillery is believed to be the first spirits supplier to use this system, called an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

            The AS/RS occupies 46,574 square feet inside the distribution center and contains three storage and retrieval machines (or cranes) which operate in three aisles, serving storage lanes five deep, and storing pallets six levels high.  The cranes are each wrapped in Buffalo Trace’s logo, and have been named Albert, George, and Edmund in honor of Buffalo Trace’s founding fathers, Albert Blanton, George T. Stagg and Edmund Haynes (or “E. H.”) Taylor. Each crane can induct/output 55 pallets of finished goods per hour or a total of 165 pallets moving within the system.  The AS/RS contains 20 pallet staging lanes which can hold 180 total pallets.  To see a short video of the AS/RS in action, click here: https://youtu.be/c7GBwuCGGuY

            The new distribution center connects to Buffalo Trace’s existing distribution center, making the total square footage of the center now 134,840 square feet.          The new addition was artistically designed in keeping with the existing look and feel of the existing buildings on the 224-year-old campus, making it look like it has been in place for quite some time rather than brand new.

“We’re pleased our business has grown enough to support the need for this new highly advanced distribution center,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We look forward to being able to serve our customers in a more efficient manner and having the capacity for even further growth in the future.”

Gray Construction, a nationally ranked design-build contractor, was responsible for the design and construction of the distribution center and Westfalia Technologies, Inc., installed the AS/RS.

            This $20 million investment is part of parent company Sazerac’s $71 million investment in the state of Kentucky at its three distilleries: The Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro is receiving a new 223,000 square foot distribution center which should be completed later this year or early 2016, and the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown added new equipment to improve production capacity.    In addition to Sazerac’s $71 million investment, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) granted tax incentives totaling approximately $7.4 million between the three Sazerac sites.

            This is the third construction project Buffalo Trace has completed this month, in early July a 5,500 square foot expansion of its Visitor Center was unveiled, which contained event space which includes four tasting bars.  Also in early July, the Distillery opened its refurbished Old Taylor House, which dates back to the late 1700s and is the oldest residential property in Franklin County.

            A private grand opening of the Distribution Center will be held in late July for media and other invited guests.

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 www.buffalotracedistillery.com

THE BENRIACH DISTILLERY COMPANY WINS TEN MEDALS AT IWSC 2015

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 10 medals, including two Gold and four Silver Outstanding, across its three brands at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition.

And rounding off an excellent performance at the Awards, the Edinburgh-based company was again shortlisted for the 2015 UK Spirits Producer award.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It currently receives entries from over 90 countries, giving it global reach. It was set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its forty-sixth year, the IWSC’s pursuit of excellence underpins every aspect of the competition today.

Judging for the competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products which receive the top medals are subject to technical analysis before results are released; this crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

The company’s full list of awards is:

Gold Medal

GlenDronach 12YO

Glenglassaugh 30YO

Silver Outstanding Medal

BenRiach 12YO Sherry Wood Matured

BenRiach 10YO

GlenDronach 8YO

BenRiach 35YO

Silver Medal

GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 4

Glenglassaugh Revival

Glenglassaugh Torfa

Glenglassaugh Evolution

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “An IWSC award is an internationally-recognised badge of quality and we’re delighted to win ten this year, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands.

“To receive a Gold Medal for the GlenDronach 12 Years Old is particularly satisfying as it is both our flagship expression and our best-selling brand this year with fantastic worldwide sales and growth. It is also very gratifying to see the Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old taking gold too. It was the first release from the distillery after we took over in 2013 and has been critically acclaimed in all our markets. It bursts with flavour and is full of the distinctive Glenglassaugh coastal character.”

He added: “Winning four outstanding silvers is also very pleasing, especially the two for our brand-new releases, the BenRiach 10YO and the GlenDronach 8YO. The BenRiach 10 Years Old is Classic Speyside in character and the cask formula focuses on ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks – exactly the types of wood we favour at BenRiach. And the GlenDronach 8 Years Old, known as The Hielan’, is a rich and immensely satisfying dram with a classic sherry signature.

“It is a huge achievement for a small independent to make the UK spirits producer shortlist in the company of global companies and we are thrilled with these fantastic results.”

THREE SHIPS WINS WORLDWIDE WHISKY TROPHY 

The Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt has become the first South African whisky to be awarded the Worldwide Whisky Trophy and a gold outstanding distinction at the annual International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) held in London.  In a second round of blind tastings, the gold winners from all the participating countries with the exception of Ireland and Scotland competed for the trophy and judges chose the South African whisky above those from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

A delighted Andy Watts, master distiller of the range, said in the 33 years he had been involved in making Three Ships, he had time and again been astounded by the international acclaim for these whiskies.

“Who would have thought back then that we would be able to create such interest in South African whiskies? Traditionally, South Africa is known as a wine and brandy country, and many felt at the time we should rather leave whisky-making to those countries in the Northern Hemisphere with centuries of experience in making it. Thankfully we didn’t listen but followed our dream!”

Another Three Ships entry in the competition, its Premium Select 5 Year Old, took gold. This whisky is in many ways a tribute to the time Andy spent on the Isle of Islay at the start of his whisky-making career. It was here where so many years ago, he fell in love with the island’s iconic peaty whiskies. The Premium Select, which spends five years in oak, is a blend of peated barley distilled in copper stills made for the James Sedgwick Distillery by Forsyth’s of Scotland, and grain spirit distilled in column stills.

The Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt, of which only a limited quantity was released at the time of its launch, has long been sold out. Only a few whisky lovers might still have a bottle or two in their collections while others might still harbor fond memories of the whisky, which was matured for ten years in carefully selected oak barrels. The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year is available nationwide and retails for about R160. Visit www.threeshipswhisky.co.za for more on the range.

THE GLENROTHES VINTAGE RESERVE LAUNCHES IN UK 

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits is delighted to announce the UK release of Vintage Reserve from award-winning Speyside distillery, The Glenrothes.

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

The combination of Vintages aged in a variety of casks creates a balanced whisky with mature experience and vibrant youth: the most venerable constituent brings mellow oak and dried fruits. The younger Vintages add soft, mature, sweet vanilla; the more youthful Vintages add exuberance and lemon citrus notes.

Malt Master, Gordon Motion has hand-selected the very finest casks to create the Vintage Reserve, using character and flavour as his guide, not a pre-determined age. Gordon Motion’s flavour notes appear on the front label: “Mellow, soft fruits, citrus and honey.”

Ronnie Cox, The Glenrothes Brand Heritage Director, states: “This is our most complex Reserve to date. Unlike other malts that bottle by age, we choose whiskies that represent the best of a particular year and marry them together when they are ready. That is in contrast to many distillers who bottle simply based on the age of a whisky. The emphasis is on the quality, taste and flavour of the whisky – not the age.”

The Glenrothes Vintage Reserve 40% ABV

Appearance:  Brassy gold.

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

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

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

The Glenrothes Vintage Reserve is now available at The Whisky Exchange and Gordon & MacPhail with a recommended retail price of £39.99

For more information about The Glenrothes, visit www.theglenrothes.comor contact Maxxium Customer Services on +44(0) 1786 430 500 for further information.

Notes:

The Glenrothes was founded in 1879.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of our recent awards and accolades for current bottlings: 

The Glenrothes, Vintage Reserve

• Gold, Scotch Whisky Masters 2015

• Double Gold, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2015

• Gold, The Asian Spirits Masters 2015

• “Officially Amazing”, Guinness World Record holder for largest Burns Supper, 2015The Glenrothes Select Reserve

• Gold, Scotch Whisky Masters 2015

• Gold, San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition 2012
• Scotch Whisky Master, The Spirits Business Masters 2008
• Best in Class, World Whiskies Awards 2008

The Glenrothes Sherry Cask Reserve

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

The Glenrothes Alba Reserve

• Excellent, Highly Recommended (92/100), Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2014
• Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2010
• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2010

The Glenrothes Select Reserve

• Gold, San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition 2012

• Gold, The Asian Spirits Masters 2015

The Glenrothes 1998 Vintage

• Silver medal, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2011
• 93/100, Excellent/Highly Recommended, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011
• Silver, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010
• Silver, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010

The Glenrothes 1995 Vintage

• Gold, Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit, 2013
• Silver, International Wine & Spirits Challenge, 2013
• 92/100, Excellent/Highly Recommended, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011

The Glenrothes 1988 Vintage

• Silver, The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2012

The Glenrothes 1978 Vintage

• World’s Best Speyside Single Malt. World Whiskies Awards 2008

Announcing Whisky Quotes – a new service for whisky collectors and investors

We’re happy to announce a new internet service focused on gathering and presenting market information on rare, collectible and investment whisky bottles.

Every investor needs an accurate and timely information about their investment. It is even more true for whisky assets, for which owners had had to regularly track multiple online and stationary auctions to calculate their market value.

Now, with the help from Whisky Quotes, it’s easier and more convenient for both novice and experienced investors, to view and evaluate their portfolio’s performance. Whisky Quotes will give you an instant access to the whisky market value over the last years and much more.

Whisky Quotes is aimed mostly at whisky investors and collectors but we believe that easy access to a comprehensive market information will benefit everyone.

At this point we’re putting the finishing touches on the bottles database and the application itself. Later we’ll send invitations for a private BETA access for those who subscribe early for news and updates on our website. Those participants will be able to influence the development phase by providing us with constructive feedback and suggestions.

Here’s a small preview of what’s to come:

Visit and subscribe at www.whiskyquotes.com. We are open for comments and suggestions. 

Thank you!

The Whisky Quotes Team