Glenmorangie Pride 1978 triumphs at design awards

Booker’s® Bourbon Unveils Collection Of Limited-Edition Releases

Clermont, KY (February 2015) – Booker’s® Bourbon is proud to unveil the inaugural batch of its limited-edition collection celebrating founding distiller Booker Noe’s legacy as the father of small batch bourbon. One of the few bourbons available today bottled straight from the barrel, Booker’s ® Bourbon will now feature limited-edition labels inspired by Booker Noe’s love of bourbon, family and the spirit of experimentation. These commemorative releases will be available in limited quantities throughout the year.

Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2015-1, named “Big Man, Small Batch,” features a custom label inspired by the iconic visual of Booker sipping bourbon in his rocking chair with his dog Dot by his side. The batch’s name honors Booker’s role in the creation of small batch bourbons and the larger-than-life personality for which he was known.

“Booker’s® was founded on my dad’s dedication to making the very best bourbon there is, and I’m proud to honor him with this limited-edition collection,” said Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller and 2013 Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee. “‘Big Man, Small Batch’ is the first batch to feature these new labels, giving our fans a little more insight into who my dad was and his love for creating great bourbon!”

Uncut like all Booker’s® Bourbon batches before it, “Big Man, Small Batch” is now available in limited quantities. Bottled at 128.7 proof, “Big Man, Small Batch” was selected with the following characteristics:

• Proof: 128.7
• Age: 7 years, 2 months and 16 days
• Batch Notes:  Culled from seven different rack houses, Batch 2015-1 blends the flavor tendencies of several small groups of barrels to create a complex bourbon with a vanilla nose.
• Sipping Suggestions: With ice or cut with water

Each batch of Booker’s® Bourbon is hand-selected by Fred Noe to ensure every bottle contains a robust, full-bodied whiskey that matches Booker’s whiskey preference. Noe also calls on the expertise of “Booker’s® Bourbon Roundtable”, an exclusive panelist group consisting of top whiskey experts, enthusiasts and writers, to help select batches throughout the year – a tradition that will continue for the limited-edition collection.

About Booker’s® Bourbon

Booker’s® Bourbon was inspired by a 200-year-old family tradition and came to life when Booker Noe selected the first bottles of Booker’s as holiday gifts for his friends and family. With its instant popularity within Noe’s close circle, Booker’s Bourbon was soon after bottled and made available on shelves for everyone to enjoy. Booker’s Bourbon is one of the only bourbons bottled straight-from-the-barrel at its natural proof, which varies from batch to batch. Crafted in small batches and aged for six to eight years in charred oak barrels, which are stored in the center of the rack house, Booker’s Bourbon is hand-selected barrel-by-barrel by Fred Noe to ensure every bottle contains a robust, full-bodied whiskey that has a taste, aroma and proof that matches Booker’s whiskey preference.

For more information on Booker’s Bourbon, visit: http://www.BookersBourbon.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

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

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

HIGHLAND PARK’S ACCLAIMED VALHALLA COLLECTION CONCLUDES WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE ALL-FATHER

Direct from the gates of Valhalla, Highland Park has unveiled the last in the series of stunning whiskies that celebrates its Norse heritage. ODIN, named for the King of Asgard himself, joins Thor, Loki and the beautiful Freya to complete Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection.

Legend has it that Odin, All-father of the gods and ruler of Asgard, is an intensely complex character. Known as ‘the furious one’, Odin is the strongest of all the Norse gods and driven by an unquenchable thirst for wisdom. By sacrificing an eye for a drink from the Well of Wisdom, he earned immeasurable knowledge and insight.  With only one eye which blazes like the sun, Odin cuts an ominous figure.

Creating a single malt to reflect the dominant characteristics of Odin was no easy feat but the Highland Park whisky makers have excelled. This whisky strikes a balance between the god and the distillery’s signature Orcadian style – Highland Park’s sweet and gentle smoky peat aromas. The result is an undeniably powerful 16 year old single malt.

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says: “Odin, like its namesake, is an intense, powerful and complex whisky. Bottled at 55.8% ABV, it certainly lives up to the legend, a bold single malt higher in strength than Thor, Loki and Freya. In Odin, we have been able to add the final flourish to the Valhalla Collection, a stunning series of remarkable whiskies that offer affordability and exclusive collectability.” 

“Now that Odin has joined the ranks of the other gods in the Valhalla Collection, the first chapter in this series is complete. However, the Norse legends of old may still offer us future intrigues.”

With only 17,000 bottles released globally, this limited edition whisky comes housed in the same distinctive award winning wooden frame of Thor, Loki and Freya echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship. The bottle itself reflects Odin’s character – dark and imperfect and slightly battle worn.

Tasting Notes: Highland Park ODIN / 16 years old / 55.8% ABV

Colour: Vivid burst of sunlight

Nose: This intense whisky possesses a fierce spice. Cinnamon bark and nutmeg rise from Odin’s spirit. Behind the spice, toasted walnuts smoulder with pulsating explosions of smoke. Odin cuts an ominous figure and this whisky is no different.

Palate: A huge, powerful palate draws on the complexity of Odin’s character. Layers of peat uncover thousands of years of wisdom. Dense oak combines with rich charred walnuts.

Finish: Throughout is a subtle sweetness, sharing the knowledge of well-seasoned sherry wines. Plums and soft fruit disappear into the dark as the peaty embers glow into a smoky finale. 

Odin will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at an RRP of £180.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Valhalla Collection is an exciting range of whiskies which offers Highland Park fans both affordability and collectability. Highland Park’s signature smoky and peaty aromas are manifested according to the character of the Norse god for which the whisky represents. The collection includes:

• THOR – 16 year old single malt, 52.1% ABV, RRP £120

• LOKI – 15 year old single malt, 48.7% ABV, RRP £130

• FREYA – 15 year old single malt, 51.2% ABV, RRP £140

• ODIN – 16 year old single malt, 55.8% ABV, RRP £180

ABOUT HIGHLAND PARK

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park 25 year old was awarded the first ever 100-point score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and named Best Spirit in the World’* by Paul Pacult.

Heaven Hill Fills Seven Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Ceremony Coincides with the Company’s 80^th Anniversary

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated filling its seven millionth Bourbon barrel. Heaven Hill is the only local, family-owned company to reach this historic benchmark.

“This is a momentous achievement to celebrate, especially as it falls during the company’s 80^th anniversary. To think, my father and four uncles rolled out Heaven Hill’s first barrel 80 years ago. Here we are, eight decades later, filling our seven millionth barrel at the height of the greatest Bourbon boom since Prohibition. And, the Shapira family is still at the helm of Heaven Hill. Our founders would certainly be proud to see this day,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira.

The company remains true today to its original mission as a family-owned and operated, independent Kentucky company—the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Heaven Hill now has more than one million aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in its inventory and its flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the world.

The seven millionth barrel was “bunged off” by Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, Co-Master Distiller Denny Potter and Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries. Participants toasted with a glass of vintage Heaven Hill Bourbon made within a year of the company’s founding in 1935.

The milestone barrels was signed by Heaven Hill employees and put up to age in Rickhouse Y, where it will be displayed along Heaven Hill’s other milestone barrels. About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (http://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.”

Heaven Hill Brands 7 Millionth Barrel Facts

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, filled its 7 Millionth barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on Feb. 10, 2015. What does that volume of Bourbon represent?

• 592,308 acres of corn

• 69.8 million bushels of harvested corn

• 19.1 million bushels of other grains, such as rye, wheat and malted barley

• 370 million gallons of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• 195 million cases of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• 2.34 billion bottles of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• More than 3,809 miles of American White Oak barrels laid end to end

More than $6.2 billion in federal excise taxes when sold to consumers at today’s federal tax rate

Wemyss Malts new Single Cask releases

Family-owned Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce the release of a new selection of single cask Scotch whiskies. This mouth-watering collection of new whiskies is named after the unique natural taste and aroma of each one. The new offering includes cask strength “Kirsch Gateau” from Islay and a further single grain single cask.

The full cask list of this release comprises:

“Kirsch Gateau” 1988 single cask from Bunnahabhain Distilery, Islay, Cask Strength “Cacao Geyser” 1998 single cask from Bowmore Distillery, Islay “Snuffed Candle” 1999 singe cask from Aberfeldy Distillery, Highlands “Dark Treacle Fondant” 2002 single cask from Craigellachie Distillery, Speyside “Honeysuckle Bower” 1995 single cask from Linkwood Distillery, Speyside “Caribbean Crème” 1988 single cask from Invergordon Distillery, grain

Each cask has been selected and named by the Wemyss tasting panel, under the watchful eye of industry aficionado Charlie Maclean. There are only a few hundred bottles from each cask and the suggested retail prices range from £65 to £130. These bottlings will be available in selected retailers in the UK, EU and key Asian markets.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “We are delighted to introduce another excellent selection of single casks, named as always by our hard-working and creative tasting panel. We’ve selected a Bunnahabhain sherry butt to be bottled at cask strength in this release named Kirsch Gateau after its rich mahogany colour and palate of tempting dark chocolate and liqueur soaked cherries.”

Notes

 Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family and their family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.

 Wemyss Malts has an ongoing blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and blended Scotch range, Lord Elcho.

 The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

 The family has opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

SOUTHERN COMFORT INTRODUCES NEW CARAMEL FLAVOR AND EVOLVES BRAND WITH STRIKING NEW PACKAGING

New bottle proudly owns Southern Comfort’s position as a category of one

February 5, 2015, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort introduces a new flavor to the family with the launch of Caramel Comfort to the US market.

Caramel Comfort has been designed to appeal to a broad age range and carries on Southern Comfort’s heritage as the leader in the flavored spirit category. It can be served in a variety of ways including mixed with Sprite for a refreshing, simple cocktail and meets consumer demand for great tasting flavors that are unique.

“Caramel Comfort presents an opportunity to strengthen the Southern Comfort franchise by delivering on a decadent and great tasting flavor experience,” said Jennifer Powell, Southern Comfort US Brand Director. “Caramel is a versatile and emerging flavor which appeals to both men and women. This new flavor entry can be used in cocktails, as a stand-alone chilled shot or even in dessert drinks.”

Along with the new flavor, Southern Comfort also announces the largest packaging evolution in nearly a decade, contemporizing the brand and reasserting its relevance with today’s consumer.

One of the most significant new features to the new package is a unique icon on the neck and label proudly owning Southern Comfort’s position as a category of one. The new bottle shape draws from the brand’s heritage and wears the same fluted shoulders that drinkers recognize from years past.

“Southern Comfort is a sweet, smooth and delicious drink created by a bartender in 1874 to let his patrons experience a more enjoyable cocktail,” said Lena DerOhannessian, Southern Comfort Global Marketing Director. “The new packaging and visual identity lets drinkers know Southern Comfort is truly the ‘Flavor of Whiskey Made Comfortable’ and unlike any other brand on the market.”

The new packaging extends past the parent bottle and into the entire Southern Comfort Family of brands including Southern Comfort 100 proof, Caramel Comfort, Lime Comfort and Cherry Comfort. Each line of Southern Comfort carries its own distinguishing traits, while still holding true to the overarching brand identity.

Helms Workshop, an award-winning creative firm based in Austin, TX, designed the new package.

“We challenged the team to consider the entirety of the brand’s history and visual equity, rather than simply focusing on refining the previous packaging,” said Christian Helms, Helms Workshop Owner. “We also engaged consumers in a dialogue around brand personality and values to gain insight into how to leverage those aspects of the brand in crafting the new identity. As a result we pulled forward and refined elements from the past that communicated Southern Comfort’s unique history while creating new language and iconography that speaks directly to contemporary drinkers.”

Southern Comfort founder M.W. Heron’s signature still graces every bottle of Southern Comfort, along with the year of his original creation, 1874. “None genuine but mine” still announces the uniqueness of the brand. Changes in color and font elevate the modern cues of the brand, while retaining welcoming and approachable characteristics.

Caramel Comfort and the new Southern Comfort packaging are hitting shelves in the US beginning in early March. Caramel Comfort has a suggested retail price of $16.99 for a 55 Proof 750ml bottle. 

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand.  Please visit us at SouthernComfort.com and twitter.com/southerncomfort.

Heaven Hill Brands Hires Sarah Milne as Regional Manager for New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Heaven Hill Brands Hires Sarah Milne as Regional Manager for New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Louisville, KY – Heaven Hill Brands has hired Sarah Milne as the Regional Manager for New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Milne will manage Heaven Hill’s spirits portfolio in those states reporting directly to Jim Cotter, Eastern Division Manager.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Milne developed extensive experience in the industry, with the last seven years at Allied Beverage Group in New Jersey, where she held the position of Brand Development Director. She also held positions at Atlantic Wine Merchants, Foster’s Wine Estates Americas and Schiefflin & Somerset.

“We’re pleased to have someone of Sarah’s caliber aboard,” said Steve Feller, Vice President of Sales. “Her years of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry will benefit our sales force and people in her market.”

Milne attended the University of Illinois at Urbana and College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey, with an emphasis in business and marketing.

She lives in Clinton Township, N.J. with her two children and two horses.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (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.”

Enjoy dinner, a dance and a dram at the Arran Malt & Music Festival

This June, the Arran Malt & Music Festival will return to the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza for a weekend of music, food and whisky. Taking place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June, this year’s festival promises a host of exciting events to celebrate the the island and its whisky.

The ceilidh on Saturday night is the centre piece of the weekend, headlined by Scots Trad Music Award winning musicians, Skippinish, along with a band made up of distillery employees including master distiller James MacTaggart and sales manager Andy Bell. Isle of Arran Whisky enthusiasts will also have the chance to sit down with the people closest to the distillery at the White Stage dinner on Friday night and the Survivors lunch on Sunday, both of which sold out last year.

For those interested in the intricacies and art of whisky making and tasting, there are several masterclasses throughout the weekend. Stillmen’s Choice, will draw from the personal favourites of the Stillsmen themselves whilst Scotch Broth Events will pair Arran whiskies with some innovative canapés for a gastronomic tasting. Experts from the distillery will also guide visitors through the evolution of Arran whisky in the Arran through the Ages tasting session.

There are also some exclusive masterclasses for the more dedicated whisky enthusiast. The Ultimate Masterclass with managing director Euan Mitchell is restricted to just 20 lucky ticket holders who will have the opportunity to select the official bottling of next year’s festival.

Euan Mitchell says: “We’re very proud to be based on the Isle of Arran and endeavour to root our whisky in its heritage and landscape. The festival is our way of celebrating the island and what better way to bring everyone together then with good food, great music and a quality dram.”

Tickets are now available from www.arranevents.com. Tickets for the White Stag dinner and Survivors Lunch on Sunday are limited and sold on a strictly first come, first serve basis. Ten places for the Ultimate Masterclass are available online, those who are unsuccessful should email info@arranwhisky.com before the 16th February to be added to the draw for the final ten places.

Notes:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY BREAKS TOURISM RECORDS
Visitation Has Increased 145% Since 2010

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (2015) Buffalo Trace Distillery has much to celebrate as it rings in the new year. For 2014, the National  Historic Landmark Distillery welcomed 123,331 visitors, a new record, and a 26 per cent
increase over the previous year. Since the end of 2009, Buffalo Trace Distillery has  grown its visitation a whopping 145 per cent.

“We are so happy we’ve been able to meet so many new friends from across the world as they’ve stopped by to see us and take one of our five complimentary tours,” said  Meredith Moody, marketing services director. “In addition to offering a wide variety of  tours, we have also added to our special events over the last few years, including our  “Legends” dinner series, and other opportunities throughout the year to learn about our brands and our heritage. We have at least one special event about every month, so there’s  something for everyone here at Buffalo Trace!” Those interested in the special events can  see a list of them here.

Not only did 2014 bring a wealth of visitors to Buffalo Trace, it also brought a number of major awards. The Distillery was named “Distiller of the Year” at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky
Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards, and its William Larue Weller Bourbon and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Whiskey won second and third finest whiskies in the world, respectively, by the esteemed Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. To see all of the awards the Distillery has won, look here.

To address all the growth Buffalo Trace is experiencing, the company has started a vertical expansion on its Visitor Center, repurposing an additional 5,500 square feet above its current footprint to include an additional tasting area and meeting and event space. That expansion is expected to be complete by Derby 2015. Earlier in 2014, Buffalo Trace broke ground on an 83,000 square foot warehouse center that will have a state of the art Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). This project is slated to be completed by spring 2015.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Bakers encouraged to think – and bake – whisky in new competition whipped up for Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

A competition that has been whipped up in Scotland’s malt whisky country, is calling on bakers to ‘think whisky’ and add a dash of the amber nectar to their next batch of buns.

Food and drink experts in Speyside – Scotland’s most prolific whisky-producing region – have laid down a challenge to bakers to invent whisky-inspired muffins and cupcakes.

Bakers can either produce cakes with Speyside malt as a main ingredient, or put forward a pairing proposal where the recipe has been devised to go with a particular dram.

The competition is organised by The Whisky Shop Dufftown and will be one of the key events at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which takes place from April 30 to May 4.

During the five-day celebration of the national drink, distilleries, shops, bars, pubs and whole communities welcome visitors with drams, ceilidhs, music, special events, and this year – cakes.

The creator of the overall winning recipe will be treated to a luxury Speyside break which will include a two night stay at the Dowans Hotel in Aberlour, a special distillery tour and a voucher for The Oakwood Cookery School in Elgin.

Mike Lord, owner of The Whisky Shop Dufftown, came up with the baking contest. He says that with 2015 being Scotland’s Year of Food of Drink, it seemed an ideal time to convince bakers to push the boundaries of their creativity.

 “Home baking is again a real focus for people thanks to shows like the Great British Bake Off, so what better way to celebrate this important year for food and drink than by being inspired by our greatest product?

“The muffin or cupcake can either be created to pair with a specific Speyside dram, contain the whisky in the recipe or be inspired by Speyside’s finest in some other way. The whisky chosen should be readily available in the UK.

“The many different Speyside whiskies have a tremendous range of flavours and pairing them with food is a true delight.  It can emphasise flavours in the food or in the whisky.  It can even bring out entirely new flavours as well.”

In the lead up to the festival, judges will draw up a shortlist of their favourite recipes, before inviting visitors to choose their favourite combination at a tasting event which The Whisky Shop Dufftown will organise as part of the festival programme.

Bakers are asked to enter by supplying a detailed recipe, a picture of the finished baking and a short summary of no more than 300 words on the inspiration behind the entry. A video showing the making of the muffin or cupcake that could be used on social media would be great.  Entrants do not need to be planning a trip to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in order to take part.

Entries must be received by no later than March 31, 2015 and should be sent to enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com

Further information is available from The Whisky Shop Dufftown by emailing enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com or calling 01340 821097.

Visit www.spiritofspeyside.com for festival news and follow the festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival   or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside. Tickets for this year’s events are on sale now.

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place from April 30 to May 4, 2015.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival   or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners