VOLUPTUOUS, intense and astounding – three adjectives used by those who have just sampled GlenDronach’s latest cask strength batch which is launched today (12 November).

Back in December last year, the GlenDronach distillery delighted its worldwide admirers by producing its first cask strength single malt. All 12,000 bottles sold out in a matter of weeks and Batch 2 quickly followed due to popular demand.

Now Batch 3 has been released with GlenDronach’s trademark combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks aiding its careful maturation.

The Oloroso influence introduces notes of fruit and toffee while the Pedro Ximenez contribution adds zesty spice – and the result is a truly delicious sherried Speyside malt. Excellent aged oak combines with classic GlenDronach spirit to give a majestic example of an uncut whisky – straight from the cask at 54.9% vol, non-chill filtered and at its natural colour.

Billy Walker’s tasting notes show the wood and whisky have interacted over time to produce a dram bursting with beauty.

Appearance

Hints of ruby through a body of deep golden amber.

Nose

Fantastic waves of soft golden syrup over dates and rum raisins hold a gentle tangerine and ground almond back note. Toasted oak with a dusting of cocoa adds a rich warmth and depth.

Palate

Crisp barley and a freshly-sawn oak spice burst through ripe plums and golden sultanas. A delicate note of dried apricots and candied peel adds a fantastic sweet, zesty balance. Subtle touches of milk chocolate soften the long expressive finish.

Finish

A perfect harmony of classic Highland characters and elegant sherry influences.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We believe this is another GlenDronach gem where spices mingle with the richness of the fruit to give a hugely satisfying malt to be savoured slowly during special, quiet moments.

“We’ll continue to release our cask strength batches as long as this wonderful expression remains popular with consumers.”

If you would like to receive more information, please contact us on info@glendronachdistillery.co.uk

JIM MURRAY’S NEW 2014 WHISKY BIBLE HAILS BENRIACH, GLENDRONACH AND GLENGLASSAUGH SINGLE MALTS

SINGLE malts from BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh have been called “perfection”, “faultless” and “astounding” in Jim Murray’s new 2014 Whisky Bible, with two taking top awards in the aged single cask categories.

Murray is widely regarded as one of the best whisky writers and his Bible has been hailed as the world’s most authoritative whisky guide.

This year he analysed over four thousand whiskies from around the world, with scores going from 0 to 100. Those in the 94-97.5 category are, he says, “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live”…and amongst them are seven BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh expressions.

Topping them all is the GlenDronach Recherche 1968 which won the 41 years and over single cask category with 97 points. Murray comments: “I have come to look at this style of malt beyond fondly. In fact this is love. Truly incredible. A real once in a lifetime treat for most.”

Next is the Glenglassaugh Massandra Collection Aleatico aged 39 years which took the 35-40 years single cask award with 96.5 points. “We are talking, in short, perfection. One of the few whiskies this year which has made me sit bolt upright in my seat. Whisky of the very rarest beauty and one of the finest scotch whiskies to land on my tasting desk for a great many years.”

Also gaining 96.5 is the GlenDronach 18 year old. “The ultimate sherry cask whisky. Faultless and truly astounding.”

A further four expressions took 96 points.

The BenRiach single cask 1983 aged 30 years (Batch 10 cask 296): “This is how a great Speyside malt of three decades’ maturation should taste. Classic doesn’t do it justice.”

The BenRiach single cask 1996 aged 17 years (Batch 10, cask 10306): “Astoundingly beautiful.  A distillery landmark malt.”

The GlenDronach 1992 aged 21 years (Batch 8, cask 145): “The delivery of dreams. This is sherried Highland malt of the very highest calibre.”

The GlenDronach 1994 aged 19 years (Batch 8, cask 101): “Magnificent.”

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “2013 has been an exceptional year for us. Winning ten medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the top single malt award in the China Whisky Guide, four Scottish Field Whisky Challenge awards and now receiving these wonderful commendations in Jim Murray’s latest Whisky Bible is very special.

“It’s especially pleasing that the accolades are spread across all three of our brands. I believe our success is due to the distilleries’ consistent quality and craftsmanship, our wood management strategy, Billy Walker’s excellent cask selection and the passion and enthusiasm of our people. That is what produces these incredible whiskies time and time again.”

Finchatton Forms an Exclusive Collaboration With Dalmore Whisky

International design and development firm Finchatton has partnered with legendary whisky brand The Dalmore. The collaboration, which is exclusive to Finchatton and The Dalmore, has resulted in the creation of a specially commissioned, integrated drinks cabinet encasing an exclusive single malt whisky in Finchatton’s new Penthouse apartment in London’s Mayfair.

Finchatton’s new residence, The Penthouse, Connaught Apartments, is in a prime central London location on exclusive Mount Street. The 3,765 sq ft south-east facing penthouse includes access to the neighbouring Connaught Hotel’s outstanding amenities and services including 24 hour concierge and room service, housekeeping and valet services, the extensively equipped Aman Spa, and two Michelin-starred cuisine from Hélène Darroze. Access to the Connaught Hotel is via a secure internal doorway.

The Dalmore’s single malt whisky for The Penthouse is as exceptional as it is rare. One iconic bottle with a signature engraving has been released by The Dalmore.

The Dalmore distillery has some of the oldest and rarest whisky stocks in Scotland, which it has been producing since 1839. The bespoke Penthouse bottling, which has been matured in hand selected bourbon barrels and Matusalem oloroso sherry butts from the renowned bodega of Gonzalez Byass, has been specially created for the apartment by award-winning Master Distiller Richard Paterson.

The Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson:

“The Dalmore, like Finchatton, prides itself on qualities of artisanship, exclusivity and excellence, so we’re delighted to be partnering with a like-minded brand on such a creative project. The skills that have been passed down through generations to create each drop of our whisky are matched by the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each of Finchatton’s residences. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the two brands.”

Andrew Dunn, Co-Founder of Finchatton:

“The Penthouse, we believe, stands apart as a truly bespoke residence. Such outstanding and inimitable specification is achievable through the exceptional partnerships such as that between Finchatton and The Dalmore, to whom we are delighted to have collaborated with.”

About Finchatton

Since 2001, Finchatton has designed, managed and financed more than 50 major development projects worth in excess of £870million around the world in locations such as France, America, Switzerland, the UK, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Australasia. In addition, they have completed over 70 prestigious, private commissions. Finchatton currently has in excess of £300million worth of development in progress including a variety of multi-unit residential schemes and aviation interior design projects. Today, the company has ambitious plans to expand and has multiple projects at any one time. In January 2013, Finchatton launched The Lansbury in Knightsbridge, comprising six exceptional apartments. The company has two distinct divisions: Finchatton Private which undertakes bespoke commissions around the world, and Finchatton Residences for development.

www.finchatton.com

About The Dalmore

Dating back to the days of King Alexander III, The Dalmore gained its iconic 12-point stag emblem in 1263 when one of the Mackenzie clan saved the king from being gored by a stag. Unlike other whiskies The Dalmore is produced in very limited quantities. Due to the distinctive distillation process no two batches will be exactly the same, ensuring that each release of the The Dalmore is unique. The Dalmore distillery houses some of Scotland’s most precious and rare whisky stocks. Home of the record-breaking The Dalmore Trinitas 64 year old and a number of other rare expressions such as Sirius, Selene, Candela and Oculus, it is no wonder that whisky investors, collectors and aficionados keep a watchful eye on this collection.

www.thedalmore.com

Single Cask 

Cask Strength 58.1%Vol

Aged 12 Years

Single Malt

  Bottled Exclusively for Gold Medal Marketing Inc. and only available in Alberta.

 You will not find this Whisky anywhere else in the world

Cask Type: Refill Sherry

 Number of Bottles Produced: 522

 Distilled: November 2000

 Bottled: June 2013

 Gold Medal Marketing believes in giving back, so for every case of this bottling that is sold, $50 will be will be donated to local charities. 

 CSPC #759383

AUCHROISK 21 YEARS OLD… THE SECOND JEWEL OF WHISKYNEWS.IT SELECTION BY HIDDEN SPIRITS

Now is available the second release of “whiskynews.it selection” bottled by Hidden Spirits.

This release is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, an Independent bottling distilled at Auchroisk distillery.

Aging for over 21 years old in barrels ex bourbon, this whisky was second filled in sherry hogshead for 90 days. Bottled at 45%abv is a pleasant dram where you can try greats feelings.

Official tasting notes

Nose: unmistakable sensation of the first day of spring rounded by the honey and by the sugar of malt and compote.

Palate: creamy, the sweetness gives way to pink grapefruit, green tea and to the sensation of spices.

Finish: long, slowly the pink grapefruit gives way to the sweetness of barley sugar, compote and eventually to vinosity of the sherry.

You can buy it HERE at € 75,00.

HRH The Princess Royal presents Queen’s Award to Gordon & MacPhail

It was a true family affair today (Thursday Nov 7) as HRH The Princess Royal presented the Queen’s Award for International Trade to whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail.

For members of the third and fourth generations of the family-owned whisky specialist and distiller were on hand to meet The Princess Royal as she toured the company’s premises at Elgin.

As Managing Director Michael Urquhart toured the site with The Princess Royal, he introduced various members of staff who, he explained, had all played their part in the successful growth of the company. “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement and recognises the hard work of everyone in the team, as well as our customers and suppliers across the world. “

Amongst those meeting The Princess Royal were recent recipients of the Celebrating Success Award which is given to members of staff who, in the view of their colleagues, have conducted themselves in a manner which exemplifies the company’s values and culture.

Gordon & MacPhail was established in 1895 and is one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists. The company offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts and exports to more than 55 countries.

A major factor in the company’s export success has been the continuing growth in sales of Benromach which have increased by more than a third in the first seven months of this year alone.

Gordon & MacPhail brought the Benromach Distillery back to life in 1998 when it was officially re-opened by HRH The Prince of Wales. Since then the Forres distillery has enjoyed significant growth in both the UK and overseas markets of its hand-crafted single malt whiskies, including the flagship Benromach 10 Years Old.

HRH The Princess Royal toured the bottling hall and the warehouse, where she saw some of Gordon & MacPhail’s casks of maturing whisky including some from the 1940s and 1950s.  She also met one of the fourth generation members of the family working in the business, Stuart Urquhart, who highlighted two expressions from the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio. The first, a Glen Grant 60 Years Old, was released in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. The second was a Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old, one of two Generations whiskies which are the world’s oldest single malt whiskies.

The Generations range was launched in 2010 and continues to be highly sought after as part of the extensive range of single malt whiskies Gordon & MacPhail offer to the market. As a result total exports have almost doubled in three years to more than £6m in 2012.

The family-owned company has been based in Moray since it was established more than a century ago and its directors and staff all play an active role in the local community.  As Michael Urquhart explained: “We were particularly delighted that HRH The Princess Royal came here today to present the Queen’s Award, given her long association with the area.”

Gordon & MacPhail employs almost 140 people in Elgin and Forres. Custodians of some of Scotland’s oldest and rarest casks, the company bottles over 300 different expressions of Scotch Whisky.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts.  In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing 100 70cl and 175 20cl decanters of 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011. They have now released the remaining 100 70cl decanters from this cask.

Gordon &MacPhail is proud of its Moray roots and the company, its directors and its staff play an active role in their local community by supporting local charities and sponsoring local events.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Eleventh Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Experiment Focuses on Recipe and Warehouse Differences  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 12, 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery releases the eleventh round of the Single Oak Project Bourbon which focuses on recipe differences, with variances between wheat and rye recipes, and also warehouse type – concrete floor warehouse or wooden floor warehouse.

The wood grain size also varies in this release between coarse, average, or tight, leaving other variables in this experiment constant – char level, tree cut, stave seasoning and entry proof.

Warehouses play a vital part in the aging process of bourbon, and by using two different warehouse types in the Single Oak Project, Warehouse K, a brick warehouse with wooden floors, and Warehouse L, also a brick warehouse but with concrete floors, the differences between the two warehouses can really be examined in this eleventh release.

Warehouse K has nine floors, all wooden, and is considered a good warehouse for different ages of bourbons. It has good air flow, with the first floor being cool and damp for slow aging, and the top floors being hot and dry, which ages young barrels more quickly. “We like Warehouse K because it gives us a lot of variety,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “We know based on experience and the anticipated use of the bourbon where to best store each brand in this warehouse.”

By contrast, Warehouse L has five floors which are all concrete and is considered by some at Buffalo Trace to be the best all-around aging warehouse. The windows on the west side of the building bring a consistent air flow. With its slow temperature changes, Warehouse L is great for slow aging wheat bourbons. Its concrete walls and floors create a very concentrated aging environment. “Warehouse L is one of our best warehouses,” continued Wheatley. “We dedicated L to our Warehouse Operations Manager Leonard Riddle who has served us in the operations department for 49 years (and counting!) and knows a thing or two about aging good bourbon.”

Consumers still continue to log into www.singleoakproject.com to review and score multiple bottles, with more than 3,000 reviews so far. Buffalo Trace Distillery encourages more people to get involved, as there are still 60 more bottles to be released and reviewed before this project ends in 2015!

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This eleventh release will reach stores towards the end of November. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The eleventh release is made up of barrel numbers 19, 23, 51, 55, 83, 87, 115, 119, 147, 151, 179, and 183. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

TOMATIN DISTILLERY REDUCES ITS CARBON EMISSIONS BY OVER 80%

Local MP Danny Alexander and UK Green Investment Bank Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin, visit distillery to see its new carbon saving biomass boiler

Tomatin Distillery, located 16 miles south of Inverness, has become the first Scottish Distillery to install a new, state of the art, sustainable biomass boiler. This new renewable energy boiler displaces the distillery’s previous heavy-fuel oil usage and produces both heat and steam for the whisky making process.

The installation of the new biomass boiler as part of an Energy Supply Contract (ESCO) has immediately improved the distillery’s energy efficiency, cutting carbon emissions by 80% or over 4,000 tonnes CO2 each year, equivalent to taking 1,200 family cars off the road.

The ESCO was part-financed by the UK Green Investment Bank, through its fund manager Equitix, and Balcas. Balcas is the largest manufacturer of wood pellets in the UK with production sites in Northern Ireland and in Invergordon, Scotland, 35 miles north of the distillery. This plant alone produces100,000 tonnes of sustainable biomass pellets annually.

In cutting its carbon emissions by 80%, Tomatin Distillery is the first distillery in Scotland to achieve the Scotch Whisky Association’s target for 2050 – 37 years ahead of schedule.

Robert Anderson, chief executive of Tomatin Distillery and Ernest Kidney, managing director of Balcas provided Danny Alexander MP and Lord Smith of Kelvin with an overview of the environmental and economic benefits of the new biomass fuelled steam boiler.

The Rt Hon Danny Alexander, Member of Parliament for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey said:

“It is terrific to see this landmark Green Investment Bank project come online with its first investment in the Highlands.

“I’m delighted that Tomatin Distillery is to benefit, with the support of Balcas, from this flagship Lib Dem initiative which will reduce its energy costs and use cleaner energy.

“Both the Distillery and Balcas are to be congratulated for their forward thinking and positivity.

“The North of Scotland has huge potential for growth in renewables and green energy. I’m confident that this project will be the first of many to benefit the local economy and boost jobs in the area.”

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of GIB said:

“Every one of us can do more to save money and reduce our environmental impact through a greater commitment to energy efficiency. Tomatin Distillery has taken a lead and shown the very real gains that businesses of all sizes can make by investing in energy efficiency. The have provided a great example to other small and medium sized businesses that I hope others will follow.’

Robert Anderson, chief executive of Tomatin Distillery said:

“We are delighted to welcome Danny Alexander and Lord Smith to Tomatin so that they can see for themselves how we as a company have embraced renewable energy and in doing so have achieved our 2050 carbon reduction targets from the Scotch Whisky Association. In addition to reducing our carbon emissions, the energy solution from Balcas has had

many additional benefits to us including clear financial savings, the ability to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive for the next 20 years, and a local and secure fuel supply.”

Ernest Kidney, managing director of Balcas said:

“Tomatin is the first company to benefit from our unique integrated energy proposition and I congratulate them on achieving their carbon reduction targets for 2050. Given that the RHI is for the next twenty years we believe that having a world class solution for the supply of steam in an industrial or commercial setting backed with the security of supply of fuel for the next twenty years has, and will be, a decisive factor for many customers in this marketplace.”

Notes

1. An infographic explaining how the boiler works can be found here.

2. For more information on Balcas and images of the visit / pictures of the boiler contact Julie McCabe or Brittany Breslin at Massive PR on 028 9024 0250 or 07801 989950.

3. For more information on the UK Green Investment Bank visit www.greeninvestmentbank.com or call Head of Communications, Stephen Moir on 0131 306 0193

4. For more information on Tomatin Distillery contact Jennifer Nicol, Marketing Manager on 01463 248 148

5. L-R Geoff Jackson, CEO, Equitix; Lord Smith of Kelvin, UK Green Investment Bank Chairman; Robert Anderson CEO, Tomatin Distillery; Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP and Ernest Kidney,Managing Director, Balcas.

DOUBLE WIN FOR DRAMBUIE AT LIQUEUR MASTERS 2013

Drambuie is pleased to announce its double-award win for Drambuie and Drambuie 15 at The Spirit Business Liqueur Masters 2013.

The results follow the brand’s entry of both liquids into this year’s Masters, with Drambuie 15 awarded the top accolade of Master and Drambuie receiving Gold.

Tim Dewey, Global Marketing Director at Drambuie, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised for not one, but two of our products by one of the industry’s most respected awards, with the wins highlighting Drambuie’s on-going objective to provide a superior liquid to consumers.”

The highly prestigious Spirit Masters series, now in its sixth year, is fast becoming one of the most respected and high profile trade competitions in the industry, rewarding the finest brands on excellence. Drawing entries from around the world, each spirit is judged on its own merit by a panel of independent judges.

Notes:

About DRAMBUIE®

Drambuie is an extraordinary blend of the finest aged Scotch whisky, spices, and heather honey. The recipe was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.

Drambuie has always been produced in Scotland. It was first produced at The Broadford Hotel on the Isle of Skye and in 1909 production was taken to Edinburgh. Chosen by the cellars of Buckingham Palace, the House of Lords and sent to the British Army during two World Wars, Drambuie quickly gained popularity.

In 1950s America, Drambuie became synonymous with the classic cocktail favoured by the Rat Pack – The Rusty Nail™. Today Drambuie is enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with ginger beer. The new Drambuie 15 Year Old is a whisky connoisseur’s expression of Drambuie, best sipped and savoured neat or over ice. For more information visit www.drambuie.com, facebook.com/UKDrambuie or @Drambuie.

Drambuie can be found in all good drinks specialists and supermarkets.

Drambuie (70cl) UK RRP £23.99 | Drambuie 15 Year Old (70cl) UK RRP £32
Drambuie (50cl) UK RRP £18.69 | Drambuie 15 Year Old (50cl) UK RRP £26.99

Introducing AuctionWhisky.com a new way to buy & sell collectable whiskies

FREE Registration ¦ FREE Bottle Listings for November 2013 ¦ NO Buyers Fees

SELLER Collection Service ¦ Worldwide Shipping ¦ New Auctions Added Daily