THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 11 medals, including two Gold Outstanding medals, across its three brands at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It exists to award excellence to wines and spirits worldwide, encouraging consumer and trade recognition for quality products. Judging for the Competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products which receive the top medals are subject to technical analysis before results are released; this crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

The company’s full list of awards is:

• Gold Medal – Outstanding           BenRiach 12 Years Old
• Gold Medal – Outstanding           Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old
• Gold Medal                                        Glenglassaugh 40 Years Old
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         BenRiach 17YO Septendecim
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         BenRiach 15YO Pedro Ximenez Finish
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         BenRiach 10YO Curiositas
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         GlenDronach 15YO Revival
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         GlenDronach 18YO Allardice
• Silver Medal – Outstanding         Glenglassaugh Torfa
• Silver Medal                                      Glenglassaugh Evolution
• Silver Medal                                      Glenglassaugh Revival

The judges described the Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old, winner of a Gold Outstanding medal, as; “A complex fruity and spicy whisky with dried fruit and raisins, aromatic pipe tobacco and a spicy oaky mouth feel. Some fine vanilla toffee with a long spicy finish.”

The BenRiach 12 Years Old impressed the competition’s judges with: “Currant buns, a light whisky with hints of raisins and sultanas, spicy citrus fruits and a lightly waxy mouth feel. A very well balanced spicy finish.”

And notes of “Fine spices in a great nose of chocolate, liquorice and vanilla toffee aromas. Lovely wood phenols and well balanced tannins, sandalwood and nutmeg tones in a long lasting aftertaste”, resulted in a Gold Medal for the Glenglassaugh 40 Years Old.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to win these awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands. A number of these products are relatively new releases, such as the Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old, 40 Years Old and Torfa, so it is nice to see them getting some industry recognition. To receive a Gold Outstanding Medal for the BenRiach 12 Years Old is also particularly satisfying as it is one of our core range expressions. It’s a major achievement for a small independent to make the UK spirits producer shortlist and we are thrilled with these results.”

KANPAI!  BONHAMS HONG KONG PRESENTS ASIA’S LARGEST JAPANESE WHISKY AUCTION

200 lots of rare and collectable Japanese whisky take centre stage

Bonhams Hong Kong, pioneer of whisky auctions in the city, is offering the largest sale of Japanese whisky in Asia.  The Rare Single Malt Whisky Auction will take place on 15th August 2014 at 7pm at the new Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery located at Suite 2001 in One Pacific Place, Admiralty.

With global appreciation and demand for rare Japanese single malts at an all-time high, Bonhams Hong Kong is offering 200 lots including legendary collections from the Japanese distilleries of Karuizawa and Hanyu which ceased production in 2001 and 2000 respectively.  A comprehensive range of over 170 bottles of Karuizawa whisky will be presented, including the impressive collection of Karuizawa – Non distilled in years 1981, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1994 and 1999; the Karuizawa Geisha series; Karuizawa vertical years ranging from year 1969 to 1995; the Karuizawa black and white series and the extremely rare Karuizawa-1965-21 year old in a crystal decanter.

The renowned and award-winning Hanyu Ichiro’s ‘Playing Card Series’ is highly sought after by Japanese whisky enthusiasts around the world, with the ‘full deck’ collection rarely seen on the market.  For this sale, Bonhams offers the most comprehensive collection of Hanyu Ichiro’s Playing Cards whisky in the auction history of Hong Kong. Highlights include Six Full House with Six of Hearts, Six of Diamonds, Six of Spades, Five of Hearts and Five of Diamonds, and a set of Royal Flush with Ace of Clubs, Two of Clubs, Three of Clubs, Four of Clubs and Five of Clubs.

Building on the success of the whisky sale in May 2014, Bonhams once again presents the highly collectible Yamazaki 50 year old. With only 150 bottles released worldwide, the Yamazaki 50 year old is the rarest and oldest Japanese single malt whisky.

Enquiries

For further information and images call Andrew Currie on +44 (0)207 468 5871, or email andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com.

The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has reported strong consumer engagement and sampling figures after the launch of The Macallan Lifestyle Lounge experience in the windows of Harrods.

The luxury whisky brand took over windows five and six on Brompton Road from 2^nd – 10^th July and created a gentleman’s lounge in the window display of the world’s most famous luxury department store.  The sampling activity kicked off with an exclusive event showcasing some essential skills every gentleman should master led by Maxxium’s Mixxit team; including a master class by Wayne Collins in the art of creating a classic whisky cocktail, The Macallan Old Fashioned, and a tutored session from David Miles on how to expertly nose and taste a whisky.

The space was created to celebrate the award winning The Macallan 1824 Series, with over 1,000 consumers sampling the Series’ four expressions; Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby over the course of nine days. Consumers explored the whiskies via style pillars, each perfectly designed to represent the four single malts through the world of fashion, grooming and lifestyle.  To complete the experience The Refinery, London’s luxury Grooming Emporium for men, was on hand to offer complimentary treatments such as wet shaves, hairstyling and massages.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, commented: “We wanted to create an experience for consumers to engage with The Macallan in a very different environment and one that reflected the brand’s luxury credentials.  With Harrods as the perfect host, The Macallan Lifestyle Lounge achieved great stand out, intrigue and interaction with consumers passing through.  With a high trial to conversion rate it’s important we allow people to taste The Macallan for themselves. Sampling is therefore a key part of The Macallan’s investment plan, which will allow us to grow the brand’s popularity and introduce new consumers to whisky. Venturing into the world of men’s lifestyle through The Macallan Lifestyle Lounge provided us with an excellent platform to do just that.”  

Notes ABOUT THE MACALLAN 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY’S ANNUAL 5K RACE IS A RECORD BREAKER ON ALL LEVELS

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (July 9, 2014)

Buffalo Trace Distillery held its 13 th annual July 4th 5K Race with record breaking results. A record number of runners, 811, participated, and both the men and women’s first place winners broke previous record time holders for fastest finishes. A total of 23 different states in the U.S. were represented at the 5K.

Simon Ndirangu of New York was the first place men’s winner, finishing in a record breaking time for Buffalo Trace’s 5K course of 13 minutes, 41 seconds. The previous time for this course in the men’s division was 13 minutes, 49 seconds.

Susan Jerotich of North Carolina was the first place women’s winner, finishing in a record breaking time for this course of 15 minutes, 52 seconds. The previous women’s fastest time for Buffalo Trace’s course was 16 minutes, 34 seconds.

Both Mr. Ndirangu and Ms. Jerotich took home $4,000 in winnings – $3,000 for first place plus an extra $1,000 bonus to the male and female who broke the previous fastest time records.

Second place men’s winner was Cleophas Ngetich with a time of 13 minutes, 48 seconds, followed by third place men’s winner Diribra Degefa with a time of 13 minutes, 50 seconds.

Second place women’s winner was Lilian Mariita with a time of 16 minutes, 9 seconds, followed by third place women’s winner Adriana Nelson with a time of 16 minutes, 18 seconds.

The second and third place winners for both sexes won $2,500 and $2,000 respectively. The entire 5K Race winds though Buffalo Trace’s scenic grounds and includes running by centuries-old barrel aging warehouses on this National Historic Landmark site.

One hundred percent of Buffalo Trace’s Great Buffalo Chase 5K proceeds go to the Frankfort area VFW, post 4075, which they in turn use towards putting on the fireworks show for the city of Frankfort. This year it is expected Buffalo Trace will donate somewhere around $12,500 to the local VFW.

Complete 5K race results can be viewed at http://buffalotracedistillery.com/content/great-buffalo-chase-5k-race-results

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.

Literally just arrived are the latest GlenDronach Single Casks and I’m having a hard job keeping my hands off them! These single cask bottlings are always popular so be quick as they are sure to fly off the shelves.

Other recent arrivals include several from the always top quality Gordon & Macphail Rare Old Range, a couple of whiskies from 1984 that would make ideal 30th birthday presents, this year’s release of the Longrow 18 year old, the very desirable wine cask matured Glen Garioch 1998 and some interesting collectables.

Some of our new arrivals are featured below but for the full run down browse our New Scotch Whisky and New Products categories.

Plus don’t forget, we are now shipping to the USA again and at very competitive rates. Check out our Delivery page for more information.

Well, I’m off now to go and drool over those GlenDronachs…

Sláinte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

NEW PRODUCTS

GLENDRONACH BATCH 10 SINGLE CASK WHISKIES

Batch 10 of these luscious, rich, sherried drams from GlenDronach has whiskies ranging in age from 12 years to 24 years. All single cask and excellent value for money with prices starting at £59.99 and going up to £137.99.

Buy Online: £ From 59.99 to 137.99

INVERLEVEN 1973 37 YEAR OLD DEOCH AN DORAS

A Chivas Brothers bottling of the little seen Inverleven from the lowland malt distillery of that name that was situated within the now closed and demolished Dumbarton grain distillery.

Buy Online: £ 325.00

MORTLACH 1984 SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Got a friend with a 30th birthday this year? Then what better gift could there be than this 1984 Mortlach (and they might even share with you if you’re lucky…)

Buy Online: £ 169.99

HIBIKI 21 YEARS OLD AND KNOB CREEK^® SINGLE BARREL RESERVE WIN TOP PRIZES IN WHISKY CATEGORIES AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2014

Suntory Liquors Limited Wins Fourth “Distiller of the Year” Award at the same time

William Cadenhead Ltd, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, are proud to announce the release of what is expected to be the world’s most expensive independent bottling to date, commanding in excess of £100,000.00.

Only one bottle will be produced to commemorate the closure of the Cadenheads Dufftown office. The bottle has been personally selected by Mark Watt from an exquisite cask distilled at the iconic Dufftown distillery of Mortlach. The bottle, 1 of 1, will be housed in a unique multi sensory packaging experience, unlike anything that has ever been seen on the market.

The buyer will literally be transported to the heart of Speyside where this fine single malt began its journey.  The outer packaging has been created as a symbol of inner needs, common to both human life and the water of life; featuring private water source, earth for growth, fire for heat and warmth and shelter to nurture and mature.

Outside, a sensory fourth dimension can be experienced with seasonal aromas of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, rowanberries, very small green apples), lavender, mint, thyme, fresh cut grass, rosemary, sage and occasionally dandelions!

The materials used in the construction of the packaging reflect the local materials and craftsmanship of the era in which the whisky was lovingly distilled. It offers the opportunity for the lucky owner to personalise the packaging to their own personal taste once they have taken possession of this unique bottle.

Whisky can be enjoyed in many different situations, whether that is in front of a roaring fire, with friends, in peaceful solitude, outside on a rainy day, paired with food, the list goes on. However you prefer to experience your dram, rest assured that everything has been tailored to obtaining the maximum enjoyment from this unique whisky.

Bids in excess of £100,000 are invited for this unique one of a kind bottle of 1988 Mortlach, lovingly presented in a bespoke mid-terrace 1980s ex-council house in Dufftown.

Note:

This is a genuine offer for the purchase of a 3 bedroom (one of which was used as the Cadenheads Dufftown office from 1st of July 2012 to present day) mid terraced house with unique 1 of 1 bottle of 1988 Mortlach.
Please contact Mark Watt for further details or to make an offer.

Mark@wmcadenhead.com

Ballantine’s and Boiler Room Release Unique Documentary Taking Fans on a Journey into Musical Heart of Chile

Stay True Chile” showcases the stories behind the Chilean music scene and the artists who define it, featuring interviews with influential DJs Francesca Lombardo, Dandy Jack and Sanfuentes, alongside the legendary Uwe Schmidt (Señor Coconut)

View the documentary at; http://youtu.be/ahwX_dAGTLs

MORE INFO AT BOILERROOM.TV/STAYTRUE

Ballantine’s and Boiler Room today release their second unique music documentary “Stay True Chile,” part of the ongoing “Stay True Journeys” series. The documentary features stories and commentary from some of the world’s leading lights in dance music, and focusses on both the historical and modern stories behind the vibrant music scene in Chile.

Shot on location in and around Santiago, Chile, and following on from “Stay True Mexico”, the evocative piece is the second in a series of music documentaries from Ballantine’s and Boiler Room, and features a number of influential DJs and producers, including world-renowned Uwe Schmidt aka Señor Coconut, Francesca Lombardo of Crosstown Rebels and Sanfuentes. Fronted by Boiler Room host, Thris Tian, the documentary looks to unearth the roots of the Chilean music scene, delving back into the nation’s history, up until the present day, with contributions from some of the visionaries who have defined it and worked tirelessly to drive it forward.

The seven minute film charts the progression of dance music through Chile’s chequered history to its present day, where artists such as MKRNI and Sanfuentes are taking their own brand of distinctly Chilean music around the world. It also tracks the influence of Chile’s longstanding relationship with Europe, looking especially at the transition of German beats, ideas and technology into the Chilean sound with Dandy Jack, a native of Santiago and resident in Germany, giving his unique insight into the longstanding links between the two nations. The first documentary, “Stay True Mexico”, delved into the Mexican music scene and featured DJ Seth Troxler, one of the most in demand and enigmatic characters in the world of global music, alongside a host of local talent.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments: “Stay True Chile offers our global audience another exciting piece of innovative and engaging content, which offers a chance to journey into the musical heart of a truly fascinating country. Our partnership with Boiler Room has been essential in expanding our reach to music lovers across the globe and it’s fantastic to see this going from strength to strength with this latest piece of work.”

Boiler Room host Thris Tian added: “We’re travelling around the world to bring our fans the best examples of musical scenes which are shaking it up and staying true to their convictions. The latest documentary is a great example of this and there’s still more to come.”

Ballantine’s and Boiler Room announced a global partnership in February 2014. “Boiler Room and Ballantine’s Stay True Journeys” aims to discover and celebrate the stories of the world’s most vibrant music scenes, from the characters who defined them to the pioneers who are driving them forward. The partnership includes a series of one-off, local events in stunning venues throughout the year, as well as the production of a series of online documentaries and archived performances, all of which can be found at boilerroom.tv/staytrue.

Notes

About Boiler Room From its inauspicious beginnings as a lo-fi series of streamed DJ sets and live performances from a warehouse in Hackney, London, Boilerroom.tv has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular, authentic music channels, with well over six million monthly viewers and a social community of over a million. Its unique formula of intimate, invite-only events, featuring artists performing the music of their choice, via global live-stream, has already attracted artists including Thom Yorke, Laurent Garnier, Bonobo, Skream and Mark Ronson. In the last few weeks they have broadcast shows from locations including Berlin, London, Leeds, Tokyo, Moscow, Ibiza, Paris, Brussels, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles..

About Ballantine’s Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for 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 the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

Royal Salute Scotch Whisky, Official Sponsor of The Audi International Polo, Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club