Whisky Inspires Scottish Designer of the Year  

— Award-winning designer Judy Clark creates Ardbeg-inspired clothing line — 

Multi-award-winning Scottish fashion designer Judy R Clark has unveiled a stunning new range of tweed clothing for Islay single malt whisky, Ardbeg. 

Judy – who was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards 2013 and has commissioned bespoke pieces for leading global brands – has designed a collection of clothing which will be worn by Ardbeg staff worldwide. 

The “edgy” collection includes bespoke waistcoats and shorts for women, and matching waistcoat and trousers for men, which have been inspired by Ardbeg. 

Ardbeg is revered worldwide as the peatiest of the Islay malts and Judy has drawn inspiration from the herringbone pattern effect of the peat stacks found on the isle of Islay on the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, where Ardbeg is distilled. 

She incorporated the design into the bespoke, proprietary Ardbeg tweed, which was weaved at the family-run Islay Woollen Mill established in 1881. 

The colours of the beaches, hills, trees and peat are the tapestry of Islay and Judy has creatively woven these earthy tones through her designs. 

To enhance the luxury outfits, Judy added a triple lapel on the waistcoats to reflect the number of World Whisky of the Year awards Ardbeg has won. The brushed gold rivets along the collars represent Ardbeg’s logo and knotwork. 

Judy explains: “Creating a new line with Ardbeg has been wonderful as the inspiration from the whisky and location were endless. From design to the woven cloth, everything was produced in Scotland which really reflects Ardbeg’s almost 200-year heritage on Islay. 

“In addition, Ardbeg has always has always pushed the boundaries of whisky marketing and I was delighted to be able to come up with an edgy line that combines heritage and style in equal measure.” 

After graduating from Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University in 2006, Judy worked with legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen before going on to launch her own label.  

As well as her most recent award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, Judy has also won the prestigious JOLOMO award for Innovation and Creativity and the award for ‘Best New Designer’ at The Scottish Variety Awards in March 2012. In addition, she was selected by a panel of fashion experts at ‘Scotland Re:Designed’ to showcase her collections in New York, Chicago, London and Glasgow.  

Carolyn Sanchez, Ardbeg Brand Manager explains: “Judy’s beautiful tweed pieces clearly show how she has been inspired by Ardbeg’s attitude and its Islay heritage. Both brands are extremely innovative in their fields and the combination of both elements has created something truly distinctive.” 

The new range of clothing will be used as uniforms for Ardbeg trial and sampling teams around the world at whisky events. 

Notes to Editors:                       

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’. 

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. 

For more information on Ardbeg please visit: http://www.ardbeg.com/ 

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.  

About Judy Clark

Judy R Clark is a Scottish designer specialising in hand tailored womenswear designs comprising of Harris Tweeds, Scottish lace and antique fabrics. Her work has travelled the globe showcasing in Japan, Italy, Russia, London, New York, Chicago and numerous platforms around the UK. 

For more information on Judy R Clark visit: judyrclark.com 

NEW SERIES OF TRIPLE MATURED SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY EXCLUSIVES FOR FRIENDS OF THE CLASSIC MALTS™ 

LOVE ORCHESTRATES EXPLODING ‘SYMPHONY’ OF FLAVOURS IN NEW JOHNNIE WALKER TV ADVERT  

Manchester and Shanghai: 16th December 2013: Creative agency, LOVE, has just finished working with British film director, Jake Scott, on a vibrant new TV advert for Johnnie Walker Black Label. Filmed in Bangkok, the advert sets out to capture the big bold flavours of Diageo’s best selling whisky and features a “symphony” of exploding fruits, spices, flower petals and billowing smoke. The iconic Striding Man – introduced by LOVE as a contemporary character last year – is at the heart of the narrative once again. 

Being launched this month in China, the TV ad is part of a wider campaign to engage with a youthful Chinese demographic and introduce them to Black Label as a premium brand with complex flavours; other cities will be targeted next year. The 60, 30 and 15 second TV spots are being supported with outdoor advertising. 

Mark Williams, Creative Director of Advertising at LOVE says: “We were really keen to bring the concept of the big bold flavours to life and wanted to film the ad in real time without the use of CGI. Jake got this straightaway and his treatment felt almost symphonic – as he describes it “soulful’ – and it worked really well for us. 

“The advert also presented us with an opportunity to place the Striding Man – the embodiment of Johnnie Walker – in a social setting. So, he’s at the centre of the commercial, but he still keeps his anonymity and a sense of mystique.” 

60sec ad – http://vimeo.com/wearelove/jwblchina

BTS ad – http://vimeo.com/wearelove/jwblchinabts 

Credits: 

Agency: LOVE 

Director: Jake Scott 

Production company: Ridley Scott Associates, London 

Print photography: John Ross, Ross Photography 

VINTAGE

Our new Vintage Collection

This Christmas, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones couldn’t be easier with the release of three new Vintages from Balblair Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Whether you choose the luxurious Balblair 1983, the exceptional 1990 Vintage, the popular Balblair 2003, or gift all three for the ultimate Christmas present, each whisky has their own distinct flavour and bespoke packaging.

• If it’s a relaxing evening dram you’re after why not try the premium Balblair 2003 (£40.99). Infused with floral notes and hints of citrus fruits, apricots and honey, Balblair 2003 is a full bodied and well balanced whisky that combines orange, lemon, honey and spice.

• Perfect for sharing with special friends, the Balblair 1990 (£84.99) is matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, but with the addition of Spanish oak ex-sherry butts. This creates a medley of spicy and sweet aromas that are punctuated with notes of raisins, toffee and honey.

• For whisky connoisseurs, Balblair 1983 (£200) is the perfect gift. The luxurious vintage has complex aromas, from warm scents of butterscotch and toffee, to fragrant vanilla.

Visit our website to find out more about the full Balblair Vintage Collection.

AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

UNVEILS RARE 1975 EXPRESSION

EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAVEL RETAIL

 December 2013: Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has released a rare limited edition of the 1975 expression exclusively to travel retail. With only 500 bottles in existence, only the lucky few will be able to savour this rare, cask strength non-chill filtered Single Malt, which has been aged in hand-selected, north American bourbon casks for over 38 years.

 Following on from the success of the first batch released in the domestic market in 2011, this second release of the vintage has been matured for an additional year giving it its particularly fresh, dewy fruity qualities. It becomes part of a series of superb vintage releases from the late 1970s including the 1979 sherry matured and the 1974 bourbon matured.

Presented in a premium slate grey double fronted box, both the carton and the bottle deliberately retain a subtlety and understated luxury best reserved for higher aged vintage releases. Once opened the box reveals a stunning design using barrel staves. Labeling is minimal with both the name and label appearing slimmer to reveal the liquid as the true hero. The neck of the bottle is also clear exposing the natural cork. The date of bottling is written on each of the bottles.

Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour.

Auchentoshan Master Blender Rachel Barrie says “Having spent an additional year maturing in the highest quality North American bourbon casks, the 2013 bottling of Auchentoshan 1975 allows the drinker to experience the complexity and ripe, developed fruit flavours associated with a whisky of this vintage.’’

Tasting notes:

To the eye: Copper gold.

To the nose: Ripe, sun-drenched fruits: pears, figs and honeydew melon.

To the palate: Papaya and pink grapefruit, with baked pineapple and almond cake.

The finish: Subtle notes of white grapes, elderflower & almonds.

There will be 500 bottles available globally in a range of international airports priced at £500+ with an ABV of 45.6%.

For more information visit www.auchentoshan.co.uk 

Notes:

Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic

–       A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood

–       A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage

–       Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary

–       It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new

–       It’s a throwback to the future 

–       It’s style not fashion

–       The very best of the past with the very best of the present…

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.

Awards 2011

IWSC

–      Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon

–      Best in Class Silver, 18YO

–      Best in Class Silver, Classic

International Spirits Challenge

–      Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon

–      Silver Medal, Valinch

–      Silver Medal, Three Wood

Scottish Design Awards

–      Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award

Awards 2012

San Francisco Spirits Competition

–      Double Gold Medal, Three Wood

–      Silver Medal, Classic

–      Silver Medal, 12YO

World Whiskies Awards:

–      Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured

Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

–      94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended  – Auchentoshan Three Wood

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:

–      Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood

Auchentoshan Travel Retail Product Range – Tasting Notes 

Auchentoshan Silveroak 2013 Release (£RRP: 90.00)

TO THE EYE: Rich golden

TO THE NOSE: Honeysuckle and jasmine with baked banana, spearmint and silky oak.

TO THE TONGUE: Creamy cappuccino, cooling mint and sugared almonds.

TO THE END:  Creamy cappuccino, cooling mint and sugared almonds.

Auchentoshan Springwood (£RRP: 34.99)

TO THE EYE: Pale barely sugar

TO THE NOSE: A scattering of malt and vanilla sugar

TO THE TONGUE: Intense nuttiness with a citrus pink grapefruit twist

TO THE END: A crisp, clean mouth watering finish

Auchentoshan Heartwood (£RRP: 41.99)

TO THE EYE: Dark honeycomb

TO THE NOSE: Fresh cappuccino complimented by rosewood and tobacco leaf.

TO THE TONGUE: A light sweetness develops into a rich, fruity mouth feel.

TO THE END: Dark and drying with rich fruit lingering on and on.

Auchentoshan 14 Years Old Cooper’s Reserve (£RRP: 49.99)

TO THE EYE: Warm amber

TO THE NOSE: Intense nuttiness

TO THE TONGUE: Praline, sugar almonds complimented by a sweet cream cheese frosting.

TO THE END: A lingering and sweet nuttiness.

Colin Scott -circa 1980

MASTER BLENDER COLIN SCOTT CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN WHISKY INDUSTRY 

World-renowned Master Blender Colin Scott is celebrating 40 years in the whisky industry. Highlights of his glittering career include the creation of luxury whiskies Chivas Regal 18 Year Old and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old, as well as the growth of the Royal Salute range. 

Colin developed an early passion for whisky, as he grew up next to an Orkney distillery. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather – who also dedicated their lives to Scotch whisky – when, in 1973, he joined The Glenlivet Distillers as a Trainee Manager in Edinburgh.

 His experiences in production started in the company’s bottling plant in Leith and on its closure he moved to the Newbridge bottling plant. Here he progressed through the Package Quality and Spirit Quality departments, eventually joining the Blending team in Paisley. 

In 1989 he became Master Blender for Chivas Brothers after learning the traditions and highly-skilled art of Scotch whisky blending from his predecessor, Jimmy Lang. 

Colin said: “As Master Blenders we are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of all our brands, and ensuring their consistent quality and taste experience year after year. Another part of the job is looking at the new spirit made today with a view to the future, securing the right stock for the next generation of Master Blenders, thus ensuring a seamless continuity. For Master Blenders consistent high quality is paramount in our line of work, and this is something you must never compromise on.” 

Among Colin’s career milestones are the creation of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old in 1997, and 10 years later in 2007 when he added the Original Legend – Chivas Regal 25 Year Old. He has also expanded the Royal Salute range to include its 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny, Tribute to Honour, 62 Gun Salute, 100 Casks Selection and Diamond Tribute expressions. 

Colin added: “Back when I started our primary concerns were Chivas Regal 12 Year Old and Royal Salute 21 Year Old – two iconic products. Now we have two great families. To have been involved in the development and growth of their fame has been very exciting. This is especially true for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, which is today global No.1 in its category, and I feel especially honoured that every bottle carries my Gold Signature. 

“Recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to visit other markets around the world and meet our Pernod Ricard colleagues, who work tirelessly on our brands – as well as occasionally, some legendary people from the worlds of showbiz and sport including Sir Ben Kingsley, Colin Firth, Lucy Liu, Julianne Moore, Fabien Barthez, Steve Waugh and the late Sir David Frost.” 

In recognition of his contribution to the Scotch whisky industry, Colin was appointed a Master of the Quaich in 2008, having previously been inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich – Scotland’s most prestigious Scotch whisky Society – in 1998. 

Colin added: “Throughout my career I have worked for family driven companies – The Glenlivet Distillers, Seagram and now Pernod Ricard, which is a great attribute. Within the last two decades, our growth to become co-leaders in the business is a phenomenal achievement and it’s been wonderful to be part of that. I’m sure that in the future we will become no.1 – I don’t know how long it will take, but it’s certainly a motivational challenge.” 

Colin has three grown-up daughters and lives in Kilmacolm with his wife, Penny. 

Notes:  

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. 

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

Wolfburn Distillery Beats First Year Production Target

Thurso, Caithness, 17th December 2013.

The new Wolfburn Distillery has completed its first year of production and has beaten its annual target, producing 190,000 litres of bulk spirit – 7,000 more than initially forecast.

Construction of the new Wolfburn Distillery was completed in early 2013 and full production began on 25th January. Since that time, 811 casks have been filled – the equivalent, if it was all to be bottled, of 375,000 bottles of whisky.

“It has been a truly fantastic first year, with production levels far ahead of expectations,” remarks Shane Fraser, Wolfburn production manager. “Right from the start the distillery equipment performed beautifully – we have had very little downtime, which has allowed us not only to maximize yields but also to implement a rolling maintenance plan to ensure the plant continues to operate as efficiently as possible.”

Shane and his team have laid down spirit in a variety of casks throughout 2013. These include small (120 litre) “quarter casks”, ex-bourbon hogsheads (250 litres), and Spanish sherry butts (500 litres). Only the finest oak casks have been used, with the sole aim of making the best possible single malt scotch whisky.

“Those people lucky enough to have tried the new spirit have given it tremendously good reviews,” says Iain Kerr, assistant manager. “We’re aiming to make Wolfburn a very smooth, aromatic and pleasing whisky to drink. So far the results have been absolutely excellent.”

As a result of the huge interest shown by journalists and public alike, Wolfburn distillery has released a small number of casks of whisky to private investors and collectors. “The interest from serious enthusiasts has been very impressive,” comments Shane Fraser. “We plan to release a few more next year, particularly to overseas collectors.”

Malted barley and casks have already been delivered to Wolfburn’s premises in Thurso in preparation for the start of 2014 production in early January.

NOTE: A high resolution image, logo and press release is available to download simply clicking on the media kit on the top right of this email. Alternatively, please email daniel.smith@wolfburn.com for more information.

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until the 1860s. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by the 1870s the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011, plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production. Situated 350m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as whisky.

THE GLENFIDDICH 50 YEAR OLD IS TOP SELLER AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH  

A bottle of The Glenfiddich 50 year old was sold for £13,750 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh last week making it the most expensive lot of the day. 

It was bottled on 26th July 1991, carried the number 416 and came in its own wooden presentation case. 

A bottle of the Macallan Select Reserve-51 year old-1948, which had been estimated at £4,000-6,000, made £7,500 and The Macallan-1938 also exceeded its estimate of £3,000-3,500 selling for £4,375. 

There was fierce bidding on a bottle of Ardberg 15 year old (est £250-300) which eventually sold for £3,500 and also on a bottle of Bowmore 1955 which went for £3,125 against its estimate of £900-1,000. 

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, commented:” Interest in whisky auctions remains high not just in the UK but across the world. This year we’ve seen a particular increase in bidders and buyers from Europe and the Far East.”  

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com/.

#DAVINTT2 Canadian Whisky Twitter Tasting and Treasure Hunt 

After three Sunday of Canadian whisky Twitter tastings and talk it’s down to the wire for the Canadian whisky treasure hunt.  Those who were there know the rules.  Everyone loves prizes so if you want to join now go to #DavinTT2 on Twitter and see what we were up to.  Just to make sure everyone has the questions, here is a complete list:  All answers are found in the book Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.

1. What is the primary grain distilled at each of Alberta’s three distilleries?
2. What is the oldest whisky bottled in Canada in the past decade?
3. True or false: Late 18th Century Canadian whiskies were blended.
4. In what year did Thomas Molson first distilled his whisky?
5. Where was Henry Corby born?
6. In what year did the Government of Canada introduce the practice of bottling in bond?
7. True or False: The practice of using the “sour mash” process is unique to the United States and never used in making Canadian Whisky.
8. What process essentially lead to the development of Canadian Club’s “secret recipe?”
9. According to the Montreal Gazette, what was the largest distillery in the world in the early 1860’s?
10.  True or False: Despite being known as one of Canada’s best-known distillers, Hiram Walker lived the majority of his life in the United States.
11. What three major whisky companies distil their whisky at Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor?
12. What three ingredients are used to make whisky?
13. Which fully aged Canadian whisky is as colourless as vodka?
14. Which Canadian Distiller became a Member of Parliament in 1878?
15. What distillery is built on the banks of the MacLellan’s Brook?
16. What is the largest distillery operating in Canada today?
17. On what page of Davin’s book will you find Mark Gillespie’s name listed?
18. Although J.P. Wiser’s name is on the company, who can be credited with much of Wiser’s financial success?
19. At the time that this book was written, how many distilleries were producing Canadian Whisky?
20. Which Scottish Distillery was Glenora distillery closely associated with?
21.  

CANADIANA BASKET of goodies contains:   15, YES 15! – 60ml samples of Canadian Whiskies.  You’ll find:

1. Alberta Premium 30 year old (rare)
2. Bush Pilot (very rare and discontinued)
3. Canadian Club 15 (rare and discontinued)
4. Collingwood 21 year old, 100% rye whisky (BRAND NEW)
5. Forty Creek John’s Private Cask (rare and discontinued)
6. Gibson’s 16 from the 1980’s (very rare)
7. Highwood 90 – 5 year old (BRAND NEW)
8. Highwood 90 – 20 year old (BRAND NEW)
9. Masterson’s 100% Barley (BRAND NEW)
10. Masterson’s 100% Wheat (BRAND NEW)
11. Stalk & Barrel Single Malt, Cask 5 (USA release only)
12. Wiser’s Legacy 

And a few more that the organisers are leaving as surprises at this time!  Also in the basket:  Canadiana goodies such as delicious maple syrup, a Canadian Glencairn glass, and much more!

The last five Scavenger questions can be found on the following 5 whisky sites:

WhiskyIsrael http://whiskyisrael.co.il/2013/12/15/davintt2-scavenger-hunt-question-25/

Whiskycorner http://whiskycorner.co.uk/news/davin-tt2-scavenger-hunt-q24/

Whisky Discovery http://www.whisky-discovery.blogspot.ca/

WhiskyPlus http://www.whiskyplus.ca/nouvelles/davintt2-scavenger-hunt-question-22/

Bozzy http://www.bozzy.org/

All Scavenger Hunt answers to be submitted no later than December 28th 2013 to whiskylassie@gmail.com.  Join Davin on Sunday December 29^th at 3:00pm EST on twitter where the answers will be revealed as well as the winner of the Scavenger Hunt.

Check out Davin de Kergommeaux website http://www.canadianwhisky.org/ for details on how to buy his book:  Canadian Whisky, the Portable Expert.

OH WAIT… there’s one more thing:  There’s a bonus Scavenger Hunt question for those who want to try and score an extra 5 POINTS.  It will be revealed on Saturday December 21^st by the only NON-CANADIAN ever to judge the Canadian Whisky Awards.  That’s the only information we are giving you, you’ll have to figure out where to go look for this clue.  

www.ralfy.com replaces the latest vlog with a fresh one that actually has proper sound ! (Whisky Review 417 – Macallan Directors Edition (Re-recorded)