CHARLES AVERY | LAURE PROUVOST  RODNEY GRAHAM | BEN RIVERS 

Opening preview: Wednesday May 13th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Darbyshire, 19-23 White Lion Street, London, N1 9PD

​In collaboration with Darbyshire Framers, McLean’s Artist Malts is delighted to showcase works by

 Charles Avery, Laure Prouvost, Rodney Graham, and  Ben Rivers 

McLean’s Artist Malts is a publisher of artist editions which marry rare Scotch whisky with cutting edge contemporary art. Each project culminates in a work that plays on sight, sound, touch, smell, and of course taste. Nick Fleming, wine and spirits buyer for Harrods, said: “I see a similar discipline behind the creation of both great whisky and art, whereby craftsmen and women dedicate themselves to produce works to be discussed, evaluated and of course enjoyed. These strong, witty and relevant pieces are matched with liquid of real calibre.”  Since 2012, ​we have been inviting a pair of artists each year to create a work of art around their own small-batch, single malt Scotch whisky.  Every whisky we use has been ageing for a number of years prior to selection, it is then matched to a pair of artists, whose work demonstrate an affinity to the project. Each completed work features a distinguished bottle of whisky that has undergone a second maturation in a sherry cask, bottled at cask strength, this makes every drop unique to the respective artist and the edition. All the works ​are produced in  collaboration with  Poligrafa of Barcelona, ​who produce an accompanying printed edition.

​Founded over 50 years ago alongside Joan Miro, Poligrafa are considered one of  Europe’s most respected print houses.

McLeans Artist Malts
94 Teesdale street,
Bethnal Green,
London,
E3 3HB

The Glenlivet Visitor Centre picks up Taste Our Best award

The Old Maltings Coffee Shop at The Glenlivet Visitor Centre, recently attained the Taste Our Best award for the locally-sourced and fresh food and drink it includes on its menu. It is one of only seven distilleries in Scotland to have attained this recognition.

Taste Our Best is a joint initiative between VisitScotland and the Scottish Government. Launched in 2013, the scheme is designed to recognise businesses including hotels, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, visitor attractions and B&Bs that not only offer a quality food and drink experience, but include and promote Scottish produce on their menus, to give consumers choice.

The Glenlivet is already a 5* Visitor Attraction and the Old Maltings Coffee Shop prides itself on using local food and drink suppliers, including the butcher in Dufftown (12 miles away); the baker in Grantown-on-Spey (20 miles); ice cream from Buckie (30 miles), cheese from Ardersier (40 miles), vegetables from Inverness (40 miles), dairy products from Forres (30 miles) and preserves from Conon Bridge (50 miles). All the goods they buy are from the Moray area and Highlands and Islands.

The Old Maltings’ menu includes homemade Cullen Skink, served with a wedge of fresh crusty bread from a local baker; Ploughman’s lunch consisting of a selection of Scottish cheeses, The Glenlivet whisky pickle, oatcakes and a side salad; and locally-sourced Scottish smoked salmon and Scottish beef and ham.

Results from the 2011/12 Scotland Visitor Survey highlighted that the sampling of local produce is the second highest activity undertaken by visitors when they come to Scotland.

Caroline Mitchell, Manager of The Glenlivet Visitor Centre, said: “We are delighted to have received this award, which recognises our commitment to supporting local suppliers. The team at The Glenlivet visitor centre is dedicated to ensuring all our guests have the best possible experience, and leave with a fantastic impression of the area, as well as of our world-famous Scotch whisky.

“Our visitors come from far and wide, so it’s great to have the opportunity to showcase the wonderful local produce of the Speyside region in our The Old Maltings Coffee Shop.”

 Scott Armstrong, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “I would like to congratulate the staff at The Glenlivet Visitor Centre on receiving this award, but it comes as no surprise, as the scope of locally-sourced food featured on their menu really is commendable.

“We know that visitors love authentic, quality Scottish food and drink and Taste Our Best is all about taking this knowledge to the next level and really encouraging the tourism industry and businesses to recognise the real benefits of sourcing, using and promoting local and Scottish produce. We have such a rich natural larder here in Moray Speyside, with some of the best products in the world right on our doorstep.

“2015 is the Year of Scotland’s Food and Drink and we hope that all the visitors to our shores this year who are experiencing the range of truly global events across the country will also get to taste the best of Scotland.”

Funded by the Scottish Government (£450K over three years) and VisitScotland (£470K in kind) with support from Scotland Food and Drink, the Taste Our Best initiative brings together the tourism and food and drink industries.

Research has shown that visitors are willing to pay up to 15% more for food that is of Scottish or regional origin and businesses that provide local food can typically enjoy higher level sales of up to 20% per year. It’s estimated that Scotland’s food and drink tourism industry is worth £2.5 million per day to the economy with sampling traditional dishes and local produce among the top activity undertaken by visitors to Scotland.

Taste Our Best replaced the EatScotland food and drink QA scheme, which is being phased out.  Further details can be found at: www.visitscotland.org/quality-foodanddrink.aspx

2015 International Whisky Competition Official Results

Awards, Scores and Winners 

International Whisky Competition Committee

Chicago, IL USA

Thursday, April 30, 2015

www.whiskycompetition.com

Highlights of 2015

Foreword

This 6th edition of the International Whisky Competition took place in Chicago on the 23rd and 24th of April. A world class tasting panel of ten whisky, spirit, beer and wine experts blind tasted each whisky on an individual basis (by opposition to flights of 6 or more whiskies, which tends to rush the judging process and contaminate the palate.) Each whisky was scored using a comprehensive 100-point scale system developed by Sebastien Gavillet, IWC Head of Judges and author of Discovering and Mastering Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This process undoubtedly makes the International Whisky Competition one of the most professional competitions of its kind in the world. No whisky scored below 76 points and each judge sampled every whisky entered.

Unique Medals with Winners Based on Scores

Medals are important and we believe too many medals were awarded in the past by other spirits competitions, making the public suspicious of them. That being said, we’re the only competition providing three medals for each category so that each win is unique and not duplicated with generic awards of lesser value.

Introducing Whisky Points Medallions

Borrowing from what’s been highly popular in the wine judging world for many years, we decided to apply the same logic to whisky. The whisky point medallions will showcase the score each whisky received during this International Whisky Competition. The design is simple; each whisky scoring 90 points and over has gold on black and each whisky scoring between 85 and up to 90 points will be silver on black.

A World Class Scoring System

Judges were blind tasting, judging and scoring each whisky individually during five minutes based on the four main segments and eleven sub sections below:

• Sight: Colours (0 point), Visual appeal (5 points)

• Nose: Intensity and complexity (15 points), Distinctiveness of aromas (10 points), Balance of aromas (10 points)

• Taste-Mouth Feel: Palate and balance (10 points), Alcohol, body and complexity (10 points), Distinctiveness of flavours (10 points), Balance between flavours (10 points)

• Finish: Length and finish (10 points), Quality of finish (10 points)

2015 IWC Top Award

Whisky of the Year

John Walker & Sons King George V   (97 Points)    

Diageo, winner of the new Golden Barrel Trophy

Blind Tasting Notes: “This whisky has everything that makes a complex, beautiful, majestic dram featuring all the components of perfection.”

– Adam Carmer, Owner, The Whisky Attic, Las Vegas, 2015 IWC Judge

Master Blender of the Year

Jim Beveridge, Diageo, Creator of John Walker & Sons King George V

THREE BOURBONS FROM BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY WIN TOP

AWARDS IN TWO TASTING COMPETITIONS 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 7, 2015) – Three bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery won top awards in two recent tasting competitions. Barton’s 1792 Bourbon, Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brought home medals and distinctions from the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“We are honored to receive each of these awards,” Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, said. “We work hard to produce excellent bourbon, and are humbled by these recognitions.”

2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Barton’s 1792 Bourbon and Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey were each designated as “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was distinguished as “Very Good, Strong Recommendation.”

            Zackariah Harris, 1792 and Kentucky Tavern were each deemed to be “Great Values.” Receiving a designation as “Tried & True” were 1792 Bourbon and Kentucky Tavern.

            This competition, in its sixth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

            Complete results for the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2015results.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

More than 1,580 entries were submitted for a blind tasting at the 15^th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where 41 of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry, ultimately awarding 1792 Bourbon a gold medal. Kentucky Tavern and Zackariah Harris were each awarded bronze medals.

Complete results for the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/browse.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent Best of Category winner at the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

A.SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY SPIRITS WIN TOP AWARDS

IN TWO TASTING COMPETITIONS

Whiskey takes double gold 

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (May 5, 2015) – Two A. Smith Bowman whiskies, received high accolades in two recent tasting competitions. The spirits brought home medals and distinctions from the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“We always strive to create excellent spirits, and for such an assortment of our portfolio to fare so well in these two competitions, it’s an honor,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “We are humbled by each of these results.”

2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

This competition, in its sixth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

 Complete results for the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2015results.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

More than 1,580 entries were submitted for a blind tasting at the 15^th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where 41 of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry, ultimately awarding John J. Bowman a Double Gold Medal and awarding Bowman Brothers Small Batch a silver medal.

Complete results for the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/browse.

About A. Smith Bowman

1. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit: www.asmithbowman.com

British Polo Day – Morocco

Royal Salute was among the sponsors of the highly successful British Polo Day Morocco on Saturday 25 April.

The event took place at the exclusive Jnan Amar Polo Club, set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, for the benefit of the Eve Branson Foundation. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the event saw the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Eve Branson, British Ambassador to Morocco Clive Alderton, US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight L. Bush Sr and many more come together to raise a record US$205,000 for charity.

The British Polo Day itinerary took in some of the most spectacular corners of Marrakech, including a unique Land Rover Driving Experience through the Atlas Mountains visiting the Eve Branson Foundation’s project villages, the official launch party under the trees in the spa gardensof Royal Mansour and – on the eve of British Polo Day – a glamorous Medina Party spanning the myriad hidden courtyards, beautiful historic rooms and rooftop terrace of El Fenn.

In the second match of the day, guests then watched the Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth team take on their counterparts, Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World. This proved to be a technical and evenly matched game, which began with a great run by The Honorable Tristan Phillimore opening for the Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth team.

However, Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World showed great strength, with Rudolfo Ducos riding a fine line and scoring on two occasions, and Lucas Tariditto ensuring that the home team crept into the lead by 3 goals to 2.5 at half time. The third and fourth chukkas were equally eventful with clever play from Viscount Melville and Nacho Tejerina, in particular, but it was the home side Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World that overcame, winning 5 goals to 3.5.

At the official prize-giving the Jnan Amar Challenge Cup was presented by Eve Branson to runners-up, the Royal Salute Eve Branson Commonwealth team. The triumphant Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World team then took to the podium to claim British Silverware’s Hackett Eve Branson Plate, proudly presented by Sir Richard Branson, Eve Branson, Founder of Jnan Amar Polo Club Amar Abdelhadi, Mr Bikrate (the Wali of Marrakech) and Mr Bethaoui (Governor of Haoz).

The Royal Salute Most Valuable Player award, presented by Chivas Brothers Prestige Relationship Director Peter Prentice, was awarded to Nacho Tejerina of the Ritz-Carlton Jnan Amar Rest of the World team.

The evening’s Gala Dinner at Dar Soukkar brought British Polo Day Morocco 2015 to a suitably glamorous close. A superb courtyard dinner under the stars was followed by a rousing Royal Salute Quaich Experience where Peter Prentice invited all the ‘kilted men of Scotland’ to join him on stage and led a toast to Eve Branson.

British Polo Day Morocco Co-Founder Tom Hudson said: “What a great match with the Jnan Amar Polo Club team narrowly beating the Eve Branson Foundation team. Watching from the Harrods garden, set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, we couldn’t have wished for a more perfect day and, as always, a huge thank you to all our partners.”

Eve Branson, Founder of the Eve Branson Foundation, added: “The Eve Branson Foundation aims to create positive opportunities, working closely in partnership with the communities we support in the High Atlas Mountains, to bring about transformations both economically and socially. This, our second ‘British Polo Day Morocco’, hosted again by the Jnan Amar Polo Resort, saw an incredible gathering of all the friends and supporters of the Foundation and was the perfect showcase and occasion, to raise the money we need to continue the hugely important work we do.”

Visit Annandale Distillery

BORN 1836, FELL INTO A DEEP SLEEP 1918, WAKENED

FR OM SLUMBER 2007, RESTORATION OF NATURAL

BEAUT Y BEGINS 2011…

– A Spirit Reborn

The rebirth of Annandale Distillery and its transformation into a 21st century whisky-making centre and visitor attraction is Dumfries and Galloway’s most ambitious tourism story.

The historic distillery has been through 3 whisky-making eras and a period when it was used in farming. It was formerly a Johnny Walker distillery which closed in 1918. Following an extensive restoration project, Annandale Distillery was reborn in 2014, with production starting on 3rd November. Once again Single Malt Scotch Whisky is being produced in Dumfries and Galloway after almost a 100 year absence. Visitors to the distillery can gain a deeper insight in to its  fascinating past and the whisky-making process by taking a tour, classic tours (priced £8.50) run on the hour 10am – 4pm daily, 7 days a week. Restoration Tours and a Distillery Manager’s Tour are also available. A tour with Distillery Owner, Professor David Thomson is available by special arrangement at certain times of the year. Visitors can be among the first to taste the New Make Malt Spirit, now available for sale in striking black Tam o’ Shanter-inspired miniature and 20cL bottles. Annandale Distillery will produce 2 styles of whisky – smoky peaty ‘Man o’ Sword’ and smooth, fruity, unpeated ‘Man o’ Words’, honouring 2 of Scotland’s most iconic figures, Robert The Bruce and Robert Burns – both with strong ties to the Annandale area.

Casks are now available for sale.

An excursion to Annandale Distillery would not be complete without a stop off at the spectacular Visitor Centre which incorporates The Maltings Coffee Shop and Retail Space. Bursting with character, this building, as the name suggests, was originally used as The Maltings of the distillery. Visitors can relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere and handcrafted furnishings in this very special space. A host of delicious specialities are served throughout the day using carefully selected local produce. The Maltings Coffee Shop boasts a vast whisky selection, local craft beers and ciders. Alongside speciality coffees, visitors can enjoy a selection of loose leaf Scottish grown and blended teas including Ginger Chai, Rose Petal, Earl Grey and Blue Flower, served in unique cast iron teapots.

Children will enjoy selecting from a ‘Wee Rascals’ menu. The incorporation of local cultural knowledge has played an important part in the rebirth of Annandale Distillery, its branding is a tribute to Annan’s rich maritime history and shipbuilding heritage, with the ‘A’ of Annandale in the image of a billowing ship’s sail. Between 1830 and 1930 over 2.5 million people emigrated from Scotland, many of them leaving from Annan and other Solway ports. The Retail Space is brimming with beautiful ‘Made In Scotland’ gifts, plus a striking collection of Annandale Distillery branded clothing and accessories.

OPEN ALL YEAR

Open 7 Days a Week. Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm

Join A Tour, Hourly 10am – 4pm. Coaches by Appointment. Gift Vouchers Available

CASKS FOR SALE

2015 production

Unpeated: £2100 Peated: £2300

Price list for limited 2014 production casks available on request; Terms and conditions apply

Annandale Distillery, Northfield,
Annan, dg12 5ll Scotland
+44 (0) 1461 207817 l www.annandaledistillery.com

THE MACALLAN LAUNCHES ITS LONDON RESIDENCE

Luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan is taking over London’s Two Temple Place for two nights only.  On 2 and 3 June, The Macallan Residence will unlock its doors and invite guests into the world of The Macallan.

The first UK event of its kind for the brand will take guests on a journey of carefully curated experiences exploring the world of photography, food and fashion.

Visitors to The Macallan Residence will learn how to expertly nose and taste single malt with Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, award winning whiskies from The 1824 Series.  Master-classes from Mixologists Wayne Collins and David Miles will showcase the art of creating the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail.

Chocolate and whisky pairings from Artisan Du Chocolat will be on offer, as well a bespoke styling service from a number of hand-picked partners.  Photography from The Macallan’s latest collaboration with the world’s most glamourous and iconic fashion photographer, Mario Testino will also be exhibited for guests to enjoy.

Keith Bonnington, The Macallan Senior Brand Manager said: “The Macallan Residence is an exciting and unique event which will take consumers on an exceptional whisky experience.  Set in the iconic Two Temple Place, guests will be fully immersed in the world of quality craftsmanship synonymous with The Macallan.”

A limited number of tickets are available for the two hour experience on 2 June at 7.30pm and 8.30pm and 3 June at 6.30pm at Two Temple Place, London, WC2R 3BD. To reserve your place please visit: http://www.themacallanresidence.com/.

Notes

Please enjoy The Macallan responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #TheMacallanResidence

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 

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 leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else.

TWO OF A KIND – THE GLENROTHES STRIKES GOLD  

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits is delighted to announce The Glenrothes Select Reserve and The Glenrothes Vintage Reserve have both been awarded a Gold Medal at the Asian Spirits Masters 2015.

Produced to the same exacting quality standards as the Vintages, Select Reserve is a vatting of casks distilled in different years. It has been crafted to typify all that is The Glenrothes in its prime. Renowned as the ‘House Style’, laden with ripe fruits, juicy citrus, creamy vanilla and hints of complex spice, the Select Reserve is the essence, the very heart of The Glenrothes range in terms of taste and flavour.

The Vintage Reserve is the latest Reserve and epitomises the Vintage philosophy. It marries together a good many carefully selected Vintages from the last three decades, producing a Reserve of exceptional quality and flavour. A single malt that reflects the maturity of the whisky, rather than the age. The combination of different Vintages aged in a variety of casks creates a balance of mature experience and vibrant youth. The oldest constituent brings mellow oak and dried fruits; the greatest proportion adds soft, mature, sweet vanilla; the more youthful add exuberance and lemon citrus, creating a sharp and uplifting taste. The Vintage Reserve launched initially in Taiwan in November 2014, and is currently available in the UK from www.bbr.com. The UK national release is set for July 2015.

Ronnie Cox, Brand Heritage Director of The Glenrothes, commented; “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. Therefore it is flattering to win as it demonstrates that our efforts are not in vain, both The Vintage Reserve and The Select Reserve are stunning whiskies”

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 Select Reserve 43% ABV

Appearance:  Pale golden.

Bouquet:       American oak, vanilla and coconut, hint of plums.

Palate:          Full malty flavour, medium sweet, vanilla and orange zest.

Finish:           Long and slightly spicy.

The Spirits Masters is a series of blind tasting competitions, drawing entries in from across the world. The Asian Spirits Masters recognises the finest spirits available for sale in the Asian market.

For more information about The Glenrothes, visit www.theglenrothes.com

Notes:

The Glenrothes was founded in 1879.

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

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

• Double Gold, China Wine & Spirits Awards 2015
• Gold, The Asian Spirits Masters 2015
• “Officially Amazing” , Guinness World Record holder for largest Burns Supper, 2015
• The Glenrothes Select Reserve
• 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

Ledaig releases 1972 vintage malt to the market

Burn Stewart Distillers has released a rare, one off malt to key international markets – Ledaig 42YO, a robust, smoky malt whisky with a rich and distinct history.

Named Dùsgadh, meaning ‘awakening’ in Scot’s Gaelic, reflecting the long, dormant period of maturation, this is the rarest and oldest Ledaig ever released and the next 40YO Ledaig single malt won’t be available until 2036.

The story of handcrafted Ledaig 42YO begins on the Isle of Mull at the Tobermory Distillery, the only distillery on the mystic island and amongst the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The malt’s old world charm reflects the brand’s spirit to do things the traditional way, by hand.

In a rare feat of master blending, this Single Malt Scotch Whisky has retained all of its deep, peaty intensity, which is almost unheard of for an expression of this age. Throughout its four decade history, the Scottish landscapes and climates to which Ledaig 42YO has been exposed, have strengthened the malt’s distinctly rich and smoky flavour.

The heavy intensity of Ledaig 42YO makes it an ideal digestif, or accompaniment to a fine cigar. This depth also means that it is best enjoyed neat and without water or ice, which would only dilute the profusion of flavour.

Like all of the malts in the Burn Stewart portfolio, Ledaig 42YO is un-chilfiltered, ensuring that more of the whisky’s natural aroma, flavour and texture remain in the bottle, deepening the taste.

The luxurious packaging which houses Ledaig 42YO has been inspired by the copper from the retired stills, which released the first spirit in 1972 and has finally reached the end of its distilling life. The aged copper has been used as part of the Ledaig 42YO packaging to celebrate this milestone and honour its rich heritage.

As an appreciation of our customer’s commitment to Ledaig, each box of Ledaig 42YO contains a handcrafted copper card, which entitles the buyer to inherit a bottle of Ledaig 10YO from the last distillate from the now retired stills, which will be available in 2025.

Master Distiller at Burn Stewart Distillers, Ian MacMillan said: “I’ve been distilling for almost 40 years and the smoky aroma retained in Ledaig 42YO is the highest I have ever come across in a 40YO island whisky. It’s the intricate and unusual process that has allowed this liquid to keep its strong, peaty characteristic. Under close supervision and moving homes, this liquid has been allowed to develop into a truly unique malt.

“The precious copper that released the first spirit in 1972 has reached the end of its distilling life and has produced exceptional vintage malt, which I am looking forward to sharing with an exclusive group of whisky lovers across the globe.”

Burn Stewart Distillers will release only 500 bottles across select international territories including the UK, North America and Asia. The RRP for Ledaig 42YO, 70cl and 75cl bottles is £3,500 and this includes the 10YO bottle buyers will receive in 2025.

For further information please visit www.lediag42.com

Notes

Ledaig 42 Year Old Tasting Notes:

Colour: Chestnut

Nose: Rich and complex, intense phenolic sherry aromas. Sooty smokiness, fragrant wood, toffee apple, briny with some sweet biscuit maltiness. 

Palate: Quite dry evolving to a rich smoky oloroso sherry character. Massive complex layers of dark chocolate, coffee and cherry liqueurs. Extremely smooth, well balanced with spicy ginger and black peppercorn overtones. 

Finish: Dry, smooth and spicy, satisfying and very long with a salty smoky tail. 

About Burn Stewart Distillers

Burn Stewart Distillers is part of the Distell Group Limited, Africa’s leading producer and marketer of spirits, fine wines, ciders and ready to drinks. The company’s Head Office is based in East Kilbride, Scotland, and its principal trading activities are the distillation, blending, bottling and marketing of Scotch Whisky brands in the UK and internationally.

The company owns and operates three malt distilleries: Bunnahabhain (Islay), Tobermory (Mull) and Deanston (Doune, near Stirling).  It has a blending and maturation facility in Airdrie and a bottling hall and dry and finished goods storage site in East Kilbride.  The company also operates a sales and marketing branch in Taiwan.

Burn Stewart produces and markets a well-balanced range of Scotch Whisky brands. Its core blends include Scottish Leader and Black Bottle, with the single malts portfolio consisting of Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Deanston and Ledaig.

With a dedicated staff of approximately 240 located in various sites throughout the world, BSD employees have an average service of nine years, with 37% of staff having worked with the company for more than 10 years and 11% for over 20 years.

This loyalty and experience is reflected in the quality of our award-winning brands.