BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS
‘Best Whisky from Europe’
in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible
And to top it off – we won an additional
14 ‘Liquid Gold Awards’
The English Whisky Co. is immensely proud of these achievements and hopes you will enjoy one of their whiskies soon.
FREE HIPFLASK with every bottle of 70cl English Whisky Co. own brand whisky purchased before Christmas*
New Hampshire Liquor Commission to Host One of the Largest Spirit Tastings in the Nation
Event to feature live auction of four individual bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Bourbon; 400 fine spirits, Rare Scotch & bourbon allocated exclusively for New Hampshire
Concord, NH – Further establishing itself as a dominant player in the spirits world, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) will host one of the largest spirits events in the country on Thursday, November 20, at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Expected to draw nearly 1,000 people, the Second Annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits is expanding dramatically this year to feature more than 400 fine spirits poured by some of the world’s foremost brand ambassadors, along with whisky and spirit seminars, silent auctions and raffles, and enticing cuisine from many of New Hampshire’s premiere restaurants. On behalf of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire there will also be an auction of four individual bottles of the iconic and incredibly rare, Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Family Reserve Bourbon.
Tickets cost $60 and are available at http://www.distillersshowcase.com/ with proceeds from the event and Pappy Van Winkle Auction benefitting the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. The event raised more than $31,000 last year in support of the Animal Rescue League and organizers anticipate this year’s event generating more than $50,000 in much needed revenue for the organization.
“As one of the most profitable control states in the country with more than $626 million in sales in Fiscal Year 2014, New Hampshire’s influence and buying power in the beverage industry draws the world’s leading spirit producers and brand ambassadors to the Distiller’s Showcase,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Expanding in a big way this year, the Distiller’s Showcase gives guests the unrivaled opportunity to immerse themselves in an incredible array of more than 400 ultra-premium spirits, including a selection of rare and exclusive choices. The event provides guests with the opportunity to talk directly with brand ambassadors who can serve as resources to guide consumers as they navigate the vast selection of spirits at our 77 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.”
With 100 tables featuring more than 400 diverse spirits from around the globe available for sampling, there will literally be something for everyone. Nationally known brands and craft distillers will be on hand to offer samples of various styles of whiskey, rye, Scotch, tequila, vodka, rum, gin, cordials and liqueurs. New Hampshire distillers like Sea Hagg Distillery of North Hampton, Djinn Spirits of Nashua, Flag Hill Distillery of Lee, and Smoky Quartz Distillery of Seabrook will take part in the Showcase as well.
Customers will be able to purchase spirits through NHLC’s state-of-the-art mobile app during the event.
In addition to the coveted Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Family Reserve Bourbon, the Distiller’s Showcase will feature whiskey and Scotch sourced and bottled exclusively for New Hampshire. The NH Liquor & Wine Outlets will be the only place in the world to purchase the following products:
“The NH Liquor Commission has always been committed to offering its customers exclusive opportunities to purchase limited availability, premium spirits,” Chairman Mollica added. “Many of the spirits available for sampling at the Distiller’s Showcase are only available in New Hampshire. You simply cannot find these spirits anywhere else in the world. Some of the rare finds were even sourced specifically for New Hampshire and available exclusively at the NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.”Guests will have the unique opportunity to interact with brand ambassadors like Alasdair Day, owner of Tweeddale Blend, Megan Breier, Kentucky Bourbon Ambassador for Jim Beam, Philip Pepperdine, Single Malt Scotch Ambassador for Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Chris Fletcher, Assistant Master Distiller for Jack Daniel Distillery, and Raj Sabharwal, U.S. Brand Ambassador for Amrut Distillerie. Chris Fletcher, the Assistant Master Distiller for Jack Daniel Distillery, will host a special seminar on bourbons and whiskeys during the showcase. The one-of-a-kind event features great food from local restaurants, including Bedford Village Inn, Ignite, CanOe, Amphora, the Granite Restaurant & Bar, BluAqua, Valentino’s Restaurant, Hanover Street Chop House, CR’s The Restaurant, Hooked, The Quill (SNHU), the Wild Rover, Faro Italian Grill, Common Man, Fresh Market and Triolo’s Bakery. Along with spirit tasting, the event will also feature a special bar area, where guests will get the chance to sip delicious cocktails concocted by renowned mixologists. Guests will also have an opportunity to enter to win an all-expense paid trip to Kentucky to experience the famed Bourbon Trail. The prize includes roundtrip flight, hotel accommodations, vehicle rental, food vouchers and admission to the following distilleries: Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Evan Williams and Heaven Hill. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire which improves animal welfare in communities throughout the state. Funds raised will support general operating expenses, as 68-percent of the League’s operating budget goes to general animal care and medical expenses. “The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire is grateful to be a part of the second annual Distiller’s Showcase,” said Paula Mattis, President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of NH. “The event enables us to reach more animals who need our help. This year’s Distiller’s Showcase is on track to be bigger than last year’s—with more brands being served, more restaurants and more attendees. Kudos to the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for developing this event!”The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is encouraging guests to imbibe responsibly and, as it did last year, will feature a Brown-Forman social responsibility section headlined by Marc Hindorff, Senior Corporate Responsibility Manager at Brown-Forman. The Radisson Hotel Manchester is offering a special discounted “sip and stay” package for $171 if booked before October 30 and a safe ride home program will also be available.
About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 77 retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 9 million customers each year. More than $3 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC had its best sales year ever in Fiscal Year 2014, generating $626 million in gross sales, an increase of $23 million – or nearly 4% over the previous fiscal year. Total liquor net profits transferred to the New Hampshire’s General Fund reached $148 million, which are used to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation and natural resource protection. NHLC is expecting to net an additional $1 billion for New Hampshire’s General Fund in the next seven years.
Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.
About the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire
The Animal Rescue League of NH improves animal welfare in our communities by helping pets and the people who care for them. During 2012 over 2,400 animals received care at the shelter, 635 of them were rescued by our Outreach and Cruelty Investigation Department. The ARLNH assists area residents with a low cost spay neuter clinic and pet food pantry for qualified individuals.
The ARL NH is open to all residents of New Hampshire, and actively serves the towns of Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Brookline, Candia, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Hollis, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Wilton, and Windham.
INDEPENDENT DISTILLERY BRINGS BACK BERE BARLEY
Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has teamed up with The University of the Highlands and Islands Orkney College to produce a 10-year-old cask strength whisky made with barley introduced to Scotland by the Vikings.
The Arran Malt Orkney Bere has been matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for ten years and has been bottled at a cask strength of 56.2%. It is sweet, earthy and malty and conjures flavours of ripe honeydew melon and apples with a finish of vanilla and desiccated coconut, which work together to showcase the character of Bere Barley.
The limited edition release of just 4,890 bottles comes after a first edition of the malt quickly sold out last year. Demand for this collector’s edition is expected to be extremely high.
Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “We are one of only a handful of distilleries that use bere barley as it is notoriously difficult to grow. However, for those who persevere, it can produce an outstanding malt, as is the case with this highly-anticipated new release.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to interest and excite whisky aficionados, and as an independent distillery we have the freedom to try new things as we have done with the Orkney Bere edition.
“We are extremely proud to have produced a whisky which uses a crop that is part of Scotland’s rich heritage. We are sure it will thrill and delight those who taste it.”
Thought to have been brought to the UK by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, Bere Barley is a challenging crop for farmers though can produce barley results in exceptional quality of spirit.
Until the 19th century Bere Barley was one of the most important Scottish crops and was widely grown by farmers and used by millers, brewers and distillers. Despite being a fundamental part of Scotland’s agricultural heritage, the crop is now only commercially grown on islands off Scotland’s North and West coasts as it has been replaced by higher yielding modern varieties.
To challenge this, Isle of Arran Distillers teamed up with the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, to revive the spirit of this barley which generates a unique taste of whisky as it used to be – a flavour which can be found in the new Arran Malt Orkney Bere.
Like all of Isle of Arran Distillers’ whiskies, this 10-year-old has been made with no artificial colouring and non-chill filtered. You can buy the whisky online at http://www.arranwhisky.com/ and specialist whisky shops after it goes on sale in mid-October, priced at RRP £59.99.
Notes:
The Arran Malt – Orkney Bere is released in mid-October and will be available in the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Germany and Switzerland. RRP is £59.99 for 70cl.
For more information visit http://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 San Francisco 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). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014).
INNOVATION UNDERPINS SUCCESS FOR THE GLENLIVET
The single malt that started it all announces core range extension with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
The Glenlivet unveiled its latest innovation last night [Wednesday 29th October], Founder’s Reserve; a new, permanent benchmark expression in the brand’s core range. It has been created as the ultimate tribute to founder George Smith’s original vision to craft the definitive, smooth single malt whisky.
The announcement has come in the wake of an unparalleled year of growth for the brand, with new expressions and continued innovation underpinning its success.
According to Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman & CEO, Chivas Brothers, “Founder’s Reserve brings to life the heart and soul of The Glenlivet – at its core is the perfectly balanced smooth and fruity flavour that The Glenlivet is renowned for. We are very proud to introduce this new expression during what has been an incredible 12 months for the brand, and which will enable us to meet increased demand for super-premium spirits with something unique to offer.”
With Founder’s Reserve, The Glenlivet house style is skilfully complemented with a creaminess and sweetness from the addition of First Fill American oak casks, resulting in a malt of exceptional smoothness; the very quality for which George Smith’s The Glenlivet was widely admired and appreciated in his day. This exceptional new spirit will be rolling out in markets globally from March 2015, priced alongside The Glenlivet’s 12 Year Old expression.
The brand further announced last night that, in September this year, it passed the one million case milestone, capping off the stellar year of success.
Laurent Lacassagne added: “The Glenlivet has been the biggest contributor to the growth of the single malt Scotch whisky category in the last five years and, in September 2014, reached the impressive milestone of one million case sales per annum*. This fantastic achievement is driven by a robust performance in volume but an even stronger performance in value**, which is a testament first and foremost to the high quality of our product.”
The introduction of Founder’s Reserve follows on from the recent historic release of The Glenlivet Winchester Collection, the world’s first collection of 50 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies. Launched earlier this month, the collection is anticipated to become one of the most sought after and priceless whisky collections in the world and epitomises the brand’s commitment to innovation in crafted Scotch whisky.
NOTES
*Pernod Ricard vol MAT 12 months ending September 2014
**8% increase in net sales in 2013/14 and a 2% increase in volumes (Pernod Ricard Figures to June 2014)
ABOUT CHIVAS BROTHERS
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
www.chivasbrothers.com
ABOUT THE GLENLIVET
The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.
www.theglenlivet.com
@TheGlenlivet
THE WHISKY SHOP’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2014
Whether shopping for loved ones or making your own whisky wish list, luxury drinks retailer The Whisky Shop offers an unrivalled collection of whisky gifts this Christmas at 22 stores nationwide and online at www.whiskyshop.com
The UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer showcases a selection of whiskies from across the globe, with a malt or blend to suit everyone, from those just setting off on their whisky journey of discovery to connoisseurs and collectors of the spirit.
UNDER £50
Haig Club – £45 – 40% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
Developed in partnership between Diageo, global sporting icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller, Haig Club is a new single grain whisky from Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland using three cask types.
Seen by many as Scotland’s hidden gem, single grain whisky is predicted by industry experts as the next whisky trend.
Haig Club exudes a fresh, clean style and an ultra-smooth taste, with delicious notes of butterscotch and toffee making it enjoyable served neat, over ice or in a long, refreshing cocktail.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel engraved bottles – £47 – 45% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
This is Jack Daniel’s with a difference and the ultimate personalised gift this Christmas. A truly unique whiskey with a robust and colourful character highlighting toasted oak, vanilla and caramel.
Only one in every 100 barrels is hand selected to make Single Barrel and because no two barrels are exactly the same, each bottle offers a chance to experience the flavour and style that the Master Distiller deems extra special.
And Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel not only tastes unique. Exclusively in the UK, The Whisky Shop can help to create an exceptionally individual gift by adding a personalised message engraved into the side of the bottle.
£50 – £100
Bowmore Laimrig 15 year old – £65 – 53.7% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
A limited edition Islay whisky exclusively available at The Whisky Shop, the 2014 release of Bowmore Laimrig is finished in the finest Spanish sherry butts.
This cask strength, non-chill filtered Bowmore has a rich, dark character and colour with notes of fig, cocoa and raisins wrapped around the customary oily smokiness of Bowmore.
Scottish Gaelic for ‘pier’, Laimrig celebrates Bowmore’s ancient stone pier where the distillery’s barley would once have been unloaded and from where this renowned single malt would have first set sail for the four corners of the world.
BenRiach 1995 17 year old – £85 – 53.1% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
This cask-strength BenRiach was initially matured for 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels followed by an additional ‘finishing’ period of one year in virgin American Oak barrels.
The double-maturation created intense vanilla and coconut notes layered on top of flavours such as barley sugars, honey, apricots and toffee apples with a crisp, dry finish.
A limited edition single malt Scotch whisky crafted from hand-selected casks which combined to produce this exclusive bottling for The Whisky Shop.
OVER £100
Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask – £145.00 – 61.5% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
From the Highland distillery, Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask is exclusive to The Whisky Shop.
Distilled in 1996 and selected for individual bottling from a single refill American oak ex-sherry hogshead cask in 2013 at natural cask strength, this is a mellow whisky with herbal notes and a trace of orange peel. A smooth texture and a sweet taste, with light acidity and beeswax, and a long warming finish, sure to make a lasting impression this Christmas.
A dram which is surprisingly easy to drink even at cask strength, but adding some water creates a creamier texture and releases more fruit and fudge notes.
The Glenlivet Gallow Hill 16 Year Old – £235.00 – 51.8% abv – www.whiskyshop.com
An enchanting Speysider, The Whisky Shop exclusive is bottled at natural cask strength. Bursting with concentrated fruit flavours – sweet clementine, pear and pineapple – along with toasted almonds and moist gingerbread, The Glenlivet Gallow Hill coats the mouth with orange-chocolate and a hint of sweet treacle toffee, leaving a long and refreshing finish.
Despite a ban on private distilling in 1781, the area was rife with illicit stills for many years. In an attempt to dissuade transgressors, a public gibbet was erected on the hillside above the site where the Glenlivet Distillery now sits. The hillside has become forever known as “Gallow Hill”.
The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer with 22 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com
Notes to Editors:
The Whisky Shop
The Whisky Shop is the largest specialist whisky retailer in the UK with 22 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com
The premium London Piccadilly flagship opened in 2012 and won the 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail.
The Whisky Shop was also crowned the Best Specialist Drinks Retailer of the Year at the Harpers Awards 2014.
BALLANTINE’S OPENS THE DOORS OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING
NEW ONLINE GOLF CLUB
Fans can join Club Captain Ian Poulter now at www.ballantinesgolfclub.com
Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today launches the Ballantine’s Golf Club; a unique and innovative online Golf Club, inspired by golf and its lifestyle, and aimed at those who share an appreciation of golf and a love of fine whisky. Ian Poulter is the Club’s inaugural Captain and the website is now live and ready for members to open its doors for the first time at www.ballantinesgolfclub.com.
Membership to the Ballantine’s Golf Club, which is completely free-of-charge, gives golf fans around the world access to exclusive content, invitational events, whisky tastings, VIP hospitality and a range of member rewards, as well as the coveted opportunity to learn from top players and participate in a member-only global golf tournament.
Club Captain Ian Poulter hosted a launch event today at the Lake Malaren Golf Club on the eve of the BMW Masters Tournament, at which Ballantine’s is the Official Whisky of the prestigious tournament. The inspirational golf star, who was joined by celebrated Chinese golfer, Liang Wen-Chong in unveiling the Ballantine’s Golf Club, showcased highlights of the exclusive golf content hosted on the new website to the world’s media, including the first view in China of his revered ‘Moment of Truth’ film, conceived by Ballantine’s and first showcased when plans for the Ballantine’s Golf Club were announced earlier this year.
The innovative online club presents a wide range of contemporary and exciting golf content, appealing to golf enthusiasts who want to get behind-the-scenes of the sport and learn something new, whilst having the opportunity to win ‘money-can’t-buy’ rewards. These rewards include exclusive signed Ian Poulter prints, beautifully crafted handmade golf clubs from Vega and Ryder Cup official prints, painted and signed by world renowned golf artist, Graeme Baxter.
Throughout the season, www.ballantinesgolfclub.com will be updated with further exclusive content including ‘Shotmakers’, which features swing and course management tips from professionals, ‘Captain’s Diary’ updates from Ian Poulter, ‘Off-Course Portraits’ documenting the unique lives of successful individuals in the world of golf, and golf style articles from leading fashion journalists.
Ian Poulter said: “It is an honour to be the Founding Captain of the Ballantine’s Golf Club. Ballantine’s has long had an association with golf and it’s fantastic to be a part of a truly unique club where, like me, the members will share an appreciation of whisky and the spirit of the sport.”
Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s added: “We have a tremendous heritage in golf dating back to 1960 and the Ballantine’s Golf Club now takes our presence in the sport to the next level. In addition to our continued support for tournaments across the golfing calendar, the introduction of the Ballantine’s Golf Club will allow us to reach an increasing number of golf fans who share an appreciation of good whisky, with new and exciting content that has been created with them in mind, all around the world.”
Notes:
About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
About Ballantine’s in golf
Ballantine’s has a rich history in golf dating back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played at Wentworth Club in England. Ballantine’s founded the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, remaining title sponsor of the tournament until 2013. Ballantine’s has also been a sponsor of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open since 2007 and the BMW Masters in Shanghai, China, since 2012.
About the Ballantine’s Golf Club
The Ballantine’s Golf Club was inspired by the brand’s ‘Stay True’ positioning, which serves as an invitation to consumers to express themselves in a genuine and authentic way, applauding conviction and self-belief. The identity of the Golf Club reflects its members’ modern lifestyle and aspirational outlook, building on Ballantine’s strong heritage in golf in a way that is both contemporary and engaging.
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
Barbecoa develops exclusive Dalmore cocktail
‘The Real Red Stag’
The Dalmore distillery, home to some of the world’s most exceptional and unique single malt whiskies, has partnered with a mixologist from Jamie Oliver’s barbecue steakhouse Barbecoa, to create a new Dalmore cocktail named ‘The Real Red Stag’.
Mirka Kohutova who works as a mixologist at the UK’s first barbecue steakhouse, developed the drink in honour of The Dalmore 15 years old. Described by Mirka as ‘simple and undeniably beautiful’, the drink blends Bénédictine, raspberry syrup, lemon and aromatic bitters with the robust and elegant flavours of The Dalmore 15.
The cocktail is now available exclusively from Barbecoa in the City of London. ‘The Real Red Stag’ has proved a favourite with The Dalmore’s Master Distiller Richard Paterson, who commended creator Mirka for her creativity and craftsmanship in developing the distinctive taste of the new cocktail.
One of The Dalmore Principal Collection, The Dalmore 15 spends twelve years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before spending three years in three different sherry woods – Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso. With a taste of clementine, coffee and Christmas cake and with a finish of vanilla, ginger and red apples, this malt offers flavours of citrus, spice and orange which is perfectly complemented by the fruity hints of Mirka’s new recipe.
Mirka of Barbecoa said: “The Dalmore 15 is one of my favourite whiskies and because of its intense flavours of oranges, chocolate and particularly red fruits, I knew immediately that I wanted to highlight these by using raspberry as the key ingredient in my cocktail. This is a simple cocktail in that it uses few ingredients, but key to its success is getting the balance of flavours just right so that they complement each other perfectly.”
Richard Paterson, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller said: “The Real Red Stag is the perfect combination of Dalmore, citrus and raspberry which invigorates the senses. This fruitiness, combined with the tastes of ginger and vanilla that come from the finishing flavours of The Dalmore 15, ensures that Mirka’s creation is a real delight to savour. I am lucky enough to have travelled all over the world and sampled many different drinks, but I have to say that The Real Red Stag is currently my cocktail of choice.”
Recipe and method:
Mix together all ingredients, shake and strain into an embassy sours glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Images:
7: Red Stag Cocktail with the Dalmore 15
11: The Dalmore 15 and other ingredients
14: Mirka Kohutova with Red Stage cocktail
In 1263, Colin of Kintail, the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, saved King Alexander III of Scotland from being gored by a stag whilst out hunting.
The saying ‘fortune favours the brave’ has never been truer for this heroic Scot, as the grateful King not only awarded him the lands of Eilean Donan and the motto ‘Luceo Non Uro’ which translates to ‘I shine, not burn’, but also granted the Mackenzie clan the right to bear a twelve-pointed Royal Stag as their crest.
This act of saving King Alexander III’s life would prove to be a defining moment for Colin of Kintail and in the history of The Dalmore.
In 1867 Andrew and Charles Mackenzie became custodians of The Dalmore distillery and not only did they use the iconic twelve pointed Royal Stag on every bottle, they also applied the pioneering bravery shown by their ancestors to their whisky making.
ANDY WATTS HONOURED BY THE TOWN OF WELLINGTON
Andy Watts, master distiller and a resident of Wellington, received the town’s highest honour by being named the 2014 Wellingtonian of the Year at a gala dinner last week (23 October). The award, now in its 25th year, is an initiative of the Wellington Rapportryers who annually recognises individuals who contribute unselfishly to the wellbeing of the community.
Watts was acknowledged for supporting and initiating a number of community projects. He has also been instrumental in turning The James Sedgwicks Distillery at the entrance to Wellington into one of the most awarded large business properties in town for its beauty, cleanliness and splendour.
As master distiller of the foremost whisky distillery in Africa, Andy has pioneered whisky-making in this country and in doing so has promoted the town throughout the world with the many awards and accolades the distillery and the whiskies (Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and Three Ships) made there have garnered over the years.
Born in Barnsley in England, Watts came to South Africa as a professional cricketer in 1982 and whilst playing cricket for Boland and coaching the Hugenote Primary and High School teams, he met his now wife and decided to make Wellington his home. He not only had to get to know a new country and culture but quickly had to learn to speak Afrikaans. He found a position at the then Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery in Paarl and in 1991 was transferred to The James Sedgwicks Distillery as manager. An intensive sixth-month training programme at Morrison Bowmore Distillers in Scotland led to Andy returning to South Africa and becoming the country’s first master distiller.
JAPANESE DRAM STEALS ‘WHISKY BIBLE’ CROWN
SHOCK FOR SCOTCH…JIM MURRAY NAMES YAMAZAKI SINGLE MALT ‘WORLD’S BEST’…
HIGHLAND HEARTLANDS ECLIPSED BY LAND OF RISING SUN…SHAPE UP NOW, WARNS ‘BIBLE’ GURU…
A JAPANESE single malt has been anointed World Whisky of the Year by the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
The stunning and unprecedented victory should come as a “wake-up call” for Scotch distilling giants, says the famously straight-talking expert.
Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 notches a record-equalling 97.5 marks out of 100 in the planet’s most authoritative whisky guide, which hails it as “near indescribable genius”.
Murray praises the dram’s “nose of exquisite boldness” and finish of “light, teasing spice”.
At Japan’s oldest distillery, at the foot of the mountains which rise above Kyoto, the whisky was matured in Spanish sherry casks, lending it a “huge oloroso signature; nutty, thick, dry, as rounded as a snooker ball”.
The result is “a single malt which no Scotch can at the moment get anywhere near”.
Yamazaki’s offering beat off the challenges of two American rivals: bourbon William Larue Weller in second and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old in third.
It’s the first time a Japanese whisky has landed the prestigious accolade…and never before has a Scotch failed to make the Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible final-five shortlist.
In an explosive editorial, Murray speaks of a hardcore of “astonishing” Scotches – but warns that some ‘old world’ distilleries are now beginning to churn out drab drams and mediocre malts.
After tasting more than a thousand new samples for the 2015 edition, he laments: “Where were the complex whiskies in the prime of their lives? Where were the blends which offered bewildering layers of depth?”
And the hard-hitting writer adds: “It is time for a little dose of humility…to get back to basics. To realise that something is missing.”
Keita Minari, Europe Brand Manager for Beam Suntory, which owns Yamazaki, said: “It is such an honour to be Jim Murray’s World Whisky of the Year. Sherry casks were used to age the very first Japanese whisky over 90 years ago at the distillery. It provides a strong, rich character to the whisky and a delicate sweetness.”
NEWSDESK NOTES:
* Other award winners: Scotch of the Year – The Last Drop 1965; Irish Whiskey – Redbreast Aged 21 Years; European Whisky – English Whisky Co. Chapter 14 Not Peated
* Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is available from Monday in all good book shops and online at whiskybible.com, priced £12.99.
* The 2015 edition contains detailed taste notes for 4,700 whiskies – including 1,145 new labels – all marked for nose, taste, finish and balance.
* For more information, contact Vincent Flint-Hill at Dram Good Books 0117 317 9777
