Glenfiddich Malt Master Hosts Exclusive Dinner at Delmonico Steakhouse 

Click to tweet: I’m going to @DelmonicoSteak for the exclusive @GlenfiddichSMW #whisky dinner April 2 http://bit.ly/MoJQNs 

LAS VEGAS – Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman and Brand Ambassador Mitch Bechard will host an exclusive dinner featuring the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky at Delmonico Steakhouse on Wednesday, April 2 with a paired menu from Chef de Cuisine Ronnie Rainwater. 

As Malt Master, Kinsman is responsible for Glenfiddich’s time-honored whisky making tradition, from selecting casks through the maturation process. After apprenticing under Scotland’s longest serving Malt Master, Kinsman became only the sixth Malt Master in Glenfiddich’s 125-year history. The dinner at Delmonico Steakhouse marks his only public appearance in the United States this year. 

A self-proclaimed whisky geek, Bechard hails from Scotland and brings a wealth of knowledge from managing restaurants and bars in Portugal, England, Scotland and Australia. 

The menu for the evening will include: 

Cocktail reception

Passed hors d’oeuvres

Monkey Shoulder whiskey cocktails from Delmonico’s Beverage Manager Max Solano 

First course

Scallop crudo with petite greens, white asparagus, toasted hazelnuts and apple cider vinaigrette Paired with Glenfiddich 12-year Special Reserve 

Second course

Roasted quail with root vegetable “risotto” and currant jus lie Paired with Glenfiddich 15-year Solera Reserve 

Third course

Salt-crusted beef tenderloin with braised Chanterelle mushrooms, pine nut gremolata and natural reduction Paired with Glenfiddich 18-year Special Reserve 

Fourth course

Spiced chocolate cake and caramel mousse parfait with butter toffee Paired with Glenfiddich 21-year Gran Reserva 

Seats for the dinner are $165 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. The cocktail reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts promptly at 7 p.m. Alec Bradley Cigar Company will also be offering complimentary cigars. Reservations are required by calling 702.414.3737 and seats are extremely limited. 

Delmonico Steakhouse is located at The Venetian Las Vegas and open daily for lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner on Sunday through Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10:30 p.m. For reservations, please call 702.414.3737 or visit emerilsrestaurants.com/delmonico-steakhouse. 

Follow Delmonico Steakhouse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest specials, exciting announcements and behind-the-scenes action. 

Chef Emeril Lagasse

Chef Emeril Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 13 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, Bethlehem, Pa. and Charlotte, N.C. As a national TV personality, he has hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network, and is the food correspondent for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Lagasse recently completed his third consecutive season of Bravo’s hit food series, Top Chef, as one of the show’s judges. His latest show, Emeril’s Florida, premiered its second season January 2014 on the Cooking Channel. Lagasse is the best-selling author of 18 cookbooks, including his latest, Cooking with Power, released in October 2013. Emeril Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands in 2008; Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO) acquired the assets related to Emeril’s media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, the emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. In 2002, Emeril established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to suppo  rt children’s educational programs that inspire and mentor young people through the culinary arts, nutrition, healthy eating, and important life skills. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $5.5 million to community organizations in New Orleans, Las Vegas and on the Gulf Coast. For his philanthropic efforts, Emeril was named the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation. 

About Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Restaurants 

Chef Emeril Lagasse is the chef/proprietor of 13 award-winning restaurants, including three in New Orleans (Emeril’s, NOLA and Emeril’s Delmonico); four in Las Vegas (Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House, Delmonico Steakhouse, Table 10 and Lagasse’s Stadium); two in Orlando (Emeril’s Orlando and Emeril’s Tchoup Chop); three in Bethlehem, Pa. (Emeril’s Chop House, Burgers And More by Emeril and Emeril’s Italian Table) and one in Charlotte, N.C. (e2 emeril’s eatery). Lagasse opened his first restaurant, Emeril’s New Orleans, in 1990 to national acclaim. He opened his first Las Vegas property, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand in 1995, followed by Delmonico Steakhouse in The Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino in 1999 and Table 10 at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian l The Palazzo in 2008. Lagasse’s restaurants consistently win critical praise and top ratings. Delmonico Steakhouse has received the prestigious “Grand Award” from Wine Spectator magazine every year sinc  e 2004.

New Global Ambassador for Grant’s Whisky 

Rob Allanson joins Grant’s family to help write the brand’s next chapter 

Family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons Ltd. is delighted to announce the appointment of whisky expert Rob Allanson as new global ambassador for Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky. His appointment follows the promotion of Ludo Ducrocq to head the independent distiller’s 80-strong and fast-growing team…

Kornog peated whisky from Brittany awarded two Liquid Gold Awards in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014 and two Silver Medals in the”Malt Maniacs Awards” Competition 

Kornog, the peated Single Malt Whisky from the seaside Glann ar Mor Distillery on the Northern coast of Brittany in France, has been awarded with Liquid Gold status in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014, being bestowed with two Liquid Gold Awards. And for good measure, Kornog also won two Silver Medals in the “Malt Maniacs Awards” competition. 

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible Liquid Gold Awards

Jim Murray is widely recognised as one of the best whisky writer, his Whisky Bible being hailed as the world’s most authoritative whisky guide. Whiskies are scored with ratings from 0 to 100 with only the very few scoring 94 and upwards being regarded as the elite. Jim Murray defines them as the finest to be found currently on the whisky shelves of the world, which in being rare and precious are Liquid Gold. 

The Kornog Taouarc’h Trived 12 BC was rated 95 and the Kornog Sant Ivy 2013, a single cask bottled at 58,6%, was rated 94,5. Those two Liquid Gold Awards follow the three one already awarded to Kornog by Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible 2011, 2012 and 2013.

To read the full review of Kornog together with 4,500 other whiskies, just get for yourself a copy of Jim’s Whisky Bible 2014 here. 

Malt Maniacs Awards competition

The Malt Maniacs Awards have been held since 2003, with every year more than 200 whiskies being submitted by distillers, bottlers or brands from various countries. The whiskies are tasted blind by ten to twelwe independent jurors selected amongst the international community of the Malt Maniacs. The competition is a very open one with no fee being involved, and the medals awarded are particularly valued as can be illustrated with only four Gold Medals having been awarded for the latest 2013 competition. The full results can be found here. 

The Kornog Sant Ivy 2013 and the Kornog Auld Alliance 2013 were each granted with a Silver Medal at the Malt Maniacs Awards 2013 competition. 

Kornog whichis made in following time proven methods, the distillery operating with live-flame heated pot stills, worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, is currently distributed in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Singapore and Taiwan. 

Contact :

Jean Donnay

Glann ar Mor Distillery, 2 allee des Embruns, 22610 Larmor-Pleubian, FRANCE 

Email : jdonnay01@celtic-whisky.com   –   Tel : +33 (0)2 96 16 58 08

International Whisk(e)y Day Charity Auction is Live!

International Whisk(e)y Day is a gathering of whisk(e)y fans from across the globe, celebrating the greatest spirit in the world on the late Michael Jackson’s birthday.

We are hosting a charity auction which will be live from 20th March until 27th March. Let’s do our best to:

Raise a glass
Raise Spirits
Raise Money
Raise Awareness

All proceeds of this auction will go towards Parkinson’s research.

For more information on International Whisky Day take a look at their website: http://www.internationalwhiskyday.org/

View International Whisky Day Auction

WHISKY TASTING at The Black Watch Castle and Museum (Perth)

We are leading a whisky tasting on Tuesday 8th April at The Black Watch Castle and Museum! You’ll be offered a taste of the Red Hackle blend (a nod to the venue!) before sampling five single malts from the following distilleries: Bladnoch, Glen Moray, Glenfarclas, Springbank, and Ardbeg. Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling 01738 638152.

Selling whisky couldn’t be easier!

With our 5% commission rate for sellers and low listing and reserve fees we can ensure you get the most from the sale of your bottle(s).

March 28th

Manchester
Milton Keynes
Luton
Reading

We are travelling down the M6 and can collect from points along this route for more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

March 30th

Devon and the south west
Bristol
Gloucester
Worcester
Birmingham

Next full whisky auction goes live on the 28th March
Free Registration and World Wide Shipping available.

THREE SHIPS BOURBON CASK FINISH NAMED AFRICA’S BEST SPIRIT IN CHINA

The proudly South African Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish has been named as Africa’s Best Spirit receiving a trophy and gold medal at the 2014 China Wine and Spirits competition, the first South African whisky to achieve such an accolade at this competition. Entries were tasted and judged by the top buyers, importers, distributors and retailers in the Far East who were awarding those offering the best value.

Andy Watts, master distiller at the James Sedgwick Distillery, said the Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is South Africa’s first 100% blended whisky and this award adds another first for the South African whisky industry.

“When we launched the whisky in 2005 our aim was to show the world that South Africa is ready to produce a world-class whisky. The whisky is the first where both the malt and grain components are distilled and matured in SA. Since then the whisky and the others in the Three Ships range have enjoyed phenomenal results at international competitions and has been lauded by whisky connoisseurs and bloggers across the world, making us enormously proud of the whiskies we produce locally.”

The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is made from the finest malt and grain, distilled in both pot and column stills and after an initial maturation of three years the final blend is matured for a further six months in bourbon casks, rounding off the whisky’s golden hue and unique palate.

The whisky is soft and warm with a honeyed sweetness, vanilla notes and subtle hints of pepper and spice. “Considering the relatively short time the Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish spends in the bourbon casks, we are amazed every time by just how much flavour gets extracted,” Andy said.

The range of Three Ships whiskies are produced at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington. Since the launch of the Three Ships brand over three decades ago the distillery has undergone several upgrades which has transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility, the only of its kind in Africa.

The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is available from leading liquor outlets for around R149.

Cutty Sark is delighted to announce the launch of Prohibition Edition, a permanent addition to the whisky brand’s core range.

Released 80 years after the end of the era which it celebrates, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition has been crafted as a salute to the notorious Captain William McCoy, who smuggled Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky into America during the Prohibition era of the 1920s.

Captain McCoy’s impeccable reputation for fairness and dealing only in the finest, genuine and unadulterated liquor gave rise to Cutty Sark being referred to as “The Real McCoy”.

Handcrafted in small batches from top quality grain and single malt whiskies it’s matured in American oak casks and bottled at 50% ABV (100 Proof).

Taste-wise, it’s even smoother than Cutty Sark Blend and has a higher than normal alcohol content – 100% proof rather than the 80% proof of our major competitors. Prohibition Edition is an old-school, authentic Scotch, smooth on the tongue but with a massively big finish!

And, although created especially for the USA – with its striking black glass, authentic looking label of the era and stunning liquid created by Kirsteen Campbell our Master Blender – we are delighted that this exciting new expression is now available to buy from our on-line shop at a RRP of £23.00.

We’d love to hear what you think – enjoy!

 Whisky & Chocolate pairing Masterclass Whisky Fest 29 March

GOLD FOR BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY IN CHINA 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, South Africa’s first single grain whisky made from the finest local grain, has taken a gold medal at the 2014 China Wine and Spirits competition, the biggest and most prestigious of its kind in Hong Kong and China. Entries are tasted and judged according to price, and medals awarded to those offering the best value, a crucial indicator for sales success in China. 

Eliska Botha, global marketing manager for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, says receiving a gold medal at this competition, which is judged by the top buyers, importers, distributors and retailers in the Far East, puts this proudly South African whisky and title holder of the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards, in a very favourable position. 

“Although Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is only exported to a few countries in Africa, North America and Europe, the Chinese market has become very important for spirits brands from all over. Consumers in the Far East have a particularly keen interest in and palate for whiskies and the market there is fast becoming one of the largest in the world. 

“It’s heartening to know that the Chinese market awards our proudly South African whisky and this award could open doors for us when we are ready to export to the Far East.” 

Crafted at the James Sedgwick’s Distillery situated in one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions near the Bainskloof Pass, the whisky is inspired by the area’s magnificent peaks, cool, sparkling streams, wooded valleys and an unmatched wealth of indigenous fynbos. Only the finest South African grain is used together with water that flows over 850 million year old sandstone and indigenous fynbos, setting Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky apart from any other whisky produced in the world. 

The whisky is quite uniquely double-matured, first for three years in casks previously used for Bourbon before being revatted into a fresh set of casks for a further maturation period that results in its exceptionally smooth and unique taste. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky retails in South Africa for about R220 and is available at leading liquor outlets. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky kry goud in China 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Suid-Afrika se eerste enkelgraanwhisky wat van die allerbeste plaaslike graan gemaak word, het by die 2014 China Wine and Spirits-kompetisie, die grootste en glansrykste van dié aard in Hongkong en China, ’n goue medalje verower. Inskrywings is aan die hand van prys geproe en beoordeel, en medaljes is toegeken aan dié wat die beste waarde bied. In China is dít ’n baie belangrike aanwyser wat verkope betref. 

Eliska Botha, die globale bemarkingsbestuurder vir Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, sê die verowering van ’n goue medalje by dié kompetisie, waar die voorste kopers, invoerders, verspreiders en kleinhandelaars in die Verre Ooste as beoordelaars optree, plaas dié trots Suid-Afrikaanse whisky en houer van die 2013 World Whisky Awards se titel van Beste Graanwhisky ter Wêreld in ’n baie gunstige posisie. 

“Hoewel Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky na net enkele lande in Afrika, Noord-Amerika en Europa uitgevoer word, het die Chinese mark vir talle spiritualieë-handelsmerke van oraloor baie belangrik geword. In die Verre Ooste stel verbruikers veral in whisky belang, en ontwikkel hulle ’n smaak daarvoor. Daardie mark word baie gou een van die grootstes ter wêreld. 

“Dis bemoedigend dat die Chinese mark ons trots Suid-Afrikaanse whisky beloon. Dié toekenning kan deure vir ons oopmaak wanneer ons gereed is om na die Verre Ooste toe uit te voer.” 

Die whisky word by die The James Sedgwick’s-distilleerdery in ’n prentjiemooi streek naby die Bainskloofpas gemaak. Die bergpieke wat bo die gebied uittroon, die koel, helder strome, digbegroeide valleie en weergalose weelde aan inheemse fynbos is die inspirasie vir die whisky. Net die allerbeste Suid-Afrikaanse graan word vir die whisky gebruik, asook water wat oor sandsteen van 850 miljoen jaar oud en deur die inheemse fynbos loop. Dit sorg dat Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky anders as enige ander whisky ter wêreld smaak. 

Die whisky word heel uniek dubbel verouder – eerstens drie jaar lank in vate wat voorheen vir Bourbon whisky gebruik is, en dan in ’n vars versameling vate vir nóg ’n verouderingstyd wat vir die uitsonderlik gladde en unieke smaak sorg. 

Die kleinhandelprys van Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky in Suid-Afrika is omtrent R220, en dit is by die voorste drankwinkels te koop.

Margaret wins global PR account for William Grant & Sons Innovation brands

London based creative agency Margaret has strengthened its food and drink division with a new account win for the retained Global PR for the William Grant & Sons Innovation portfolio.

Margaret will be responsible for helping to develop outstanding creative ideas that will build the portfolio in global markets. The brands include Reyka vodka, Solerno liqueur, Hudson whiskey, Milagro tequila and new whisky portfolio including Girvan Patent Still, Gordon Highlanders, Kininvie and Rare Cask reserves.

The account, which was won in a three-way pitch, will be headed-up by Agency Director Olly Dixon and PR Director Lucy Stanfield.

Olly said, “We’re thrilled to be working with the Innovation team and to be part of the William Grant & Sons extended family. We thrive on developing memorable, creative campaigns and the Innovation portfolio is already proving to be full of rich stories and inspiration. It is a great opportunity for us to create ideas and communication strategies for a global portfolio with a focus on nurturing brands to realise their full potential”

Damien Heary, Planning & Innovation Director at William Grant & Sons commented, “Fundamental to any new innovation from William Grant & Sons is combining incredible liquids with ideas that are exciting, compelling & highly different. Whether that’s creating a new category in aged Single Grain whisky like we have done with the Girvan Patent Still, delivering small batch craft to the vodka category with our premium craft Icelandic Vodka REYKA, or launching our most reclusive treasure – Kininvie Single Malt whisky – to malt enthusiasts in Taiwan. We seek to bring this philosophy to life not only in the creation of these brands but in the way we bring them to life for consumers and that was the central attribute we were looking for when we chose MARGARET as our Global PR partner.”

Margaret was set-up by three friends Katy Louis (Ex Dazed & Confused), Emma Pettit (Ex Institute of Contemporary Arts) and Olly Dixon (Ex music promoter and producer). Now in its 7th year, it is based in London Fields, Hackney and covers creative campaigns for PR, marketing, events and social media for brands, venues, film distributors and festivals, music events, contemporary arts and photography and cultural institutions. 

THE GLORIOUS RAMMY RETURNS TO LEAD HOMECOMING SCOTLAND’S WHISKY MONTH

The Edinburgh Whisky Stramash is returning to Scotland’s capital in May to lead a programme of events as part of Homecoming Scotland’s Whisky Month. 

Celebrating Scotland’s national drink, the two-day experiential event, which takes place on 24^th and 25^th May, will once again take over the famous Surgeon’s Hall in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town. 

Designed to appeal to consumers with an appetite for adventure, as well as whisky purists open to intrigue, Whisky Stramash will bring whisky inspired fun and frivolity to Edinburgh, with high-jinx character and thought-provoking activities.  Big name brands including The Dalmore, Isle of Jura, Dewars  and Glenfiddich, as well as small independents within the industry, are already signed up to showcase their whiskies in their own inimitable style. 

Not your average whisky event, the Whisky Stramash has attracted over 4,000 whisky lovers from across the globe since its launch in 2012, and is devoted to bringing whisky to the masses in its own unconventional way.  It showcases new ways to enjoy whisky with madcap molecular mixology stations as well as bring famous whisky brands to life with immersive and interactive experiences.  

Scott Martin, founding partner, Whisky Stramash commented:

“Whisky is a core part of our Scottish heritage that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years and we are privileged to have been selected to lead the celebrations throughout Scotland this year.  What started out as a boutique event organised by myself and Darroch Ramsay has very quickly grown into a world-class celebration of our national drink, with a whole month of events now devoted to it. 

“We are working closely this year with some exciting whisky brands to ensure this year’s event will be our best yet, with plenty of imagination, ridiculous secrecy, and our signature modern take on good old fashioned fun, bringing whisky into the modern-day world.” 

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketsoup. Ticket prices are £26 per person. 

Event session times: 12:00, 17:00
Price: £26.00
Event Tel: 0844 481 8898 

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Established in 2012, The Whisky Stramash is organised by founding partners Darroch Ramsay and Scott Martin
• In 2013 the event attracted 2,400 attendees over two days (Male 60% / Female 40%)
• Since it was founded in 2012, the event has attracted visitors from all over the world including Iceland
• The male average age was 36 years, and female 34 years