The Story of Stronachie: Celebrating 110 Years with the release of a new 10 Year Old. 

110 years on from the original 1904 bottling of Stronachie that inspired the revival of the Stronachie name and the reproduction of this spirit of another time, A. D. Rattray are delighted to announce the release of a 10 year old expression of their award-winning Stronachie Single Malt. 

New packaging has been introduced for both the new 10 year old and existing 18 year old to celebrate the anniversary, bringing a fresh look to the product whilst retaining the character and integrity of both the original A. D. Rattray Stronachie product and the original Stronachie 1904 bottle. 

The new Stronachie 10 year old will be officially launched at a Stronachie Celebration Evening to be held during Whisky Month at the A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience & Whisky Shop on Friday 16th May from 6pm to 8pm. The event, which is open to the public, will tell the ‘Story of Stronachie’ with the opportunity to see the original 1904 bottle and sample both the 10 and 18 year old. 

This event will also be the launch of the ‘Tell Us Your Stronachie Story’ Facebook Competition where you are invited to submit your own story in connection to Stronachie and be in with the chance to win a bottle of 10 year old and a private whisky tasting for 2 people. 

Stronachie is a Small Batch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Benrinnes Distillery. Benrinnes was specifically chosen to be the best match in emulating the flavours and profile of the original Stronachie whisky.  

Tasting Note – 10 Year Old

Nose: Soft honey, earthy heather and malty sweetness.

Palate: Smooth with luscious honey and biscuits, then lingering pepper and cereal notes.

Conclusion: A perfectly balanced and seductive dram. 

Tasting Note – 18 Year Old

Nose: Strong honey and heather. Intense malt with hints of spice and lemon.

Palate: Full-bodied, robust and oily-smooth. Malted biscuits with rich honey then lingering pepper and spice.

Conclusion: Rich and complex.  

Notes

1. Stronachie 10 Year Old and 18 Year Old are available to buy from the A. D. Rattray Whisky Shop, Kirkoswald, Ayrshire KA19 8HY, Tel: 01655 760 308 and from selected UK and International retailers. 

2. Lost in time, not in spirit – The Story of Stronachie: 

‘The obliteration is total. Only the name remains.’ 

So ends the story of Stronachie, a distillery which rose out of the wilderness in the 1890s. Set in a desolate glen on the Perth-Kinross border it stood between bleak hills on an isolated road that toiled its way through the Ochill mountains. Stronachie Distillery produced a traditional Highland-style whisky until 1928 and during its four decades of production A.D. Rattray Ltd represented the brand in Scotland.  

A.D. Rattray is proud to revive the Stronachie name and reproduce this spirit of another time.  To replicate the whisky, a bottle of original Stronachie 1904 was purchased at auction – one of only four bottles left in existence. A small sample of whisky was drawn from this bottle and tasted. Then samples of many Highland malt whiskies were compared to the original Stronachie. Finally, the remote and high altitude Benrinnes was chosen. This first class malt emulates the flavours and profile of the original Stronachie whisky.   

3. A. D. Rattray was founded in 1868 and has a reputation for their extensive knowledge and expertise in the whisky industry. They are best known for their Cask Islay and Stronachie brands and a range of high quality single cask bottlings, the A. D. Rattray Cask Collection. 

COPPER DOGS RECORD ALBUM IN MALTINGS AT BALVENIE DISTILLERY – AND SET TO LAUNCH LP AT BALVENIE CASTLE 

Whisky distillery’s floor maltings building plays host to unique recording session 

Forget abandoned theatres, churches and grain silos, Copper Dogs have raised the bar of unusual locations for recording an album.  The four self-confessed whisky fanatics recorded their debut album on the traditional floor maltings of The Balvenie Distillery, in Dufftown, Speyside.  

The album is entitled The Balvenie Maltings Sessions and it will be launched at a gig in the ruins of Balvenie Castle, Dufftown on Friday 2nd May. 

The low-ceilinged, cavernous space – normally used for germinating barley to make single malt Scotch whisky – provided unique acoustics for the recording, which was completed over a three-day period in June 2013.  The quartet likened it to having a fifth member of the band with certain sounds and frequencies bouncing off the walls and coming back in unpredictable and exciting ways.  Songs were transposed into certain keys that were better suited to the stone environment.  (Many of the stones that built the maltings originally came from Balvenie Castle and workers claim a very old ghost came with them and haunts the site.)  

Copper Dogs, named after the copper tubes known as ‘dipping dogs’ that distillery workers used to store down their trouser legs and dip into casks to ‘liberate’ some whisky, comprises of Sam Simmons (The Balvenie) on guitar and vocals, Cat Spencer (Maverick Drinks) on lead vocals, Rob Allanson (Grant’s Whisky) on bass and Simon Roser (Simply Whisky) on drums.  The album also features guest appearances from various leading whisky industry figures including Dave Broom (vocals), Brian Kinsman (bagpipes), Neil Ridley (organ) and Dr Nicholas Morgan (guitar). 

Inspired by their number one passion for whisky and the whisky-making process, their songs are mostly ‘blends’ or ‘mash-ups’ of songs from across the years. The first two sides of the album are reincarnations of Motown hits and the last two sides are reworked classics spanning the last five decades.  The songs are crafted with a very particular Copper Dogs twist. 

Track list:

Side one: Sea of Love – Be My Baby – Where Did Our Love Go? – Can’t Help Myself – My Girl – Bring it on Home Side two: Locomotion – Do You Twist Me? – Dancing in the Street – You Keep Doves Cryin’ On Side three: Power of Love – The Weight – Dancing in the Dark – No Fat Bottom Surprises Side four: Ordinary Operator – Long Way to the Top – Heartbreaker – It Takes Two 

Commenting on the album recording location, Sam Simmons said: “While it may seem odd to recording purists, The Balvenie Distillery maltings allowed us to capture all the ambient  reverb which naturally occurs in this kind of environment. What makes the album really special is not only this reverb, but the hum of the distillery in the background between the tracks – it adds loads of character to the finished product and brings some humanity to an age of technology and auto-tuning.” 

Challenging the likes of other strange recording locations, such as Kiss’ Rock and Roll in an abandoned theatre, Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions in a church and Great Lake Swimmers’s self-titled album in a derelict grain silo, Copper Dogs have put its album among the work of an eclectic set of artists.  The tough task of recording, mixing and mastering the complexities of such an album fell to Steve Parker. 

The album will be available on vinyl only and is limited to just 500 special copies.  Details of how music fans can secure one of the limited edition LPs are available via www.thebalvenie.com/copperdogs 

To celebrate the launch of the album, Copper Dogs are performing the album live at a spectacular gig held in the ruined Balvenie Castle, Dufftown, on Friday 2nd May at 8.30pm. 

Tickets for the gig are priced are £10 and available from www.spiritofspeyside.com 

WHAT WILL BE THE ‘CHOSEN’ LOCATION? ASKS GLENMORANGIE 

— Final stage in Glenmorangie’s innovative “crowd-managed” whisky creation programme asks fans to pick a location for a launch event – anywhere in the world – and win the chance to attend— 

— Last chance for people to sign up to be able to purchase the limited edition single malt — 

— First reveal of the iconic photography by Kevin Mackintosh that will showcase the whisky to the world — 

Glenmorangie, Scotland’s favourite malt whisky, is calling on people across the globe to make history by choosing where in the world it should launch the industry’s first “crowd-managed” single malt. 

From today (Thursday 27 March), members of the public can suggest any of the world’s most renowned locations to launch Taghta, which has been created through the company’s Cask Masters initiative. 

An expert panel will then whittle the proposed places down to three exclusive locations and everyone who has become a ‘Cask Master’ will have a chance to vote for the final destination. One fan and a companion will win the chance to attend the exclusive unveiling event, which will take place in September 2014. 

Launched in March 2013, the Cask Masters programme – the brainchild of Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation – has invited members of the public to help influence every stage of bringing a new single malt to market: from the whisky itself, to its name, packaging design and photography.

Each step of the process has enlisted the guidance of experts, with Jason Scott, co-founder of Edinburgh’s Bramble Bar – ranked in the world’s top 50 bars for 5 years running – leading the panel on this final stage. He will use his extensive expertise of managing high profile brand launches to review all the ideas and decide on the final three launch locations to be put to a public vote. 

He said: “To hand responsibility and ownership, even partially, in the development and design of a whisky launch over to the public shows a great degree of forward thinking and innovation – innovation which I believe the whisky industry has never seen before. 

“It shows how much Glenmorangie trusts its consumers and will no doubt excite those who may have not encountered the whisky or the brand before. 

“The final stage of this program is a celebration of everybody’s input in to the end product and the process itself. To be on board to help guide the launch and unveiling of Glenmorangie Taghta is such a privilege.” 

The selection of the worldwide launch event is the last stage in the Cask Masters programme, with the final three locations open for voting on 5 May and the winning destination announced on 9 June. 

This final stage is also the last chance for whisky fans to sign up to Cask Masters, allowing them to purchase the limited edition bottling, expected to become a collector’s item, when it goes on sale later in the year. 

In the previous phase members of the public were asked to choose an image taken by world-renowned photographer Kevin Mackintosh which will be used extensively in the marketing of the whisky. 

Revealed for the first time today (Thursday 27 March) the image chosen captures the spirit of Glenmorangie Taghta and the Cask Masters programme. 

Kevin Mackintosh has worked on commissions for the New York Philharmonic, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and more recently the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet Companies in London. He has taken portraits of global icons such as Vivienne Westwood and Christian Louboutin and collaborated with ‘Christies’ in their first Worldwide Advertising Campaign. 

Kevin said: “I have really enjoyed being involved in Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters programme. The variety of ideas submitted by Glenmorangie fans around the world were truly inspiring. 

“The fans’ moodboards provided a creative springboard for me to develop the final three images, which although distinctive in theme, have one thing in common; they all capture the essence of Taghta.” 

Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation commented: “Glenmorangie Cask Masters is a whisky programme like no other and we wanted to share our innovative approach to whisky creation by involving our fans on every step of the journey. 

“The response we have seen so far has been brilliant. And to show our appreciation, the limited edition range of the new whisky will be exclusively available from September 2014 to the fans that have been involved in its formation online. 

“Glenmorangie Taghta will be the single malt that has been influenced by whisky lovers, for whisky lovers and we’re very much looking forward to seeing how the public vote during the final phase.” 

For more information and to register for the limited edition single malt visit: www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters or Twitter: #caskmasters @theglenmorangie

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies’.

About Jason Scott:

Jason Scott  has an enviable talent for creating delicious drinks, channelling this passion professionally to create a successful business and admired reputation within an industry he loves.

Having worked in and run some of Edinburgh’s best bars he then moved to events, consultancy and brand development, building and seeding some of the industry’s most innovative spirits.

In 2006 Jason was able to realise his dream of opening his own cocktail bar, Bramble with his business partner Mike Aikman. Since then they have opened The Last Word Saloon and most recently Lucky Liquor Co – all in Edinburgh.

Bramble Bar – Accolades

World’s 50 Best Bars – Drinks International – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Top 25 Bars in Europe – Cocktails & Spirits Awards – June 2012

The 50 Greatest Bars on Earth – Sunday Times – May 2012

Best Bar in the UK – Observer Food Monthly – 2009

www.bramblebar.co.uk

About Kevin Mackintosh:

Kevin Mackintosh was born in Africa, but left 15 years ago for the United Kingdom, (where he lives, dividing his time between New York, London and Paris).

While his work expresses a personal ‘universe’ that combines an interest in European cinema, theatre and art, there is something about the largesse of his native country’s landscape and its many cultures which has left indelible marks.

It is there, equally, in the broody sense of nostalgia for a glorious – real or imagined – mythology so evident in his many collaborations with The Bolshoi, Royal Opera and Royal Ballet Companies…shooting film and stills. The work was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London for its permanent collection.

He has also completed a series on the New York Philharmonic and a collaboration with ‘Christies’ in its first Worldwide Advertising Campaign. Kevin’s work has been exhibited across the world, both in solo and group exhibitions and published in many photographic journals, and books.

www.kevinmackintoshphotography.com

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

WHISKEY WORKSHOPS

Two Hands-On Classes presented by the American Distilling Institute

The American Distilling Institute has provided educational and networking support to its 900 + members since 2003. ADI encourages a new generation of distillers as well as provide ongoing educational opportunities to successful distillers. All workshops are hands-on and taught in various distilleries throughout the United States. Participants receive the benefit of one-on-one training from master distillers within a setting that provides the best equipment available. 

The following two workshops are being offered in June.

Practical Distillation + Distillery Start-up

A weeklong distillery immersion course is work-centric and includes a balance of practical demonstrations and informative lectures with one-on-one attention from our instructors.

Location:      Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge, Colorado

Instructors:   Jordan Via, Master Distiller
                         Bryan Nolt, CEO/Owner
                         Maya Berthoud, Director of Operations 

Dates:             June 1-6, 2014

Cost:               $3,500 (includes transportation to and from Denver            

                         airport, hotel for 5 nights, lunches and instruction)

More >>        breckenridgedistillery.com/hooch/classes/

Hands-On Whiskey Distilling

This hands-on class covers the fundamentals of grain-to-bottle whiskey production and business concerns in starting a distilled spirits plant (DSP).

Location:      New Holland Brewing & Distilling, Holland, Michigan

Instructors:   Jordan Via, Master Distiller @ Breckenridge Distillery
                         Nancy Fraley, Sensory Analysis & Blending 

Dates:             June 8-13, 2014

Cost:               $3,500 (includes transportation, airport, hotel, lunches                              

                         and instruction)

More >>        www.distilling.com/events/distilling-workshops

DEWAR’S LAUNCHES NEW PACKAGING AND BOTTLE DESIGN;

BACKED BY “TRUE SCOTCH SINCE 1846” GLOBAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN 

Glasgow, Scotland, April 7, 2014 –DEWAR’S®, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky, today announced the launch of its exciting new visual identity and bottle design. This major evolution in the storied Scotch founded by John Dewar in 1846 is being supported by a global multimedia campaign rooted in the brand’s authenticity and legendary heritage to take the iconic brand into the future. 

All brand activity moving forward will be under the banner of TRUE SCOTCH SINCE 1846™ – capturing DEWAR’S status as the definitive blended Scotch whisky, distinguished by its peerless provenance, quality and craft. 

To celebrate TRUE SCOTCH, the core brand range will be adorned in new packaging that brings to life DEWAR’S remarkable heritage, enabling consumers to hold a piece of the DEWAR’S story in their hands every time they pick up a bottle. 

“We are immensely proud of DEWAR’S heritage, and the quality and skill that it has embodied for the past 168 years. TRUE SCOTCH, coupled with the new design, is our way to connect with the past, while embarking on an exhilarating journey into the future,” says John Burke, Global Category Director for DEWAR’S. “Our new marketing campaign tells the story of the brand and the exquisite liquid in a real and tangible way, giving every consumer the opportunity to connect with DEWAR’S history.” 

The DEWAR’S new look and feel begins with a distinctive shape for each bottle in the range. Excellence is expressed in every aspect – from the bold colors, stoppers and seals, to presentation boxes, labeling, bespoke typefaces and product information – all inspired and sourced from the extensive brand archive in Scotland. The labels on the new DEWAR’S bottles incorporate a wealth of special features to help consumers discover the stories behind the Scotch whisky. In addition, all DEWAR’S premium and super-premium whiskies carry individual statements of aging and provenance. As a nod to its heritage and exceptional craft, each bottle of DEWAR’S Signature comes with the unique certificate of authenticity, signed by the Master Blender. 

The most distinctive feature of the new DEWAR’S look is the trefoil Celtic truth knot that has been embossed onto the glass of every bottle. A powerful visual representation of DEWAR’S strength and longevity shows three interlocking ‘D’s that represent the three men of substance who created the company that endures to this day – John Dewar and his sons, John Alexander Dewar and Tommy Dewar. The design is intended to embody Tommy Dewar’s famous and widely quoted maxim that “the quality of the article should be its greatest advertisement.” 

The new DEWAR’S visual identity will launch this month in the United Kingdom, Spain and Greece, followed by all other markets, including the United States, Global Travel Retail, Russia, India and Lebanon. It will be incorporated into all point-of-sale and merchandising assets, to strengthen the impact and differentiation of the brand range.  

The TRUE SCOTCH platform is built on heavyweight foundations. After establishing his wines and spirits business in Perth, Scotland, John Dewar put his name on a bottle of blended Scotch, becoming reputedly the first person ever to do so and making DEWAR’S the world’s original brand of blended Scotch whisky. It was DEWAR’S first Master Blender, A J Cameron, who pioneered the process of “marrying” – maturing Scotch whisky in oak barrels for up to six months after blending – which gives DEWAR’S its unique smoothness and finish. In 1893, DEWAR’S was awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria, and it continues to supply the royal household to this day. 

Revered by discerning Scotch whisky drinkers around the globe, John Dewar & Sons has won more than 500 medals for quality and taste. DEWAR’S is, in fact,  the most-awarded blended Scotch whisky in history, and DEWAR’S White Label, with its distinctive heather and honey character, is currently the best-selling blended Scotch in the United States. 

“Under the banner of TRUE SCOTCH, the new DEWAR’S visual identity is designed to intrigue and engage consumers in the most direct way possible – bringing the values, aspirations and authenticity of this unique whisky to life, while showing how relevant these qualities remain,” adds John Burke. “Throughout its history, DEWAR’S has set the standard for Scotch whisky, paving the way for the title of TRUE SCOTCH SINCE 1846.” 

TRUE SCOTCH serves as the perfect springboard for LIVE TRUE™, the brand’s marketing campaign in select markets. LIVE TRUE focuses on extraordinary people around the world who live according to their own convictions and principles, people who value authenticity above everything – just like John Dewar himself. 

Backed by a large-scale media drive across print, broadcast, outdoor, digital and social channels, the campaign focuses on the stories and experiences of those who actively pursue their dreams and embody the founding ideals of John Dewar. Having launched with great success across key European and Asian markets, the LIVE TRUE campaign will roll out across select markets during the remainder of 2014. 

To mark this new era, DEWAR’S World of Whisky, the visitor center situated in the brand’s spiritual home of Aberfeldy in the Scottish Highlands, will reopen to the public later in April. Visitors will be able to experience the DEWAR’S story and view unique brand artifacts and memorabilia within the distillery built by John Alexander Dewar in 1896, just a few miles from his father’s birthplace. 

For more information on DEWAR’S, TRUE SCOTCH SINCE 1846, LIVE TRUE and DEWAR’S World of Whisky, visit www.dewars.com. 

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

www.dewars.com 

About DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S® has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in the Highlands of Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, the best-selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States, the portfolio has expanded to comprise a portfolio of premium and super-premium whiskies, including DEWAR’S 12 Year-Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year-Old, and the exclusive DEWAR’S Signature. 

DEWAR’S 12 Year-Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year-Old, and DEWAR’S Signature are all crafted using the DEWAR’S double-ageing process. Pioneered by Dewar’s in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; an extra step that is simply worth doing. A taste that wins medals and applause everywhere, making DEWAR’S the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch whisky. 

The DEWAR’S brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.  

DEWAR’S, WHITE LABEL, LIVE TRUE AND TRUE SCOTCH ARE TRADEMARKS

• Bernard Gallacher to lead Tomatin Pro-Am team
• Ryder Cup hero heads field of 280 golfers for three-day contest
• Defibrillator campaign to benefit from leading event
• Players to compete over Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch and Nairn 

RYDER CUP HERO GALLACHER LINES UP FOR TOMATIN PRO-AM  

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher is to lead a field of nearly 300 golfers teeing up for the Tomatin Homecoming Single Malt Pro-Am over three of Scotland’s most renowned links courses later this year.

Gallacher played in eight Ryder Cups and was captain three times, including a victory at Oak Hill in 1995.

He has confirmed he will captain one of the 70-plus teams taking part in the 54-hole event, played at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Royal Dornoch Golf Club and The Nairn Golf Club from 30 September to 2 October, just a few days after this year’s Ryder Cup.

Money raised during the tournament will support a nationwide campaign Gallacher launched in December to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) widely available at golf clubs and driving ranges in the UK and Ireland.

In August last year Gallacher, suffered a cardiac arrest and spent several days in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after falling ill at a function in the city. He credits the quick thinking of hotel staff and the availability of a defibrillator at the venue where he was due to speak for helping his recovery.

He said: “I am looking forward to playing three of my favourite courses and would like to thank Tomatin for giving us all the opportunity to enjoy this experience.”

The prestigious annual Tomatin Pro-Am contest is estimated to generate about £200,000 for the Highland economy.

It is open to teams from anywhere in the world consisting of three amateurs (ladies or gentlemen) plus a professional of their choice. Teams that do not include a pro are allocated a leading player from the Professional Golfers’ Association Scotland Order of Merit.

Stephen Bremner, Tomatin’s sales director, said: “We are delighted that Bernard Gallacher is leading a team in the Pro-Am this year as his worldwide reputation will add to the prestige of this competition.

“The tournament is already popular with professional and amateur golfers alike as it is played over three of Scotland’s best links courses, and Bernard’s involvement raises the event’s status to another level. 

“The UK is a key market focus for us this year. In the last five years we have experienced 40 per cent growth in volume and 158 per cent in value, and for this reason sponsorship of a prestigious UK event such as this is an excellent fit for us.

“Our distillery is a significant Highland tourist attraction, receiving over 20,000 visitors per year from all parts of the globe. We are working with these three premium courses in order to support the overall marketing of the Highlands as a vibrant tourist destination.”

Brian Mair, secretary of The PGA in Scotland, expressed his gratitude to Tomatin for their continued support of this great event, now in its third year. He said: “In this momentous year for Scottish golf, the Tomatin Homecoming Single Malt Pro-Am will be a fitting event to follow the Ryder Cup, a real celebration of all that is great in Scotland – great golf and wonderful whisky.”

Castle Stuart Golf Links hosted the Scottish Open for three successive years from 2011, with the 2013 competition, won by Phil Mickelson, reaching a television audience of more than 500 million. It is consistently placed among the top 100 courses in the world by a number of prestigious golf publications, most notably Links Magazine and Golf Course Architecture.

This year Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course was ranked the 6th best in the world by Golf Digest, its highest ever position, and is a favourite of Major winners such as Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Craig Stadler and Greg Norman.

The Nairn Golf Club, rated 9^th best golf course in Scotland by Golf Monthly in 2013, hosted the Walker Cup in 1999 and the Curtis Cup in 2012. It will also be home to the Home Internationals competition in August 2016.

The three clubs are part of the Highland Golf Links (HGL) partnership which also includes the Kingsmills Hotel and Culloden House Hotel, Inverness; the Royal Golf Hotel and Links House, at Royal Dornoch; and the Golf View Hotel in Nairn to promote destination breaks.

The partnership offers attractive packages for visiting golfers to enjoy the finest links golf and luxury accommodation while exploring a unique and beautiful part of Scotland.

Castle Stuart placed a new defibrillator for the club shop earlier this month, while Nairn put a similar machine in the clubhouse last year. Royal Dornoch Golf Club has had a defibrillator for two years and is currently raising money for the Bernard Gallacher campaign to have another machine at the Championship Course’s Halfway House. The club was given a driver used and signed by Bernard’s nephew, the Scottish professional golfer Stephen Gallacher to help raise funds.

Fraser Cromarty, CEO at The Nairn Golf Club and chairman of HGL, said: “The Tomatin Pro-Am is a significant part of the golfing calendar in the north of Scotland and showcases three of the best links courses in the country.

“We are indebted to Tomatin for its continued support for the tournament which this year will be extra special with the involvement of such a respected and charismatic figure as Bernard Gallacher and coming so soon after the Ryder Cup in Scotland.” 

NOTES

There are still vacancies for amateur teams to take part in the tournament. Anyone wishing further details should contact Fraser Cromarty on 01667 458930 or fcromarty@nairngolfclub.co.uk

The entry fee is £1,700 per team of three, which includes three rounds of competition golf with prizes, the post-tournament gala dinner and the opportunity to tour the Tomatin distillery.

April Auction goes live today, 25 April 2014, at 13.00! 

 View April Auction

There are some very rare bottles in this auction! Some of the highlights are shown below; Ardbeg Guaranteed 10 Year Old bottled during the 1970s, Macallan 1963 and Glen Flagler 1973, bottled from the last 5 casks owned by Inverhouse. 

We also have a quite a few big, rich whiskies, such as; Dalmore 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon, Glenmorangie 30 year old oloroso finish and a 1972 37 year old Glendronach to name a few.

There are always more recent bottlings in our auctions as well and we are lucky to have the elusive Balvenie Tun 1858 Batch #1, Glenlivet Alpha, Bowmore Devil’s Cask and many more!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer world wide shipping. For more information on our terms and conditions please click here. 

With over 10 years of experience in the whisky industry, Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable.  Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, we aim to be the most comprehensive website for the buying and selling of whisky online.  

www.whiskyauctioneer.com 

Happy bidding!

Heaven Hill Distilleries Unveils New Packaging for Its World Renowned Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whisky 

New “Retro” Labels Inspired by Original Rittenhouse Packaging of the 1930’s 

LOUISVILLE, KY — One of the most iconic brands in the American Whiskey category is getting a total makeover—and everything old is new again. 

Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whisky, a favorite of mixologists and whiskey aficionados and a brand at the forefront of the rye renaissance, is getting a label redesign, using graphic elements from its original post-Prohibition packaging. Designed to create a more premium look that reinforces the authenticity and historic significance of the brand, the new labels and capsule closure evoke the Art Deco style of the 1930’s, when the brand was first introduced. 

Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond is a longtime favorite of mixologists who consider it the “go to” brand for classic rye cocktails such as original Old Fashioneds, Manhattans or Sazeracs. With a spicy, bold 100 proof flavor, and aged according to “Bottled-In-Bond” government regulations, Rittenhouse provides a cocktail with rye “backbone” which stands out among mixers and modifiers. The brand was in short supply for several years, as the sudden resurgence of traditional straight rye whiskey saw much of the existing stock snapped up, primarily by on-premise accounts, while new barrels were waiting to come of age. Now that inventories of barrels laid down during that shortage are maturing, additional cases should be made available to the retail or off-premise segment. And given the number of new rye brands introduced since the rye boom began some 8-10 years ago—many of whom are non-traditional “blending” ryes or even Canadian variants—the need to stand out on retail shelves as a classic American Straight Rye becomes more important, making the redesign of the Rittenhouse package very timely. 

The new labels maintain some of the key graphic elements of the previous packaging, such as the burgundy and black color palette and the brand logotype, but utilizes it in a completely redesigned face label that is based on classic Art Deco Rittenhouse Rye labels of the 1930’s, when the brand was known as Rittenhouse Square Rye. The main graphic motif that has been revived from the original packaging is the diamond geometric design around the logotype, which also contains the “100 proof” and the “Straight Rye Whisky” designation, as in the original post-Prohibition labels. The new redesign also brings back the tax stamp, which was originally mandated as proof of the “bottled-in-bond” status, with a printed neck capsule that adds a classic and more upscale feel. 

The new packaging will be unveiled on the 750ml size, which will remain at the national suggested retail price of $24.99, and will begin appearing on retail shelves and back bars in June. 

“Rittenhouse, like several other traditional American Straight Ryes, has probably seen more activity and interest in the past 8 or 10 years than it saw in the 70 years prior,” noted Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager for American Whiskeys at Heaven Hill. “There has been an amazing and truly unprecedented resurgence in straight rye, and for those few of us who have made it for decades in limited quantities, it is both an opportunity and a challenge to produce enough to meet sudden record demand. We are now starting to see our stocks come in line, so we can begin to more aggressively pursue new distribution, and this package redesign is the best evidence of that growth.” 

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky (traditionally spelled without the “e”) was founded immediately after Prohibition as a traditional, Pennsylvania style rye, a style that was originally far more popular than Bourbon. Spicier and fruitier than the more grassy and vegetal Maryland style ryes of the day, Rittenhouse was an important brand during the early years of the modern distilled spirits business, and production was suspended during World War II so the distillery could make alcohol for the war effort. After resuming production, the straight rye category began a slow decline due to the increasing popularity of Scotch Whisky and Bourbon. Some ten years ago, after Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons began to capture consumer interest, mixologists and American whiskey aficionados rediscovered straight rye, leading first to a shortage, and now to a boom. 

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Ardbeg distillery announces Kiwis first in the world to taste 2014 limited edition

— Limited Edition whisky will be released on Ardbeg Day – 31st May 2014 —

Ardbeg, four-time winner of the World’s Best Scotch Whisky award, will launch its highly anticipated Limited Edition Ardbeg Auriverdes on Ardbeg Day, the distillery’s annual global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, Kiwis beat the rest of the world and will be first to taste the new single malt.

A distillery known for its cult following, Ardbeg invites New Zealand whisky enthusiasts to lead the worldwide celebration of Ardbeg Day on 31 May at Ardbeg embassies, House of Whiskey in Auckland, Regional Wines & Spirits in Wellington and Whisky Galore in Christchurch where Ardbeg Auriverdes will be exclusively available in very limited quantities.

The 2014 Limited Edition has been matured in American oak casks with specially toasted cask lids, tailor-made for this unique product. The new toasting technique gives the whisky a unique flavour profile with the lids producing a mocha coffee flavour at one end, flowing into creamy vanilla at the other – truly a dram of two halves!

“Kiwi Ardbeg fans will be thrilled to be first in the world to try the much anticipated Auriverdes. I have no doubt we will see a repeat of last year, with Embassies packed full of Ardbeg fans throughout the day,” says Rai Banbury, Ardbeg senior brand manager.

Distilled with equal measures of skill and passion, Ardbeg Auriverdes was named for the golden colour of the whiskey (auri) and the classic green Ardbeg bottle (verdes). Auriverdes is also the nickname of Brazil’s national football team, hosts of this year’s world cup. Taking inspiration from ‘peat football’ and Islay’s rich football heritage, New Zealand Ardbeg embassies and 120 other countries worldwide will kick off Ardbeg Day with football inspired events in-store.

Ardbeg Auriverdes follows the highly acclaimed Limited Edition Ardbeg Galileo, which scooped the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

Auriverdes celebrates the Islay Festival (the Feis Ile), of which Ardbeg Day marks the culmination, running from 23rd to 31st May 2014. It has become a key date in the calendar of malt whisky aficionados around the world, with thousands of them making the trip to the Island of Islay annually.

To find out more about Ardbeg Day, join the Kiwi celebration and become a committee member, visit:

http://www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/members/public/index/register

Notes:

NZ Ardbeg Day Events on Saturday 31st May 2014:

• Whisky Galore, 66 Victoria Street, Central City, Christchurch. 11-5pm

• House of Whiskey, 50 Courthouse Lane, Auckland, CBD. 11-5pm

• Regional Wines & Spirits, 15 Ellice St, Mt Victoria, Wellington. 11-5pm 

Ardbeg Day:

Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 31 May 2014 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world. For full details go to www.ardbeg.com  

Ardbeg Auriverdes Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Tarry and herbal notes with hints of mocha.

Taste: Coffee grounds pass to smoked root vegetables, while maple-cured bacon collides with hot-smoked salmon. 

Finish: A lingering, smoky vanilla note.

Ardbeg Auriverdes is non chill-filtered for extra texture and mouth feel.

 About Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by whisky connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite this, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

BALLANTINE’S LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION GOLF PACKS FOR 2014 

Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has today announced the 2014 release of its popular Limited Edition Golf Packs, available for its 17 and 21 Year Old blends. 

Ballantine’s has a long-standing association with golf, dating back to 1960. The Limited Edition Golf Packs, first launched in 2012, are designed to reinforce the shared values, provenance and heritage between the renowned Scotch whisky and one of Scotland’s most revered sports. 

The 2014 packaging features the silhouette of a golfer in full swing with the Ballantine’s iconic ‘B’ in the background, while the gold foil and printing of the logo directly onto the glass epitomises the superior quality of both Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Ballantine’s 21 Year Old. The green colour of the bottle and box of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old links back to golf courses, while the cream box highlights the premium credentials of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old. 

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, said: “We are excited to release this year’s Ballantine’s Limited Edition Golf Packs, which stay true to our golfing heritage and support our ongoing presence within the sport. The packs have resonated well in the past with both whisky fans and golfing enthusiasts, and we expect the consistently high quality of these whiskies to ensure that this year’s release is equally well received.” 

In 2013, Ballantine’s 17 Year Old was named ‘Scotch Blend of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive time in the 2014 edition of the much revered ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible’. The Scotch whisky was given 97.5 points out of 100, and was described by the whisky expert as “one of the most beautiful, complex and stunningly structured whiskies ever created” and “truly the epitome of a great Scotch.” Both the 17 and 21 Year Old were also awarded gold medals in the 2013 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. 

The Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition Packs are available now in Asia Duty Free, Korea, China, Taiwan and Poland. Ballantine’s 17 Year Old will retail at $78 and Ballantine’s 21 Year Old at $130 (USD).

Notes: 

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.

www.ballantines.com 

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