The Best Canadian Whisky of 2014

VICTORIA, Jan. 16, 2015 – The verdict is in. A whisky distilled more than two decades ago, then tucked away and forgotten, is the best Canadian whisky of 2014.  A jury of nine independent whisky experts named Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the fifth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. They announced the results of this annual blind tasting competition Thursday evening, January 15, at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

 Chairman of the judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, described Collingwood Rye as: “A Canadian whisky connoisseur’s dream come true.” Only fifty barrels of Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye were distilled at the Canadian Mist Distillery in Collingwood, Ontario. Canadian stocks are almost gone, though limited quantities are still available from select U.S. liquor stores.

Other top winners include Lot No. 40, Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye, Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve, Masterson’s 10-Year-Old Rye, and Crown Royal Monarch. Forty Creek distillery’s John Hall received a lifetime achievement award.

“Interest in Canadian whisky continues to grow and Canada’s whisky makers have responded with a wealth of new high-end whiskies,” said de Kergommeaux as he revealed the winners. “For the first time a major legacy brand, Canadian Club, has released 100% rye grain whisky as a core offering. Canada’s best-selling whisky, Crown Royal, became the first major brand to release high-proof single barrel whisky, and Collingwood bottled long-aged rye whisky. Overall, distillers have released more small batch and top-end deluxe whiskies than ever before.”

Sales of flavored whisky also remain strong with Forty Creek, Centennial, and Sortilège making strong gains.

The list of all the winners is now available at http://www.canadianwhisky.org/

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

JAMESON UNVEILS NEW ANNUAL PACKAGING RELEASE

Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, has unveiled the Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition carton; a new, annual series of packaging innovations celebrating the rich heritage of Jameson to help ensure maximum stand-out shelf appeal for the brand.

The Good Workers, Great Whiskey carton celebrates the craftspeople at the Midleton Distillery and the key elements of the Jameson production process through an eye-catching, illustrated style with the use of textured paper. The depiction of the Jameson Barrel Man, which appears on every bottle of Jameson and portrays the distillery’s workers, sits alongside iconography representing Jameson’s use of locally sourced barley, triple distillation method and maturation processes, which have come together to craft Jameson’s world-renowned, smooth taste profile since 1780.

Each addition to the collection will tell a different story inspired by Jameson’s centuries old whiskey making process and the people that make it possible, “the Barrelmen”, offering a unique in-hand, storytelling experience for consumers. The series is the latest piece of innovative marketing from Jameson as it aims to appeal to adventurous spirits drinkers, who are increasingly thirsty for knowledge about the craftsmanship, heritage and provenance of premium spirits.

POS collateral has also been developed to create theatre in store, including decoration for gondola ends and pallet displays, depicting graphic barrels and a distillery worker carrying a barrel inscribed with the slogan ‘Not a drop is sold until its liquid gold’.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson Irish Whiskey, comments: “Jameson represents the benchmark for quality and consistency in the Irish Whiskey category; a vision that was laid down by John Jameson and realised to this day by the hard work, dedication and passion of the generations of workers at Jameson’s Bow St and Midleton Distilleries.

“Innovation remains at the core of all Jameson’s award-winning marketing activity and the Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition carton follows suit by marrying together the stories of our distillery workers and  production techniques through a modern, contemporary design.

The Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition bottle is available now in a number of markets worldwide. 

Notes

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/

Beside the popular whisky sailing journeys along the Westcoast of Scotland the Thalassa will sail a most unique whisky expedition in 2015, starting from the rugged Westcoast, passing by the Northern treasures of Scotland and ending at the more quiet Eastcoast.

Decide to join our newest whisky expedition and visit within one week not only the West of Scotland (Islay), but also the beautiful North(Skye and Orkney) to end this spectacular holiday at the Eastcoast, Buckie. A journey that cannot be made with regular means of transportation is within reach by ship for you.

A rather unique combination of pure sailing pleasure with the most famous whisky distilleries of Scotland, this can only happen on board of tall ship Thalassa!

Would you like to experience such a special adventure in 2015? Take your chances and make your reservation inmediately!

Read more…

Program and prices whisky expedition

Start: Saturday 6th of June 2015 in TROON

End: Saturday 13th of June 2015 in BUCKIE

Price: € 995,- per person

The whisky expedition includes:

– 7 overnight stays on board in a double cabin, each with its own shower;

– all meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch and dinner);

– drinks during the meals (coffee. tea, milk and water) and

– 2 whiskytastings on board, presented by whisky experts.

Not included are alcoholic beverages (whisky, wine and beer), soft drinks, the entrance tickets to the whisky distilleries or attractions ashore. Also you are responsible for arranging your means of transportation to and back from Scotland, these costs are not included in the price for this whisky expedition.

Sailing schedule whisky expedition

The journey starts in Troon, on the Westcoast of Scotland and ends in Buckie, at the Eastern coast of Scotland.

Day 1: Embarkation in Troon, leave for Islay

Day 2: Port Ellen, visit numerous distilleries, at evening head towards Bunnahabhain

Day 3: Visit distillery of Bunnahabhain, leave North to Skye

Day 4: Visit Tallisker distillery, sail towards Orkney

Day 5: Prolong journey to Okrney, sleep over in Stromness

Day 6: Orkney, visit distilleries of Highland Park and Scapa

Day 7: Sail to Buckie

Day 8: Disembarkation in Buckie

NB: The definite sailing route depends on wind and weather conditions. Because of thisthe ship’s captain has the right to change this schedule if necessary. 

The ship

During the trip the guests are facilitated on board of tall ship Thalassa in one of the 15 high quality double cabins, each with a private shower.

With her 14 sails , altogether 800 square metres, tall ship Thalassa makes an ipressive appearance. Rigges according to century-old traditions and equipped according to the latest security regulations , tall ship Thalassa is extremely safe and seaworthy.

Information and online booking

More information about this whisky expedition can be found on our special website http://www.whiskyzeilreizen.nl/index_uk.php. For further questions  please contact us by email or phone: +31 – (0)10 – 4156600. Click here to book this journey online.

Welcome on board!

HOLLANDS GLORIE

Liesbeth Wammes – de Graaf

Brigitte Beckers

Scotland’s Favourite Son

Affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s favourite son’ or ‘the Bard of Ayrshire’, the romantic poet and lyricist Robert Burns is responsible for some of Scotland’s most enduring verse and ballads. Although he died in 1796, Burns’ work with its messages of love, freedom and humanity remains as relevant now as during his lifetime. Uncover the origins of Burns Night, and how this humble famer’s son rose to such prominence in our article.

Since they began in the eighteenth century, Burns Nights have featured the Bard’s stirring prose, fine haggis and an exceptional single malt. While these remain vital elements to any evening, we’ve refined what makes Burns Night unmissible here at The Glenlivet and we’ll share the elements with you. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable Burns Night The Glenlivet way, simply follow our guide.

It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Burns Night with friends or alone, during bleak Scottish winter or in Taiwanese sun so long as you celebrate it. Simply recite the Bard’s inspiring verse and raise a glass of your favourite single malt on 25th January. We can’t think of a better toast for The Glenlivet.

Discover Burns Night, The Glenlivet way

Introducing Glenmorangie Dornoch

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

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

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

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

Editorial Features
Issue No.126
Special Features

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

Issue No.127
Special Features

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

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

Dave Sweet
Senior Vice President
dave@whiskymag.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Beam Suntory Inc.

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

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

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

Over 150 whiskies lined up for 2015 festival in Birmingham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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