We are very proud to represent two of the Distilleries who recently won  

Whisky Advocate’s Single Malt of the Year Awards! 

Kilchoman Distillery    

Islay Single Malt of the Year – Kilchoman 2007 46% 

Click here to read the Whisky Advocate article. 

The 2007 Vintage is a vatting of six year old fresh bourbon barrels and is the oldest single malt Kilchoman has released to date. 

Nose: smoky vanilla and caramel notes with cooked fruits, lemon and citrus
Palate: butterscotch and soft citrus fruit with a lasting sweetness
Finish: peaty and fruity with a long lingering sweetness  

CSPC #760683 

Kilkerran Distillery 

Lowlands/Campbeltown

Single Malt of the Year – Kilkerran Work In Progress 5 Sherry Wood 46%

 Click here to read the Whisky Advocate article.  

 Released in 2013. Only 9000 bottles available worldwide.

 Nose: Who’s chocolate orange is this? Dark chocolate, marzipan, honey covered dates and strawberries build up to a very rich and sweet ginger preserve. A very complex nose that doesn’t stop developing in the glass.

Palate: The honey covered dates return on the palate mixed with sultanas and black treacle fudge. This dram is as wholesome and tasty as a warm, toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel with real butter melting on top.

Finish: Medium, well balanced and round finish, presence of dark chocolate but surprisingly no evidence of peat.

   CSPC #758244

 www.goldmedalmarketinginc.ca

The Best Canadian Whisky In The World

VICTORIA, Jan. 17, 2014 – A whisky that was first distilled seven generations ago is the best Canadian whisky in the world. That’s the verdict of nine independent whisky experts who named Corby’s Lot No. 40 the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the fourth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Results of the annual blind tasting competition were announced Thursday evening at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Today, Lot No. 40 is distilled at Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario from a 100% rye-grain recipe developed in the 19^th century by Canadian pioneer distiller, Joshua Booth. In announcing the awards, Chairman of the Judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, called Lot No. 40 “The very essence of what rye whisky is all about.”

Other top winners include Alberta Premium Dark Horse, Forty Creek Heart of Gold, Masterson’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Wiser’s Red Letter, and Crown Royal Black.

“Interest in Canadian whisky is growing tremendously,” said de Kergommeaux as he introduced the winners. “Export sales of Canadian whisky world-wide were up by nearly 25% in 2013, and the upward trend continues. Canadian whisky producers are stepping up to the plate with new high-end releases. More small batch and top-end deluxe whiskies are available now than ever before.” 

Demographics are shifting too. Women now make up 29% of Canadian whisky drinkers and the under thirty-five millennial generation consumes over 45% of the Canadian whisky sold. And while 54% of Canadian whisky is used for cocktails, 46% is sipped just as it comes from the bottle. 

As well, sales of flavoured whisky doubled in 2013 with Forty Creek, Wiser’s, Sortilège, and Spice Box seeing exceptional growth.

A complete list of the winners is available at http://www.canadianwhisky.org/

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To qualify, whiskies must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

For further information:

Davin de Kergommeaux (613) 563-0254 
davindek@gmail.com

The Macallan to Auction six litre “Imperiale” decanter of Macallan ‘M’ in Hong Kong 

The Macallan is to auction an impressive 6 litre “Imperiale” version of the highly sought after Macallan M – the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained within a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter. 

M represents a masterpiece created from the collaboration between three masters of their crafts; Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron, Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique and Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. 

To celebrate the conception of M and its global launch in Hong Kong, four 6-litre Imperiale decanters were specially crafted by Lalique for The Macallan. These are the largest decanters ever made by Lalique. Each decanter required the work of 17 craftsmen, including two with the prestigious title, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, with each taking over 50 hours to complete. 

Of the four, two have been archived by The Macallan and one has been committed to a private collector in Asia.  The fourth, Constantine (named, as are the other three, after Roman emperors), is the only one to feature the engraved autographs of the three principal creators – Lalique/Silvio Denz, Fabien Baron and Bob Dalgarno.  This highly collectable creation will be offered at auction of Finest and Rarest Wines and The Macallan by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on Saturday, 18 January 2014. 

David Cox of The Macallan commented : “The six litre Imperiale “M” is the largest decanter ever produced by Lalique, and the largest decanter ever filled with the Macallan since the distillery was founded in 1824.  This auction offers the successful bidder an opportunity to acquire something very special, drawing on the combined talents of one of the world’s great designers, the finest of crystal makers and makers of one the world’s great spirits, The Macallan. Hopefully the auction will realise an outstanding bid, worthy of this great piece, with the net proceeds going to a number of worthy charities in Hong Kong”. 

The Macallan is one of the world’s most sought after and collectable whiskies, sitting at the top of the auction index for whiskies and holding the current Guinness World Record™ for the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction, The Macallan 64 years old in LALIQUE Cire Perdue went for US$460,000. 

All net sale proceeds will be donated to a host of local charities in Hong Kong.   

Notes: 

Guide for Prospective Buyers

The weight of the decanter is 11.3kg with a height of 700mm. With six litres of Macallan at 5.5kg, the total weight of the decanter with whisky would be 16.8kg. 

Buyer’s Premium: The standard 22.5% buyer’s premium will be applied to the hammer price, a portion of which Sotheby’s will donate to the Hong Kong charities benefitting from the sale of this lot. 

This Property will be offered for sale without reserve. Pre-sale estimates: HK$2,000,000 – HK$4,000,000. 

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744.  Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 9 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BIDnow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, and two retail businesses, Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. Sotheby’s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID). 

THE WHISKY SHOP’S GUIDE TO BURNS’ NIGHT 2014 

Whisky is the perfect drink to enjoy on Burns’ Night and luxury drinks retailer The Whisky Shop presents the finest whiskies to enjoy with the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties to celebrate ‘the bard’ – poet Robert Burns -on Saturday 25^th January 2014. 

Talisker Storm – £48.49 – www.whiskyshop.com

Talisker has always been a favoured match for haggis and the new Storm is sure to impress.  At first sweetly mellow and rich in the mouth, then quickly very spicy and increasingly stormy as the Talisker heat comes through. 

It’s as if the pure, tongue-coating sweetness joins hands with a deep nutty smokiness to embrace those spicier notes.

 The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added. 

Isle of Jura 16 year old – Diurachs’ Own Islands – £51.49 – www.whiskyshop.com  

This sweet and spice island whisky offers an excellent dram for a Burns’ Night toast.

 Aptly named the Diurachs’ Own Islands, Diurachs is the Gaelic word for the people of Jura. Although less than 200 strong they are united by their love of the island and its world-renowned whisky.

The Isle of Jura 16 year old is sumptuous yet gently spiced.  Soft peaches and honey with a hint of citrus and marzipan.  Bottled at 40% volume. 

Dalmore Cigar Malt – £65.99 – www.whiskyshop.com

The Dalmore Cigar Malt is a sweet and spice highland whisky which can be enjoyed with haggis or a cigar.

Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is taken from a selection of aged stocks from 10 to 15 years, matured in both American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass before a final finesse in Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.  Bottled at 44% volume.

On the palate creamy vanilla, toffee and sweet pineapples open, followed by rich mango, crushed pear and kiwi fruits. An aftertaste of unsurpassed elegance. Matured 70% Oloroso Sherry Wood; 30% Bourbon American White Oak. 

Kilchoman Machir Bay – £43.99 – www.whiskyshop.com

Kilchoman is one of the smallest and newest distilleries in Scotland – built in 2005 – and the first distillery to be established on Islay in over 124 years.  Kilchoman is one of only six distilleries to carry out traditional floor maltings, using barley grown on the distillery farm. 

Kilchoman Machir Bay is the first general release from the distillery and its core expression – first launched in 2012.  The smoky malt is the perfect partner for haggis.  It is a vatting of 3, 4 and 5 year old, matured in fresh bourbon barrels and finished in oloroso sherry butts for 8 weeks.  Machir Bay has a well-balanced combination of rich tropical fruit, peat smoke, light vanilla and intense sweetness. Bottled at 46% ABV. 

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Burns’ Night is a traditional Scottish celebration and it is important to have the right whisky to complement the distinctive flavour of the spicy haggis.”

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with a full range available online at www.whiskyshop.com and at 22 stores nationwide, including premium flagships in London’s Piccadilly and on Manchester’s Exchange Street. 

For further information please visit www.whiskyshop.com

New owners at the Harbour Inn, Islay 

Morrison Bowmore Distiller’s are pleased to announce that they have taken ownership of The Harbour Inn on the beautiful whisky island of Islay. The award-winning hotel and restaurant boasts seven en suite bedrooms and is a popular destination for both visitors and island residents alike. 

Recently refurbished, this old whitewashed inn by the harbour has been brought up-to-date with stylish bedrooms and a conservatory with spectacular views across Loch Indaal towards Jura. The award winning restaurant features local quality produce, showcasing the rich ‘Taste of Islay ‘. 

The Harbour Inn becomes a welcome addition to the Bowmore family, joining the Bowmore Visitor Centre and Distillery as well as luxury self catering cottages on the island. 

Visitor Centre Operations and Development Manager Anne Kinnes said “In growing the Bowmore business to include the Harbour Inn, this is a very exciting time for us. We are looking forward to the opportunity of welcoming guests to experience our world class service on Islay.”  

For further information please visit http://www.morrisonbowmore.co.uk/  or http://www.harbour-inn.com/. 

NOTES: 

The Harbour Inn and Bowmore Distillery Cottages Situated adjacent to Bowmore harbour, The Harbour Inn offers superb accommodation, high quality award winning food and excellent service. As a base for touring Islay – described by the Lord of the Isles as “ The Jewel of the Hebrides “ – the hotel’s location is unique with many areas of natural beauty within an easy drive.  

Located within or beside the distillery complex, the Bowmore Distillery Cottages encapsulate Islay at its beautiful, peaceful and traditional best – all beautifully renovated to luxury Visit Scotland standard. 

Bowmore 

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt. 

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln. 

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. 

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours. 

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. 

The Bowmore domestic product range: 

• Bowmore Small Batch

• Bowmore 12 Years Old

• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’

• Bowmore 18 Years Old

• Bowmore 25 Years Old 

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it is home to no fewer than eight working distilleries.

Suntory Group Alcoholic Beverages Business Strategy for 2014

In 2013, the Suntory Group’s alcoholic beverages business was up on the previous year due to factors such as the creation of new demand by breaking ground in the RTS*category, in addition to the strengthening of its core brands such as The Premium Malt’s, Kin-Mugi, All-Free, Kakubin, Yamazaki, Hakushu, and -196°C. The group will continue to roll out proactive initiatives in an effort toward further growth in 2014.

In 2014, Suntory Liquors Limited will make “premium” in the sense of high added value our key focus and work to build demand by offering value. In addition, we will take on the challenge of innovation in every area from product development to the creation of new categories, all oriented toward creating new value.

Suntory will roll out proactive marketing initiatives for core brands such as The Premium Malt’s, Kakubin, and -196°C, RTS beverages, and more.On top of that, outside of Japan we will seek to develop a portfolio of brands that engage the unique circumstances of each region in order to establish solid bases for business.

Spirit Business

Suntory’s spirits business in 2013, due to the breaking of new ground in the RTS category and other achievements in addition to the favorable growth of core brands including Kakubin, Yamazaki, Hakushu, and -196°C, 3% growth was achieved compared to the previous year. In 2014, we will aim for 1% growth compared to the previous year by continuing to cultivate and strengthen our brands further in growing categories including highballs, premium whiskies, RTDs, and RTSs.

Whisky

Review of 2013

The whisky market is estimated to perform better than the previous year due to expanding demand for highballs and premium category beverages. With that, there were effects due to some changes in the brands of imported whiskies purveyed, but the core brands performed favorably.

Kakubin showed growth of 3% compared to the previous year as a result of efforts to more actively promote its compatibility with food with the aim of further market expansion and the establishment of highballs. Additionally, Premium Kakubin, which went on sale in May, has received high praise.

As for domestic premium whiskies, Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki 12 Years Old (in a 500 mL size) made favorable movement, up 16% compared to the previous year. Suntory’s whiskies have taken prizes in worldwide liquor competitions, with Hibiki 21 Years Old winning a “Trophy,” the highest prize in its category, “Worldwide Whiskies,” and Suntory Liquors Limited being named Distiller of the Year for the third time at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

Further, Jim Beam, the world’s top*6 bourbon, which Suntory began handling in January, has made great contributions in terms of acquiring new consumers and activating the import whisky market.

*6 2012 sales numbers (Source: IMPACT NEWSLETTER February Volumes 1 & 15, 2013)

Strategy for 2014

Suntory will work to activate the whisky market through such efforts as bolstering marketing activities for Kakubin, strengthening premium whisky value promotion activities, strengthening marketing activities for Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, all with the aim of 1% growth over the previous year.

Strengthening Kakubin marketing activities

Suntory will strengthen its marketing activities related to Kakubin using good flavor and compatibility with food as themes. The relevant television commercials will be re-launched in February, and in conjunction with those commercials Suntory will make appeals to shops involving how to create delicious kaku highballs and the allure of the same as drinks to go with food. Suntory will work with drinking establishments to expand kaku highball fandom by further bolstering activities related to quality at the point of consumption.
 
Strengthening premium whisky value promotion

In order to help consumers experience the luxurious frame of mine inherent to whisky, Suntory will continue to strengthen its marketing activities related to premium whiskies with a central focus on the Hibiki brand and appeal to the high quality that comes with the group’s various malts and superior blending techniques. Additionally, by strengthening marketing activities for smaller size units of Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki 21 Years Old, the group is working to expand the arena of premium whisky drinking. The Hakushu brand has garnered high praise from the younger generation for Hakushu highballs with mint, and Suntory will work to make active proposals for television commercials and more to promote the brand and acquire new consumers.
 
Strengthening marketing activities for Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark

Suntory will be investing in new television commercials starting in mid-January for Jim Beam, the world’s top bourbon, keeping “cool bourbon” as its key message with the aim of further improving brand recognition and desirability. As for Maker’s Mark, the group will make appeals based on the high quality carefully distilled into each and every bottle through seminars and other events.

Overseas Alcoholic Beverage Business

Review of 2013In terms of whisky, our active promotion of Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki in Europe and America and Kakubin in Asia enjoyed favorable reception, and we expanded our whisky sales abroad. The Premium Malt’s showed favorable growth in Asia. With Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited we have expanded sales with a focus on Bowmore and Auchentoshan single malt whiskies.Strategy for 2014We will strengthen marketing campaigns in accordance with the unique circumstances of each region throughout the world. In Europe and America, we will develop the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki lines of premium whisky, as well as the liqueur MIDORI, while in Asia we will develop Kakubin and The Premium Malt’s. Similarly, we will continue our active efforts to strengthen Bowmore and Auchentoshan single malt whiskies as global brands.

*RTS (Ready to Serve): Alcoholic beverages finished with a balanced taste optimized for drinking on ice, with an alcohol content between roughly 10% and 20%.

So it’s a new year and our second auction is coming together nicely. For those of you who have yet to register don’t forget that registration is FREE until January 31st 2014. It’s also not to late for any sellers to take advantage of our 0% commission offer, we require bottles to be with us by the 17th January for our next auction. The offer is open until January 31st 2014. World wide shipping is available.

Iain McClune
WhiskyAuctioneer.com

Suntory Holdings To Acquire Beam In $16 Billion Transaction

OSAKA, JAPAN and DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 13, 2014 – Suntory Holdings Limited and Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) today jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Suntory will acquire all outstanding shares of Beam for US$83.50 per share in cash or total consideration of approximately US$16 billion, including the assumption of Beam’s outstanding net debt.  The transaction consideration represents a 25% premium to Beam’s closing price of $66.97 on January 10, 2014; a 24% premium to the volume-weighted average share price over the last three months; and a multiple of more than 20 times Beam’s EBITDA1 for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2013. 

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by each company’s board of directors, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014, subject to Beam stockholders’ approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. 

The transaction will create a stronger global player in premium spirits with annual net sales of spirits products exceeding $4.3 billion.  Its combined  portfolio of leading brands will include Beam’s Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Teacher’s and Laphroaig Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, and Pinnacle vodka, and Suntory’s leading Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and Kakubin, Bowmore Scotch whisky and Midori liqueur. Beam’s President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Shattock and the current Beam management team will continue to lead the business, which will be managed from Beam’s headquarters outside Chicago, Illinois.

Nobutada Saji, President and Chairman of Suntory’s Board, said, “I am delighted that we can announce this agreement with Beam, a company with a portfolio of leading global brands, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and a strong global distribution network. I believe this combination will create a spirits business with a product portfolio unmatched throughout the world and allow us to achieve further global growth.  We are particularly excited about the prospect of working more closely with Beam’s excellent management and employees who will play an integral part in the growth of the business.”

Unparalleled Breadth in the Fast-Growing Whisky Category

“This is a very exciting development that delivers substantial value for our stockholders and creates an even stronger global company with an excellent platform for future growth,” said Matt Shattock, President and Chief Executive Officer of Beam Inc.  “Together we will be a global leader in distilled spirits with the #3 position in premium spirits and a dynamic portfolio across key categories.  With particular strength in Bourbon, Scotch, Canadian, Irish and Japanese whisky, the combined company will have unparalleled expertise and portfolio breadth in premium whisky, which is driving the fastest growth in Western spirits.

“Our combined global routes to market will expand our joint distribution footprint, and the powerful innovation capabilities both companies have developed will be a significant advantage,” Shattock continued.  “Backed by the expertise and the financial resources of Suntory, the people of Beam look forward to working with the Suntory team to continue outperforming our global market and to building on the proud traditions and deep heritage of our brands across all the major spirits categories.”  

On completion of the transaction, Suntory and Beam aim to achieve growth in markets worldwide, including the United States, the world’s largest spirits market , by leveraging a combined portfolio of strong brands, an expanded distribution network and fully sharing production and quality control know-how.

Suntory and Beam already have a successful business relationship under which Suntory distributes Beam products in Japan and Beam distributes Suntory’s products in Singapore and other Asian markets. 

Creating Substantial Value for Beam Stockholders

“The attractive valuation which has been achieved for Beam stockholders is a result of the successful strategy and excellent execution by the worldwide Beam team,” said Beam Chairman David Mackay.  “Indeed, Beam will have achieved a total shareholder return of 106%  since Beam became a standalone spirits company in October of 2011.”

Suntory intends to fund the transaction through a combination of cash at hand and fully committed financing provided by The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.  Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Suntory and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is acting as legal advisor. Centerview Partners and Credit Suisse are serving as financial advisors to Beam and Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal advisor.  

_________________

1  LTM EBITDA before charges/gains as of September 30, 2013

2  By Value. Excludes local spirits

3  Based on Bloomberg Total Shareholder Return function

About Suntory

Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1899, Suntory Group is Japan’s leading player in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with sales of $17.6 billion (2012) .  Suntory’s alcoholic beverage business encompasses high-quality brands represented by its flagship single malt whisky “Yamazaki”, “The Premium Malt’s” beer, wine, and ready-to-drink (RTD) brands. In recent years, Suntory Whiskies are becoming increasingly popular among consumers worldwide, as they gain a reputation for quality, supported by success at some of the world’s most renowned spirits competitions.   Suntory’s non-alcoholic beverage business is expanding successfully into international markets and was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2013 as Suntory Beverage & Food Limited. Suntory has supplemented its organic growth in overseas markets with strategic acquisitions including New Zealand beverage company Frucor Group and French beverage company Orangina Schweppes Group in 2009 as well as the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline’s Lucozade and Ribena drink brands in 2013.　Suntory Group currently operates in Asia, Oceania, Europe, the Americas and Africa, with more than 28,000 employees (as of December 31, 2012). For more information on Suntory, please visit www.suntory.com 

About Beam Inc. 

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials.  Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. 

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.  For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Glenmorangie’s new “friendship” whisky launched   

— The fifth annual offering from its award-winning Private Edition range — 

Glenmorangie has released its eagerly-awaited fifth annual limited edition single malt whisky: Companta. 

Its predecessor, Ealanta, was recently named the world’s best dram by Jim Murray, one of the world’s leading whisky experts. 

Created by wood management pioneer and three-time winner of Malt Advocate’s coveted Industry Leader of the Year award Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie Companta is the latest in the Private Edition range – a group of rare and intriguing single malts. 

Glenmorangie Companta is Scots Gaelic for friendship and celebrates Glenmorangie and distinguished French vineyards’ shared pursuit of perfection. 

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: “Having spent over 20 years travelling to some of France’s most renowned vineyards, I’ve had the opportunity to sample many rare and intriguing wines in search of the finest casks to complement the extra-maturation of our whisky. 

“Some of my most memorable visits have been to Burgundy, where the dedication and attention to detail that goes into their craft never ceases to amaze me. 

“The smaller vineyards of the region don’t seem to worry about yields, costs, or timings. They work tirelessly, simply to produce the very best wine. In the same spirit as Glenmorangie, they stop at nothing in the pursuit of perfection. 

“This shared philosophy inspired me to create the ultimate tribute to my longstanding love for French vineyards and the friends that I’ve had the pleasure to make throughout my travels.” 

On the nose, Companta exudes rich, “autumnal” scents of red berries and damp forest floors, with a hint of fragrant woodsmoke complementing notes of aromatic, nutty oak. 

Upon tasting, a spicy palate redolent of cherries and stewed fruits is slowly revealed, as notes of sugared plums, blood orange and rose-hip syrup emerge alongside milk chocolate and brown sugar, leading into a mouth-coating finish. 

Bottled at a strength of 46 per cent, and non chill-filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Companta is available from independent specialist retailers and department stores including Royal Mile Whiskies and the Whiski Rooms with an RSP of £69.99.  

A refined balance between bold spice and rich, smooth sweetness, Companta is the result of a careful assemblage of Glenmorangie extra-matured in both renowned Burgundy Grand Cru Clos de Tart casks and sweet fortified wine casks from Côtes du Rhône. 

Lumsden explained: “Selecting parcels of Glenmorangie which had been matured in traditional American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, I transferred the spirit into casks having previously contained one of my personal favourites – the full-bodied Grand Cru wine from Clos de Tart, one of the most celebrated vineyards in Burgundy. 

“After a period of extra-maturation, the casks imparted additional body and deep berry-like flavours to the trademark elegant, floral character of the Glenmorangie.” 

“To complement the bold, spicy character imparted from the Grand Cru casks, I selected a parcel of Glenmorangie which had been extra-maturing in casks having previously contained a lusciously sweet fortified wine from Côtes du Rhône. It took some time, but with careful fine tuning we reached a harmonious assemblage which proved the perfect balance; neither too bold nor too tame!” 

NOTES

About Glenmorangie:

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

The Glenmorangie Private Edition Range

Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award-winning range that provides an annual opportunity for whisky connoisseurs and aficionados to experience a rare and intriguing single malt brought to life by the Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team. Glenmorangie Companta marks the fifth annual release in this lauded range, which has included: 

Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX – IWSC 2010 Gold Medal

(Generous) A full bodied whisky, extra matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. 

Glenmorangie Finealta – IWSC 2012 Gold Medal

(Elegant) An exquisite recreation of a 1900s recipe from our archives, with subtle notes of peat. 

Glenmorangie Artein- IWSC 2013 Gold Medal

(Stone) An outstandingly fragrant whisky extra matured in ‘Super Tuscan’ wine casks, influenced by the stony terroir. 

Glenmorangie Ealanta – IWSC 2013 Gold Medal

(Skilled & ingenious) A whisky fully matured in virgin American white oak casks with a provenance that stretches all the way to the mountains of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest. Ealanta has been named “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014! Murray described Ealanta as “borderline perfection”. 

Kevin Mackintosh – Photographer

Renowned for his story telling through carefully crafted still imagery, Glenmorangie has once again collaborated with celebrated photographer Kevin Mackintosh to bring the Private Edition to life. 

Responsible Drinking

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

Teeling Whiskey Appoint Infinium Spirits as Exclusive US Importer 

Teeling Whiskey, the leading independent Irish whiskey company, has appointed Infinium Spirits as their exclusive importer of the Teeling Whiskey portfolio of premium Irish whiskey brands to the US market. 

The US is the largest and fastest growing market for Irish whiskey with sales of 2.2m cases in 2012 and is now a larger category than Scottish single malts. Irish whiskey sales have risen over 400% since 2002 with continued growth in excess of 20% forecasted for 2014 and beyond. 

The Teeling family whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 when Walter Teeling set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties. Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, are the current generation of Teelings involved in the Irish whiskey industry. 

Teeling Whiskey is a small batch bottling from hand selected casks of grain and malt Irish whiskey which are further matured in former rum barrels. Teeling Whiskey is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration which provides an extra sweet and smooth flavor making it truly a unique Irish whiskey. While initially starting out as an independent bottler, the aim of the new generation of Teelings is to bring Teeling Whiskey home by establishing the first new whiskey distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. 

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “We are delighted to be able to partner with Infinium Spirits on launching our Teeling Whiskey brand in the US market. Given the importance of the US for any Irish whiskey we took our time selecting our importer and believe we have found a like-minded family-owned partner to take advantage of the opportunity for our unique expressions of Irish whiskey. We look forward to working with the Infinium team and getting our Teeling whiskey on back bars and shelves in the US.” 

Infinium Spirits is a company focused on developing distinctive brands in the premium and ultra-premium segments of the US spirits industry.

www.teelingwhiskey.com   

www.infiniumspirits.com