The Countdown Begins,

Milroy’s Of Soho To Open 20th February

London’s oldest whisky shop founded by the Milroy brothers is re-launching on February 20th as a whisky specialist, retail shop and basement cocktail bar in the heart of Soho. New owner Simo, formerly of Coal Vaults, promises to take London’s oldest existing whisky specialist and breathe new life into the brand, giving whisky the attention it deserves.

Simo comments ‘I wanted to build the already established Milroy’s brand, bringing it back to its former glory and making it a name synonymous with whisky once again. We also wanted to create a cocktail bar hidden away from the world where people can escape, relax and enjoy a good drink.’

The Vault is a 55 seater cocktail bar, hidden in the basement. Entering the shop and heading downstairs gives a sense that you are in the know, arriving at a hidden gem below London’s cobbled streets. The bar will serve up original seasonal cocktails made with home infused spirits.  Like any good barman, if desired you can also request any classic cocktail.  Cheese and meat boards will also be offered adding to the overall experience.  There will be a selection of craft beers and fine wine, changing seasonally. There is also the private ‘Barrel Room’, shaped as it’s named, with enough space to seat 12 people.

Upstairs in the shop there will be a 12 seater whisky bar called Milroy’s Bar, serving a selection of over 250 whiskys, all poured at 35ml rather than 25ml to enjoy the taste in a more traditional manner.  A unique feature in the bar will give customers a more intimate experience; a whisky locker is offered to anyone who purchases a bottle of whisky over £200 at the bar. The experience includes your own locker along with a key with your name so the bottle of whisky will always be waiting for you on your return.

The Milroy’s retail space will sell their existing range of own branded whisky, offered alongside a carefully curated selection of independent bottles, some of which are exclusive to the store, as well as a strong range of whiskies from around the world. Each whisky whether it be Irish, Dutch, Indian, rye or bourbon comes with its own story and reasoning as to why it has ended up on Milroy’s of Soho’s shelves.  Along with bottles there are handpicked casks on show in the shop, giving customers a chance to pour their own bottles, or make their own blends. Located on the ground floor they’ll also be a whisky tasting bar where customers can try before they buy, learn about the history of whisky or take part in one of Milroy’s tasting events. Milroy’s of Soho will also have an online presence and will ship whisky internationally.

Soho’s revitalised stalwart promises a high standard of product, knowledge and service, and with its unique offering both in store and at the basement bar, promises to offer a full experience for whisky aficionados, cocktail lovers and those curious to discover more. Milroy’s of Soho believes that there is a whisky to suit everyone’s palate and there’s no better place to discover them than at this Soho institution.

Notes  

Simo 

Twenty Eight year old Simo is the Executive Director of Milroy’s of Soho and has already three successful ventures under his belt. Most recently he launched Coal Vaults, a basement bar on Wardour Street with a paired dining concept. Simo is also the CEO of building company Griffin Construction, and started Space No9, a 1930s location house located on the Shoreditch triangle. Simo has been hands on in every project he has undertaken since he first entered the business world, taking an idea and making it grow into something incredible.

Milroy’s History and Brothers 

Milroy’s of Soho was established in 1964 by John and Wallace Milroy. The Milroy brothers are credited with bringing single malt whisky from Scotland and establishing it in London. The first of its kind, it is the oldest whisky specialist and shop in London. Even before Milroy brothers took over in 1964 the space had been used as a liquor shop.

The Milroy Brothers gave advice and wisdom to the world from their shop in Soho. Hugely respected for their plain speaking and great knowledge of whisky, they are admired internationally for their simplicity, clarity and plain speaking. They are credited with bringing single malt whiskey from Scotland and establishing it in London. Even before the Milroy brothers took over, the space had been used as a liquor shop since the 1930s. The shop originally had a basement bar and was used as a whisky heaven for people to enjoy a glass surrounded by the good company of other whisky lovers. The brothers loved their shop so much they even built a bedroom upstairs. It was a place built on community with people travelling from all over London.

The Milroy’s brothers became ambassadors of whisky for London and to this day are regarded as royalty amongst whisky lovers and the alcohol industry.

Milroy’s Of Soho
3, Greek Street,
London
W1D 4NX

The Vault Opening Times

Tuesday to Thursday : 6pm -11:30pm
Friday to Saturday : 5pm – midnight

Milroy’s Of Soho / Milroy’s Bar Opening Times

Monday to Thursday : midday -11:30pm
Friday and Saturday : midday to midnight

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Sixteenth (and Last) Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Four year Holy Grail project is nearly ready to reveal “the perfect bourbon” 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb 3, 2015) – Buffalo Trace Distillery will release the last set of Single Oak Project Bourbon bottles, as the four year research project into finding the “Holy Grail” of bourbon comes to a close.

The project consisted of bottles from 192 barrels released every three months in increments of twelve 375ml bottles over the past four years. Seven different variables were studied over the course of the study: recipe (wheat or rye); entry proof (105 proof or 125 proof); stave seasoning (six months or 12 months); grain size (tight, average, or coarse grains); warehouse (concrete floor or wooden rick floor); char number (number three or number four char); and tree cut (top or bottom half of the tree).

This final of the 16 releases offers a variety of all of the above variables, which should prove to be a treat for those following along over the years, or even those who’ve just begun to taste and rate these unique bourbons.

“This last release has quite the variety of bourbons. We’ve got some wheat and rye recipe, both the 105 and 125 entry proofs, all three grain sizes represented both types of warehouse floors, and oak from both the top and the bottom of the tree.  The only consistencies in this release are the stave seasoning at six months and the number four char,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “The diversity provides a good starting point for those who aim to learn how these different nuances affect the taste, or for those current participants who want to taste test what they have learned so far.”

Comstock is referring to the website http://www.singleoakproject.com/, in which participants can join and review Single Oak Bourbons they have tasted. After each review, members are availed the provenance of the bourbon in which they just appraised. This allows tasters to gain insights into how each variable imparts different taste characteristics and determine which type of bourbon they prefer.

So far, more than 4,600 reviews have been given, and barrel #82 remains the overall favorite, with barrels #109 and #111 not far behind.

“There is a very thin margin between the top rated bourbons so far, and it’s also possible that a bourbon from this last batch could come in and upset all the rankings. We’re still far from determining a winner,” added Comstock.

The winning bourbon will be announced this summer, to give plenty of time for bottles of this last release to be reviewed. If the results are too close to call, a panel of bourbon industry experts will help evaluate the finalists. After the winning bourbon is announced, Buffalo Trace plans to replicate the winning bourbon under the Single Oak Bourbon name.

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This final release will reach stores late February. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each bottle from a different barrel. The sixteenth release is made up of barrel numbers 7, 20, 39, 52, 71, 84, 103, 116, 135, 148, 168, and 180. All releases are packaged in a 375ml bottles. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

REDBREAST UNVEILS ITS FIRST ALL SHERRY MATURED WHISKEY

– New limited edition whiskey available exclusively

to members of The Stillhouse via www.SinglePotStill.com –

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has announced the launch of Redbreast Mano a Lámh, the first expression in the Redbreast range to be matured solely in ex-oloroso sherry butts. This special whiskey is the latest release from the Midleton Distillery as it aims to satisfy the increasing global demand for new and original Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys.

Mano a Lámh, meaning ‘hand in hand’ in Spanish and Gaelic respectively, represents the relationship and passion between the Midleton Distillery and the collective of artisans in Spain, which has crafted the distillery’s sherry butts for more than 20 years.

Specially commissioned for the Midleton Distillery, oak is felled in the forests of Galicia, north-west Spain, and then crafted and seasoned by some of the country’s most prestigious family businesses. The Antonio Páez Lobato Bodega in the South crafts the oak into casks, which are then seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the prestigious Páez Morilla Bodega in the nearby sherry capital of the world, Jerez.

The freshly seasoned sherry butts are then shipped promptly, during the cooler winter months, to the Midleton Distillery where they are then filled with new make pot still whiskeys.

Redbreast Mano a Lámh is being released exclusively to members of The Stillhouse, the web-based members club for Single Pot Still Irish whiskey fans. The Stillhouse forms part of the www.singlepotstill.com website, which launched in 2011, to educate discerning whiskey lovers about the quality and provenance of this unique style of Irish whiskey.

While the core Redbreast range is matured in a combination of American bourbon and Spanish oloroso butts, Redbreast Mano a Lámh luxuriates in this signature sherry style by bringing together whiskeys which have been matured exclusively in first fill Spanish oloroso sherry casks, imparting distinct, rich, fruity flavours and a full body.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, said: “Redbreast Mano a Lámh celebrates our longstanding relationship with the family of artisans in Spain who craft our sherry butts, which are so synonymous with the signature style of Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. It was an exciting challenge as a Master Blender to work on this project; having to ensure that the right balance was achieved and the sherry contribution did not over power in the final taste. For me, Redbreast Mano a Lámh offers a distinctive, rich whiskey with intense flavours of dried fruit, which gives way to the perfection of the Spanish oak. I am really eager to learn what our Stillhouse members and Redbreast fans think of this rare expression.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation and Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers added: “Since its re-launch in May 2011, Single Pot Still Irish whiskey has quickly established itself as the insiders’ Irish whiskey style of choice with the Redbreast brand very much at the vanguard of this revival. We hope that Redbreast Mano a Lámh will excite whiskey lovers, especially those who enjoy sherried style whiskeys”.

“The coming together of tradition and people, talents and passions – true craftspeople working hand in hand through generations and across borders – is what has helped make Redbreast the most definitive Single Pot Still Irish whiskey in the world and long may it continue.” Limited to just 2,000 bottles, Redbreast Mano a Lámh is non-chill filtered at 46% ABV and is available exclusively to members of The Stillhouse from February 2015, priced at €65. For more information on Single Pot Still Irish whiskey and to join The Stillhouse, visit http://www.singlepotstill.com/.

#RedbreastWhiskey 

NOTES

Redbreast Mano a Lámh tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Midleton Master Blender

Nose: Very deep dried fruits, raisins and sultanas with the more earthy tones of fig, dates and prunes. The sweetness is from the fruit and balances perfectly with pot still spices such as dill and black pepper, and the contribution of the toasted Spanish oak.

Taste: Silky smooth and deceptively sweet, full of rich, ripe, dark fruit with the leisurely emergence of the signature spices.

Finish: The rich fruit slowly gives way to the perfection of the Spanish oak. 

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.

http://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.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

More than 50 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival events sell out on first day of ticket sales

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has hit a new high, with a record 52 events being sold out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale.

Whisky lovers have snapped up up the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to distilleries that are not usually open to the public, as well showing strong demand for dining events, VIP experiences and connoisseur tours.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, February 3 and within half an hour of the online ticket office opening, a bumper £36,090 of transactions had been carried out.

By 24 hours, ticket sales had reached 380 transactions, worth almost £67,000, an increase on the same period last year.

More than half of the tickets purchased so far have gone to UK visitors, but Germany, the Netherlands and the USA are emerging as strong performers. Whisky lovers from Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Canada and Italy are also among the early bookers.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is now in its 16^th year and takes place at venues across the region from April 30 to May 4. The early buoyant demand for tickets could mean that the 2015 festival is on its way to being the most successful yet.

Festival administrator Pery Zakeri says, “It is wonderful to see that interest and anticipation in the festival is stronger than ever.

“Once again, we will be drawing visitors from all around the world to the stunning setting of Speyside, the malt whisky capital of the world.

“This is good news for us, and the great news for the public is that this year’s programme features a collection of over 350 events, so there’s still plenty of choice and availability.

“As well as specialist tours, tastings and experiences that prove popular with whisky enthusiasts, our programme also includes crafts, walks, music, folklore tours and dinners all within Speyside.”

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

Notes 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 30-Monday, May 4 2015.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date 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. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

MasterChef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign

BBC MasterChef: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new campaign to promote Scotch Beef PGI which was recently named Scotland’s favourite food*.

Jamie, who is head chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the campaign, which aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.

The nine week Quality Meat Scotland campaign, which kicks off this week, has a strapline of “There’s beef, there’s Scottish beef, then there’s Scotch Beef”. It will showcase Scotch Beef and the flavour, provenance, traceability and integrity which underpin the brand’s PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.

Over 4.7 million consumers will be targeted across Scotland and Greater London during February and March to inform, educate and inspire them to use Scotch Beef when they cook.

Jamie, who selected Scotch Beef as the main course for the final of MasterChef, donned his chef whites to serve up a delicious Scotch Beef dish at The Macallan Distillery to toast the launch of the campaign.

Jamie said: “Scotch Beef is a premium product and I am not surprised in the slightest that it has been named Scotland’s favourite food.

“I want to help share our love of Scotch Beef with consumers across the UK especially given that 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.

“It is such a versatile product and although it is simple to cook with, it is also very impressive which is the main reason I chose to include it in my final dish on MasterChef and feature it regularly on the menu at Rocca St Andrews. I always look for the Scotch Beef logo so I know I’m getting the best.”

Laurent Vernet, head of marketing at QMS, said: “By targeting professionals, food enthusiasts and busy families alike, this campaign aims to show just how simple and versatile cooking with Scotch Beef can be. It is an every day premium product that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

“By choosing Scotch Beef, we want consumers to know they are choosing the best product out there in terms of quality, taste and provenance.. Scotch Beef is also underpinned by one of the longest-running quality assurance schemes in the world.”

PGI status guarantees the meat is sourced from selected Scottish farms that must adopt best practice regarding animal welfare and natural production methods. The PGI is a guarantee of a genuinely authentic product.

*YouGov Plc: Total sample size was 1025 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26 – 27 November 2014.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).

Notes: The aim of the Scotch Beef 2015 campaign is to show that Scotch Beef is part of a premium offering, and to clearly differentiate between Scotch Beef and other beef.

The nine week advertising campaign will run from the first week in February right the way through to the end of March and will reach 4.7 million.  The adverts will feature in a range of national magazines and there will also be billboard advertising in key areas of Greater London and GB online activity will feature heavily throughout the campaign.

Rocca Restaurant in St Andrews has launched a special lunch menu to celebrate head chef Jamie’s triumph on the hit BBC Two programme.

Overlooking the world famous 18th fairway of the Old Course, Rocca is one of the few restaurants in the UK to earn three AA Rosettes in 2013/14.

[PHOTO CAPTION TOP : Masterchef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign BBC: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new Quality Meat Scotland campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI, recently named Scotland’s favourite food, following an independent survey. Jamie, who is sous chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the new campaign, which highlights the quality of Scotch Beef and aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.]

[PHOTO CAPTION BOTTOM : Masterchef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign BBC: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new Quality Meat Scotland campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI, recently named Scotland’s favourite food, following an independent survey. Jamie, who is head chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside. (LtoR) Alan Taylor, Mark Wheeler and Richard Burgin to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the new campaign, which highlights the quality of Scotch Beef and aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.]

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