EXOTIC TASTE OF THE GLENLIVET IS A WINNER FOR THE FIRST TIME THOUSANDS VOTE TO SELECT THE NEXT THE GLENLIVET SINGLE MALT  

Johannesburg, South Africa. – The global whisky community have spoken. The votes have been counted. The results are in and the winner has made its way to South Africa.

That’s right! The long awaited The Glenlivet Guardian Chapter limited edition single Scottish malt is here after thousands of whisky lovers across 37 countries (including South Africa) voted to select the Guardian Chapter Limited Edition crafted just the way they like it. The winning selection is the “Exotic expression” as the distillery reached out to its loyal followers. 

After votes were counted, this first crowd-sourced The Glenlivet single malt was bottled and distributed in limited quantities to countries around the globe.

The search to find a winning expression began in September 2013. Three expressions (called Exotic, Classic and Revival) were handpicked for a global tasting tour where admirers sampled and voted for their favourite.  The expressions were selected to challenge drinkers, provoking debate over which would become the first single malt in the distillery’s 190-year history they could influence the taste of.   

A series of special evenings in London, New York and Mumbai were staged.  Labelled the ‘Expression Sessions’, they were designed to stimulate the senses with a carefully blended mix of speakers, covering topics inspired by each whisky expression. South Africans got their opportunity to taste the 3 variants at the annual FNB Whiskey Live Festival last year.

The winning “exotic” single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist.  The resulting “The Guardians’ Chapter” bottling will display the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet and a delightful addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it will captivate with an aroma of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with the tang of orange marmalade.   The taste will be an alluring combination of juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well-balanced with the subtle warmth of spice complimenting a delightful long and slightly dry finish.

Mandla Holomisa, brand manager for Glenlivet SA, says: “We at Glenlivet feel very proud to have been part of a global challenge that has given us this limited edition single malt blend, as desired by our whisky lovers. We are pleased with the enthusiastic response we’ve received, especially in South Africa.”

Notes to the Editor

The Glenlivet was the first licensed distillery in the Livet valley and offers a variety of expressions, all boasting its signature smoothness and floral, fruity profile. The Glenlivet has been the biggest contributor to volume growth in the single malt category over the last five years, adding more than any other Single Malt brand*.

RSP for The Glenlivet Exotic: R1200.00

Follow The Glenlivet on Twitter via the handle @theglenlivetsa

Facebook application: http://www.facebook.com/TheGlenlivetSA

The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky is part of Pernod Ricard.

Enjoy responsibly, not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

Jim Beam® Taps Fans’ Own Personal “Statements” To Help Co-Create Bottle Labels For Its New Single Barrel Bourbon

With the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest, the world’s No. 1 bourbon celebrates the launch of Jim Beam® Single Barrel by showcasing fans’ “bourbon wisdom” on actual bottle labels

Deerfield, Ill. – July 16, 2014 – Each bottle of Jim Beam® Single Barrel, the first-ever single barrel offering from the world’s No. 1 bourbon brand, exemplifies individuality – not only with the distinct flavor and personality of the bourbon itself, but also with its hand-crafted and hand-written bottle labels. And to celebrate its launch, Jim Beam announces today that it’s giving fans across the U.S. the opportunity to take part in the craft-making process with the launch of the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest.

Today through August 17, anyone of legal drinking age can share their unique “single statement” – whether it’s a favorite toast, how to sip a great glass of bourbon, whom to enjoy it with or where to drink it – at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com for a chance to be featured on actual bottle labels of this super-premium bourbon. 

“As a brand rooted in making history, we wanted to allow our fans to make their own history by helping co-create bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel with their words (and names) on actual bottle back labels,” said Vanessa Jenkins, Senior Brand Director at Beam Suntory. “With 219 years and seven generations of Beam heritage, we feel the time is right to include our fans in our first-ever single barrel product.”

Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, will select the six (6) finest statements that will be featured on the back label of actual bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel sold in stores nationwide, joining select Jim Beam® craftspeople whose statements are also currently featured on the inside back labels of bottles of Jim Beam® Single Barrel currently in market.

“Jim Beam® Single Barrel is special because it represents more than just the great liquid in our bottles,” said Noe. “We are excited to give our fans a chance to be part of our story and have their unique words on our labels. It’s the perfect way to finish off this super-premium bourbon in a one-of-a-kind, personalized way that only Jim Beam can deliver.”

Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest Details
In addition to having their names and statements printed on bottle labels sold across the nation, six (6) First Prize Winners will receive an authentic Jim Beam® Single Barrel barrelhead, customized with their name and statement, autographed by Noe. Then Fred will select two (2) Grand Prize Winners who will receive a once-in-a-lifetime, private bourbon tasting in their hometowns with friends and Noe himself.

To enter the contest, Jim Beam® fans 21 years of age and over can share their “statement” (within 50 characters) and a brief description of the context or story around their statement at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com. Fans can enter the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest from July 16 – August 17, 2014, with winners being announced on Jim Beam® social channels the week of September 15, 2014. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be legal resident of the 50 United States and 21 years of age or older to participate. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules located at www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com. Contest begins July 16, 2014, and ends August 17, 2014.

Throughout the contest entry period, fans will be able to watch a series of web videos featuring Noe and other Jim Beam® craftspeople to find out their role in the Jim Beam® Single Barrel process and for inspiration for their own “single statements.” 

For more information on the Jim Beam® “Single Barrel, Single Statement” Contest, please “Like” Jim Beam® on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jimbeam),  please “Follow” @jimbeam on Twitter, or visit www.JimBeamSingleStatement.com to enter.

About Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel, the first ever single barrel bourbon from Jim Beam, is a smooth and approachable hand-crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon bottled at 95 proof to commemorate the first barrel of Jim Beam® made in 1795.
•    Less than one percent of barrels qualify to be chosen for Jim Beam® Single Barrel with each producing more than 200 bottles that are individually bottled and hand-numbered with care to ensure a unique taste profile and premium quality for a perfectly crafted bourbon.
•    Barrels are carefully selected from a range of racks that excludes the top and bottom to ensure the perfect taste, consistency and color of this new, super-premium expression that marks the historic and exciting move by Jim Beam into the quickly growing arena of premium bourbons. 
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel is a rich, full-bodied bourbon with well-balanced notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. The aroma carries a rich oaky background with a light spiciness.
•    Jim Beam® Single Barrel is the perfect sip and savor bourbon to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

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

Non-chill filtered and aged for a decade in first fill Bourbon casks, Tempest V is a true product of it’s environment with the salty ocean breeze and signature dark Islay peat detectable in every mouthful.

As with each release in the Tempest series, Tempest V carries the hallmark style with subtle nuances of mandarin, tangy lime and cassis whilst establishing its own personality, setting it apart from its predecessors, presenting a full, rich and sweet first fill bourbon character.

Master Blender, Rachel Barrie describes the fifth release:

“Bowmore matured in the very highest quality of 1st fill ex bourbon cask maturation revealing harmonious and enveloping layers of honeycomb, rich bourbon vanilla and ripening fruits carried on an Ocean breeze. Tempest V’s highly complex layers of silky smooth vanilla and luscious fruit-infused peatiness transports you to the elemental beauty of Islay.”

Extremely limited stocks – £50

This small batch release has been exclusively matured in the finest wine casks since 1998, adding a touch of French finesse to Glen Garioch’s famously Rich Highland Character. The result is fruity, sweet and very spicy. Rich and complex – layers of chocolate malt, autumn fruits like brambles, wild blueberries and plums, and warming oak spices, followed by nutmeg and ginger marmalade drizzled with heather honey. Sweet and spicy to the end, with chocolate, brambles and ginger.

£93

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Fourteenth Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Experiment Focuses on Wood Seasoning and Char Level, with Insights from Industry Expert  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 5, 2014) – Barrel stave seasoning and barrel char levels are the latest variables Buffalo Trace Distillery attempts to examine with the release of its fourteenth round of the Single Oak Project Bourbon.  This release features bourbons which were all aged in barrels made from the bottom half of the tree, while keeping the other variables such as entry proof (at 125), and warehouse type (all aged in Warehouse K, a wooden floor warehouse) the same.  The remaining variables, recipe (wheat or rye), grain size, barrel stave seasoning, and char level vary. 

To further explore the results of using different char levels and stave seasoning, Buffalo Trace turned to barrel expert Brad Boswell, president of Independent Stave Company, the cooperage Buffalo Trace partnered with on the Single Oak Project.  “Charring the wood breaks it down quickly and certainly changes the flavor, in a more intensive way than just seasoning. Charring provides more of the vanilla and caramel characters coming from the barrel.

A number three char (which is what Buffalo Trace used on some of the barrels in this release) takes approximately 45 seconds while a number four char (the other char level Buffalo Trace used on the barrels in this release) takes approximately 55 seconds.  The lighter char preserves more of the natural oak aroma and flavor (think a little spicy, a little earthy, with a touch of cedar). The heavier char provides more color and caramelization. Tannins will vary between these two types of barrels. The heavier char can also provide for more of a sweet smoke note that is often desired.” said Boswell. 

“Stave seasoning allows the wood to slowly break down (degrade) whereas charring and toasting breaks down the wood much more quickly. When the wood air seasons, the microbial activity breaks the wood down and the rain leaches out some of the tannins. The freezing and thawing breaks down the wood. Even the UV light breaks down the wood to some extent. The flavor of the wood changes as it breaks down.

Barrels with extended air seasoning with charring will provide a slightly different array of flavors as compared to barrels with less air seasoning and then similarly charred. The levels of smokiness, vanillin, caramelization, and tannin will vary between the two types of barrels,” continued Boswell.

If past online votes are any indication, fans prefer a lighter #3 char with a six month barrel stave seasoning, as barrel #82 remains in the lead for the past several months in a row.  Barrel #83 is right behind it though, with a darker, #4, char and also a six month stave seasoning.

            Reviews are still being encouraged, as two more releases will take place before this project ends in the summer of 2015.  More than 4,000 reviews have been given so far on www.singleoakproject.com.             

            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. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

            To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

            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 fourteenth release will reach stores towards the end of August. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The fourteenth release is made up of barrel numbers 2, 12, 34, 44, 66, 76, 98, 108, 130, 140, 162, and 172. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.   

            At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

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 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Distiller Expands Whiskey Recommendation Engine to include Social Features

Whiskey recommendation engine, Distiller, overhauled their platform on Thursday, July 31, to introduce the Distiller Community, with a suite of new features that helps connect whiskey lovers from all around the world. Share opinions, comment, like, and follow what’s going on from the new “Feed” located on a user’s profile, or directly from every whiskey page in Distiller.

Available on iOS, Android and web, Distiller’s whiskey recommendation engine uses tens-­of-­thousands of data points to analyze flavor profiles, price, reputation, even ‘giftability’ of a whiskey brand. Users activate the recommendation algorithm by answering a few questions about their tastes, and context on the situation, or can search for something more specific like scotch under $50.

New features

●Notes Tab on Bottle Pages:

Read notes from other Distiller community members.

●Liking and Commenting:

Like and comment on what other users are saying about whiskeys in Distiller.

●Following:

Follow other users, see their Top Shelf, Collection, Wishlist, and read reviews.

●Activity Feed

●People Search:

Search for fellow whiskey lovers by toggling between “Whiskeys” and “People” on the search page, and can follow them directly from the search results, or click to see a user’s profile.

● Set notes to “private,” or keep them public to share with everyone.

About Distiller

Distiller is a discovery and recommendation companion that was developed for the beginners, adventurous, and discerning to explore their personal tastes and learn more about the craft, history, culture, and world of whiskey. Powered by a personal passion for whiskey and curated by respected whiskey professionals, Distiller is redefining the education and discovery element of the whiskey experience. Distiller is based in Seattle, WA and backed by Votiv Capital. Learn more at www.drinkdistiller.com , on Twitter at @drinkdistiller  and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/drinkdistiller

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES 18 YEARS OLD TAWNY PORT FINISH

GOLDEN syrup, red fruit compote and red grapefruit – a mouth-watering description of the new GlenDronach 18 year-old Tawny Port expression launched today (4August 2014).

Bottled at 46% abv, it is the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery’s latest addition to its wood finishes range and replaces the 15 years old Tawny Port finish expression.

The GlenDronach Tawny Port finish is first matured in European oak casks and thereafter finishes its maturation in a small batch of Tawny Port casks. This gives the whisky its own unique flavours and aromas – in particular a distinctive rich red fruit taste.

The tasting notes show the whisky and the two different woods combining brilliantly to produce a phenomenal Highland malt.

Appearance:

Bright amber with a tawny heart.

Nose:

Elegant notes of golden syrup drenched over red fruit compote with a contrasting red grapefruit balance. Touches of cinnamon and nutmeg add to a rounded, warm depth.

Palate:

Vivid, tart cranberries and crisp barley marry harmoniously with stewed plums and roasted apples. Cedar wood and sweet cigar box spices add a delicate warmth and unique complexity to the long warm finish.

Finish:

A beautifully structured balance of contrasting rich fruit characters and intriguing warm oak spices.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We launched our wood finishes range four years ago and the response worldwide has been excellent.

“We’ve carefully selected whisky that has been gently maturing in lighter casks so that aficionados experience the full impact of the Tawny port cask.

“The very pleasing result contributes extra depth and concentrated stewed fruit flavours. It’s another outstanding whisky that we’re delighted to add to our portfolio.”

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky available on SAA and Kenya Airways

International visitors travelling on South African Airways (SAA) and Kenya Airways this August and September will have the unique opportunity to purchase Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, the award-winning South African grain whisky, on-board.

Named the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards held annually in London, this is the first on-board listing for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, an opportunity made possible by Tourvest Inflight Retail Services (Tourvest IRS).

According to global marketing manager, Eliska Botha, these two new listings form part of steps towards making Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky available to consumers worldwide.

“Since launching in South African in 2009, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has performed phenomenally at all the major international whisky competitions. The whisky has also ignited quite an interest globally but the high demand from consumers in South Africa has resulted in limited availability in the rest of the world. Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky currently sells only through duty-free and a select few retailers in the UK and Canada.

“Through this new on-board listing, international travellers will now be able to get to know our proudly South African whisky and take a bottle home with them. The international consumer-base travelling on these airlines are quite discerning and we believe that having Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky available within this premium environment will further strengthen interest worldwide. ”

In addition to being named World’s Best, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has been awarded gold for the sixth consecutive year at the 2014 International Wine and Spirits Competition, won gold at the  2014 China Wine and Spirits competition and double gold at the 2013 New York International Spirits Competition.

The whisky is inspired by the Cape Mountains and the natural beauty of the area’s magnificent peaks, cool, sparkling streams, wooded valleys and an unmatched wealth of indigenous fynbos. Crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery situated near the picturesque Bainskloof Pass in Wellington, in the Western Cape, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering engineer who planned and built the pass in 1853.

Only the finest South African grain is used together with water that flows over an 850 million year-old sandstone and indigenous fynbos, setting Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky apart from any other whisky produced in the world. The whisky is quite uniquely double-matured and matured for three years in casks previously used for Bourbon, before being re-vatted into a fresh set of casks for a further maturation period that results in its exceptionally smooth and unique taste.

The whisky is a delicious combination of floral, banana, honey, toasted hazelnuts and toffee aromas. By adding a splash of water the whisky opens up to include wood, vanilla and sweet spice aromas and ends with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Catch the Night Shift!

On August 16th Barbara and Bob Townsend from the Miner’s Delight Inn in Atlantic City, Wyoming, will don their nineteenth century duds, load their wagon with whisky, and point the horses West to the Miners’ Exchange Saloon at the nearby South Pass City State Historic Site. The site is an authentic representation of the 1868 gold mining boom town, complete with the fully operational Carissa Gold Mill just outside of town. For the second time this year the site will offer lantern-lit tours of the mill.

When workers complete their night shift (tour) at the Carissa they’ll repair to the Miners’ Exchange Saloon, where Barbara and Bob will help them recover from their strenuous labors with three top-shelf single malt Scotch whiskies while their sidekick, John, tinkles the ivories on the saloon’s piano.

Tickets are available. For details visit the state historic site’s site:

http://www.southpasscity.com/cns.html 

Photo: Barbara and Bob Townsend at the Miners’ Exchange Saloon, South Pass City, Wyoming.

GLENGOYNE…COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU?

Our distillation process may be the slowest in Scotland, but once it’s matured there’s no stopping Glengoyne. We have a dram-packed summer of events to look forward to, starting with our role as Whisky Partner of Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms Fringe for the third time, which comprises both the extraordinary George Street Assembly Rooms and the spectacular Spiegeltent located, this year, in St Andrews Square. Both venues will play host to a variety of world-class music, comedy and cabaret shows throughout the month of August.

Glengoyne will also be making guest appearances in Australia, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Prague. Click here for full details of what’s happening when.