CREATED WITH PASSION BY OUR MASTER BLENDER: LABEL 5 GOLD HERITAGE

LABEL 5 expands its range with a new expression: LABEL 5 Gold Heritage. This new offer will be unveiled at TFWA Cannes next October. LABEL 5 Gold Heritage has been created to delight Scotch whisky lovers who are looking to explore

LABEL 5’s character in more depth.

Graham Coull, LABEL 5 Master Blender, crafted a unique and rich whisky. LABEL 5 Gold Heritage is a rich blend of exceptional whiskies that includes malts aged of more than 20 years. Created with passion and care, LABEL 5 Gold Heritage presents a unique profile which lies between the smoky and peated flavours of the old malts whiskies and the creamy vanilla notes of the grain whiskies. The smooth character which is the trademark of LABEL 5 whiskies has been accentuated with subtle woody hints and spicy notes.

“LABEL 5 Gold Heritage is a personal achievement for me. Building on the traditions of LABEL 5, I have hand-selected whiskies from different ages and casks which marry together to produce a wonderfully balanced blend. The result is an exceptionally smooth whisky loaded with fruit, spice, warm vanilla oak and subtle smoke, which offers a unique taste experience.” said Graham Coull.

The packaging echoes the iconic LABEL 5 Classic Black and conveys a premium look through the use of the gold and brown colours. The packaging reflects perfectly the warm and inviting atmosphere of whisky tasting moments.

Recently awarded with a double gold medal at the China World Spirit Award, Gold Heritage can look the future with confidence!

LABEL 5 Gold Heritage

Appearance: Burnished copper

Nose : Subtle spice, cinnamon infused blackcurrants combined with creamy vanilla ice cream

Palate : A superb combination of rich sweet oak and toasted spices laced with the slightest hint of peat smoke

Finish : Satisfyingly long and smooth

It’s best savoured neat but try to add a few drops of water to unlock the flavours.

Cocktail signature LABEL 5 Gold Heritage – “The Golden Gate”:

In a shaker, 2 basil leaves, 1 lime wedge; muddle and add ice cubes

Then add :

4cl of LABEL 5 Gold Heritage

4cl of Apple juice

Shake and filter in a whisky glass filled with ice cubes

Top with 2cl of Ginger Ale in the glass

Add gold leaves delicately

LABEL 5 GOLD HERITAGE – 75cl, 40° – RSP: $40 – Available worldwide – The first markets to launch are the US, followed by China, and Australia. Please enjoy responsibly.

ABOUT LABEL 5

Elaborated in Scotland, LABEL 5 is renowned worldwide for its high quality and appreciated for its smoothness and its contemporary brand image. LABEL 5, ranks 10th on the worldwide Scotch Whisky market and is sold in more than 100 countries.

About LA MARTINIQUAISE

An independent French group founded in 1934, LA MARTINIQUAISE is the second-largest spirits group in France and features in the world Top 10. The group has a turnover of 920 Million euros and is proud to own four millionaire brands, LABEL 5 & SIR EDWARD’S Scotch Whisky, POLIAKOV Vodka and NEGRITA Rum. (Source: IMPACT 2014

Blending the skill, creativity and craft of the best mixologists and artists from across the globe.

To celebrate the re-invigoration of Cutty Sark whisky in Japan, the brand recently hosted a weekend event with a difference – Cutty Cargo style!

As part of the International Bartenders show and Whisky Live Tokyo, Cutty Sark invited bartenders, consumers and media to visit the brand’s pop-up speakeasy. There, they had the opportunity to meet three internationally renowned bartenders from New York, London and Tokyo, listen to cutting edge DJs, enjoy the work of some of the best creative artists of this vibrant city and sample bespoke Cutty Sark cocktails.

HEADLINING THE WEEKEND WERE:

Wayne Collins, UK, an internationally recognised award-winning bar trainer, regarded by many within the drinks industry as one of the most knowledgeable, innovative and pioneering bartenders of today.

Jim Meehan, USA, managing partner of PDT (please don’t tell), a world renowned speakeasy bar based in East Village district of New York.

Yujiro Kiyosaki, Japan, owner of Bar Libre in Tokyo, who created classic Japanese-style cocktails with a modern twist.

Irwin Wong, Japan, a well-known portrait photographer. He showcased bespoke work for Cutty Sark capturing the fascinating world of Tokyo’s subculture and underground life.

Shingu Taishi, Japan, illustrator, who created bespoke illustrations of visitors to our Cargo stand during the weekend event.

Wendy Harries Jones, Cutty Sark Senior Brand Manager, said: “Back in 1923, the brand was specially created for the cocktail set and to be mixed.

“We were delighted therefore to blend the skill and experience of three top international bartenders with Kirsteen Campbell, our Master Blender, as well as feature innovative work created by local artists at our Cutty Cargo speakeasy club.

“Our target audience are 25-35 year old male and female urbanites – not the standard audience of most Scotch whisky brands. Having a younger consumer base has driven us to fundamentally change the way we approach, serve, think and talk about whisky – and in Tokyo this was no different – guests enjoyed classic cocktails served in bright yellow mugs whilst enjoying the cool beats from the decks of DJs – our actions define who we are!”

Global online whisky retailer Hard To Find Whisky opens first UK store in Birmingham 

Hard To Find Whisky, the specialist global online whisky retailer, and sister company of Hard To Find Records, has opened its first UK whisky store in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter in a move that will mark a new era of whisky retailing.

The Birmingham store also marks Hard To Find Whisky’s transition into physical retailing and is the first of several destination stores planned by the independent retailer across the UK.

At just under 2,000 sq ft, boasting 3,000 different collectable, rare and new release whiskies displayed in 22 ceiling-high glass cabinets, this technically advanced shop will allow customers to be able to peruse and taste whisky, and buy bottlings that range from £25 to £35,000 (for an extremely rare Macallan 50-year-old).

Whisky enthusiasts and novices alike will also have the opportunity to take part in any of the fourteen walk-up masterclasses offered to customers in store; from a beginners’ class at £20 per head, to a tasting session of iconic whiskies from ‘silent distilleries’ priced at £1000 per head.

Jason Kirby, Hard To Find Whisky’s founder, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Hard To Find Whisky, and marks a new chapter in our journey as expert whisky retailers. We’ve built up a very strong online presence by offering an excellent service, and also by helping people from across the globe find some of the rarest and most collectable whiskies in the world, along with all the new releases. We feel that the time is right to turn our unique retail offering into a complete whisky experience at our first destination store in Birmingham.”

He added: “Birmingham has an incredibly vibrant food and drink scene and a fantastic entrepreneurial and creative spirit. The Jewellery Quarter was the perfect location given its heritage – we felt that it perfectly complemented the specialist nature of the store and the service that we offer – sourcing whisky for our customers that you simply won’t find anywhere else.”

An extensive range of gift-ware, glasses and miniatures is also available, and in a nod to the historic drink’s Scottish heritage, the floor of the store is also decked out in Wallace Clan tartan.

Jason continued: “Above all we want people to feel at home and relaxed in the store – it’s a space not just for buying whisky but for sampling and discussing it too. We actively talked to our customers before we opened the store to get their views on what their ideal whisky shop would be like and we’ve included a number of these. We’ve worked hard to create an atmosphere not just befitting the incredible range of whisky we have on offer, but where people can enjoy their tasting and shopping experience. With this in mind we hope our customers will enjoy settling into our giant Chesterfield sofas while they chat to our whisky experts and enjoy a dram or two.”

BALLANTINE’S INCREASES ASIAN GOLF PRESENCE WITH

SPONSORSHIP OF KOLON KOREA OPEN 

Ballantine’s, the No 2 Scotch whisky in the world, is further reinforcing its commitment to golf in Asia with the announcement of a three-year sponsorship of the Kolon Korea Open; a notable OneAsia Tour event whose field has previously included Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garciá. The sponsorship commences with the 2014 tournament, which takes place this week (23 – 26 October) at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in South Korea.

Following a successful five-year title sponsorship of the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea, Ballantine’s presence at this year’s Kolon Korea Open will include branding on course, an exhibition tent at the Gallery Plaza to showcase Ballantine’s product and the staging of a special Ballantine’s Award. The tournament winner will be awarded with a prestigious bottle of Ballantine’s 30 Year Old, and players achieving the daily ‘Lowest Round’ score will also be gifted with a bottle of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Sponsorship of the Kolon Korea Open further enhances Ballantine’s impressive track record of support for golf events both in Asia and in its homeland, Scotland. The BMW Masters in Shanghai, of which Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor for three consecutive years, continues to attract a strong field year-on-year and allows Ballantine’s to showcase its product through its partnership. The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, where Ballantine’s has also been an official sponsor since 2007, attracts world class talent to its links courses, just miles away from the spiritual home of Ballantine’s, Glenburgie Distillery.

This strong portfolio of tournament sponsorships provides an opportunity for Ballantine’s to connect with a key audience in the inaugural year of the launch of the Ballantine’s Golf Club. The Ballantine’s Golf Club is 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. World-renowned golfer Ian Poulter is the Club’s founding Captain and registrations for the Club are open now at http://www.ballantinesgolfclub.com/.

Membership to the Ballantine’s Golf Club, which is free-of-charge, will offer access to exclusive content, invitational events, whisky tastings, VIP hospitality and a range of member rewards, as well as the chance to meet and play with top players and participate in a member-only global tournament.

Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, Peter Moore, comments; “We’re delighted to announce our sponsorship of the Kolon Korea Open and to continue building on our strong heritage in golf across Asia. The sponsorship will provide us with a great opportunity to introduce our fans in Korea to the Ballantine’s Golf Club and to continue to strengthen our position as one of the leading whisky brands in Asia.”

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 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.

http://www.ballantines.com/ 

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 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.

http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

JOIN US for BURNS NIGHT IN 2015
Bookings being taken now…

BURNS NIGHT
SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY 2015

It only comes round once a year and we have two stunning venues with different Burns Night celebrations to choose from ?

Join us at WHISKI Bar or WHISKI Rooms on 25th January 2015 for a memorable Burns Night Supper to celebrate our national poet Robert Burns whose message of friendship and Auld Lang Syne lives on.

Bookings being taken now.

 ________________________________________

WHISKI’s Burns Night Supper
Call us on 0131-556-3095 to book WHISKI on the Royal Mile for one of our Burns suppers.
Times: 6:00PM and 8:30PM.

View WHISKI’s Burns Supper here

 ________________________________________

WHISKI Rooms Burns Night Supper
Call us on 0131 225 7224 to book WHISKI Rooms overlooking the Mound for our Burns Night celebrations.
Two sittings: 5PM and 8:30PM

View WHISKI Rooms Burns Supper here

 ________________________________________

Hope to see you in WHISKI or WHISKI Rooms for a great Scottish celebration.
Best Regards from all at

WHISKI Bar and WHISKI Rooms
www.whiskibar.com | www.whiskirooms.com

WHISKI Rocks, let the party begin …

IRISH DISTILLERS PERNOD RICARD CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF MIDLETON VERY RARE

Introducing Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition

The Midleton Distillery has unveiled Midleton Very Rare 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition; an exclusive, limited edition created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the expression heralded by many whisk(e)y experts as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

A true Irish masterpiece and a perfectly balanced exemplar of the Midleton Very Rare style, Pearl Edition is the result of a collaboration between Master Distiller, Brian Nation, and Barry Crockett, Master Distiller Emeritus, who share between them more than 60 years’ distilling experience at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork.

Barry and Brian personally selected a 1984 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and a 1981 grain whiskey respectively to blend into a whiskey of exceptional quality. As is tradition, both whiskeys have been matured in American oak barrels, which after 30 years have imparted luscious vanilla and delicate honey flavours.

Local artisans have collaborated to provide exceptional and authentic packaging for the expression, befitting its outstanding quality and rarity. Each presentation pack is bespoke; the Leadbetter family of glassblowers from Jerpoint Glass Studio, Co. Kilkenny, has shaped each bottle individually, which sits in a grand box fashioned from the mightiest Irish oak by some of Ireland’s most-skilled, wood craftspeople from Co. Wexford. The case houses a limited edition, celebratory booklet and a hand-blown miniature of Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition to allow whiskey lovers to taste and share the whiskey without opening the full bottle.

Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition continues the tradition of featuring the signature of the creator on the label. As Master Distiller Emeritus, Barry Crockett returned to craft the expression with Master Distiller Brian Nation, the bottle features both names in recognition of their joint creation. Nation comments:

“Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition has been 30 years in the making; 30 years of craft, 30 years of tradition and 30 years of patience. The liquid, its bottle and the presentation box are examples of the finest Irish craftsmanship, and offer whiskey aficionados the ultimate Irish whiskey experience by perfectly capturing our Irish heritage as we look to the future. Pearl Edition sets a new benchmark for Midleton Very Rare and the distillery’s Prestige Collection, as we continue to craft innovative whiskeys to further enhance the Irish whiskey renaissance.”

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller Emeritus, added: “Few things are worth coming out of retirement for, but the opportunity to be a part of the creation of Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition is certainly one of them. The whiskey is Midleton’s most prized possession and represents the greatest milestone since I crafted the first ever edition of Midleton Very Rare back in 1984. It is an honour to be a part of this release and Ireland’s rich distilling heritage, and I hope discerning drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts cherish every drop.”

With only 117 bottles in existence, Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition will be available in Ireland, UK, France, Germany and China, priced at €6,000 or equivalent, from November 2014.

NOTES

Midleton Very Rare Pearl Edition tasting notes:

NOSE
The initial fresh herbal notes of crushed garden mint and rosemary, are a testament to the quality of the ex-bourbon barrels in which this whiskey has rested for many years. Soft honey sweetness along with beeswax shows its antique character, while hints of gingerbread combine with toasted oak to compliment some pot still spices.
TASTE
The soft silky mouth coating is initially honey sweet, then the fresh herbal flavours follow through with a touch of menthol. The spicy notes concentrate, staying sweet with cinnamon and liquorice before the toasted oak adds to the complexity.
FINISH
The succulence of the herbs and spices is very slow to fade.

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

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 which celebrated its centenary in 2013; 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.
www.irishdistillers.ie

Teeling Whiskey Picks Up Three Accolades at Irish Whiskey Awards

Honoured as Best Poitin, Best Single Grain and Best Single Malt (>13Yrs) 

The Teeling Whiskey Company (TWC) has continued to build on its reputation as the leading independent Irish whiskey company by picking up three top awards for its range of premium Irish whiskeys at the second annual Irish Whiskey Awards last night.

Teeling Whiskey was awarded ‘Best Irish Poitin’, ‘Best Irish Single Grain’ and ‘Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey (13 Yrs & Over)’. In just over two years, the Teeling Whiskey family of premium Irish whiskeys has picked up over 40 awards and honours worldwide.

As the standard and popularity of Irish whiskey continues to rise, it is fitting that the excellence and innovation by producers and distillers is rewarded. The Irish Whiskey Awards was established to enable this and is held annually on the eve of Whiskey Live Dublin.  Voting duties were carried out by members of the Celtic Whiskey Club and also by the Irish Whiskey Society. All submitted entries were subjected to a series of blind tastings the results of which determined each winner.

Commenting on the latest accolades, Jack Teeling, founder of The Teeling Whiskey Company, said, “We are truly honoured for our Whiskeys and Poitin to have been judged by these knowledgeable palates to be the best in its class.  With construction of our new distillery in Dublin underway, we hope to be able to build on these awards and continue to provide high quality and unique expressions to Irish whiskey drinkers around the world. “

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded by Jack Teeling in 2012 to revive his family-old trademark of Irish whiskey and bring distilling back to Dublin, where Walter Teeling had a distillery in the Liberties in the 18^th century.  In January 2014, The Teeling Whiskey Company announced a €10 million investment in a new distillery and visitor centre at Newmarket in The Liberties. Work started on site in August and when completed in 2015 will be the first new distillery in the city in 125 years.

For more on The Teeling Whiskey Company and its award winning Irish Whiskeys, visit www.teelingwhiskey.com

Fireball Dispels Internet Rumors 

Quashes rumors about the North American market and product safety 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (Oct 28, 2014) – Fireball Cinnamon Whisky assures its consumers that the product is perfectly safe to drink.  There is no recall in North America.  Fireball fans can continue to enjoy their favorite product as they always have.

Late last week Sazerac, the makers of Fireball, was contacted by its European bottler regarding a small recipe-related compliance issue in Finland.

Regulations for product formulation are different in Europe, which explains why recipes for products like soft drinks, alcohol/spirits and even candies and confections are slightly different than their North American counterparts.  Fireball, therefore, has a slightly different recipe for Europe.

Unfortunately, Fireball shipped its North American formula to Europe and found that one ingredient is out of compliance with European regulations.  Finland, Sweden and Norway have asked to recall those specific batches, which is what the brand is doing.  Fireball anticipates being back on the shelves for fans in these countries within three weeks.

The ingredient in question was propylene glycol (PG).  PG is a regularly used and perfectly safe flavoring ingredient.   PG has been used in more than 4,000 food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for more than 50 years. Most people consume PG every day in soft drinks, sweeteners, some foods or alcoholic beverages.

The ingredient is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration up to 50 grams per KG.  In Canada, its use is limited to “good manufacturing practice” with no defined numerical limit.  It is used in the Fireball flavor in very small quantities, less than 1/8th of the amount allowed by US FDA regulations.

All Fireball formulas are absolutely safe to drink and the use of PG in Fireball creates no health risk whatsoever.  There is no recall in North America.  Fireball fans can continue to enjoy their favorite product as they always have.

About The Sazerac Company

            Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Londonderry, New Hampshire; and Montreal, Canada.  For more information, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/.

Harper Government Investing in Innovative Distillery Technology

Project to raise demand for Canadian barley and create local jobs

October 15, 2014 – Victoria, British Columbia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Minister of State and MP John Duncan (Vancouver Island North), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $2.37 million to Macaloney Brewers and Distillers, who are bringing an accelerated whisky maturation process to market, a first in North America.

This announcement will help the Canadian distillery establish a new facility in Greater Victoria that will produce premium whiskies with just three years of aging, compared to the average 10 to 12 years commonly used. The introduction of this technology will benefit agricultural producers by increasing demand for malt barley, in addition to generating an estimated 79 full-time jobs.

Quick Facts 

• Macaloney is a start-up distillery that plans to produce premium whiskies, including single malts, pot still and straight rye for both the domestic and export markets.

• The Canadian distillery industry employs over 1,200 Canadians and generates $1.3 billion in whisky sales in Canada and around the world.

• The project is forecast to increase demand for Canada-grown malt barley by 500 tonnes annually by 2018.

• This investment is made through the Enabling Commercialization and Adoption stream of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million program under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

“Our government remains focused on the economy. Our grain farming and whisky industries play an important role in creating jobs and driving exports. Macaloney Distillers is an exciting new player in the Canadian whisky arena, and key investments in innovation like this one will allow them to be competitive with the Scotch, Irish and Bourbon whisky exporters, while rapidly establishing and growing exports to a diversified global marketplace.”

– Minister of State John Duncan, MP 

“Macaloney Distillers’ vision is to utilize B.C.-farmed and malt barley to produce premium single malt whiskies, ultimately for export to over 30 countries worldwide. The rapid whisky maturation innovation supported by this vital AgriInnovation Program will allow us to access these markets in a faster and more flexible way.”

– Dr. Graeme Macaloney, President, Macaloney Brewers and Distillers 

Additional Links 

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriInnovation Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Macaloney Distillers

MASTERS AWARD FOR THREE SHIPS PREMIUM SELECT 5 YEAR OLD 

Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old whisky received a Masters award in the World Whisky category at The Spirits Business 2014 The Travel Retail Spirits Masters international competition.  

The competition, held annually by the leading UK spirits magazine, aims to reward the finest travel retail spirit brands, tasted blind by a panel of leading spirits specialists who award entries from around the world with silver, gold or master awards within the various categories.   

With travel retailers supplying world travelers with a growing selection of exclusive and luxury products the competition attracted a record number of entries for its various categories which in addition to whisky also include gin, vodka and brandy.   

Judge and managing editor of The Spirits Busines, Becky Paskin said to win a Masters medal was a significant achievement. “The travel retail environment is a competitive and super premium environment. More than 50% of spirits sales in travel retail are owned by Scotch whisky brands. They drive the aspirational purchases of travelers by investing an incredible amount in promoting their brands.  

“For a South African whisky to win a Masters is certainly outstanding. It proves that Scotland is not the only country to produce quality whisky and Three Ships can certainly compete with the market-leaders in travel retail.”  

Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is a blend of the finest malt and grain whiskies crafted at the James Sedgwick’s Distillery in Wellington in the Boland. Inspired by the iconic Islay malts, this smoky yet fruity whisky is matured for a minimum of five years in American oak casks before being blended and bottled. The warmer South African climate accelerates maturation, producing an exceptionally smooth whisky after just five years. 

Robust and aromatic on the nose, it blends seamlessly with fruit, oak and shortbread. The palate is peaty with ripe pears and spiciness in the background with a warm, lingering finish.    

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is available nationwide and retails for about R160.