Two more wins at the World Whiskies Awards

The prestigious World Whiskies Awards has recognised Tamdhu as a whisky that’s got it all in terms of taste and design with two major awards for its 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt: Best Speyside Single Malt 12 Years & Under and Best Re-launch/Redesign for its iconic bottle.

The awards were announced at the World Drinks Awards reception in London, on Wednesday 19th March 2015.

A host of leading distillers from the whisky industry as well as journalists, specialist drinks retailers, bartenders/mixologists and hoteliers made up the judging panel that awarded Tamdhu. Each entry was blind tasted and marked to an agreed system. As well as nose, palate and finish the judges looked for balance, character, complexity, quality and functionality.

The design judging was conducted by a panel of leading international design experts. Judges assessed entries purely on the quality of the design and innovative use of materials and production techniques. All entries were scored against clearly defined criteria including, breakthrough in category, confidence, craft skills, insight and inspiration.

Commenting on the awards, Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers (owners of Tamdhu), said, “We are ecstatic to have won two awards for our Tamdhu 10 Year Old at the World Whiskies Awards. The iconic design and quality of Tamdhu has received wide recognition since it was re-launched in May 2013 so we are delighted to have been presented these awards.

“Tamdhu is matured in only the finest sherry casks, many of which are first fill and teeming with flavor. Patience is then required to allow the casks to do their work, giving Tamdhu its wondrous natural colour and unique quality.”

“Its quality is further defined by the hint of peat in our malted barley and the water which is drawn directly from the Tamdhu spring.”

The World Whiskies Awards have been held by Whisky Magazine every year since 2007 recognising whiskies from across Europe, the US and Asia.

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Tamdhu was born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897 – an era when anything seemed possible. When obstacles were there to be overcome, an age of the CAN-DHU-SPIRIT

www.tamdhu.com

Knob Creek Named “Best Bourbon” as Beam Suntory Wins 113 Awards in Prestigious Blind-Tasting Competitions

Deerfield, Illinois, April 7, 2015 – Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, earned prestigious accolades spanning all major spirits categories in three internationally-renowned spirits competitions, including the title of “Best Bourbon” for its Knob Creek® Bourbon brand.  Jim Beam® Single Barrel, Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece, Yamazaki® Japanese Whisky, Hakushu® Japanese Whisky, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Scotch Whisky and El Tesoro® Tequila were among brands that also captured top recognition in the blind tasting competitions.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Beam Suntory 55 total medals, including the “Director’s Award of Excellence” for the company’s “excellent portfolio of spirits” (the first time the company has received this honor).  Knob Creek® Bourbon earned a Double Gold medal and out-rated 95 other bourbons to be named “Best Bourbon.”  Yamazaki® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky also earned a Double Gold medal and the title of “Best” product in its category, while El Tesoro® Anejo Tequila earned a Double Gold medal and the distinguished title of “Best Anejo Tequila.”  In all, the company’s excellence in whiskey was recognized with 11 Double Gold medals and 13 Gold medals for brands including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Hakushu® Japanese Whisky, Auchentoshan® Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Laphroaig® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.  Beam Suntory Vodka, Cognac and Irish Whiskey brands also earned medals in this competition.

“We are very proud that the quality of our premium portfolio has been recognized with the Director’s Award of Excellence in just our first full year as Beam Suntory,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman & CEO of Beam Suntory. “It’s also particularly gratifying that Knob Creek, our flagship super-premium bourbon brand, has earned the distinction of Best Bourbon.  Booker Noe created the Small Batch Collection two decades ago, and this is a very proud moment for his son, Fred Noe, who carries on the Knob Creek legacy today.  I’m equally pleased that Yamazaki and El Tesoro rose to the top of their categories. All of these honors are a tribute to the people of Beam Suntory, who craft the spirits brands that stir the world, from our distilleries in the U.S. to Japan, from Mexico to Scotland, from Ireland to France, from Canada to Spain, and everywhere in between.”

Ultimate Spirits Challenge and International Review of Spirits

Beam Suntory’s whiskey and tequila brands were also honored by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Beverage Tasting Institute’s “International Review of Spirits” competition.  Judges in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila the “Chairman’s Trophy” (Best in Show), scoring the spirit a 95 and an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.”  Among 40 additional trophies, 12 Beam Suntory brands earned Ultimate Recommendations, including Knob Creek® Bourbon and Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon.  Separately, the Beverage Tasting Institute awarded Beam Suntory 17 total medals in its “International Review of Spirits” competition, including the most Gold Medals for bourbon in the industry and a Platinum Medal (highest rated) for Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece.

Top Beam Suntory Results from the San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition:

Double Gold Winners Include: Alberta Rye® Dark Batch™ Whisky, Auchentoshan® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® 18 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Small Batch Scotch Whisky, Canadian Club® Chairman’s Select™ Rye Whisky, El Tesoro® Añejo Tequila, El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila, Hakushu® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Yamazaki® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky, Yamazaki® 25 Years Old Japanese Whisky

Gold Winners Include: Bowmore® 10 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Darkest 15 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Courvoisier® VS Cognac, Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut™, Jim Beam® Black Bourbon, Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece Bourbon, Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Brown Rice Bourbon, Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ High Rye Bourbon, Jim Beam® Signature Craft Quarter Cask Bourbon, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Bourbon, Laphroaig® Triple Wood Scotch Whiskey, Laphroaig® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky

Top Beam Suntory Results from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge: 

Bowmore® Darkest 15 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 97; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Connemara® Irish Whiskey – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Bowmore® 18 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Bowmore® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila – CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY (best in show); 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Auchentoshan® Three Wood® – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Laphroaig® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Knob Creek® Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Soft Red Wheat Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Laphroaig® 10 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Kilbeggan® 18 Years Old Irish Whiskey – 94; FINALIST; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly recommended

Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Laphroaig® Select Scotch Whisky – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended

El Tesoro® Reposado Tequila – FINALIST; 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Knob Creek® Single Barrel Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Bonded Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut™ Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Brown Rice Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ High Rye Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Tyrconnell® Irish Whiskey – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Laphroaig® Triple Wood Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Bowmore® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Glen Garioch® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Rye Whiskey – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Rolled Oat Bourbon – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Auchentoshan® American Oak™ Scotch Whisky – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Ao™ Vodka – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Auchentoshan®12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Bowmore® Dorus Mor II 10 Years Old Scotch Whiskey – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Glen Garioch® Founder’s Reserve Scotch Whisky – 90; Excellent, Highly Recommended

Bowmore® Small Batch Scotch Whiskey – 90; Excellent, Highly Recommended

For more information on Beam Suntory brands, please visit www.beamsuntory.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales exceeding $4 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Digital Innovation Connects Employees At Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has launched an innovative solution for a brand and manufacturing business to bring all its employees online on sites from Orkney to Plymouth.

It has just replaced its traditional internal website with a new digital hub that supplies a bespoke mobile website to tablet computers enabling all its employees, including around 50% which are not office based or who do not have their own personal computer, to access a broad range of company news and information from its 29 sites in the UK.

Content for the new site has been the subject of a dynamic new approach. Video and interactive features figure strongly and are easily consumed with the Samsung Galaxy S3 device chosen for distribution to all employees. Key business updates and administrative information are combined with a ‘Community Spirit’ section that allows employees to update each other about activities away from work such as fundraising and social clubs including the company’s sailing club and golf society.

The new site, whilst optimised for mobile devices, also becomes the digital hub for all company computers. The project will substantially streamline Chivas Brothers’ internal communications replacing a number of channels such as magazines and newsletters with a single digital channel offering instant access for employees and instant updates from the company. IT services and solutions provider Kelway Ltd, which supplied the tablets, have also been commission to provide a helpdesk for the company’s 1600 employees who are now digitally connected.

The tablets, issued to every employee by the start of 2015, will also provide access to information and internal websites from the company’s parent group, Pernod Ricard, connecting Chivas Brothers employees with colleagues around the world and a view of how and where the company’s revered portfolio of high quality Scotch whiskies and gins are sold and consumed.

Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Laurent Lacassagne commented: “Through this initiative we wanted to better connect our teams together, everyone in every department, in every location, from the north of Scotland to London and Plymouth.

“Each and every member of our team makes Chivas Brothers a dynamic, innovative and thriving business. Now we have a single digital home to celebrate and take pride in our achievements and continue to improve our communication, efficiency and our dynamic approach to producing some of the world’s most highly regarded and successful Scotch whiskies and premium gins.”

A version of the digital hub also replaces the company’s corporate website, utilising the same mobile optimisation and bringing its media centre, Magazine (showcasing the company’s innovations and brand campaigns) and corporate updates to an important stakeholder audience – the site is available at http://www.chivasbrothers.com/.

Notes:

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.2 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 Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Smögen Svensk Single Malt Whisky arrives

Smögen Primör, the first chance to taste single malt whisky from Sweden’s Smögen distillery, has arrived.

Produced from optic barley of 45ppm and distilled by hand in small batches in a 600 litre spirit pot still, the spirit has been matured in a combination of new European oak casks and former Bordeaux casks. Smögen Primör is heavily peated, powerful and rich for its age.  Primör is bottled at natural colour and cask strength of 63.7% vol.

The Smögen distillery was designed and built in 2010 by pioneering distiller Pär Caldenby, on the west coast of Sweden, north of Gothenburg. With a production capacity of just 35000 litres, the comparatively small size of the distillery allows for an attention to detail not seen elsewhere. Until now every drop of Smögen Whisky has been distilled and blended by Pär Caldenby personally.

Commenting on the release Pär Caldenby said, ‘When I set out to build a distillery I was aiming to take inspiration from the best that Scotland, France and Japan could offer and make a very distinctive malt whisky, in fully traditional pot stills. The decidedly coastal location and use of heavily peated malt alongside virgin or first fill casks means a fast maturing whisky. Our first bottling, Primör, shows part of our progress to date and I am quite delighted with the result’.

Smögen Primör is available from The Green Welly Stop, Single Malts Direct and The Whisky Exchange.

Notes

1. Smögen website: http://www.strane.se/                Twitter: @SmogenWhiskyUK

2. In 2007 Pär Caldenby wrote ‘Enjoying Malt Whisky’, a detailed guide to Single Malt whisky. ISBN: 978-91-633-1539-8.

3. Alongside whisky, the distillery now also produces Strane London Dry Gin.  http://www.strane.se/

4. Smögen Whisky AB is represented by Highfern Ltd. For pictures, more information and sales enquires please contact; Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk  Mobile: 07811 640778

Smögen Svensk Single Malt Whisky – Sherry Project 1:1 51.8% Vol. With a heavily peated house style, this is the first release in a mini series exploring the impact of sherry cask maturation and finishing on Smögen Svensk Single Malt Whisky. Sherry Project 1:1 was initially matured for two years and ten months in new heavily roasted 120 litre Quarter casks, made from European Oak, before being transferred and finished for four months in an Oloroso sherry butt.

‘This is a very good whisky. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Pär Caldenby & co. can really distil whisky in absolute class, there is no doubt. I will follow Smögen with eager anticipation.’ Johan Borgemo, Whiskynorden

Sherry Project 1:1 is limited to 900 500ml bottles, of which 600 sold within 21 hours of being released in Sweden’s Systembolaget, in November 2014.

Smögen Svensk Single Malt Whisky – Sherry Project 1:2 55.7% Vol. Like Sherry Project 1:1, Sherry Project 1:2 was initially matured in new heavily roasted 120 litre Quarter casks, but has been finished for longer, for eight months, again in an Oloroso Sherry Butt.

744 bottles (of the 880 produced) of Sherry Project 1:2 went on sale in Sweden’s Systembolaget on the 26^th of March 2015, and sold in less than one minute.

Looking to the future, Sherry Project 1:3, will be finished for 12 months and bottled in summer 2015. The finale to the series will be Sherry Project 1:4, which will be released as a four year old whisky, and will be matured entirely in Sherry casks, starting with Quarter casks and then married together for six months in another Sherry Butt. It is due for release late 2015.

For pictures of Smögen please click here

UK’s busiest malt whisky ferry wins an International Safety Award with merit

Caledonian MacBrayne’s MV Finlaggan ferry has won an International Safety Award with merit from the British Safety Council.

A new addition to CalMac’s fleet in 2011, MV Finlaggan carries more bulk malt whisky than any other ferry in the UK, and, indeed, very possibly the world, transporting the Isle of Islay’s most famous export on the first leg of its global journey.

The safety and handling considerations given to this most precious and revered of cargoes were among many criteria explored in a submission by CalMac to the British Safety Council for its annual awards.

For the whisky connoisseur, the most likely hazard facing them is the potential for over-indulgence. However, for a ferry company transporting some 25 per cent of Scotland’s annual malt whisky output from its island birthplace onwards to world markets, it is quite a different prospect. Islay has eight distilleries and neighbouring island Jura has one – all nine ship their cargo using CalMac ferries, most frequently MV Finlaggan.

Tasty as these whiskies may be, such cargoes are also hazardous and must be handled with care – whether it be the potential risk of fire or pollution hazard.

 In 2014, Finlaggan – which also provides occasional cover on the Skye to North Uist and Harris routes – carried 114,000 passengers, 40,000 cars and 6,500 commercial vehicles, spending the equivalent of more than 130 days at sea.

The rigorous submissions procedure also investigated everything from details of crew welfare through to first aid procedures, how health and safety hazards are determined to testing of emergency systems, and much more besides.

“The safety of customers, crews and vessels across our fleet are of paramount importance at CalMac,” said Louis de Wolff, Head of Safety, Environment and Security at Caledonian MacBrayne. “MV Finlaggan has worked hard to ensure that all systems are in place to deliver robust health, safety and welfare procedures, accurate and thorough reporting and compliance with an extensive set of maritime legislation, licensing and certification requirements.

“Congratulations to all members of Finlaggan’s crew – it is a collaborative effort and testament to the way that the ship’s team has prioritised and focused on the health, safety and welfare of passengers, crew and the ship.”

“Everyone on board, has a safety role of some description,” continued MV Finlaggan’s Master, Guy Robertson. “All crew members feel fully involved and take great pride in their excellent record. They came together with headquarters’ Safety, Environment and Security Department staff to put together this award entry and we are proud to have achieved this result.”

These awards are internationally renowned as a pinnacle of achievement in the field and attract entries from blue chip companies globally – others which achieved merit awards alongside CalMac were Babcock International, BAE, Boeing, Carillion, Diageo, GlaxoSmithKline and Unilever. Companies from as far afield as India, Nigeria, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait were all rewarded.

Neal Stone, acting Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said: “We warmly congratulate Caledonian MacBrayne’s MV Finlaggan and her crew on gaining an International Safety Award with merit for 2015. All of those working on board have made this award possible.

“It was also apparent that Caledonian MacBrayne recognises the value that proportionate and sensible management of occupational health and safety risks brings to the organisation, its people and society.

“These awards reflect the importance of aiming for good standards of health and safety at work. Caledonian MacBrayne and MV Finlaggan should rightly be proud of this achievement.”  

Picture shows:

Handling with care – crew members (left to right) deck trainee Jamie Knox, chief officer and safety officer Lee McDowell and quartermaster Malcolm Miller from MV Finlaggan with just a little of Islay’s precious malt whisky cargo; just one of the reasons the ship has picked up an International Safety Award with merit 

Notes:

1) Further information about CalMac is available at www.calmac.co.uk

2) Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). These names are used under licence from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The lion rampant device is used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.

Wyoming Whiskey Hires Frank Sacca as Vice President and National Sales Director

Sacca tapped to lead national expansion

Kirby, Wyo. (April 13, 2015) – Wyoming Whiskey, maker of award-winning small batch bourbon, has hired Frank Sacca as its Vice President and first-ever National Sales Director. Sacca has been hand selected to lead the charge toward rapid national expansion in 2015.

Sacca has over 25 years of experience in the spirits industry. He began his career in a family-owned retail business in New York. After a few years with Charmer Industries in his early career, he joined William Grant & Sons where he worked as Midwest Regional Manager and Division Vice President for 21 years. For the past six years, Sacca held the title of Division Vice President at Proximo Spirits, a company well known as the importer and distributer of Jose Cuervo, where he managed a team of talented sales professionals across multiple markets.

“Frank’s accomplishments are visible in the marketplace,” said David DeFazio, co-founder of Wyoming Whiskey. “He has an impressive track record launching innovative brands and line extensions. His knowledge and experience make him a valuable addition to our team and we are confident that he will bring our vision of successful national distribution to fruition.”

Frank will work full-time for Wyoming Whiskey from just outside Chicago, Illinois where he resides with his wife Amy, and two children, Nicholas and Rachel.

“I am proud to join the close-knit family at Wyoming Whiskey. I am eager to grow awareness and distribution of this one-of-a-kind bourbon and propel this young, passionate, and authentic brand to the next level,” said Sacca.

Sacca will oversee the efforts of Tim Harland, Western Regional Sales Manager, and a soon-to-be-announced Eastern Regional Sales Manager. 

About Wyoming Whiskey

Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. The company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to

Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey.  They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources.  Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com/.

Unnecessarily Well Made

Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Launched

Angels’ Nectar, a new Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, inspired by the Angels’ Share, has been launched, by Robert Ransom.

At any one time, there are an estimated twenty million casks maturing across Scotland, all exposed to what is affectionately called ‘the Angels’ Share’, the evaporation from casks during maturation.  The Angels take their pick; enjoying some casks more than others, whilst hard working distillers watch their efforts disappear. The Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a re-creation of the Angels’ Share, bottled for whisky drinkers to savour.  Carefully created from a selection of Speyside and Highland malt whiskies, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is unusually bottled at natural colour, has a sweet nose of apple and fruit syrup, a taste of heather honey and lemon, and a hint of spice on the finish. The Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is vibrant and fresh, just the way the Angels’ like their dram.

The label for this new whisky brand features a striking fractal design, with an Angel shaped ethereal mist, within which, a series of Angels can be seen enjoying their share.

The Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky has been released by Highfern Ltd, a new drinks business founded by Robert Ransom. Commenting on the release Robert said; ‘I have worked in the whisky trade for ten years, and during that time I have enjoyed giving many distillery tours and tastings. Early on I noticed any mention of the Angels’ Share always made guests smile. The seed was sown; What if one could bottle the Angels’ Share? It would be the ultimate Blended Malt, and Angels’ Nectar is Highfern’s attempt to do just that’.

Notes:

1.  Blended Malt – a category of whisky which is a blend of malt whiskies, with no grain whisky, previously known as Vatted Malt.
2. Angels’ Nectar is available from The Green Welly Stop, Master of Malt, Robertsons of Pitlochry and the Speyside Heather Centre, amongst others.
3. Web: http://www.angelsnectar.co.uk/ Twitter: @angelsnectar     Facebook: angelsnectarwhisky
4. For pictures, more information and sales enquires please contact; Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, Robert@highfern.co.uk  Mobile: 07811 640778

BENRIACH LAUNCHES 10 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALT

new core range expression marks a significant milestone for the Elgin distillery

Global Whisky Distiller of the Year BenRiach has today (8 April 2015) launched a very special BenRiach 10 years old single malt.

This release is a momentous high point for the award-winning Elgin distillery as the whisky is the first core range expression to be produced predominantly from spirit distilled under The BenRiach Distillery Company’s eleven-year ownership.

Managing Director Billy Walker and his South African partners Wayne Kieswetter and Geoff Bell acquired BenRiach from Chivas Brothers in April 2004.

Bottled at 43% vol, the BenRiach 10 Years Old is Classic Speyside in character. The cask formula focuses on ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks – exactly the types of wood we favour at BenRiach. This fresh, lively, fruit-laden single malt captures warm oak spices, green apple, dried apricots, peach and banana with subtle touches of aniseed, lemon zest and barley.

Billy Walker’s tasting notes show that this special single malt is a stunning addition to BenRiach’s core range.

Colour : Crisp summer gold.

Nose : A fresh and lively combination of crisp, green orchard fruits, stem ginger and hints of tangerine mellows to creamy vanilla with a delicate note of mint and a gentle twist of citrus, all held together with a sweet barley back note.

Taste : Warm toasted oak spices flood through green apple skins and dried apricots, ripening to hints of peach and soft banana. Subtle touches of aniseed and lemon zest create a contrasting edge to the fruit and add an intriguing character to the long, crisp barley finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Last year we released our tenth anniversary BenRiach bottling with four casks from the first week of distillation, but that was a strictly limited one-off expression.

“Today’s release is something different and is even more important for us going forward. The BenRiach 10 Years Old is a key new launch for us as it marks a significant milestone – it is the first core range expression to be created predominantly from whiskies distilled at BenRiach since we took over in 2004. We have, effectively, been working towards this single moment since we acquired BenRiach Distillery and the 10 Years Old expression will become the cornerstone of our range.”

Back in 2004, Billy Walker said he had modest but robust plans “to revitalise the distillery and target new markets, taking BenRiach to specialist outlets around the globe”.

His “modest” objectives have been more than met in the last ten years. Today, BenRiach is one of the country’s most admired distillers, having added GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and a bottling plant to its comprehensive portfolio.

It is now trading in over forty countries worldwide with other emerging markets entering the negotiation stage. Over the ten years BenRiach has won numerous prestigious awards; only last month Whisky Magazine announced it was the 2015 Global Whisky Distiller of the Year.

Earlier this year, the London Stock Exchange Group released its list of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ and The BenRiach Distillery Company was featured for the first time.