Get your dad something he can share with you this Father’s Day!

Make this a Father’s Day to remember by grabbing one of the last remaining bottles from trophy barrels HH509 (Southern Hemiphere Whisky of the Year, 96.5/100 Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2013) and HH434 (Best Australian Single Malt, World Whisky Awards 2013)

Your dad will love you even more, and best of all, you get to share his present with him…and that has to be better than a pair of socks any day!

Click here for the shop and hurry so your order arrives on time for Father’s Day on Sunday September 1st.

TOMATIN CELEBRATES UK GROWTH WITH DOUBLE FRINGE WIN

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating being the first distillery to have ever been awarded the ‘The Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award’ at the Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh for two consecutive years. The Highland company, which has experienced 150% growth in UK sales over the past 3 years, was once again voted the outright winner by visitors to the Fringe last weekend for its 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Whisky Fringe is an annual event held in the stunning venue of The Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, organised by whisky retailer Royal Mile Whiskies. Now in its 12th year, the sell‐out three day event presents over 200 whiskies to 500 visitors who vote for their favourite whisky they have sampled. No other distillery has previously been placed in 1st position two years running.

Tomatin has experienced 150% growth in UK sales over the past three years due to its change in strategy and increased exposure. Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, explained: “Whilst our business is predominantly export, the UK has become an increasingly important market for us. Our whiskies consistently rate highly in international whisky competitions, which is not only reflective of the overall growth of the brand but is also testament to the quality of the spirit we release. Consumers in the UK are finally sitting up and taking notice of Tomatin.”

Bremner continues: “It is a great achievement that we have scored highly in this event’s top ten voted whiskes for the past three years at the Whisky Fringe, and we are especially delighted that our new edition 30 year old has won the top prize two years running. What makes this award so special is that it is voted for not by industry experts but by customers themselves, so we are thrilled our whiskies rate so highly.”

Tomatin Distillery had two expressions in the top ten in 2011 (their limited edition ‘Decades’ release marking Douglas Campbell’s 50 years’ service to the company and the previous bottling of Tomatin 30 year old) and a further two in the top ten in 2012 (their 1982 single cask and the overall winner the new edition 30 Year Old).

The Tomatin 30 Year Old is available to buy from www.royalmilewhiskies.com.

 TOMATIN DISTILLERY CO LTD

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

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.

The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.

The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

IRISH DISTILLERS RELEASE THE 2013 EDITION OF MIDLETON VERY RARE

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, has unveiled the latest release of its prestigious blended whiskey, Midleton Very Rare.

Regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of Irish Whiskey, Midleton Very Rare is made from hand-selected whiskeys chosen by the Master Distiller from the renowned Midleton Distillery. Blended from only the finest single pot still and grain distillates of the year, the whiskey is matured in a select few, lightly charred, ex-Bourbon American oak casks, contributing to its complex and elegant taste profile, beloved of whiskey connoisseurs across the world.

Midleton Very Rare benefits from the distillery’s trademark triple distillation and a typical ageing time of up to 20 years and features the signature of the Master Distiller on the label, as a guarantee of the unique quality of this rare whiskey. The 2013 edition will be the final expression to feature the signature of Barry Crockett, the former Master Distiller who first developed this prestige whiskey ahead of its launch in 1984 and retired earlier this year after 47 years at the distillery.

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation and Category Development Director at Irish Distillers, says: “Midleton Very Rare is rightfully regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of the Irish whiskey category and each vintage is cherished by collectors and whiskey connoisseurs. It is a unique whiskey that demonstrates both the outstanding quality of Irish whiskey at the high end of the category and the immense skill of our Master Distiller, so with Midleton Very Rare and the other Prestige whiskeys in our portfolio we’re aiming to show the world that the finest Irish Whiskeys offer exceptional quality that rival the best whiskies from across the world.”

Barry Crockett, former Master Distiller of the Midleton Distillery, says: “Due to the hand crafted nature of Midleton Very Rare, there are slight variances in taste from year to year. The 2013 edition is characterised by a complex yet elegant taste of soft ripe fruits, leading to a generous single pot still spice and a long, balanced finish. The depth and complexity of the expression means it appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs, with the nuances of each annual release making them a must-try spirit for all whiskey drinkers.”

NOTES 

Midleton Very Rare 2013 Tasting Notes – prepared by Master Blender, Billy Leighton

Aroma

The initial light sweet top note of cane sugar can be attributed to the influence of the well-aged grain whiskey component. Then the pot still spices appear along with vanilla and oak char. Within the combination you find, dairy fudge, milk chocolate and green apples.

Taste

Very soft and mellow with a satisfying balance of confectionary sweetness, through soft ripe fruit to the more robust pot still spices. The charred oak and barley grains contribute to the wonderful complexity.

Finish

The succulent mellow flavours remain in balance and are slow to fade.

Age Range

15 to 24 years

*Midleton Very Rare Award Wins

2012 International Spirits Challenge – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Gold Best in Class

2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Double Gold

2012 Irish Whiskey Masters – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Gold

2013 International Spirits Challenge – Midleton Very Rare 2012 – Gold Best in Class 

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.

A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.  

Irish whiskey brands within the Irish Distillers’ portfolio include Jameson, Paddy and Powers, with Single Pot Still brands, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Redbreast and the much-revered Midleton, which includes prestigious expressions such Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Midleton Very Rare, completing the line-up.  

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

http://www.singlepotstill.com/

THE LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL COMES TO LONDON

by Pat Roberts

The beautiful Scottish island of Islay is host each year to its own jazz festival, sponsored by Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It hosts an outstanding bill of international and Scottish jazz artists: last year brought the hugely successful Neil Cowley Trio (UK Jazz Artist of the Year 2013), and this year the stars include Magnus Öström , a central figure in the new European Jazz scene.

However, Islay is a difficult place to get to, even for the most devoted of jazz or whisky enthusiasts, so this year LAGAVULIN™, Jazz FM and The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show have come together to bring a taste of Islay Jazz to London.

For one night only, on Tuesday 3rd September, the Camden Jazz Café will be playing host to The Islay Jazz Festival, with great music from leading Scottish performers, and Lagavulin for guests to enjoy.

Tickets include entry on the night, a Lagavulin aperitif, a dram of Lagavulin 16 yo and a Lagavulin cocktail during the interval, designed by virtuoso bartender Ryan ‘Mr Lyan’ Chetiyawardana.

VIP tickets are also available, which include a seat on the balcony and a main course from the Jazz Café’s menu. The Jazz Café’s bar will also be open as usual, offering a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and, of course, Lagavulin.

On stage are artists who have all appeared at recent Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festivals:

Colin Steele Quintet

colin-steele-quintet

Over the last decade trumpeter Colin Steele has made his mark on the UK scene, winning awards and wowing audiences with his Scottish folk-tinged jazz. His quintet brings him together with four other top Scottish musicians: Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Callum Gourlay (double bass) and Stu Richie (drums). He is appearing again at this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.

Tom Bancroft: Trio Red

tom-bancroft-trio-redA key figure in the Scottish jazz scene for over 20 years, drummer, composer and bandleader Tom Bancroft’s latest project focuses on musical storytelling, with mash-ups, improvisations and original compositions drawing on the group’s extensive live experience. Trio Red features Tom on drums with Tom Cawley on piano and Per Zanussi on bass.

The Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2013 : 13-15 September

The Whisky Show 2013 : 5-7 October

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and our global resource http://www.drinkiq.com/” href=”http://www.drinkiq.com/”>http://www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking. In Great Britain, Diageo is a member of The Portman Group and supports The Drinkaware Trust.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Whiskies valued at €500,000 to be opened and shared at Monte Carlo’s world exclusive whisky extravaganza

Monte Carlo, Friday 9th August 2013 – For immediate release

Collectors, Investors and Connoisseurs of the finest whiskies are invited to gather in the Principality of Monaco, 29th November – 1st December 2013, for the debut edition of The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, the world’s most exclusive whisky event showcasing the rarest whiskies. Fifty golden ticket holders will gain unprecedented access to leading whisky experts and to some of the finest collectable whiskies with a total value of €500,000.

Anita Di Sotto of La Maison D’Ecosse, co-founder of the Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, along with the Monte Carlo Whisky Society, says that the event has been created in response to the enormous interest in prestige whiskies. “The growth in demand of super premium malts and blends in the last few years has been phenomenal and we feel that the time is right to create an event that responds to this interest and that Monte Carlo provides the perfect setting for this exclusive gathering,” says Anita.

Charles MacLean, Whisky Consultant, author and Master of the Quaich, is Patron of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society. He says that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference is not like other whisky shows. “It is shamelessly exclusive! It will be led by five of the most experienced blenders and best respected brand ambassadors at the absolute top of their trade. They are bringing whiskies that you will never have a chance to taste anywhere else because they are either so expensive or already sold out.” MacLean says that the weekend promises to be relaxed and great fun. “The gloves will be off with no formalities. There will be a lot of banter between the experts with unprecedented access to them given the intimacy of the event.”

There will be a special focus on whisky as an investment. David Robertson who founded The Whisky Trading Co Ltd, the world’s first Whisky Investment business, will host a seminar on whisky investing titled ‘Liquid Gold or Lead Balloon?’ A former Master Distiller, Robertson says, “The opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and insights on the rare whisky market with like minded connoisseurs, experts, aficionados, collectors and investors is not to be missed.” Robertson will also host a Master Class Tasting titled ‘Rarest of the Rare’. A journey back in time to taste some pre WWII distilled whiskies including Mortlach 1936 35 year old, Strathisla 1937 35 year old and Glenlivet 1938 35 year old.

The experts, who will also present some extremely rare and precious malts at their individual master classes include; Dr Bill Lumsden, Production Director of the Glenmorange Group; Dr Sam Simmons, Global Brand Ambassador, The Balvenie; Ronnie Cox, Global Brand Ambassador, The Glenrothes and Richard Paterson, Master Blender, The Dalmore. Paterson will also host a pre-conference whisky tasting of The Dalmore Constellation in Monte Carlo 1st October 2013. “It will be the most exclusive and expensive tasting of The Dalmore ever,” says Paterson explaining that the total value of the four single malts to be tasted at the event will be €47,000.

In addition to the Master Classes, seminars at The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will examine topics such as whisky investing, future market trends and whisky flavour and its origin. An Experts Lunch will be hosted by Charles MacLean, whilst the Whisky Confessionals will grant private one-to-ones with the experts. One of the highlights of the conference will be an auction of rare collectable whisky in aid of the Prince Albert II Foundation.

Cultural events throughout the three day conference include a private viewing of the uncut version of the Ken Loach film The Angel’s Share, music with Scottish performers, kilts by Howie Nicholsby and the unveiling of a specially commissioned painting by Spencer Hodge.

The event concludes with the St Andrew’s Gala Banquet in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Salle Belle Epoque of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco. It features a gastronomic menu devised by three stellar chefs; Joel Garault, Michelin Star Chef of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco; Michael Smith, Head Chef at the Three Chimneys, Scotland and Christian Garcia, Head Chef of Palais Princier, Monaco.

“It is truly remarkable how passionate whisky consumers have become,” say Charles MacLean. “It is a wonderful industry to be involved in and that passion and joy will ensure that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will be great fun.”

http://mcwc.lamaisondecosse.com/

The Monte Carlo Whisky Society

is an exclusive international private club by invitation only. The aim of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society is to bring together men and women who are either connoisseurs of whisky or who wish to explore some of the world’s most remarkable whiskies whilst enjoying the finest gourmet and cultural experiences.

La Maison D’Ecosse

incorporated in Monaco in 2012 to showcase the luxuries of Scotland in Monaco to a world audience. A cultural exchange from Scotland to Monaco and back again. This is accomplished primarily through Scotland’s true ambassador – Whisky! La Maison D’Ecosse have their own signature blend and private stock single malt limited edition whisky selected by Charles MacLean and bottled by Adelphi in Scotland. They also handle the sale of rare and collectable Whisky.

LAPHROAIG® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY TAKES HOME FIVE AWARDS AT 2013 INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION

Islay Scotch Awarded Top Honors In Prestigious Industry Competition Deerfield, IL (August, 2013) – Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) is pleased to announce that the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awarded Laphroaig®, the world’s most richly flavored Scotch whisky, with top honors for five of its expressions.

Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old was awarded the Gold Outstanding Award, which is only awarded at the judges’ discretion, and Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, and Triple Wood all won Silver Outstanding Awards, which are awarded only to outstanding expressions of excellent quality.

“We are honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards by the International Wine and Spirit Competition,” said John Campbell, Master Distiller for Laphroaig. “For 200 years, we’ve focused on delivering rich, unique and distinct Islay Scotch whisky, and these awards further establish Laphroaig® as a leader in this category.”

The 44th annual International Wine and Spirit Competition received entries from 90 countries worldwide and judges each entry according to its class. The judging takes place in two stages; entries are first scored via a blind taste test by over 300 highly experienced industry judges. Next, the top products undergo a technical analysis to ensure the winners receive complete validation. To search the full list of results visit iwsc.net/results.

Judges at this year’s competition noted Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old as having an incredible nose with amazing rich floral notes, as well as the other expressions as “exciting and full of life” and having a “youthfully energetic finish.”

To learn more about Laphroaig® or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig®, visit www.Laphroaig.com, LIKE us on Facebook www.facebook.com/laphroaigusa , or follows us on Twitter @LaphroaigUSA.

About Laphroaig®

Laphroaig® (La-‘froyg) literally means “the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.” Born from the streams and blue peat smoke of Islay, Laphroaig® is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinct taste and story in every bottle. The secret to Laphroaig® is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced—next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig® a unique peaty taste. It is one of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. It’s also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.

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.

Whisky Live Paris 2013 – The 10th Edition

On the occasion of our 10th anniversary, Whisky Live returns to the Maison de la Mutualité. Over three days – the 28th, 29th and 30th September 2013 – we will be providing our visitors with yet another unforgettable experience.

A meeting of amateurs, connoisseurs and professionals

Private individuals and industry professionals have been coming together for Whisky Live Paris for ten years now. This year’s show will be held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th for consumers and on Monday 30th for industry professionals only. Like every other before it, this year, our tenth consecutive, is an occasion to both re-invent ourselves, and to continue to inspire, satisfy and delight beginners, connoisseurs and experts.

“Beyond Tasting:” a theme designed to take you further than you have been before

Our passion for whisky and other spirits goes much further than simple, straight-forward tasting and so this year, Whisky Live Paris aims to introduce our visitors to much more than an a classical approach to sensorial analysis.

Far more than the sum total of the material ingredients used in their production, the whiskies and other spirits on show this year owe much to a specific culture, to a particular moment in history and to their often very singular identities, carefully enhanced by the work of true craftsmen. Through a number of unique and original experiences, Whisky Live Paris 2013 will be pushing back the boundaries of taste and smell.

Tastings, masterclasses, experiences, taste-matches: Whisky Live Paris 2013 has no shortage of surprises in store for you!

Maison de la Mutualité: the perfect location

For the second year running, Whisky Live Paris returns to the Maison de la Mutualité. A wellknown and highly regarded private conference centre in the heart of Paris, the Maison will be allowing us to use all three floors – one more than last year – making a total of 2500 m2 available to whisky and spirits exhibitors.

http://www.whiskylive.fr
http://www.facebook.com/WhiskyLiveParis

Whisky Live is an international event, now well established in all four corners of the planet – from Shanghai to New York, Glasgow to Johannesburg – and happenings all throughout the year. Since 2003 France hosts this event each year in September: Whisky Live Paris has rapidly become one of the biggest whisky and spirits shows in the world and is now considered to be something of a right of passage, as much for amateurs as for professionals.

Two New Burns Malt® Scotch Whiskies Released 

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com today releases two new additions to the outlet’s exclusive Burns Malt® range of single cask Scotch whiskies.

A Glenrothes 25 Year Old from the Speyside distillery and an intriguing Westport 15 Year Old famed for its mysterious tea-spooning qualities.

Distilled at Glenrothes Distillery in the Scottish town of Rothes in 1988, we selected this 25 year old expression because of its mouth-watering citrus, watermelon and juicy fruit flavours.

Westport is the name given to a rare example of single cask Glenmorangie with a teaspoon of Glen Moray added to assist with intellectual property disputes. Distilled in 1997 the resulting Scotch boasts notes of lemon, orchard fruits, nectarine and sweet malt.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States, Canada and Australia.

Glenrothes 25 Year Old Burns Malt / 51.1%

£76.99 GBP ($99.30 USD) £64.16 inc VAT.

Westport 15 Year Old Burns Malt / 52.5%

£45.42 GBP ($58.60 USD) £37.85 inc VAT.

http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com 

The Whisky Barrel

www.thewhiskybarrel.com

Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ & Pinterest

E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com

T: +44 (0)845 2248 156

Q) What is the product called?
Ai) Glenrothes 25 Year Old Burns Malt

Aii) Westport 15 Year Old Burns Malt

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) 15th August 2013

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
Ai) £76.99 (£64.16 ex VAT) GBP 70cl

Aii) £45.42 (£37.85 ex VAT) GBP 70cl

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
Ai) 51.1% ABV natural cask strength

Aii) 52.5% ABV natural cask strength

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Latest edition to The Whisky Barrels exclusive Burns Malt range

Isle of Arran Distillers Scores Silver in International Spirits Award

Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has scored a prestigious Silver award for its Robert Burns Single Malt at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Designed to promote quality and excellence in the wine and spirits trade across the world, the competition recognises outstanding products and is judged by a committee of international drinks specialists.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Arran Distillers, said: “We’ve worked long and hard to perfect our Robert Burns Malt and it’s fantastic that the spirit has been recognised on an international stage.

“This year we celebrated our 18^th anniversary and the business is going from strength to strength as we’re developing a portfolio of products to match any distillery.

“Last year our Robert Burns Malt saw strong international sales, especially in Russia, and we anticipate that demand will continue to rise in the next few years.”

Arran re-launched the Robert Burns Malt in 2012 and it’s currently the world’s only official Burns Single malt. The distillery is also a patron of the Robert Burns World Federation.

James MacTaggart, the master distiller behind the award-winning whisky, commented: “The Robert Burns spirit is a light and aromatic malt, ideal for enjoying prior to, or with, a meal.

“With no artificial colouring, this malt is made for easy drinking and I’m delighted that it has been honoured with an award in this prestigious competition.”

Since it was founded in 1995, the Isle of Arran Distillery has won a number of awards including; ‘Best Single Malt under £99’  in the World Whiskies Design Awards for The Devil’s Punch Bowl, ‘Double Gold Award’ for its 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for its 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012, ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011) and Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007).

Notes 

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Current accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.)

Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold for the 12 year-old Cask Strength at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.

Glenmorangie invites fans to name their winning whisky  

— Crowdsourcing venture is part of Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters programme which gives enthusiasts the chance to help shape a new whisky — 

Glenmorangie is asking whisky enthusiasts to choose the name of a new single malt whisky through online voting – a first for the industry.

The crowdsourcing venture is part of Glenmorangie’s unique Cask Masters whisky creation programme which was launched in March 2013 with consumers being asked to choose their preferred dram from three specially selected casks released by Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s celebrated Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.

Tens of thousands of whisky lovers across the world have cast their vote and their favourite malt can now be revealed as Cask C, which has spent a number of years extra-maturing in exclusive Manzanilla casks.

Stage two of the process kicked off on 1 August with the aim of crowdsourcing the perfect name for this new limited edition single malt.

Inspired by the tasting notes of the whisky and the provenance of the casks, consumers will submit suggestions online for a name that will best capture its spirit.

The Cask Masters programme is being overseen by Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, together with an expert in every field of the five-step process.

Glenmorangie has a long tradition of taking inspiration from the Gaelic language when naming its whiskies and the expert overseeing the naming stage is Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, a teaching fellow in Celtic and Gaelic at the University of Glasgow.

Dr Maccoinnich will select his preferred three names from all those submitted and translate them into Gaelic. It is from the Gaelic names that the public then have the opportunity to vote and decide on the final name which will be announced on 16 September.

The Cask Masters online programme was launched on March 1 and will run for 18 months with the new limited edition Glenmorangie single malt ready for release in the autumn of 2014. Anyone can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company, said: “We’re creating history at Glenmorangie by giving fans the chance to decide the name of our next limited edition single malt whisky. What could be more special for a whisky enthusiast than to savour a dram of their own design, whose very name comes from their own imagination?

“We now want whisky enthusiasts to be inspired and bring our new cask to life with a name that will resonate. At Glenmorangie, the Gaelic language has already given us some beautiful names to match our beautiful whiskies, so this is exciting for us.”

Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, who grew up speaking Gaelic as a first language on the isle of Lewis, said, “I’m very pleased to be part of this remarkably democratic whisky naming process. I’m sure that there will be some great names coming in from all over the world and it will be a tough job to pick out the best three.”

NOTES:

Glenmorangie has already taken inspiration from Gaelic with the name of some of its most famous creations. For example Glenmorangie itself means ‘Glen of Tranquillity,’ while within our exclusive Private Edition range of whiskies, we have selected names to reflect each expression, with Artein meaning ‘Stone,’ and Finealta meaning ‘Elegant.’

At the later stages of the Cask Masters programme experts will also offer their guidance on the photography, packaging and launch suggestions received from whisky fans.

At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured. 

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.’

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.

For more details: www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters or Twitter: @theglenmorangie

About Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich:

Aonghas Maccoinnich is a native of the Isle of Lewis and grew up in a Gaelic-speaking community. Whilst taking a PhD at the University of Aberdeen he wrote a thesis on the Mackenzie clan in the Ross area, in the north of Scotland, (1466-1638) entirely in Gaelic – the first history thesis at Aberdeen written in that language. He worked as a Gaelic tutor and lecturer at the University of Glasgow (2005-2010) and a teacher in the history of the Scottish Highlands at the University of Strathclyde (2010-2012). He is currently a teaching fellow in the Celtic & Gaelic subject area in the school of Humanities at the University of Glasgow.