Less than two weeks to go and less than 100 tickets left for the Fourth Midlands Whisky Festival!

10^th Anniversary – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014

It’s on its Way…

Please pre-order your copies of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014 now….

GRUPPO CAMPARI BRINGS PACKAGING CAPABILITIES BACK TO THE  WILD TURKEY® DISTILLERY WITH NEW US$43 MILLION FACILITY, SPARKING JOBS AND REVENUE FOR COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

GRUPPO CAMPARI BRINGS PACKAGING CAPABILITIES BACK TO THE

AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION RELEASE OF SILVEROAK 1990

EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAVEL RETAIL

Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, will add to its travel retail range with a new limited edition release of the Auchentoshan Silveroak 1990. Following on from the success of the first batch of Silveroak, this limited second release of the 1990 vintage has been matured for an additional year making it 22-years-old. Therefore the second release of the Auchentoshan Silveroak expression demonstrates the increase in complexity associated with longer maturation.

Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour. The Auchentoshan Silveroak is no exception to this rule.

Auchentoshan Master Blender Rachel Barrie says “Having spent an additional year maturing in fine North American bourbon and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, the 2013 bottling of Auchentoshan Silveroak reveals additional complexity which lifts the taste with silky oak, mint and almonds.”

Boasting the same classically modern livery as its peers in the Auchentoshan Travel Retail range, the new Silveroak 1990 carton is masculine yet elegant. As with the liquid inside, the oak casks are the stars of the show on the pack. The North American bourbon and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks are pictured on three sides of the carton, reflecting how the flavours from the sweet bourbon oak perfectly compliment that of the rich Oloroso sherry.

Tasting notes:

To the eye: Rich golden.

To the nose: Honeysuckle and jasmine with traces of baked banana, spearmint and silky oak.

To the palate: Elegant and refined with apricot filo pastry, icing sugar and liquorice.

The finish: Creamy cappuccino, cooling mint and sugared almonds.

There will be 300 8.4ltr cases of Auchentoshan Silveroak 1990 available globally in a range of international airports priced at £90.00 with an ABV of 50.9%.

For more information visit www.auchentoshan.co.uk

Notes:

Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic

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

–        A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage

–        Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary

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

–        It’s a throwback to the future

–        It’s style not fashion

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

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

Awards 2011

IWSC

–      Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon

–      Best in Class Silver, 18YO

–      Best in Class Silver, Classic

International Spirits Challenge

–      Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon

–      Silver Medal, Valinch

–      Silver Medal, Three Wood

Scottish Design Awards

–      Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award

Awards 2012

San Francisco Spirits Competition

–      Double Gold Medal, Three Wood

–      Silver Medal, Classic

–      Silver Medal, 12YO

World Whiskies Awards:

–      Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured

Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

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

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:

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

Auchentoshan Travel Retail Product Range – Tasting Notes 

Auchentoshan Silveroak 2013 Release (£RRP: 90.00)

TO THE EYE: Rich golden

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

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

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

Auchentoshan Springwood (£RRP: 34.99)

TO THE EYE: Pale barely sugar

TO THE NOSE: A scattering of malt and vanilla sugar

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

TO THE END: A crisp, clean mouth watering finish

Auchentoshan Heartwood (£RRP: 41.99)

TO THE EYE: Dark honeycomb

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

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

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

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

TO THE EYE: Warm amber

TO THE NOSE: Intense nuttiness

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

TO THE END: A lingering and sweet nuttiness.

A LIFETIME OF WHISKY LOYALTY REWARDED

Oamaru, New Zealand– Sept 2013 – Cyril Yates committed over 20 years of his life to distilling whisky in New Zealand. And although promised a trip to New York for his dedication by Seagrams, the corporate giant never delivered.

Now, 20 years later, CEO Greg Ramsay of the New Zealand Whisky Company is sending Cyril on his first ever overseas adventure as a thank you for the role he’s played in distilling whisky now earning accolades across the world.

“I can’t believe I’m off overseas next month,” says Cyril, “I’m really so grateful and excited to Greg and the New Zealand Whisky Company. I’m heading to Paris for a whisky launch, to London for Whisky Live and to Scotland to visit some of the oldest distilleries; places I’ve only dreamt of going.”

Cyril began as a 16-year-old boy, painting whisky barrels out the back and ended up as distilling foreman, spending much of his formative years at the distillery. As such, he’s a fundamental part of the success of New Zealand whisky today.

The New Zealand Whisky Company is a success story that signals a revival of the whisky industry in New Zealand. The whisky was once distilled by Seagram’s in Dunedin before the distillery was sold to Fosters in 1997 as part of a global rationalisation.

Fosters mothballed the distillery and inexplicably closed it. But fortunately, more than 400 barrels of this whisky remained, and were bought by the New Zealand Whisky Company, set aside to mature and sweeten. Since then, the company has worked hard to revive the century-old industry and the whisky has been met with wide acclaim.

Battling it out with over 300 whiskies at the World Whiskies Awards in London earlier this year, the Dunedin-made whisky won across three categories, but its greatest recognition was at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“Winning one of the few DoubleGold medals on offer saw our South Island Single Malt recognized as one of the world’s great whiskies. We are humbled by our results in such high caliber competitions; it really honors the craftsmanship of the Dunedin distillers, and the commitment to quality by our Oamaru team, and our production partners in Christchurch,” says Ramsay.

As well as regaining the foothold once held across New Zealand by Wilsons, the whisky is now exported from Oamaru and available across Canada, the UK, Australia and Europe.

More information about the New Zealand Whisky Company is available at www.thenzwhisky.com.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the world’s leading authority on single cask, single malt whisky. To date The Society has bottled whiskies from 129 distilleries in Scotland and elsewhere. 

The Society only bottles from individual casks or barrels. This means that there are never more than a few hundred bottles of each whisky. Each release is unique and rare because it is limited to the contents (the “outturn”) of a single cask or barrel. All are bottled at cask-strength and are non chill-filtered.

Only Society members can purchase Society whiskies, thus maintaining their exclusivity. 

Members receive the award-winning Society magazine “Unfiltered” on a quarterly basis. Unfiltered is an informative and quirky look at what’s happening in the world of whisky.

New bottlings are released every month in “Outturn,” The Society’s bottling list. 

Tastings of new releases are generally held on the first Friday of each month (“First Fridays”). Members receive advance notice and discounted rates.

How to join:

Initial membership is $230 plus applicable taxes, and includes the new member’s kit (pictured below). Membership is renewable on an annual basis for $120 plus tax. To join, or to purchase a membership for a lucky recipient as a gift, please contact the exclusive retail home of the Society on Vancouver Island:

The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants

919 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2C2

Phone: (250) 370-9463    Email: whisky@strathconahotel.com

Only single cask, single malt whiskies that promise to intrigue, entertain and delight our members are selected.

 Learn more at www.smws.ca

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2013

ANTIQUE COLLECTION

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 10, 2013) Whisky lovers rejoice, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2013 Antique Collection in late September. The highly anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here’s what ardent fans can expect:

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Gold Medal at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2013 edition was distilled in the Spring of 1993 and has been aging on the 2^nd, 3^rd and 6^th floors of Warehouses I and K.  The barrels selected for this batch were actually aged for 19 years, and the taste has been described as dry, with hints of oak, leather, and tobacco.

George T. Stagg

The 2012 release of this perennial favorite was named the “World’s Best North American Whiskey” at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards.  The 2013 George T. Stagg was found in Warehouses I, K and Q. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon was distilled back in the spring of 1997 and weighs in at 128.2 proof, not as strong as some years, due to the location of the barrels on lower floors.  “We sample many barrels throughout the year to find the best ones to create George T. Stagg.  It just so happens this year, most of the barrels had been stored on lower floors.  The temperature remains cooler down low where it balances the mature flavors from the wood and in turn the proof climbs slowly from the entry proof.  The quintessential George T. Stagg taste is there – a big, bold whiskey that is easy to sip,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller.  Although still highly allocated, Buffalo Trace did begin to start putting more barrels away back in 1997 for future George T. Stagg releases. This whiskey tastes of fudge, vanilla, and tobacco. 

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Last year’s release was awarded a 95 rating and Liquid Gold Award in Jim Murray’s 2013 Whisky Bible.  This 2013 rye whiskey release was aged in Warehouses K and is described as mellow spice, vanilla sweetness, mint, and a dry finish.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is an uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The 2012 edition was named “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2013 Whisky Bible. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2007, aged on the seventh floor of Warehouse K and weighs in at 128.4 proof.  The flavor has been described as toffee, clove, and allspice.

William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. The previous edition was named the “Second Finest Whisky in the World” in Jim Murray’s 2013 Whisky Bible.  The 2013 offering was distilled in the spring of 2001 and aged on the third and fourth floors of Warehouses M and P. This William Larue Weller release registers in at 136.2 proof.  It tastes of dates, caramel, and brown sugar.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

The 2013 Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October.  Suggested retail price is $70 each.  For more information visit http://www.greatbourbon.com/.

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.

Sample Image

Jim Beam® Announces “Make History™” Global Brand Campaign

Deerfield, Ill. – September, 2013 – Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) today announced the launch of Make History™, the first ever brand campaign for its flagship Jim Beam Bourbon to span all of the brand’s markets globally.  Make History™ is a multi-year, multi-media campaign that will launch in the fourth quarter and roll out in more than 100 markets around the world over the next nine months.

“As the world’s number one Bourbon whiskey, Jim Beam has been making history since 1795,” said Matt Shattock, president and CEO of Beam Inc., in remarks prepared for delivery today at the Barclays Capital Consumer Conference in Boston.  “We’re excited to announce today the launch of Make History™, the first truly global advertising campaign for Jim Beam.  This multi-year campaign reflects sharp global consumer insights, continued substantial investment in the growth momentum of our flagship brand, and our sustained commitment to the attractive and fast-growing Bourbon category around the world. Make History™ is a big brand idea that resonates with consumers across global markets.”

“Make History™ is a call to action to consumers to be inspired by the legacy of Jim Beam to go make some history of their own, be it a memorable night out with friends or putting their stamp on the world as they pursue their dreams,” said Kevin George, global chief marketing officer for Beam.  “Indeed, regardless of geography, every night is an opportunity to Make History™.  At its core, this campaign celebrates those who turn everyday moments into memorable stories – just like Jim Beam has been doing for generations.”

The global campaign will encompass the full line of premium Jim Beam products, including the flagship Jim Beam White, Jim Beam Black, Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Honey and Red Stag by Jim Beam. For more information on Jim Beam, log on to www.jimbeam.com.

The campaign has been developed by Future Works, a consortium of three incumbent agencies that had worked on the Jim Beam account in various markets: Strawberry Frog (New York), The Works (Sydney) and Jung von Matt (Hamburg). Future Works was awarded the campaign after a global pitch conducted earlier this year.

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.

SPECIALITY DRINKS LTD RELEASE GLENFARCLAS 1953 TO COMMEMORATE THE QUEEN’S CORONATION

Speciality Drinks Ltd will launch their latest bottling today.  A very special crystal decanter filled with a single cask 1953 vintage Glenfarclas Single Malt Whisky, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6th February 1952, and was proclaimed Queen shortly thereafter.  As tradition dictated that an appropriate period of mourning should be observed for the preceding sovereign, the coronation was held more than a year later on 2nd June 1953.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of this historic occasion, we are proud to introduce The Coronation Decanter. With just 60 specially commissioned crystal decanters being released, this is an exceptional, exclusive bottling that reflects the importance of The Queen’s Coronation.

The outstanding whisky has been matured in a single sherry butt at the distillery in Ballindalloch for almost six full decades and has been bottled at its natural strength.  Only the natural elements of air, wood and time have influenced the development of its magnificent flavour profile.

Connoisseurs of fine whisky will recognise the rarity of any single malt reaching such a  great age; for the whisky to still  be in such amazing condition is little short of miraculous.  This remarkable sherry cask has yielded a whisky of unsurpassed quality, with an exquisitely refined array of rich and complex flavours.  

Tasting notes: 

Nose  –  At first concentrated dark fruit, macadamia nuts and orange liqueur. Baked apples and raisins develop in the glass for a more subtle style of whisky, while shiitake mushrooms, autumn leaves and sandalwood add a wonderful savoury aspect. Spiced cake and dried fruit provide a balancing sweetness. 

Palate  –  An initial launch into clove studded oranges and mulled wine, with fragrant arabica coffee, dark chocolate and umami. The flavours then lighten and lead towards an explosion of fruit – ripe mango and guava are balanced by grapefruit and juicy mandarin. Behind this, gentle honey sweetness and barley sugar combine with ground nutmeg and cinnamon to give a complex and rounded body. Given time, tarragon and cedar wood compliment leafy mint and cooked blackberries. 

Finish  –  Soft orchard fruit and bread pudding linger on the palate, with touches of hazelnut, fresh mint and citrus juice leaving you ready for another sip.

Sukhinder Singh, Director of Speciality Drinks, says: “We are delighted to launch The Coronation Decanter to celebrate The Queen’s 60th regal anniversary.  This whisky really is exceptional, it reminds me of a citrus, spiced Christmas pudding. The depth and range of flavour in this whisky really is extremely rare for its age and has only been achieved on few occasions.  We have presented it in a beautiful crystal decanter that we had specially crafted solely for this one-off release.  As there are only 60 bottles being produced, this is not only a fantastic investment opportunity for the avid collectors and enthusiasts but more importantly, it is a Single Malt the connoisseurs from around the world will truly appreciate.”

The Coronation Decanter is available to buy exclusively from The Whisky Exchange (www.thewhiskyexchange.com) with an RRP of £6000.  It is not unjust to say that this is  extraordinary value for a Single Malt of such a great age.

Notes:

ABOUT SPECIALITY DRINKS LTD:

Speciality Drinks Ltd is the brainchild of Sukhinder and Raj Singh, two brothers with a passion for fine spirits and nearly fifty years of experience in the drinks business between them.  They went online in 1999 with the launch of The Whisky Exchange, a site which has grown to become the web’s No.1 specialist retailer of whisky & other fine spirits and liqueurs, with an enormous range of over 4000 products available online at any one time.  TWE’s philosophy has always been to offer the best range and service in online spirits retailing, and the company is constantly on the lookout for quality new spirits and liqueurs with genuine heritage to add to our range.

The company has diversified over the years, building up a thriving on-trade business supplying our top-quality products to an ever-increasing number of the UK’s finest hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and world-famous style bars.  One of the company’s strengths is the ability to cater to the needs of a very diverse client list, servicing all kinds of customers from international five-star hotel chains to small country pubs with the same expert knowledge, personal service and attention to detail.

Almost since its inception, SDL has been releasing exciting single malt whiskies to enthusiastic praise from the whisky world.  Beginning with one-off expressions from top-end distilleries, their expertise and rigorous cask selection is now channelled toward the creation of new products and ranges, all of which have gone on to win awards and critical acclaim.  These include the innovative Elements of Islay and Port Askaig brands, as well as the acclaimed Single Malts of Scotland series of independent bottlings, while the latest SDL product, Black Tot, is a luxury bottling of the last stocks of authentic Royal Navy Rum.

SPECIALTY DRINKS LTD – BRANDS:

Speciality Drinks have been bottling some of the finest whiskies on the UK market for several years, winning numerous awards at international spirits competitions.  The company releases a wide variety of different whiskies under our three proprietary labels: The Single Malts of Scotland, Elements of Islay and Port Askaig.  In 2010, Speciality Drinks added Black Tot Rum, the last consignment of British Royal Navy rum, to its portfolio. 

LNIKS:

www.specialitydrinks.com

www.thewhiskyexchange.com

With the festive season approaching fast, Whisky Magazine is the perfect medium to promote your brand or business to all those who enjoy drinking whisky.

Devoted exclusively to whisky and published eight times every year, Whisky Magazine brings you news, features, reviews and, of course, tastings of the very best malts, blends, bourbon and others whiskies.

The next two issues are no exception and being published in October and December 2013, are perfectly placed to capture the hugely important pre-Christmas market.

Editorial Features

 An advertisement in either (or both) of these editions will give you maximum exposure to a highly-targeted audience in the leading whisky consuming countries of the world.

  Issue No. 115

 Special Features

Whisky Travel: Islay, Jura & Campbeltown

Icons of Whisky North America results

Publication Date: 25th October

Copy deadline: 27th September

    Issue No.116

   Special Features

Whisky Travel -: Japan & Asia

Icons of Whisky Scotland Results

Independent Bottlers’ Challenge Results

Publication Date: 6th December

Copy deadline: 8th November

 To find out more about advertising contact

Joanne Robertson

Sales Manager

joanne@whiskymag.com

 Ben Williamson

Commercial Manager

ben@whiskymag.com

Whisky Magazine

Celebrating the whiskies of the world

www.whiskymag.com