Celebrating Five years at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas!

                    The Nth 2015 – The Ultimate Whisky Experience, March 11^th-14^th 2015  

An unparalleled experience, Nth 2015 is a premiere luxury whisky tasting event not to be missed. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savor, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Wynn and Encore Resort. During this 4-day destination event starting March 11^th -14^th 2015 in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights. Come experience the most unique event of its kind – Nth 2015 by Universal Whisky Experience!

The Main Tasting Event is the best of its kind, allowing you to mingle with other whisky-lovers while tasting the most refined whiskey choices. There is an amazing assortment of whiskey personalities under one roof at the Nth 2015 including Exhibitors and Masters alike, these brand leaders will offer astounding numbers of fine whiskies for your sampling pleasure.

Super Pours are simply unrivaled at the Nth 2015 show. These rare delectable whiskeys retail for no less than $300 per dram and will be available to you for tasting amongst all the other whiskies. All our attendees will also enjoy dinner with mouthwatering cuisine after the whisky tasting.

Our Master Classes are just one of the many features at the Nth 2015 that makes this the ultimate luxury whisky event of the year on Saturday 14th March 2015. Enjoy the tutelage of the finest Masters involved in the whisky business and learn the art of premium whisky production.

Wait if all this excitement is not enough then why not enjoy a golfing experience like no other at the ‘Nth 2015’ and take advantage of this unique opportunity to golf with some of the Masters in the whisky industry on Thursday March 12th, 2015.

The Nth 2015 offers one great event – Three different experiences starting with the Connoisseur Experience allowing you to enjoy a great evening of sampling whiskies and dinner on Friday March 13th,  followed by the Enthusiast Experience our newest ticket type for the more novice whisky lover.

The High Roller Experience is our most popular and ultimate option for Whisky-Lovers starting on Thursday March 12^th  and finishing Saturday March 14^th 2015. Enjoy your extended weekend of luxurious whisky experiences with best of best products and producers. With this package, the event is considered the must-attend affair where like minded, passionate individuals share their whisky experiences with other collectors and connoisseurs. The High Roller experience includes:

Whisky Speed Dating Dinner, High Roller Lounge & Exclusive Super Pours starting at $5,000 +

The Nth 2015 main tasting show, Gourmet Dinner reception, Master Classes and a High Roller Gift Bag.

For more information on the Nth 2015 Whisky Experience, and to purchase tickets please visit the website:

http://www.universalwhiskyexperience.com/

The Whisky Exchange releases exclusive Millstone Dutch Single Rye Whisky from Zuidam

In their constant search to find the greatest whiskies from around the world, The Whisky Exchange have at last reached The Netherlands. Distiller Zuidam began producing spirits in 1975, and since the early years of the 21st century, they’ve been applying their know-how to whisky.

Since the initial releases in 2007, they have expanded their range, producing peated and finished single malts as well as award-winning rye whiskies. While their single malts are rightly praised, it’s the rye whiskey which especially caught the eye of the experts at TWE.

Spicy and rich like the best American ryes, this Whisky Exchange exclusive Dutch whisky is distinctly different and was a must-have as soon as it was sampled. It’s made with 100% rye and has been matured for a decade in American oak, producing a unique and flavoursome whisky.

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and sweet to start, reminiscent of cola bottles and vanilla panna cotta. Dry, sweet, spicy and citrus notes dominate, with rye toast, salted caramel, nutmeg and kaffir lime leaves.

Taste: Maple syrup and orange zest. It sweetens as it develops in the glass, with toffee apples, barley sugar, clove and caraway leading to a soft and lingering finish of sliced apple and cinnamon toast.

Bottling details

• Bottled at barrel proof – 58.6% ABV
• Single cask #667
• Distilled in January 2004; bottled in September 2014
• Only 245 70cl bottles
• £84.95, available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange

The TWE exclusive Millstone 2004 is available now from The Whisky Exchange Shop at Vinopolis or online from http://thewhiskyexchange.com/.

Shaken and stirred – Sir Sean Connery is named the Scot most people want to share a dram with in Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival poll

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is the Scot that most Britons would like to share a dram with, according to a new YouGov poll for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The research revealed that 22% of people would prefer him as a drinking partner over historical figures and fellow stars from the world of Scottish entertainment, sport, and politics.

Mary Queen of Scots came second in the poll with 9% of the vote, fending off competition from the likes of tennis player Andy Murray (5%), football legend Sir Alex Ferguson (8%) and poet Robert Burns (5%). But there was bad news for former First Minister Alex Salmond – he tied with Britain’s Got Talent singer Susan Boyle for last place in the list of famous drinking companions (3%).

Mr Salmond did not fare much better when respondents were asked to indicate which celebrity – living or dead – they would most like to share a drink with. The poll showed that more people wanted to have a dram with UKIP leader Nigel Farage than the Scots politician.

As the nation marks the 50^th anniversary of his death, Winston Churchill was found to be the famous figure that most people wanted to sit down and enjoy an alcoholic drink with (7%). The formidable former Prime Minister beat comedian Stephen Fry into second place (2%), while Elvis Presley was third (2%).

The poll was commissioned by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as part of a study into whisky drinking habits ahead of this year’s event. The five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink, which takes place in the country’s most prolific whisky-producing region, takes place from April 30 to May 4.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell says he can understand why Sir Sean was such a popular choice. He adds, “I suppose he could be compared to a fine single malt – sophisticated, full of flavour, very rich and distinctly Scottish.

“Sir Sean may be more accustomed to picking up awards and being recognised for his acting, but I hope that he will be delighted with this slightly more unusual honour. Sir Sean has lived in the Bahamas for many years, but if he wants to come home to Scotland for the Festival there will clearly be no shortage of people queuing up to share a dram with him.”

The poll of over 2,000 UK adults found that whisky was the most popular spirit drink with the nation’s men (27%), and particularly for adults aged 55 and over (22%). However, the 25-34 age group represented the second biggest segment of whisky drinkers (18%).

Whisky remains more loved in Scotland than in any other part of the UK, with 22% of Scots surveyed saying it was their tipple of choice. It tied with vodka for the most popular spirit in Scotland.

Vodka was the most popular spirit across the UK at 20%, but whisky is the nation’s second most favoured spirit overall at 17%. Gin (13%), rum (10%) and brandy (5%) all trailed behind.

Mr Campbell says, “I think that we can really take heart from the results of this survey, which shows that whisky remains a popular drink across the UK. For many years it had the perception of being a stuffy old man’s drink, so we are particularly pleased to see that males in the 25-34 age group represented the second-largest sample of whisky drinkers.

“The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has grown year on year, and last year we attracted 27,227 visits to events. Our visitors come from all over the UK, but a huge number also come from overseas, and this underlines how passionate people are about Scotch whisky.

“Tickets for this year’s Festival go on sale on February 3, and this year there are over 400 events on the programme. We offer exclusive behind the scenes tours of distilleries, nosing and tasting experiences, food pairing, music events, art exhibitions and wildlife walks.

“The programme is incredibly diverse – so much so that it’s even possible to visit and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Speyside and the Festival without even touching a drop of whisky.”

Respondents were asked to choose from Sir Alex Ferguson, Andy Murray, Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Logie Baird, Susan Boyle, Alex Salmond, Sir Sean Connery, Mary Queen of Scots, and Alexander Graham Bell. Other trends the poll by YouGov found were:

• More women than men wanted Sir Sean Connery as their drinking partner (24% vs. 20%)
• More people living in London than Scotland wanted to have a drink with Andy Murray (9% vs. 7%)
• More Welsh than Scottish respondents wanted to dram with Scotland’s national hero William Wallace (12% vs. 6%)
• Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson was the joint second most popular Scots drinking companion in Wales (12%)
• Those in the North East of England (12%) were the least likely region to prefer whisky as an alcoholic spirit
• Prince Harry and Prince Phillip were found to be equally popular choices as drinking partners
• More people opted to have a dram with Margaret Thatcher than the Queen

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com from February 3. The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter.

Finalists Shortlisted for the Whisky Awards 2015

Six malt whiskies from Speyside distilleries will go head-to-head for the honour of being recognised as one of the region’s top tipples. The finalists in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards have been shortlisted by a panel of judges – but the whisky-loving public will be responsible for crowning the overall winners.

Festival visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite drams at a series of judging roadshows taking place during the annual five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink from April 30 to May 4.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards remains the only whisky awards scheme in the world that places the power to determine the winners in the hands of the public.

The judging panel, which was made up of industry experts, whisky writers and specialist retailers, whittled down the eight finalists from an overall entry of 37 from distilleries across Speyside. There are three separate categories.

In the 12 years and under category and non-age statement category, Cardhu Gold Reserve will take on Strathisla 12 years. In the section for malts aged 13 to 20 it will be between Aberlour 18 and Glenfiddich 18. GlenSpey 21 and Benromach 30 will battle it out in the 21 years and over category.

The awards are sponsored by coppersmiths Forsyths of Rothes – the company responsible for building many of the pot stills in which the shortlisted single malts were distilled. The judging session took place at the Knockomie Hotel in Forres.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival director Laura Sharp says that the judges blind tasted the entries, and only found out which drams made their shortlist after all the scores had been counted.

“We were very fortunate to have a highly skilled panel of judges who are all respected within the industry. I know that they were all very impressed with the overall quality of the entries, and the final scoring was very close. That makes a real statement about the quality of the whisky that we have here in Speyside,” she says.

“We feel very strongly, however, that the final say should rest in the hands of Festival visitors. Our judging panel may help to educate and form opinions about whiskies in their-day-to-day roles, but it could be said that consumers are the real experts as they ultimately have the power to make or break through their buying preferences.

“Whisky drinkers appreciate a fantastic whisky when they taste one – we have every confidence that visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will once again select winners worthy of being crowned the best in Speyside.”

A number of judging sessions will take place across Speyside, with visitors asked to sample each shortlisted malt in a blind taste test. Tasting the malts blind ensures that consumers are not swayed by loyalty to or awareness of brands.The final judging session and awards prize-giving will take place at the Festival closing ceilidh on Sunday, May 3.

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme, including the roving judging sessions, can be bought via the website – http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ – from February 3. The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter.

The new anCnoc 1975 Vintage is here

On February 1^st 2015 anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky will unveil its latest creation – anCnoc 1975 Vintage. Bottled late in 2014 this is the oldest expression ever released from Knockdhu Distillery and promises to be the ultimate treat for anCnoc fans and the most discerning whisky drinkers around the world.

The whisky comes from only three American oak and Spanish oak ex-sherry casks laid down in 1975. The release consists of 1590 bottles. The whisky comes in its most natural form, it has not been chill-filtered or coloured and is presented at the cask strength of 44.2% ABV.

The recommended retail price is £300. anCnoc 1975 Vintage will be available in several key markets around the world including the UK, USA, Russia and Canada.

In-keeping with anCnoc’s ethos of ‘Modern Tradition’, the 1975 Vintage is presented in a simple, striking bottle and encased in an elegant black tube.

anCnoc Assistant Brand Manager Stephanie Bridge sheds light on where the new Vintage fits within anCnoc’s recent string of acclaimed releases.

“The last 12 months have been a very ambitious and a very successful time for anCnoc. We unveiled the limited Peaty Collection to a global audience and launched two travel retail expressions as well as our popular 18 Year Old. The 1975 has been anticipated for a number of years, it’s distinctively anCnoc, a fantastic whisky and a superb addition to any whisky collection.”

Tasting notes

Colour: Ebony with amber highlights

Nose: Rich and inviting. Waves of spicy dried fruit and creamy vanilla sweetness are accentuated by candied orange peel, green apple freshness and just a hint of cut flowers. This is a rare example of a very mature dram displaying in equal measures its robustness, liveliness and the unique Distillery character.

Taste: Full-bodied, intense and complex. Fruit cake, sticky toffee and seasoned leather are followed by signature notes of honey and lemons, leading eventually to a long, mouth-watering finish full of vibrant spice and earthy raisin sweetness.

Notes

• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly.

• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the mostenchanting in Scotland.

• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a time honoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs.

• anCnoc is known for being a modern brand with a strong focus on the contemporary, diverse whisky audience. The brand has a strong affiliation with modern arts and sponsors a number projects and galleries in Scotland and beyond.

• Core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 22 Year Old, all celebrated worldwide.

• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim.

• In April 2014 anCnoc launched the Peaty Collection consisting of whiskies distilled at Knockdhu Distillery with the use of peated malt. To date these includes Rutter, Flaughter, Tushkar and Cutter, all are named after traditional tools of the trade.

• In November 2014 anCnoc 18 Year Old was added to the core range to critical acclaim

• anCnoc is part of International Beverage Holdings

Glenmorangie Tùsail Savours The Renaissance of a Rare Barley

GLENDRONACH RELEASES BATCH 11 OF ITS SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS

GLENDRONACH has today, 29 January, released the latest batch, its eleventh, of single cask bottlings.

It comprises nine outstanding casks from the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery that were bottled in November and all are available as of today.

Ranging from 43 to 18 years old, there is huge and intriguing variety across the nine, six of which were matured in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheons, two in Oloroso Sherry Butts and one in an Oloroso Sherry Puncheon.

Typically for GlenDronach, each cask demonstrates the classic robust and richly sherried style infused with mouth-watering, zingy fruits.

All nine single casks have been hand-selected by BenRiach’s Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker who described them as “sensational” and added:

“I believe Batch 11 makes a very simple point – the wood has a huge influence on the spirit. You immediately sense – and taste – the influence of the casks on these nine sublime single malts. The subtle interaction of the ex-sherry wood with the Highland spirit over long dark years in the warehouse creates a luxurious and amazingly complex raft of flavours. In these nine expressions you feel the pulse of our inventory at GlenDronach and the idiosyncratic personality of the casks coming through. That, plus the passion and craftsmanship of our people, is what produces these incredible whiskies time and time again.”

Batch Eleven has a number of superb highlights.

The oldest, 1971 cask number 2920, at 48.6% vol, is a monster 43 years old malt matured in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Intense treacle toffee floods over sour plums and roasted coffee. Harmonising waves of leather and tobacco give great depth and are balanced perfectly by a subtle toasted walnut and date back note.

As a contrast the 18 years old from cask number 244, at 56.9% vol, is the youngest, distilled in February 1996. Matured in a fine Oloroso Sherry Butt, there is a tremendous balance of mixed candied peel and stewed dark fruits sprinkled with dark Demerara. Delicious waves of toffee, cracked barley and warm oak spices combine to give a long and elegant finish.

 The cask details are as follows: 1971 cask # 2920 /  43 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 48.6% vol.  1990 cask # 1020 /  24 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 53.8% vol. 1990 cask # 1162 / 24 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 52.9%vol.  1994 cask # 54 / 20 years old / Oloroso Sherry Butt / 56.6% vol. 1994 cask # 3201 / 20 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 56.2% vol.

1994 cask # 3386 / 20 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 53.6% vol.

1995 cask # 538 / 19 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / 55.0% vol.

1995 cask # 4941 / 19 years old / Oloroso Sherry Puncheon / 57.0% vol.

1996 cask # 244 / 18 years old / Oloroso Sherry Butt / 56.9% vol.

Mark Davidson of Cadenhead’s Accepts The Award

Joseph Magliocco, President, Michter’s Distillery

Joseph Magliocco is President of Louisville based Michter’s Distillery as well as its parent Chatham Imports, a supplier of imported wines, niche spirits, and beer. Upon completing his studies, he immediately began his full-time work in the spirits industry. Inducted in Bordeaux as a Commandeur de L’Ordre du Bontemps de Medoc et de Graves, he has considerable experience working with not just spirits, but wines as well. He graduated from Yale College, where he majored in Religious Studies and did some bartending, and he earned his law degree at Harvard Law School. He has done and continues to do charitable work volunteering for not-for-profit organisations.

Find out more…

Dr Nicholas Morgan, Head of Whisky Outreach, Diageo

Dr Nicholas Morgan is Head of Whisky Outreach at Diageo plc, the largest Scotch whisky producer. His previous role as Scotch Heritage Director was to champion the deep-rooted heritage of the company and its brands. Prior to that, he directed Diageo’s global malt whisky marketing team, leading key innovations such as the development of the Talisker range and the introduction of the Special Releases programme. Nick Morgan joined United Distillers (now Diageo) in 1990, when he established the world’s largest collection of historical material relating to the spirits industry. Before that, he taught modern Scottish History at the University of Glasgow.

Find out more…

Jim Beam Releases New Premium Take On Rye Whiskey Staple

Deerfield, Ill. – January 2015 – Today, Jim Beam^®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, announces the refresh of Jim Beam^® Rye – the classic Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey offering that’s been a staple on whiskey bars globally for decades.

New Jim Beam^® Pre-Prohibition Style Rye, bottled at 90-proof, has a distinct spicy flavor and long, soft finish, and makes the product perfectly mixable for any classic or contemporary rye whiskey cocktail. Founded in 1795, Jim Beam Rye is a pre-prohibition style rye whiskey made from one of the Beam family’s oldest recipes, and is distilled with the same exacting standards that have governed Jim Beam for more than 200 years.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from bartenders and whiskey fans that  they are looking for a bolder Rye that stands up better in cocktails,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “We listened to this feedback, and know that the time is right to Make History by taking a classic product that’s loved around the world and making it even better.”

About Jim Beam^® Pre-Prohibition Style Rye Whiskey

• Now bottled at 90-proof, the new Jim Beam Rye is a pre-prohibition style Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye is spicy and warm with a bit of a black pepper bite which gives way to vanilla and oak undertones. The finish is warm and inviting.
• Jim BeamPre-Prohibition Style Rye has a rye spicy aroma, with hints of vanilla and oak notes, with a golden amber color.
• Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye will have an updated bottle label design to reflect the premium quality of product

New Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye has a suggested retail price of $22.99 for 750mL, and will be available in select on-premise locations and retailers nationwide starting in January 2015.

For more information about Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye, “like” our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JimBeam), follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com/other-bourbons.

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 of approximately $4.6 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.