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

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

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