PRODUCTION COMMENCES AT CHIVAS BROTHERS’

NEW SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY DISTILLERY 

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has completed the construction of its new Speyside malt whisky distillery, reinforcing its long term growth prospects in the face of increased global demand for Scotch whisky. Production at the new distillery, commissioned by Chivas Brothers in 2012, will commence this month [October 2014].

Built using the latest innovations and environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology, the distillery is capable of producing up to 10 million litres of high quality Speyside style spirit per year to support the growing global demand for the bestselling blended whisky brands within Chivas Brothers’ portfolio, which includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute.

The new distillery, which is Chivas Brothers’ 14^th operating malt whisky distillery, is named Dalmunach after the nearby pool in the River Spey on whose banks the distillery sits. It has already had a positive impact on the local economy with companies from the Speyside area heavily involved in the construction, while an additional eight permanent employees have joined the Chivas Brothers production team.

Every element of the distillery design, including the unique still shapes, has been geared to producing the very highest quality Speyside malt whisky with a rich, fruity character, a vital ingredient to the highest quality blended Scotch whiskies.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, comments: “As global demand for Scotch whisky increases year on year, our confidence in the long-term growth prospects for the category remains strong. The construction of the new Dalmunach distillery is a clear demonstration of our confidence and also of our commitment to invest to meet the significant growth potential.

“With their reputation for crafted excellence, our blended whiskies form a key part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio in both emerging economies and mature markets, so we believe the increased capacity which the new distillery will provide will help to drive the business forward in the years to come.”

The distillery architecture has been inspired by the shape of a sheaf of barley reflecting the core ingredient of single malt whisky. It houses eight unique copper pot stills, with a tulip shape used for the wash stills and an onion shape used for the spirit stills, replicating those from the Imperial distillery which was situated on the site until 2012. In a departure from distillery traditions, the stills have been positioned in a circular design that provides a unique aesthetic for the future.

Other original features from the previous distillery have been carefully incorporated to ensure a sense of heritage remains intact. Red brick from the original mill building has been reclaimed to create a feature wall in the new entrance area, and wood from the original washbacks has been used to form an entrance ‘drum’ and adorn the gable walls of the new tun room which contains 16 new stainless steel washbacks. A new 9.5m diameter mashtun has been installed which draws spring water for production from the site’s original distilling water sources.

Situated on the banks of the River Spey, the Dalmunach distillery will not be open to visitors but will be visible from the nearby Speyside Way walking trail. Great care has been taken to ensure the external façade of the distillery is in-keeping with its surrounding environment and the traditional architectural style of the region, thus providing an interesting and fitting new viewpoint for passers-by.

The construction of the distillery was managed from start to finish by Douglas Cruickshank, who stepped back from his role as Chivas Brothers’ Production Director last year to concentrate on the new build. The project is a fitting end to Cruickshank’s career prior to retirement which began at the age of 15 at the Imperial Distillery and has now come full circle as he restores distilling to the same location after a 16 year slumber.

Notes: 

Contractors employed during the construction of Dalmunach Distillery:

Company                                                                              Responsibility

Architects                                                                              Archial, Inverness

Robertsons Construction Northern ltd, Elgin                  Main contractor

WR Simmers, Keith                                                             Structural steel

Forsyths Ltd, Rothes                                                           Copper (stills, condensers, safes)

LH Stainless Ltd, Keith                                                       Process pipe work & vessels

Briggs of Burton Plc, Burton on Trent                              Mash tun

Advanced Electrics Ltd, Keith                                           Electrical installation (ex. still house)

John McNicol & Co, Glasgow                                           Electrical installation (still house)

Buhler Ltd, London                                                             Malt handling & milling equipment

Kerr Compressors Engineers Ltd, Glasgow                  Compressed air equipment

Cochrane Ltd, Annan                                                         Steam boilers

McCormacks, Rothes                                                         Scaffolding

Blyth & Blyth, Glasgow                                                       Civil Engineers 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

www.chivasbrothers.com

IRISH DISTILLERS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO THE IRISH WHISKEY ACADEMY  

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is opening the doors to its acclaimed Irish Whiskey Academy to the general public for the first time, with in-depth courses available to spirits enthusiasts from December this year. 

The Irish Whiskey Academy, which was unveiled to the trade in September 2013, aims to improve understanding about the quality and provenance of Irish whiskey by teaching visitors about all aspects of the production process, the flavour profile of the different styles available and the category’s rich and colourful history. 

A range of courses are available depending on the individual’s level of knowledge, with the first ‘Enthusiasts’ course taking place between 1^st – 2^nd December 2014. Led by David McCabe, Irish Distillers’ International Whiskey Ambassador and first Academy Tutor, participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the distillery team, learn about brewing, fermentation, distillation and blending, watch a live cooperage demonstration and enjoy a tutored whiskey tasting with one of the production Masters.  As part of the package, participants will stay in five star accommodation, visit one of the area’s finest restaurants and at the end of the course, they will receive a personalised bottle of Irish whiskey. The two-day course can be booked online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com and costs €1,199. 

One-day ‘Discoverer’ courses, for those who have minimal knowledge about Irish whiskeys but want to learn more, are available from February 2015 while four-hour afternoon courses are available from November this year. Bookings for all courses can be made online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com now. 

Courses will be tailored to focus on specific brands within Irish Distillers’ family of whiskeys, which includes Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection, including the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton such as Green Spot and Redbreast, and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare. 

The Irish Whiskey Academy is the latest initiative from Irish Distillers as it continues its commitment to sustain growth of the Irish whiskey category worldwide. 

David Byrne, Head of Brand Education & Visitor Centres at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “After years of planning, we’re delighted to finally be welcoming whiskey fans from around the world to the Irish Whiskey Academy in Midleton, the home of Irish Distillers. As the first of its kind, the Academy heralds a new era of knowledge and understanding of Irish whiskey and we look forward to welcoming people to Midleton and helping them to discover the heritage and unique flavour profile that Irish whiskeys have to offer.” 

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard since July 2014, added: “The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy represents a proud moment for the Irish Whiskey category, and for Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard in particular. The company has been largely responsible for the resurgence and dynamic global growth of the Irish whiskey category in the last two decades and we’re fully committed to continuing this growth. The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy is a clear demonstration of both our confidence in the future of Irish whiskey and our commitment to driving sustainable category growth through investment and innovation, and we’re hopeful that it will prove to be popular with spirits fans and trade professionals alike the world over.” 

NOTES 

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Group 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 board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.
 
A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midleton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.  

Irish whiskey brands within the Irish Distillers’ portfolio include Jameson, Paddy and Powers, with Single Pot Still brands, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Redbreast and the much-revered Midleton, which includes prestigious expressions such as Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Midleton Very Rare. 

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.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky Presents ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’: the Latest Instalment in the Global ‘Stay True Stories’ Campaign

Electronic music and vocal techniques collide in ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’, a unique film which sees inspiring South African DJ and Producer Black Coffee lead a 40-strong group of African vocalists to create a stunning voice-only recreation of his most famous electronic track, ‘Rock My World’.

Africa’s leading DJ, Black Coffee, features in the film which is being premiered globally with Hypebeast.com. The film will also appear in a major South African mixed media advertising campaign, implemented to communicate Ballantine’s global brand mantra, ‘Stay True, Leave An Impression’

Also launching today is StayTrueStories.com – a digital home for inspirational content produced by Ballantine’s around the globe, as well as from the wider web

OCTOBER 2014: Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today launches an inspiring short film ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’ and supporting marketing campaign, created in collaboration with world-renowned African DJ and Producer, Black Coffee. The film is the latest of a series presented by Ballantine’s, each of which has been shot around the world and features unique individuals who represent Ballantine’s global mantra, ‘Stay True, Leave an Impression’. Each film in the series, which can be seen at www.StayTrueStories.com, captures these individuals as they bring their own story to life, performing innovative, creative and artistic experiments centred around their passions, philosophies and talent.

About Stay True Stories
The ‘Stay True Stories’ campaign, produced by M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment London and M&C Saatchi London, is intended to drive deep and targeted consumer engagement around the world. Ballantine’s global and local social media channels, in addition to Black Coffee’s (which have nearly 1.5m cumulative followers), will be utilised to drive views and engagement with the film, with a substantial online media campaign managed by Vizeum. In addition, Black Coffee will participate in a series of media interviews to support the campaign, including with the campaign’s media partner Hypebeast.com, the world’s leading cultural trends site. Future campaigns are in production across three continents and will appear between now and June 2015.

About ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’
The film, directed by Novemba (Cap Gun Collective) and shot in and around Johannesburg (Soweto and Maboneng), illustrates Back Coffee’s passion, creativity and ‘Stay True’ spirit of continuous experimentation with music. The film opens with Black Coffee’s own back-story and beliefs around life, music and creation, before we see him assemble a group of individual and talented vocalists from across Africa. The climax of the film is an experiment which defines Black Coffee’s ambition as an artist; an impressive feat to deconstruct one of his most famous electronic music productions, ‘Rock My World’, recreating it using only the vocal abilities of his 40-strong group, put together especially for the film.

This film, along with others in the series, can be found at StayTrueStories.com, an online hub which also launches today, collating the richest and most captivating stories from across the web, chosen as a result of their ability to inspire us to Stay True to our own courage and conviction.

Previous film content includes ‘Kilian Martin’s Carmen’, featuring world leading freestyle skateboarder Kilian Martin and his unique take on Bizet’s Spanish set opera Carmen, ‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’, which shows the London-based star of Ballantine’s global ‘Stay True’ TV campaign performing a unique experiment to visualise sound, and ‘The Whale Song’, featuring Chilean bassist, Juan Manuel Aguirre, as he takes to the sea in a unique experiment to capture the union of music and nature.

South African Advertising Campaign
In South Africa where Black Coffee is a household name, he will feature in a nine month advertising campaign across posters, billboards and in print, as well as below-the-line in on-trade venues which utilise his inspirational reputation to communicate ‘Stay True, Leave an Impression’. South Africa is a high-growth market for the brand, and this campaign is intended to drive awareness and affinity for the brand locally.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, commented: “The Stay True Stories series is proving to be a multi layered and effective way of communicating what Ballantine’s stands for globally, in a way that is both entertaining and unique. Through extensive collaboration with the protagonists of the films, we have ensured that they are rooted in our global brand positioning of ‘Stay True, Leave An Impression’, inspiring consumers to do just that.

Whilst the campaign is, from a global perspective, mostly digitally focussed, extending our association with Black Coffee into advertising in South Africa will serve to make even more impact in such a key market for us going forwards.”

Black Coffee commented: “Musical experimentation and its power to bring people together is why I do what I do. When Ballantine’s asked me what my dream experiment would be, I wanted to set us the challenge to do something unique. To see the group of vocalists we put together from throughout Africa with each playing their own part, producing the final recreation of ‘Rock My World’ was an amazingly satisfying moment.”

Notes

About Ballantine’s

– See more at: http://www.chivasbrothers.com/newsroom/news-area/news-detail.aspx?newsId=17137#sthash.vbz3QU8l.dpuf

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY WELCOMES COPPER POT STILLS 

The Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre, located in the East Neuk of Fife celebrated another momentous milestone as the copper pot whisky stills arrived at 09:00 this morning (Thursday 2 October). 

Both copper pot stills travelled from Rothes, Speyside and have been hand-made by Forsyths of Rothes. 

The Wash Still, weighing three and a half tonnes and holding 7,500 litres and the Spirit Still, weighing three tonnes and holding 4,500 litres will both play an integral part in determining the light character of spirit produced at Kingsbarns Distillery. 

Kingsbarns Distillery Founder and Visitor Centre Manager Douglas Clement commented;

“Our distillery and visitor centre has been a long time in the making, six years infact.  It’s only been in the past two years, thanks to a Scottish Government grant and the backing of the Wemyss Family, one of Scotland’s oldest and most established family businesses, that has turned this dream into a reality. 

“Construction commenced Spring 2013 and today is hugely important in the development, with the final pieces of our distillery jigsaw, the copper pot stills, finally positioned in their new home”. 

Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd added;

“Now that we have reached the important date of our copper pot stills arrival, we are well on our way to the final goal of producing Kingsbarns unique, light, Lowland spirit”. 

Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre will open its doors to the public 1 December 2014.

Notes

The Wemyss family bought the Kingsbarns Distillery project in January 2013 and construction at the site began at Easter that year.  Approximately six miles from St. Andrews, the distillery and its visitor centre are being built close to the world famous Kingsbarns championship golf course on the Cambo Estate.  The site of the actual distillery is the historic and charming East Newhall Farm steading. 

The new Kingsbarns Single Malt Scotch whisky will be classified in the Lowlands region and available after a minimum of three years maturation in oak casks.  Fife grown malted barley has been secured to make the spirit and it will be matured predominantly in ex-Bourbon casks. 

FAST FACTS

• The Wemyss family is from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s 
• The family already own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors        
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence
• The Wemyss family has a historical link with the site of the new Kingsbarns Distillery as the 7^th Earl of Wemyss actually owned part of the Cambo Estate between 1759 and 1783
• The Wemyss family is being supported in this exciting new development with a European Food Processing and Marketing grant via the Scottish Government for £670K
• The Kingsbarns Distillery team are: Distillery Manager Peter Holroyd who joins from craft brewer Strathaven Ales; and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Founding Director Douglas Clement 

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR DRAM

— Ardbeg – the first distillery in space – has returned home after three years in orbit — 

ISLAY, SCOTLAND – As part of a pioneering research experiment, a vial of Ardbeg re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, on September 12, 2014, after nearly three years orbiting the globe aboard the International Space Station.

For the first time, the expedition will allow scientists to decipher the impact gravity has on the whisky maturation process. Having blasted off from earth in 2011, the spirit, from the island of Islay in Scotland, has been on a galactic journey – one destined to change the whisky industry forever!

Specially designed for the mission, the vial of Ardbeg has been orbiting the earth’s atmosphere at 17,227 miles per hour, 15 times a day for 1,045 days. At the same time an identical vial had a slightly easier journey, having been housed at Warehouse 3 at the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay to act as a control sample.

Now the two samples will be reunited in a laboratory in Houston, Texas for an experiment researchers believe could change the future of whisky production. Scientists will compare the two samples, examining the interaction of the Ardbeg-crafted molecules with charred oak to document what differences occur between earth whisky and space whisky.

It is the first study of its kind.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, will lead the research, working alongside Ardbeg’s space partners – US-based space research company NanoRacks LLC.

Considered one of the leading innovators in the whisky industry, and a chemist by trade, Dr Lumsden explained: “Ardbeg is known for taking risks in its development of some of the most coveted whiskies in the world, so it is fitting that it is the first distillery ever in space. We are now close to the end, close to finding answers to something previously unknown, which is truly exciting.

“This is one small step for man but one giant leap for whisky, and the team hope to uncover how flavours develop in different gravitational conditions – findings which could revolutionise the whisky-making process.

“We hope to shine new light on the effect of gravity on the maturation process but who knows where it will lead us? It could be to infinity and beyond!”

The single malt has landed back on solid ground in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz-U rocket, and is now on its way to Houston to begin the analysis of its space odyssey. The final white paper with the full research findings will be published in 2015 once all testing is complete.

To celebrate Ardbeg’s journey – where no whisky has ever gone before – the distillery has released a new expression of their peatiest single malt: the sold out, highly sought-after Supernova. Fittingly named after a super bright explosion of a star, Ardbeg Supernova 2014 is bottled at 55% ABV and is available as of September from local Ardbeg embassies in Alberta and from provincial liquor stores in BC, MB,SK, ON, NB, NS, and NF later in 2014. 

Mission control has called Ardbeg home with what could be the most gravity-defying new knowledge the whisky world has ever known. 

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.

Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded by the formation of ‘The Committee’ in 2000 from thousands of Ardbeg followers across the globe keen to ensure, “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers

UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF WHISKY 

The Whisky Shop Unveils Luxury New Retail Website  

Premium drinks retailer The Whisky Shop has launched a luxury new retail website at www.whiskyshop.com, further raising the bar for whisky retailing across the globe. 

The new digital platform has transported The Whisky Shop’s bricks and mortar flagship store concept into the online world, offering a whisky journey of knowledge and discovery and creating an internet whisky buying experience that is luxurious, educational and accessible. 

Whiskyshop.com provides a curated user experience, featuring magazine style, high quality imagery and cinematic videography to create a premium online shopping proposition. 

Designed by The BIG Partnership, the luxe new look website benefits from superior functionality and navigation and presents information in an engaging and interactive format to demystify whisky, unlocking the mystery surrounding the spirit.  It is designed to appeal to whisky novices and connoisseurs, leading them on a whisky journey of discovery and celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the product.  

Whiskyshop.com showcases an unrivalled product collection of malts and blends from around the world and high quality brand communications and video content on special product releases which bring the products to life online, propelling whisky to a luxury status. 

A whisky knowledge bar, video tastings and access to Distillery Managers, and the brand’s award winning Whiskeria magazine at the touch of a button, are just some of the key features which position the site at the pinnacle of online drinks shopping destinations.  

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Our vision for the new whiskyshop.com was to take online whisky retailing to a new level through providing an unprecedented level of knowledge to consumers in an accessible way, replicating the experience offered in our physical retail stores and unlocking the mystery of whisky.   

“The visual and experiential quality of the website, including the brand-led videography and our whisky knowledge bar, have been designed with providing an interactive and engaging user experience at the forefront of mind.” 

The Whisky Shop recently won the ‘Best Specialist Drinks Retailer of the Year’ at the Harpers Awards 2014.   

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with 22 stores nationwide and an online shop at http://www.whiskyshop.com/

Brown-Forman to Build Old Forester Distillery on Whiskey Row

anCnoc Vintage 2000 is here

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the release of Vintage 2000, another remarkable single malt in the line of exclusive vintage releases from Knockdhu Distillery, celebrating the art of whisky-making with a modern twist. It has become a tradition at anCnoc to annually offer vintage releases from consecutive years to the most dedicated whisky fans around the world.

Only 1,000 cases of anCnoc Vintage 2000 will be made available in select markets from September 2014. The whisky was selected and bottled with the most discerning whisky drinker in mind and will offer a wonderful insight into the distillery style and the impact of on-site maturation in a combination of Spanish oak ex-sherry butts and American oak ex-bourbon barrels.

anCnoc Vintage 2000 has been bottled non chill-filtered, at its natural colour and at the premium strength of 46% ABV.

Hot copper in colour, the whisky is dark and masculine on the nose. A surge of ground Oriental spices, burned vanilla and unrefined cocoa beans gradually relaxes its grip and subtle aromas of lemon grass, orange peel and fragrant cut flowers come to life, unmistakably highlighting the provenance of this remarkable Vintage. On the palate it is smooth but firm-structured, envelops the mouth in creamy vanilla, spicy sherry notes, pralines and silky tannins. Lively citrus follows shortly after leading to a long, balanced finish, finally revealing a whiff of wood smoke.

anCnoc Assistant Brand Manager Stephanie Bridge commented:

“The unique taste profile of the Vintage 2000 is set to be a hit with malt enthusiasts everywhere. Releasing the next Vintage in the anCnoc collection marks the end of a very exciting spring and summer for the brand. I’m confident that the exclusive expression will be a welcome addition to anyone’s malt collection.”

anCnoc Vintage 2000 will be available in the UK, Sweden, Japan and Russia, to name but a few markets, at a recommended retail price of £55.

Notes 

• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly
• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the most enchanting in Scotland
• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a time-honoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs
• Core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old, anCnoc 16 Year Old and anCnoc 22 Year Old
• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim
• In 2014 anCnoc launched the Peaty Collection, a selection of peated single malt whiskies from Knockdhu Distillery. To date, the Collection consists anCnoc Rutter, Flaughter, Tushkar (Swedish exclusive) and Cutter, all named after traditional peat-cutting tools.

To coincide with Just Whisky’s auction going live on Friday 10^th October, the guys over there have produced a great few blog posts specialising in Japanese Whiskies. Featuring Hanyu, Kawasaki & Karuizawa this is a must read for anyone interested in these beautiful collectable bottles.

Head over to Just Whisky’s blog to read on …

JOHNNIE WALKER® BECOMES THE OFFICIAL WHISKY OF FORMULA 1®