Introducing Glenmorangie Dornoch

With all the winners of the regional rounds of the Icons of Whisky Awards announced, the issue published May 8 lets the world know the Global Icons of Whisky winners, following the presentation dinner in London. It is in this issue that we also celebrate the World Whiskies Awards, presented at the dinner.

We review the second round of the ‘Battle of the Blends’ between Neil Ridley and Dave Broom and the travel focus takes us to The Lowlands of Scotland, highlighting whiskies from this region with Davin de Kergommeaux reporting from the Alberta Distillers. Seaneen Sullivan visits the island of Skye and gives readers whisky and food combinations to enjoy.

Speyside is the cover story for the issue published June 12. Annabel Meikel visits a number of distilleries in the Speyside region and previews their involvement with The Speyside Festival in April. Staying in Speyside we report on the influence of railways on the whisky industry in Speyside. Our travels also take us to the state of Kentucky to review the Bourbon Visitor Centers.

 To further maximize circulation of this issue, we are distributing this issue of Whisky Magazine with the next issue of Scotland Magazine sent to over 30,000 readers globally.

Editorial Features
Issue No.126
Special Features

Whisky Focus: The Lowlands of Scotland
Feature articles: Alberta Distilleries, Whisky Auctions
Global Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Award winners announced
Publication Date: May 8
Copy Deadline: February 20

Issue No.127
Special Features

Whisky Focus: Speyside
Feature articles: Bourbon Visitor Centers
Special distribution: TFWA Asia Pacific and this issue is also sent with Scotland Magazine
Publication Date: June 12
Copy Deadline: March 16

To find out more about advertising in these two issues, or to receive details on the full year, contact:

Dave Sweet
Senior Vice President
dave@whiskymag.com

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JIM BEAM® BOURBON TRANSFORMS HISTORIC RACKHOUSE INTO MASSIVE 3-D HOLIDAY DISPLAY

CLERMONT, KY – December 16, 2015 (Whisky Intelligence is playing catch up!)  – Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, is making history once again by transforming a barrel rackhouse at its flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., into a nine-story 3-D canvas for a multimedia celebration that’s as bold as Jim Beam itself. Featuring state-of-the-art digital projection imagery, 3-D animation and special effects that highlight more than 220 years of Jim Beam tradition, the holiday lights spectacular marks the first time a spirits company is using projection mapping technology to create a fully, immersive visitors experience.

“When I heard we were going to go big for the holidays, I wasn’t really sure what it meant,” said seventh generation Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe. “Well this light show is pretty darn big. Jim Beam and our fans around the world have a new holiday tradition to look forward to.”

Building upon the brand’s “Light Up the Holidays” campaign, the dynamic display uses advanced 3-D mapping technology, lighting, sound, shadows and animation to showcase the Jim Beam legacy. What’s revealed when walls of the more than 24,000 barrel rackhouse are visually folded back is a carefully choreographed, bourbon-inspired holiday gift that lights up the bourbon’s flagship distillery.

“Jim Beam is known for being bold and embracing innovation,” said Gigi DaDan, senior director of Jim Beam. “The combination of music and technology together with the rich history and heritage of our brand allows our fans to experience the Jim Beam legacy in a whole new way.”

The dynamic illumination event debuted for a special event on December 10 and will continue December 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. EST at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse located at 526 Happy Hollow Road, Clermont, Ky. A variety of holiday activities including live ice sculpting, holiday carolers and fresh-pressed apple cider are also planned during show dates. Guests of legal purchase age can toast the season with cocktails crafted with Jim Beam® Apple and Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™.

Beam’s agency partners at Geometry Global and Pearl Media created the 3-D digital projection against the contours of the rackhouse to deliver a turn-key visual installation just in time for the holidays.  To experience the 3-D event online, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSrRKgJyznk.

For more information about Jim Beam, “like” Jim Beam Bourbon on Facebook and follow the brand on Twitter via #LightUpTheHolidays and #JimBeam.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

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 commitment to Growing for Good. 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.

Renewal of Open Championship Sponsorship Continuing as The ‘Spirit of The Open’

Over 150 whiskies lined up for 2015 festival in Birmingham

• Whisky Birmingham 2015 set for 7 March 2015 at The Bond in Digbeth
• Festival doubled in size this year, going from 200 visitors in 2013, to 400 in 2014
• 600 tickets have now been released for the 2015 festival
• Leading whisky brands including Laphroaig, Buffalo Trace and Chivas Regal confirmed
• Whisky growing in popularity locally, driven by specialist shops and increased stocking in bars

England’s biggest whisky festival outside London will return for a third year in 2015, with over 150 whiskies to be exhibited by a host of distributors including Pernod Ricard and Maxxium.

Organisers have now released 600 tickets for the one-day event at The Bond on 7^th March, with over 100 tickets already snapped up in the Christmas gift-buying rush.

Whisky Birmingham 2015 will see whisky enthusiasts and novices gather to taste, try and buy from over 25 whisky brands and retailers at The Bond, a historic canalside venue in Digbeth.

This time the festival will grow to take over two exhibition spaces. Visitors will be able to sample over 150 whiskies from respected brands and distilleries, including Laphroaig, Buffalo Trace, Macallan and Chivas Regal.

Whisky Birmingham is the brainchild of Amy Seton, founder of the Birmingham Whisky Club. She explained the reason for expanding the event in 2015:

“ The festival has taken off brilliantly, and it’s thanks to the great reception Birmingham has given it. People are really interested in learning about whisky, exploring different drams and coming to have a relaxed time. The proof has really come in the run-up to Christmas – I’ve seen many more people buying tickets this year as gifts for whisky lovers.”

While Scotland may be the spirit’s traditional heartland, the festival will also play host to whisky from around the world, including Penderyn from Wales, and Paul John, distilled in India.

A series of whisky-matching masterclasses is due to be announced early next year. The 2014 festival saw local artisans pair whisky with chocolate, cheese and cigars.

A casual Beginner’s Guide session will provide whisky novices with an introduction to the drink, giving pointers on how to nose and taste a dram.

Birmingham’s whisky scene has seen something of a surge this year, with the launching of whisky collections by venues like The Plough, as well as the opening of Hard to Find Whisky, a specialist shop selling rare bottles costing up to £35,000.

Jason Kirby, founder of Hard To Find Whisky, thinks that whisky in Birmingham is on the up:

 “I decided to open Hard To Find Whisky here because there’s a growing demand for good quality whisky. Bars and pubs are stocking wider selections, and the city’s central location helps attract whisky lovers from around the country to discover the growing scene here.”

The Whisky Birmingham 2015 festival will take place on 7 March 2015 at The Bond. Tickets have been released and are available at the official website.

John Dewar & Sons Launches “Last Great Malts” Collection: New Expressions and Never-Before-Released Single Malts

GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 24, 2014 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected names in the world of Scotch whisky, today announced plans to release a range of new expressions and never-before-released single malts – the hidden gems of its single malt portfolio. This bold move, unprecedented in recent years, will introduce a treasure trove of top-shelf whiskies to consumers around the world.

The distinguished drams of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are launched under the title of the “Last Great Malts,” each with a compelling story and character.

For generations, these distinctive whiskies have been distilled and left to mature undisturbed in oak casks. Now, at last, whisky aficionados the world over will be able to taste the single malts from these distilleries in their authentic form. “The single malt category is one of our industry’s great growth opportunities. We are blessed with five of Scotland’s finest, high-quality whiskies,” says John Burke, dark spirits category director. “We have great respect for the category and are confident that each of the Last Great Malts will be a fitting addition to the repertoire of the most discerning single malt enthusiast.”

The “Last Great Malts”
ABERFELDY, known as the “Golden Dram,” draws its water from the Pitilie Burn. Pure and fresh, its waters are famed for containing deposits of alluvial gold. The dram is much admired for its honey notes, displaying a classic Central Highland style rarely tasted in single malts today. Named “Highland Whisky of the Year 2014” by Whisky Magazine, ABERFELDY is repackaged and available globally as a 12-year-old and a 21-year-old, with an 18-year-old exclusively available in Travel Retail. The Company plans to launch a 16-year-old sherry finish and a 30-year-old in 2015.

AULTMORE is a rare Speyside malt known locally as “a nip of the Buckie Road.” The distillery’s water filters down through the misty, mysterious area called the Foggie Moss. AULTMORE is rated top-class and is a dram sought after for its gentle grassy notes. AULTMORE will be available from November with a 12- year-old, a 21-year-old in Travel Retail, and a 25-year-old in limited quantities.

CRAIGELLACHIE has released a portfolio of single malts for the first time in history. The distillery stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs – so called for their coiled copper tubing – to cool the spirit. A challenging Speyside whisky, it was described as “old-fashioned” even in 1891 as it makes no concessions to modern-day trends. Single malt fans appreciate CRAIGELLACHIE for its remarkable sulphuric, savoury, meaty character. CRAIGELLACHIE makes its way from the distillery doors this month, with a 13-year-old, 17-year-old, a travel retail exclusive 19-year-old, and a limited 23-year-old.

Coming in summer 2015, THE DEVERON, a new range of 12-, 18- and 25-year-old single malts, made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Offering “calm from the storm,” it’s the perfect fireside malt. Soft fruity notes combine with an easy drinking style to make THE DEVERON a favourite with the work force of the distillery.

With a previous limited edition release of a 35-year-old £10,000 (US$15,000) a bottle, ROYAL BRACKLA is a truly regal malt. Founded in 1812, in the northern Highlands, it hails from the first distillery bestowed with a royal warrant and has since been lauded as “The King’s Own Whisky.” Heavily sherried, rich, fruity and full, ROYAL BRACKLA is a fine dram to savour as it slowly reveals its complexity. To be released in March as 12-year-old, 16-year-old and 21-year-old expressions.

“We have been patiently reserving casks and we are now ready to share the five distinguished malts with whisky lovers around the world – each release features an age statement,” adds Stephen Marshall, single malts global marketing manager. “Up until now, these amazing liquids have been Scotland’s best-kept secret, known only to a few. Now we’re appealing to single malt drinkers – people who like stories and enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the aromas of the world’s most complex spirit.”

Market Availability
The single malts, which will be released in phases, will be available as a complete set of five or in various combinations of the expressions in 10 initial markets around the world including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Global Travel Retail.

The first public showing of the Last Great Malts single malt Scotch collection will be at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival starting September 25 (2014).

For more information on the new single malt expressions, the five distilleries, tasting notes, crafting, and heritage, please visit http://www.LastGreatMalts.com.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

The single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Whisky Intelligence is publishing this press release later than the original publication date in an effort to play catch up during this traditionally slow news period.

Unveiling the World’s First ‘Crowd-Sourced’ Whisky – Glenmorangie Taghta

Heaven Hill Distilleries Named 2014 Very Large Business of the Year by Louisville Business First

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – In a ceremony recognizing the leaders in the Louisville business community, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was named Louisville Business First’s 2014 Very Large Business of the Year last night at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The awards are given annually by the city’s only dedicated business publication “to celebrate excellence in business.” Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was nominated alongside Delta Dental of Kentucky and Texas Roadhouse Restaurants. It was the second straight year in which the company was nominated for the award.

“We are particularly honored to be recognized by the Louisville Business Community as one of the leading businesses in Louisville and Southern Indiana,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “As we begin to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of our company’s founding, this award is particularly appreciated. Our third generation of family ownership is committed to upholding the values and qualities shared by all of the community’s leading businesses.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries was recognized by the publication for the development of Louisville’s first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® on Main St., sales growth of key spirits brands such as Evan Williams Bourbon and Burnett’s Vodka, and a host of new product innovations and acquisitions.

The selection process began with Business First readers, who nominated companies and nonprofit organizations which achieved excellence in the last year to 18 months. The Business First editorial team chose 18 finalists — three each in six categories.  The final job of choosing the winners in each category was entrusted to a panel of outside expert judges.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Whisky Industry Stalwart Douglas Cruickshank Retires After Career Spanning 47 Years

Chivas Brothers employees bade a fond farewell to their colleague Douglas Cruickshank recently, as he retired following a distinguished 47-year career in the Scotch Whisky industry.

Douglas stepped down from his role as Production Director last year to oversee the development of the company’s new Dalmunach Distillery in Speyside. Fittingly, the new distillery was built on the site of the company’s since-demolished Imperial distillery – where Douglas began his career as a 15-year-old labourer in 1967.

Following his beginnings at Imperial, Douglas progressed through various roles with then-owner Distillers Company Ltd, as well as a spell working for J&G Grant at Glenfarclas, before joining Campbell Distillers in 1992 as Distilleries Director.

In 2002 following the acquisition of Chivas Brothers by Pernod Ricard, Douglas was appointed Production Director responsible for all distillation as well as warehousing and inventory, a role that was significantly enhanced with the acquisition of Allied Distillers in 2005. In 2007 he was promoted to Operations Director, which included responsibility for bottling and procurement.

In 2012 Douglas’s role changed to again focus solely on Production, with responsibility for Chivas Brothers’ distillery expansion programme. On completion of this Douglas relinquished his role as Director, whilst agreeing to stay on to oversee the design and build of Dalmunach, which commenced production in October this year.

Under Douglas’ stewardship the company won ‘Distiller of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirits Competition on several occasions between 2002 and 2010. In 2004 he was named ‘Master of the Quaich’ – a title held by fewer than 200 people worldwide, and a mark of recognition by the whisky industry of ‘an exceptional personal contribution.’

During his career with Chivas Brothers, Douglas made a significant contribution to the business, as its distilleries reached record production levels and ever-higher efficiencies. A major warehouse rebuilding programme was successfully completed, and on the Manufacturing side he oversaw record volumes at each of the company’s bottling sites.

Speaking about his career, Douglas said: “Managing two major acquisitions – Chivas Brothers in 2002 and Allied Distillers in 2005 – was a significant highlight for me and Pernod Ricard. During my time in the industry there have been huge improvements in technology, driving improvements in Production, particularly in relation to energy efficiencies.

“Within Manufacturing we made significant steps forward in line efficiencies, and in the integration of our two major bottling halls in Paisley and Dumbarton. I attribute both my success, and that of Chivas Brothers, to the quality of the various teams I have built during my time as a Director.”

Paying tribute to Douglas’ remarkable and diverse career, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Laurent Lacassagne said: “I have greatly enjoyed working with Douglas for nearly 20 years, and would like to thank him very warmly for his pivotal role in developing our Scotch whisky business during a dynamic period of growth and change in the industry.

“Most recently, I’d like to commend him for his excellent work bringing Dalmunach Distillery into production – a fitting end to such a distinguished career, in the place where it all began. On a personal level, I have greatly enjoyed working with Douglas and I know I speak for everyone at Chivas Brothers when wishing him a long and happy retirement.”

Douglas lives close to Aberlour distillery and has two adult children – one an artist and the other who has followed in the family footsteps to work in distilling at Chivas Brothers.  Douglas is a keen golfer and golf follower, and counts Spain, Portugal and the USA among his favourite holiday destinations.

Notes to editors:
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.