Tamdhu shows its strength with new expression

BENRIACH ONE OF 1000 COMPANIES TO INSPIRE BRITAIN

THE London Stock Exchange Group has released its list of ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ and The BenRiach Distillery Company is featured for the first time.

‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.    

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the report examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

Over 100 sectors in total are represented; from manufacturing and engineering, to financial services and retail, with companies from across every region of the UK.

Eight of the fastest-growing food and drink companies are based in Scotland.

The report points out that the success of SMEs has a disproportionate effect on our national economic output. The Scale-Up Report, published last year by Sherry Coutu, found that boosting this ‘sector‘ by just 1% would create as many as 230,000 new jobs and add £38bn to UK GDP.

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group, believes the UK has some of the most inspiring growth businesses in the world.

“Our report showcases some of these fast-growing and dynamic companies – the type of companies we believe will help fuel the long-term growth of the UK economy,” he said.

To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria which included being UK-registered, having a turnover of between £6-£250 million in the last 12 months and a minimum of three years in operation.

Chancellor  George Osborne said: “This is a remarkable list of outstanding companies. These businesses have been built by the drive, commitment and vision of Britain’s entrepreneurs and business leaders. It is my privilege to be able to congratulate them all, and to thank London Stock Exchange Group for its work.”

BenRiach MD Billy Walker (pictured) said: “It’s an enormous compliment and a very pleasant surprise to be included in this prestigious list,” he said. “T his achievement is testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of our people across our four sites.”

Edinburgh-headquartered BenRiach markets three core brands – BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh single malts – from its three distilleries at Elgin, Forgue and Portsoy. Last year it announced a record pre-tax profit increase of 116% to £8.9m in its annual financial results alongside a turnover growth of 39.4% to £34.5m.

Usquaebach Scotch Whisky Makes a Vibrant Return to the US Market

Usquaebach (pronounced “oos-ke-bah”), the small, artisanally crafted, blended Scotch whisky, has been quietly making a comeback in the US market since its purchase by Cobalt Brands in 2009.  Thanks to the hard work of its current owners and the reliance on a fiercely dedicated customer base longing for its return, the brand can now be found in over 20 states and in all major US markets.

Usquaebach’s blend dates back to the 1700’s and its name was trademarked in 1877, making it one of the most enduring brands in the Scotch whisky market. One reason for this is the loyal customer base that continues to seek out the whisky due to the quality of the product – a testament to the reputation of the Laing family in Glasgow, Scotland, who has been blending Usquaebach for nearly 100 years.

“Stewart Laing, our long time blender, relies on his close relationships with historic single malt distilleries throughout the Highlands,” says Ryan Judson, Usquaebach’s national brand ambassador.  “Laing only selects perfectly aged casks to blend with premium barley grain.”

It is this focus that Laing puts on quality single malt casks for Usquaebach’s blends that has garnered the brand the international respect it continues to receive. Laing describes how the selection of superior single malt casks can determine the greatness of a blend:

“In the case of Usquaebach [Old Rare Stone Flagon], we operate on a high malt-to-grain ratio in the blend. Other blended Scotch whisky is a higher grain-to-malt ratio,” says Stewart Laing, the distinguished blender of Usquaebach for over four decades, “There are over 40 different malts mixed together in Usquaebach.  Malt is the body. Grain does not have the character, and that is what makes the recipe unique. As a blender I am always looking for balance and taste.”

Laing goes on to explain that patience and experience are keys to creating masterful blends.

“The skill of the blender is paramount…because it is he who knows which whiskies go with which whisky,” says Laing. “Each whisky has to marry with the whole.”

Oftentimes in the Scotch whisky market, the draw of single malts tends to obscure the craft among blends. Changing this perception has been tantamount to resurrecting Usquaebach’s prominence in the national market.

“We find time and time again single malt drinkers find Usquaebach just as alluring, smoother and more complex,” says Judson. “People try it because the flagon looks amazing, but they always come back because the whisky inside is just that good.”

There was a time in recent history that Usquaebach occupied a very significant place among the elite names in Scotch blends – in particular, it was famously poured at the Presidential Inaugural dinners of Richard Nixon and George Bush, Sr.

Today, Usquaebach’s resurgence is a welcome return to a blended Scotch market dominated by large, corporate-owned brands. The iconic packaging of its signature Old Rare Stone Flagon is often a reason for customers to wax nostalgic.

According to the Whisky Advocate’s online blog: “Ever since the late 1980s, when I started getting into Scotch, I always remembered the Usquaebach blended Scotch in the really cool flagon.”

“Our key retailers across the country remain enthusiastic about the brands come back.” explains brand ambassador Judson, “They tell me, Thank G-d Usquaebach’s back! We missed you.”

The Brand features three incarnations, each having a different price point and consumer palate.  While the name may be hard to spell and to pronounce, this historic brand, with a name that translates from Gaelic to mean “the water of life,” is providing Scotch whisky lovers across America with a reason to raise their glasses with Usquaebach once again. 

~Usquaebach “Old Rare”~  Blended Scotch Whisky porcelain flagon is a vestige of Scotch whisky’s history – a reminder of a time, preceding bottled whiskey, when travelling merchants combined spirits of the highest caliber single distilleries creating ethereal blends embodying sophistication. With 41 specially selected single malts up to 20 years of age from the Highlands and only 15% high-quality grain whisky in the blend, this classic Scotch whisky offers multi-layered opulence. Its quality and finesse has been recognized by connoisseurs and aficionados the world over – notably, Usquaebach “Old Rare” Blended Scotch was served at the 1969 and 1989 Presidential Inaugural Dinners.  (MSRP $120)

~Usquaebach 15-Year Blended Malt ~ is a marriage of the finest Highland single malts, aged carefully for at least 15 years – and some as old as 20 – in oak and sherry casks. When purity and strength is desired, this beautiful yet masculine Scotch whisky delivers robust aromas and intense richness.  Recognized throughout the whisky-drinking world for its quality, the 15-Year Blended Malt has won numerous accolades, including Gold Medal at the 2010 International Whisky Competition. The nose features sun-dried fruits, pineapple, and espresso bean, while the palate entertains with stout baking spices and a luxurious sweetness.  (MSRP $75) 

~Usquaebach Reserve Premium Blended Scotch ~ is a whisky for those seeking elegance and structure. This rare blend features over 50% quality single malts each aged between 16 to 18 years and blended with the finest grain whisky – resulting in a handcrafted spirit that is both timeless and unique. The nose features honeyed sherry, smooth vanilla, baked apples and quince, while sweet spices and an endearing zest linger on the palate. The Usqauebach Reserve finishes long and smooth, with a detailed edge and a crisp mouth-feel – ideal as an aperitif or with a rich meal.  (MSRP $40)

www.usquaebach.com

‘BOTTLE YOUR OWN’ WHISKEY FACILITIES LAUNCH AT JAMESON VISITOR CENTRES IN DUBLIN AND CORK

Today, March 12th, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at The Midleton Distillery, marked the launch of new Jameson Bottle Your Own facilities at the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin, by hand-filling a 70cl bottle of a new and rare Jameson Irish Whiskey.

The new initiative, which is also launching at the Jameson Experience Midleton in Cork, invites whiskey fans to personally fill a bottle of Jameson Select Reserve Cask Strength Black Barrel from a live bourbon cask. Visitors can then personalise the label by hand with their name, the date and the whiskey’s cask number and ABV, before logging their personal details in a Bottle Your Own ledger, becoming a part of the Jameson legend.

The newest member of the Jameson family, Select Reserve Black Barrel is a blend of rich, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and a rare small batch grain whiskey, which is triple distilled in small quantities just once per year. The expression is available at its natural cask strength for the first time and exclusively through the Bottle Your Own facilities at the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin, and the Jameson Experience Midleton in Cork at the cost of €100 per 70cl.

NOTES

About Irish Distillers Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare. www.irishdistillers.ie

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. www.pernod-ricard.com

Image Caption; Brian Nation, Master Distiller at The Midleton Distillery, at the unveiling of the new ‘Bottle You Own’ facilities at the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin .

ADRIAN GRENIER JOINS THE VENTURE JUDGING PANEL

Adrian Grenier, American actor, producer and social entrepreneur, has been announced as a judge for The Venture – Chivas Regal’s global search for the most promising social entrepreneurs around the world.

Grenier will bring his experience as a social entrepreneur and angel investor to the panel of judges who are tasked with awarding a share of a $1 million fund amongst the most exciting social enterprises at The Venture Final Pitch event in San Francisco on July 24^th 2015. The star of the hit TV series and upcoming feature film, Entourage, will be joined on the panel by Morgan Clendaniel (Editor of Fast Company’s Co.Exist) and Alex Ricard (Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO).

Since launching back in October 2014, The Venture has received over 1000 applications from social enterprises across five continents. Sixteen finalists from as many countries have been selected to take part in an Accelerator Week in Silicon Valley, the epicentre of the start-up world, where they will be mentored by global businesses leaders and successful social entrepreneurs. Five finalists will then be selected to pitch in front of a live audience and the global judging panel at The Venture Final Pitch event. The finalists will be judged on the viability of their business and the scalability of their impact model.

Adrian Grenier has already successfully launched a number of social enterprises including SHFT, a lifestyle platform focused on a sustainable approach to the way we live through film, design, art and food, so has a wealth of personal expertise to bring to The Venture. He is also currently running an exciting Kickstarter campaign for the project entitled, ‘52: The Search for the Loneliest Whale’, a cinematic quest to find the “52 Hertz Whale” which scientists believe has spent its entire life in solitude, calling out at a frequency that is different from any other whale.

Adrian Grenier commented on the announcement: “I’m delighted to be part of The Venture’s prestigious panel. Business is the driving force of society; in an ever-shrinking world, we need businesses to look outside their sometimes myopic, selfish goals, and practice a large global vision. Social entrepreneurship is a huge passion of mine, and to have the opportunity to observe and judge 16 of the most exciting social start-ups from around the globe is a real privilege. Good luck to all the finalists, and I’ll be seeing you in San Francisco!”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, added: “We’re proud to be announcing Adrian as a judge for The Venture Final Pitch event in July. He has an understanding of the start-up world and a desire to use innovation to create positive change so we know he will bring invaluable insight to the panel and provide great business advice to the finalists. There are a variety of industries represented amongst the 16 finalists, and with Adrian joining Alex Ricard and Morgan Clendaniel, we feel we have just the right expert judges to evaluate each business’ potential and how we can help them grow.”

The Venture’s 16 global finalists will be announced on the May 11^th, 2015 and will go head to head in a 5 week public vote to secure a share of the $1 Million in funding before they even reach The Final Pitch.

To find out more about Adrian’s role and to vote for your favourite finalist from May 11^th, 2015, visit  http://www.theventure.com/.

Notes:

The Venture
The Venture is Chivas’ 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.

Win the Right Way
Win the Right Way aims to inspire a new generation to achieve success whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others and is the latest installment of Chivas Regal’s Live with Chivalry campaign, which launched in 2008.

Live with Chivalry
Chivas’ Live with Chivalry campaign launched in 2008 and has since inspired modern gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to succeed in the right way. Win the Right Way is the latest instalment of the Live with Chivalry campaign. It communicates Chivas Regal’s brand values, and aims to inspire a new generation to achieve success whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others.

About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

www.chivasbrothers.com

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/

THE MACALLAN LALIQUE-50 YEAR IS THE STAR

OF BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE

The Macallan Lalique-50 year old from the Six Pillars Collection was the star lot of Bonhams Edinburgh Whisky sale earlier today. Originally estimated at £13,000-15,000, it sold above estimate for a healthy £21,250.

One of the most sought after of whiskies at auction, it was the first of the Six Pillars Collection – a six-phase collaboration between these two premium producers which reached its fifth pillar in 2014. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd, it comes in a limited edition Lalique crystal decanter numbered 25 of 470.

Sold for £17,500, The Glenfiddich-50 year old is regarded as one of the finest single malts and is one of the ten most expensive whiskies in the world. Bottled on the 26 July 1991 by William Grant & Sons, The Glenfiddich Distillery, the bottle of The Glendiffich-50 year old (numbered 465) comes with its own wooden presentation case and a certificate of authenticity. The whisky was distilled in casks filled in 1937 and 1939.

Selling for £15,000 was the Macallan Millennium Decanter-50 year old 1949. Distilled in January 1949 and bottled in 1999, the decanter is made from hand blown Caithness Glass.

The sale performed well overall, selling 88% by lot and 91% by value, for a total of £219,000.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge, Oxford and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

It’s hard to believe Just Whisky are live already with their 16^th Auction. With many speculating over the future of Whisky auctions, it’s clear to see Just Whisky is now a permanent feature on the UK auction market. 

With their March Auction already in full swing and ending on Sunday 15^{th (8PM)}, there is still time to head over and bid on many bottles on offer. There are some fantastic auction lots for grabs, including a spattering of popular Japanese malts as well as the old and sought after from Scotland. 

A bottle we’ve not seen much at auction is this Masters of Photography ‘Remix Remixed’ by The Macallan and Daido Moriyama. It’ll be interesting to see how this does at auction, with it clearly being a very collectable and limited release (Just 500 bottles Worldwide we’re told).

The last year has seen a huge boom in the popularity of Japanese malts, and no Whisky auction would be complete without some notable entries from heavyweight Japanese distilleries, and this is no exception. Lots from Karuizawa, Hanyu, Hibiki, Hakushu, Kawasaki, Miyagikyo adorn the shelves of the auction this month and all are up for grabs. With prices of these Asian Whiskies heading skyward, head over to their Japanese Whisky section to find out more.

Closer to home, there is a huge selection of Scottish malts, including some rarities from the likes of North Port: “A ‘Very Rare’ bottling of 1974 Vintage Single Highland malt whisky from North Port Distillery, Brechin. Matured for 15 years in Sherry wood & bottled exclusively for Sestante Import in 1989.”

Bidding ends 8PM Sunday 15^th so head over and get bidding! http://www.just-whisky.co.uk

March 2015

whisky.auction open for business

Over the past few years, the demand for whiskies and fine spirits has increased considerably, with many people now choosing to buy and sell their bottles at auction, as an alternative to using specialist retailers. Even though there are number of online auctions, we feel that there is room for someone to create a site that will surpass all others in terms of ease of use and functionality, all designed to make life simpler for buyers and sellers. That site is whisky.auction. Behind this new site is a team of industry experts whose knowledge and expertise will bring honest guidance to sellers. What’s more, their contacts in the whisky industry will bring to auction some of the rarest bottles in the world, with the aim of achieving the highest selling prices for the rarest bottles.

Whisky Auction Ltd is a newly registered company based in London. You can deliver your bottles in person to our offices or send them in by post, and we also offer a collection service. Similarly, you can collect your winning bottles from our offices or take advantage of our delivery service with some of the best shipping rates for both UK and international customers. We also offer FREE insurance on all UK deliveries.

For more information, visit whisky.auction.

If you have whiskies or other fine spirits to sell, or even an entire collection, please get in touch. Contact Enrico Gaddoni by emailing info@whisky.auction or by calling +44 (0)20 8838 9381.

The whisky.auction team

WHISKY AUCTION LTD

Elixir House, Whitby Avenue, Park Royal, London, NW10 7SF

Registered in England and Wales No. 9365276

Account Name: Whisky Auction Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)20 8838 9381

Email: info@whisky.auction

Web: https://whisky.auction/

FROM THE STREETS TO BARS ACROSS THE UK, BUSKERS TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Busking Unbarred sees Tullamore D.E.W and The Busking Project shine the spotlight on the talent and courage of street musicians          

From Ed Sheeran to Beck, many of the world’s biggest music stars started their career as buskers – and now Tullamore D.E.W. is celebrating the talent and courageous spirit of a new generation of street musicians with the launch of ‘Busking Unbarred’.

With live music embedded in its Irish roots, Tullamore D.E.W. has joined forces with The Busking Project, an organisation which supports buskers around the world, to launch Busking Unbarred, which will help grow appreciation for artists who are brave enough to bare their souls on the streets, often in the face of increasing restrictions from authorties.

With many successful musicians busking early in their careers, and social media and digital music platforms allowing buskers to reach wider audiences, the landscape and perceptions of busking have changed dramatically. Busking Unbarred, which launches this week and runs throughout the year, will shine the spotlight on this new era of busking.

Busking Unbarred will see free downloads of tracks by 10 talented buskers from across the UK and Ireland available to consumers purchasing Tullamore D.E.W. in bars across the UK. The buskers and their music are promoted on the Busking Unbarred website at www.Tullamoredew.com/busking and the busker whose track received the most downloads will be rewarded with time in a professional recording studio to create their next album.

Tullamore D.E.W. will also be bringing buskers and their music to a wider audience by staging a series of Busking Unbarred guerilla gigs in bars in London, Leeds and Edinburgh, shining the spotlight on musicians who play their songs on the streets.

The 10 Busking Unbarred artists, who have been handpicked by Tullamore D.E.W. and The Busking Project, include Ray Scully and The Fitzafrenic, both from Dublin, Charlotte Campbell from London, Adam Kadabra from Glasgow and Jen & The Gents from Edinburgh.

Nick Broad, founder of The Busking Project, said: “Busking is the only completely non-exclusive art form, anexpression of the human spirit and an act of freedom. It’s the most common way that artists can further their careers, practice their art and do what they love – and yet more and more regulations are being introduced by authorities, which threaten their livelihood.

“There’s a strong tradition of busking in Irish culture and it’s great to be working with Tullamore D.E.W. on Busking Unbarred to showcase and support some of the UK and Ireland’s greatest busking talents.”

The Beat of The Street Report

In addition to Busking Unbarred, Tullamore D.E.W. and The Busking Project have also produced The Beat of The Street Report, the first investigation of its kind into the health of busking around the world.

From the town squares of Ancient Rome to the streets of modern Dublin, busking is one of the oldest and most resilient forms of performance. A vibrant busking scene can help revitalise city centres, whichhave been damaged by factors such as the recession and online shopping, but more cities are introducing legislation to regulate busking and control the way in which public space is used.

The Beat of TheStreet Report, commissioned by Tullamore D.E.W. and written by The Busking Project, evaluates the different busking approaches and policies of 35 cities across the world and looks at the part busking can play in today’s urban environment and how it can be protected and strengthened for the future.

The findings of the Report have been used to form an accompanying policy paper (written by the Busking Project) – A future direction for the governance of busking in public places.

More information:

Busking Unbarred: www.tullamoredew.com/busking #buskingunbarred @Tullamoredewuk

The Beat of The Street Report: A copy of the report, and its accompanying policy report, is available on request

Interviews: Interviews can be arranged with: Nick Broad of The Busking Project – and any of the Busking Unbarred busking artists

Notes to the editor

• About the Busking Unbarred promotion: Consumers who purchase any Tullamore D.E.W serve in one of the participating bars will receive a scratchcard. The scratchcard will reveal a unique code, which the consumer will enter online at www.Tullamoredew.com/busking to redeem their free track andhelp support buskers. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, consumers canalso claim a free Tullamore D.E.W trilby hat when they collect four scratchcards between friends.
• About Tullamore D.E.W: Known the world over for its smooth and gentle flavour, the combination of all three types of Irish whiskey, triple distilled creates a gentle yet complex flavour profile. Thesweet softness of grain whiskey, soft spice from the pot still and citrus from the malt – this unique triple whiskey combination marks out Tullamore D.E.W. from all other Irish whiskeys. Tullamore D.E.W.’s award-winning range includes the Tullamore D.E.W. Original, Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve and Tullamore D.E.W. 10 Year Old Single Malt.
• About The Busking Project: The Busking Project is a social enterprise backed by influential musicians that showcases the work and champions the rights of street performers around the world – http://www.thebuskingproject.com/

• About William Grant & Sons: An independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s^® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® and, Tullamore D.E.W.^® Irish Whiskey. Click on http://www.williamgrant.com/ and http://www.tullamoredew.com/ for more information on the company and Tullamore D.E.W.

GLENDIDDICH-50 YEAR OLD AND THE

MACALLAN LALIQUE-50 YEAR STAR IN BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE 

Two special bottles lead Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on Wednesday 11 March. The Macallan Lalique-50 year old from the Six Pillars Collection is estimated at £13,000-15,000 and The Glenfiddich-50 year old at £12,000-15,000.

The Macallan Lalique-50 year old is one of the most sought after of whiskies at auction.  It was the first of the Six Pillars Collection – a six phase collaboration between these two premium producers which reached its fifth pillar in 2014. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd, it comes in a limited edition Lalique crystal decanter numbered 25 of 470.

Bottled on the 26 July 1991 by William Grant & Sons, The Glenfiddich Distillery, the bottle of The Glendiffich-50 year old (numbered 465) comes with its own wooden presentation case and a certificate of authenticity. The whisky was distilled in casks filled in 1937 and 1939.

The Glenfiddich-50 year old is regarded as one of the finest single malts and is one of the ten most expensive whiskies in the world.

The sale also includes another highly sought after Macallan. The Macallan Millenniuim Decanter-50 year old 1949, – estimate £12,000-14,000 – was distilled in January 1949 and bottled in 1999. The decanter is made from hand blown Caithness Glass.

An unusual feature of the sale is a run of 16 bottles of the Macallan from 1947-1961 (with the exception of 1948). The bottles will be sold as individual lots with a combined estimate of £14,700-£18,500.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge, Oxford and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.