BENRIACH: FROM SLEEPING GIANT TO SHOOTING STAR IN TEN YEARS

THE BenRiach Distillery Company is delighted to celebrate its tenth birthday today (April 29).

Back in 2004, Billy Walker and his two South African partners Geoff Bell and Wayne Kieswetter purchased BenRiach, turning it into one of Scotland’s most admired distilleries.

At the time, renowned whisky writer Jim Murray said: “It was with delight, while sworn to secrecy, that I witnessed BenRiach gaining its independence, when a team led by the experienced and infectiously enthusiastic Billy Walker acquired the Distillery. This independence will allow BenRiach to unlock its secrets and bring its fine and surprising malts officially to the market in their natural state for the first time. There cannot be a single true lover of whisky who will not rejoice because of it.”

Production was resumed almost immediately. On August 7 that year, the first bottling of BenRiach under the new company took place while on September 20 the first distillation under the new owners was filled to cask.

Four years later BenRiach acquired GlenDronach. Announcing the purchase, Billy Walker said: “We hope our acquisition of GlenDronach will intrigue, surprise and delight whisky connoisseurs around the world. GlenDronach is a bit of a sleeping giant and we look forward to breathing new life into it, giving it the attention and commitment it deserves.”

Two years later the company launched a five-line bottling plant in Newbridge before making its latest acquisition last year. Glenglassaugh, the renowned Highland single malt with its rich and distinguished heritage, was added to the expanding Highland and Speyside portfolio.

The firm currently employs 120 people across its four sites.

Over the ten years the three brands have won numerous prestigious awards including “Best International Business Award” in the 2005 Enterprising Scotland Awards and “Distillery of the Year” in the 2007 Malt Advocate Awards.

Most recently, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh won five main awards and a total of twelve medals in the 2013 Malt Maniacs Awards following that up with 10 medals at last year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, with all three brands scooping major awards.

Reflecting on the first highly successful decade, Billy Walker said: “We find ourselves in one of the golden periods of the industry. There’s unprecedented demand for high-end brands in places like Taiwan, Scandinavia, USA, China, India, Russia, the Middle East, South Africa and South America. For the future we’ll take time to allow our brands’ personalities to develop.”

He went on: “We are a privately owned, independent, creative, boutique business. We see each distillery as having ‘Grand Cru Chateau’ provenance. Our people are totally passionate. We recognise the privilege that we enjoy by owning three very historic distilleries and that we have the freedom to express the personalities of these distilleries in the marketplace. We’ll see where that journey takes us in the next ten years.”

To mark today’s exciting milestone, a special BenRiach 10-year old anniversary expression from the first distillation will be available later this year.

And, intriguingly, Billy hasn’t ruled out further acquisitions for the company.

“If something came up adding balance to the business, we’d consider it.”

TOMATIN MAKES CHANGES TO ITS CORE RANGE 

Port finishes added to Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range 

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has announced a change to the line-up of its core range of single malts. A 14 year old Port Wood Finish and a batch release 1988 vintage are being introduced, while the 15 year old and 30 Year Old expressions will be removed. 

The 14 Year Old Port Wood Finish has spent around 13 years in the finest Bourbon oak barrels, with a further year in specially selected Portuguese port pipes which had previously held Tawny port for between 30 and 40 years. The result is an excellent dram which is soft and smooth with a port-influenced sweetness. 

The 1988 vintage also takes on an element of port with its contents having been vatted from ex-bourbon and ex-port casks, resulting in a sweet yet surprisingly fresh dram. Presented in a wooden box with its own certificate, this expression will be released in batches, the first batch offering 2500 bottles. 

These two new expressions join the brand’s non-aged “Legacy” – matured in a combination of Bourbon and Virgin Oak casks – and the 12 and 18 Year Olds, both finished in Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks. The 12 Year Old is now being sold at 43% alc./vol. in all markets (increased from 40%). 

Stephen Bremner, sales director, said: “In recent years we have really started to make our mark in the single malt market with recognition for the high quality whisky on offer from the Tomatin Distillery. Most recently in March 2014 we were awarded Gold for Legacy and our 12 Year Old, and Double Gold for our 18 Year Old at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. I am confident these two new expressions will sit nicely within the range and, most importantly, will be enjoyed by our customers.” 

A short film with Graham Eunson talking about the effect of port on our whisky: http://youtu.be/-Eg3yvLHuTo

Notes 

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Website: www.tomatin.com   Download our Press Kit from the Contact Us page
   Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897  Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
3. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
4. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
5. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

The Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range has always offered a wide range of flavours with its variety of wood finishes including Sherry, Bourbon and, more recently, Virgin Oak.

We are delighted to introduce a new flavour to the range; Port Wood Finish. Having spent around 13 years in the finest Bourbon oak barrels, this whisky has spent a year in specially selected Portuguese port pipes which had previously held Tawny port for between 30 and 40 years. The result is an excellent dram which is soft and smooth with a port-influenced sweetness.

THE WHISKY

Cask Type: Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Port pipes

Strength: 46% alc./vol.

Availability: April 2014, permanent addition to core range

Distribution: Worldwide

Price: RRP £48.99 per 70cl bottle / $55 per 75cl bottle

This whisky is soft and smooth with significant sweet influence from the port casks. After spending time maturing in traditional oak casks, it spends the last year of its maturation exclusively in port pipes. 

AROMA; Honeydew melon, red berries, baked apples. Rich toffee, butterscotch. Sweet honey and bitter dark chocolate.

PALATE; Fruit and nut. Peaches, apricots, mango and plum. Mixed Walnut and Pecan.

FINISH; Smooth fruit salad which lingers on the palate.

NOTES

• LAUNCH DATE: April 2014

• LAUNCH DETAILS: The launch will be supported by competitions on the brand’s social media channels and a Product Film on You Tube.

• The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.

• Website: www.tomatin.com

The Good Spirits Co. To Launch Scottish Referendum Blended Scotch Whisky

Independent Glasgow spirits store, The Good Spirits Co., will be launching their own ScottishReferendum whisky on Friday 2nd of May 2014 at 1pm. There will be only 140 bottles of this 23 year old blended Scotch whisky available to buy. Customers will be able to choose one of two labels featuring either a Yes vote or a No vote giving a poll result when the bottles have sold out.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie and Labour MSP Jackie Baillie will be attending the launch to represent both sides of the vote.

Director Mark Connelly described the whisky as, “A well balanced blend with both a rich, fruity sweetness and a zingy spiciness battling it out for prominence. It’s very tasty and for a great drink for any occasion it gets my vote.”, adding, “This whisky was created to highlight the forthcoming referendum whilst having a bit of fun and enjoying a dram. We’re matching this historic event to our national drink and one of our biggest exports which seems entirely appropriate. Perhaps it will be used to toast the result or drown sorrows, come September.”

The bottles will be on sale from 1pm on Friday 2nd and will retail at £69 per bottle. Bottles will be limited to one per person. It is bottled at 52.5%.

The whisky has been bottled by regular collaborators The Creative Whisky Co. , a Scottish bordersbased independent bottler.

Notes 

The Good Spirits Co. opened in 2011 in Bath Street and stocks Glasgow’s biggest range of spirits, as well as craft beer, Havana cigars, fortified wines and fizz.

Owners Mark Connelly, Matthew McFadyen and Shane Goodbody previously worked for the retail chain Oddbins before going into business themselves. They now employ five staff.

The Good Spirits Co., 23 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 1HW.

www.thegoodspiritsco.com

World Whisky Day Shop Now LIVE!

World Whisky Day – Saturday 17th May 2014
Not long now!

We are delighted to welcome our friends at The Glenlivet, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Bruichladdich, Compass Box, Douglas Laing & Co, Kilchoman Distillery, Wemyss Malts, Kingsbarns Distillery, Tomatin Distillery and The Tweedale who are all celebrating World Whisky Day with us this year…more to announce soon.

Find out here how they will be celebrating!
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World Whisky Day Shop NOW LIVE!

Click here to see the new World Whisky Day Shop!
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Still time to register your World Whisky Day event

It only takes a few seconds to register your event.

Click here to register your event for free.

Event ideas:
Host at an event at your local bar.
Host an event in your own home.
Get your local whisky shop to arrange a special tasting.
It’s easy to get involved.

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Donate to Just a Drop and to help give people safe and clean drinking water.

We are proud to be supporting Just a Drop, an international water aid charity. We hope that you can help us raise money for them. Each time you have a whisky on World Whisky Day why not donate £1/$1/€1 to Just a Drop.

To learn more and donate to Just a Drop click here.

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Help #worldwhiskyday become a global trending topic!

By joining our ThunderClap twitter/facebook will automatically send out a message on World Whisky Day and it can help spark a global trend.

It only takes a couple clicks! Click here to join in!
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In other news

World Whisky Day Whisky 2014 Edition available soon – to register interest click here We’ll let you know when they are available to buy! Still time to get a World Whisky Day Event Pack sent out to you! To register for one click here. Get in the spirit, mark the date in your diary and lets raise a dram to World Whisky Day 2014. Visit the website now to find events that are happening near you or to register your own event: http://www.worldwhiskyday.com

In the meantime if you want to discuss your plans or find out more about getting involved then please email info@worldwhiskyday.com or call +44 (0)131 208 2582.

Kind regards,
Blair Bowman

Founder
World Whisky Day
www.worldwhiskyday.com

BALLANTINE’S RELEASES 17 YEAR OLD SIGNATURE DISTILLERY GLENTAUCHERS EDITION
TO COMPLETE SET OF FOUR UNIQUE BALLANTINE’S BLENDS

Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has today announced the release of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glentauchers Edition. This special blend completes a set of four limited editions, each of which has been created to demonstrate the unique structure of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and how this is achieved.

Of all of the malt and grain whiskies used in Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, four stand out as ‘signature’ malts – Scapa, Miltonduff, Glenburgie and Glentauchers. Each of these plays a unique and crucial role in the creation of the final masterpiece that is Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Building on the successful global release of the Scapa, Miltonduff and Glenburgie Editions, Glentauchers is the last of the signature malts to be showcased in the Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Editions. Located in the heart of Scotland’s celebrated Speyside whisky region, the Glentauchers Distillery is one of Scotland’s few remaining manually operated distilleries, where centuries of knowledge and traditional methods of Scotch whisky making are passed down to new generations of craftsmen.

The integrity of Glentauchers malt whisky is safeguarded by three generations of the same family, who have worked at the distillery since 1920. The whisky itself has a light citrus character, which is present after distillation as a result of the production process unique to the distillery. Its soft berry notes are the product of a fusion of influences from both distillation and maturation, while the spirit’s signature nutty character and warm, lingering finish are the result of long maturation in American oak casks.

The premium packaging for the Glentauchers Edition takes its inspiration from the lightness of the tasting notes: a burgundy colour from the lingering taste of soft berries, and an elegant blush sheen from the sweet, citrus fruit flavours. Staying true to the style of the previous Signature Distillery Editions, the use of metallic paper stock highlights the edition’s exclusive positioning within the Ballantine’s range, while differentiating itself from the original Ballantine’s 17 Year Old with an illustration of the Glentauchers Distillery, ‘limited edition’ script and unique colour scheme.

Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, comments: “We are proud to provide whisky enthusiasts with another opportunity to experience the single malts that shape the taste profile of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, and to showcase the high quality of the single malt produced at the Glentauchers distillery.

“Lighter and more delicate in style, the Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glentauchers Edition highlights some of the more subtle flavours within the original blend, whilst showcasing the key contribution of the Glentauchers malt with a lingering finish of soft berries.”

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, adds: “The release of the Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glentauchers Edition completes the picture of how Ballantine’s 17 Year Old achieves its signature style through the art of our skilled Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop. As with the other Ballantine’s 17 Year Old limited editions, the Glentauchers Edition is a highly collectible and giftable expression, and will appeal to whisky lovers looking for something unique, as well as to loyal followers of Ballantine’s.”

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glentauchers Edition is launching within a number of Ballantine’s key markets including Asia Travel Retail, China and Japan, from May, with a retail price of $78 (USD). It was first unveiled in Korea in November 2013.

Notes:

Tasting Notes
Nose: Bursting with sweet citrus fruit flavours (tangerine and sweet clementine) with hazelnut notes and a hint of delicate floral heather coming through in the background.
Taste: Coats the mouth with smooth, soft berry flavours of raspberry and blackcurrant, combined with a tantalising taste of barley sugar sweets.
Finish: Incredibly long and luscious.

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

New Irish Whiskey Museum Gets Green Light to Build €2m Project

After two years in the making the Irish Whiskey Museum has finally been given a green light to start construction works on a €2m museum.   With investment secured and all planning applications granted this new visitor attraction will occupy the beautiful Gothic Revival style building across from the main entrance of Trinity College on College Green.  

It will be a first ever Irish Whiskey Museum.  A new concept, that brings the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey and its impact on the global whiskey market to life.  Bringing all of the Irish whiskey brands together, both old and new, its vision is to reclaim Ireland as the original home of whiskey.  This interactive, ultra modern experience will depict the rise and fall and current renaissance of Irish whiskey.   With a contemporary bar and guided tour this project will provide employment for full team of construction workers and 25 full time jobs when its doors open. 

CEO Keith McDonnell says ‘…we are delighted to be progressing with this project.  We saw an opportunity to bring a vacant building in the heart of the city centre back to life.  Our tour concept is unique, unlike the current whiskey tours, we differ by focusing on the wider intriguing history of Irish whiskey, incorporating all Irish whiskey brands, both new and old.’ 

Construction works are due to commence this month and it is due to launch towards the latter end of the summer season.  The Irish Whiskey Museum will be Dublin’s newest and most centrally located visitor attraction.  Situated at the start of the new Dubline, which stretches from Trinity College to Thomas Street, Failte Ireland have welcomed this new development.  Whiskey distillers such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew and Teeling have also endorsed the project. 

What was once a vacant building in the heart of the city centre will now welcome domestic and international visitors as well as true whiskey connoisseurs through its doors.

THE GLENLIVET NÀDURRA EXPANDS INTO

A RANGE OF CASK EXPERIENCES 

The Glenlivet, the original single malt whisky, is expanding its celebrated The Glenlivet Nàdurra brand into a range featuring different cask experiences as it aims to build on its strong development in the growing single malt whisky market*. 

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet at Chivas Brothers, comments: “The Glenlivet Nàdurra is the purest expression of The Glenlivet that captures the original passion and production methods of George Smith’s distillery. We know that whisky connoisseurs appreciate these qualities at the heart of the range, and by expanding the Nàdurra range we aim to consolidate our strong and innovative offering in the craft single malt arena. 

Each expression in The Glenlivet Nàdurra range is crafted in small batches using traditional production methods and is matured exclusively in a different cask-type, showcasing the versatility and flawless quality of The Glenlivet spirit. Unlike most modern whiskies, the range is bottled without chill-filtration, which offers the additional complexity, body, and texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask. 

Refreshed packaging demonstrates the handcrafted nature of Nàdurra through prominent batch number and cask-type stamps, an artisanal typeface, an emphasis on the Gaelic translation of Nàdurra, and a distinctive handmade finish. 

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso is the first new permanent expression in the range, and is the first major The Glenlivet bottling** in living memory to be matured solely in ex-sherry casks. 

The first-fill, ex-Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez in Spain impart rich, distinctive dried fruits aromas, warm spices, and notes of cinnamon and liquorice. The spirit combined with the cask influence, produces a sweetness of dark chocolate and a finish which is long and sweet with a slightly dry, spicy effect from the European oak maturation.

“The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso presents a rare opportunity to taste The Glenlivet aged exclusively in ex-Oloroso casks, which we anticipate to be extremely popular with whisky fans and an enticing purchase for travellers in Travel Retail when it launches. As we continue to release additional twists on the original The Glenlivet Nàdurra, we look forward to showcasing different cask experiences to an increasing number of discerning drinkers,” adds Nikki Burgess. 

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso will be introduced to Travel Retail Europe in May 2014 via immersive experiences to help travellers gain an understanding of the new whisky’s unique taste profile. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso will be unveiled first at Heinemann Frankfurt airport before launching in London Heathrow Terminal 5 as part of the World Duty Free Whisky Festival 2014. Striking The Glenlivet spaces created in both airports will reflect the brand’s contemporary style, enticing whisky enthusiasts to interact with the new single malt’s tasting notes and explore its rich heritage. In Frankfurt B-East and London Heathrow Terminal 5 travellers will also be invited to enjoy a dram of the new expression while playing a game of pool thanks to the installation of a miniature pool table in the dedicated brand space.

Notes  

*Single Malt sales grew by +5%  2011-2012 (IWSR)

**Excluding Single Cask Editions    

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso tasting notes:

Colour: Bright Gold
Nose: A medley of dried fruit aromas, raisins and apricots, with gentle notes of cinnamon and liquorice
Palate: Smooth and creamy, with the fruitiness of spicy orange marmalade and the sweetness of dark chocolate  
Finish: Long and sweet, leading to a slightly dry, spicy finish 

About The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet. 

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. 

For further news of upcoming events:

Visit www.theglenlivet.com or www.facebook.com/theglenlivet 

For further information:

Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

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