TOMATIN WINS GOLD AT THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION

Tomatin Distillery is delighted to announce that they have won five awards in the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for their core range of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The results, announced at the London International Wine Fair on Monday 20th May, mark the 44th year of the Competition. Founded in 1969, the IWSC is considered to be the most prestigious competition of its kind in the world.

The awards given by the competition are believed to be among some of the highest honours in the industry. Judging for
the Competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products are subject to technical analysis before resultsare released; this crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

All products in Tomatin’s core range achieved a Silver award or higher. The recently released no‐age‐statement expression, Tomatin Legacy, was awarded ‘Silver Outstanding’, a great reflection of the reception this product has had in the marketplace. The brand’s 30 year old expression, regularly voted ‘favourite dram’ at whisky tasting events, was awarded Gold.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, said: “Credible product awards like these are extremely influential in the buying process; therefore we are happy with these excellent results from IWSC 2013 which reflect consistent quality across the
range, right from our youngest non‐aged expression to the higher‐end 30 year old.”

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

IWSC
 The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
 All entries are first, blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass not bottle) and then all products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS GAIN “OUTSTANDING” RECOGNITION IN INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Awarded Inaugural “Bourbon Trophy” 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug., 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery solidified its standing as the world’s most award-winning Distillery with honors from the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), results of which were released in London, England on July 24.  Taking top honors were several Buffalo Trace whiskeys, including Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, which won the first-ever Bourbon Trophy as well as:

Gold Outstanding Medal was awarded to:

• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon

Gold Medal was awarded to:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Silver Outstanding Medals were awarded to:

• Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Bourbon
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky

Silver Medal winners included:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Bourbon
• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

The “Gold Outstanding” and “Silver Outstanding” medals are awarded based upon the highest scores within each of those respective categories.

In total, Buffalo Trace Distillery entered 13 whiskeys in the competition, and all of them won awards.

Anna Grant, head of sales and marketing, IWSC Group said: “Due to the quality and quantity of Bourbon entries this year, the decision was taken by judges and the IWSC Competition Director to create the inaugural Bourbon Trophy. The Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 YO Whiskey impressed judges with its ‘long, spicy finish’. Congratulations to the whole team!”

Harlen Wheatley, master distiller of Buffalo Trace, commented: “We are very excited about our results and are honored to have done so well amongst some of the industry’s best. “

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

Learn more at www.iwsc.net.

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.

Kilchoman win Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition

Each of Kilchoman’s general releases were awarded medals at this year’s prestigious IWSC adding to the International Whisky Competition Whisky of the Year and Master Distiller of the Year awards won by the team.  Loch Gorm took a gold while Machir Bay 2013 won silver and 100% Islay 2nd Edition bronze.

 Anthony Wills Kilchoman Managing Director “It’s always hugely satisfying when the efforts of everyone at the distillery are recognized in this way, for all of our entries to receive awards is particularly pleasing”.

 RRP Kilchoman Loch Gorm $89.99/btl

RRP Kilchoman Machir Bay 2013 $59.99/btl

RRP Kilchoman 100% Islay 2^nd Edition $89.99/btl 

office@impexbev.com

BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd wins ten medals including two “Golds” in the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 10 medals at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, with BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh expressions all scooping major awards.

It was gold for two BenRiachs – the 16YO and the Authenticus 25YO.

In addition, there were three Silver Outstanding Medals – for BenRiach 12YO Arumaticus Fumosus, GlenDronach 12YO and BenRiach 17YO Solstice.

Four silver medals followed – for GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2, GlenDronach 21YO Parliament, GlenDronach 18YO Allardice and Glenglassaugh Evolution.

And completing the ten awards was a Bronze Medal for Glenglassaugh Revival.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It exists to award excellence to wines and spirits worldwide, encouraging consumer and trade recognition for quality products.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are thrilled to win these awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands, and winning two gold medals is particularly satisfying.

“The 16 year-old is a really nice, smooth single malt – of all the whiskies we produce this specific expression probably best captures the ‘house-style’ of BenRiach – a real classic Speysider!

“And our full-bodied 25YO Authenticus, formerly available as a 21YO, continues to get rave reviews. Bottled at 46%, non chill filtered and at natural colour, the peated malted barley produces a unique, smoky, phenolic taste that’s very unusual for a Speyside malt.

“These are two sublime malts…perfect for toasting the health of a new baby Prince and his proud parents!”

BUNNAHABHAIN’S GENTLE GIANT TAKES GOLD 

The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt, produced on the world-famous whisky producing island, Isle of Islay, has been awarded gold at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London. Applauded by the judges for its “delicate floral, dark sugar, caramel and coffee flavours with tremendous seaside character” they christened this 25 year old as “a gorgeous gentle giant”.

It is best to enjoy this warm and welcoming single malt neat or with a dash of water to really savour its wonderful combination of flavours. The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain’s (pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn) single malts are crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water piped from the Margadale River, untainted by the peaty moorlands, and for this reason, the whiskies are known as the gentle taste of Islay. The Bunnahabhain 12, 18 and 25 year old single malts, crafted by Ian MacMillan, are all un-chillfiltered, returning to the whisky-making tradition of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. With nothing taken away or added, the whisky retains all of its depth of flavour, aromas, colours and character. This allows the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.

The distillery, dating back to 1881, is situated on the north-eastern tip of Islay overlooking the Sound of Islay. Due to the close proximity of the warehouses to the sea where the casks are stored during the maturation process, a noticeable sea influence is evident in the finish.

The whisky is available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R2 390.

NEW LIMITED EDITION FOR CHIVAS 12 AS ART OF HOSTING SERIES CONTINUES

Following the successful launch of its ‘Art of Hosting’ series in 2012, Chivas, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has launched a new limited edition for its best-selling Chivas 12 expression, exclusively for the off-trade.

This new release sees Chivas continuing to support its customers’ efforts to meet the demand for imaginative home entertaining products with an eye-catching new design and an exclusive gift of six leather coasters included in each pack.

Targeted at Chivas 12’s core audience of ‘Modern Gentlemen’, the new limited edition features a striking black and red look, which aims to increase stand-out on shelf. The pack design also incorporates words used in social occasions in many different languages, giving a sense of interaction and conversation while further expressing Chivas’ credentials as a brand that brings friends together.

The release of this limited edition will be supported with a range of marketing initiatives including a new advertising campaign, featuring the strapline ‘Found at the World’s Best Parties’ and an exclusive free app available from iTunes, Chivas MASHTUN, which has been created featuring a series of interactive games that consumers can play as a group during a party.

The new Art of Hosting limited edition gift pack and Chivas MASHTUN app are available now around the world. http://www.chivas.com/ 

Notes: 

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES

THE RELEASE OF STAGG JR. BOURBON 

Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon is a younger version of the legendary George T. Stagg Bourbon 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July, 2013) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Stagg Jr. Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered bourbon whiskey with a renowned family name.

The first batch of Stagg Jr. is comprised of barrels aged for eight and nine years. The proof weighs in at a whopping 134.4 proof (67.2% ABV). Future releases will undoubtedly be different proofs, as each batch is unique and no water is added. Just like George T. Stagg Bourbon, this new whiskey is not filtered and offers all the rich and complex flavors of bourbon right from the barrel.  Bottles of Stagg Jr. will be limited, but several batches each year are planned.  This new Stagg Jr. offering will not affect the stock of barrels already set aside for future George T. Stagg releases.

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes that taste as, “rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingled in perfect balance with a bold, rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.”

“We’ve been aging these barrels for years in anticipation of this Stagg Jr. offering,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “George T. Stagg has won countless awards, but we’re delighted to introduce Stagg Jr., which should be a bit more accessible.”

George T. Stagg is one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, and is responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19^th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.  In 2002, Buffalo Trace introduced George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey, an uncut, unfiltered bourbon that has won numerous awards including World’s Best North American Whiskey, Number One Spirit in the World, and World Whiskey of the Year. Now the Distillery is offering a line extension through Stagg Jr. that still maintains the integrity of the brand – a big, bold whiskey bottled at barrel proof but at a more affordable price.  Stagg Jr. will be available starting in August. Suggested retail price is $49.99 for a 750ml bottle.

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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

LAGAVULIN™ WILL SPONSOR ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER

Jura whisky is providing fans with a unique opportunity to experience a virtual tasting of an unreleased dram, thanks to an illustrative video which captures the taste and flavour of its new 40 year old malt.

The 39¾ – a preview of the soon to be released Jura 40 year old malt – was exclusively sampled to visitors at the Jura Whisky Festival, an established event in the annual “Fèis Ìle” (Islay Whisky Festival) which took place in May.  Artist Robbie’s Brown Shoes, of the Puck Collective, has visually captured the tasting session led by Jura’s Global Brand Ambassador Willie Tait, as well as the responses and opinions of those who were lucky enough to taste the vintage malt.

Breaking the mould of traditional whisky tastings, Robbie has brought Willie’s words to life in a short film and accompanying illustrations in his own distinctive style.  As well as taking viewers through the history of Jura whisky, Robbie captures the scents of pineapple, coffee beans and old English marmalade and the tastes of manuka honey, sultanas and amaretto liqueur, which can all be savoured in the release.

Jura’s loyal fans will now have the chance to experience the new malt, when the short film is released online from Thursday, 25 July.  As well as enjoying a preview of the malt, Jura’s Twitter followers will also have the chance to win a rare sample of the 39¾, in return for retweeting the video.

Willie Tait, Global Brand Ambassador for Jura said:
“The initial response from those who were lucky enough to sample the 39¾ was one of absolute joy! Although we’re sadly unable to provide all of our customers with an exclusive tasting, it’s great to be able to share a preview of this malt in such an innovative way. This is certainly the first time I have ever seen a tasting brought to life with images rather than words. Robbie has done an amazing job of capturing my notes on the new malt and summing up the experiences of all those who attended the festival. However, anyone wishing to snap up a bottle of the Jura 40 year old will have to wait a while longer, as it’s not scheduled to be released until spring 2014.”

About Jura

The history of whisky distillingon Jura
The story of whisky distilling on Jura is a colourful tale of deceit, hardship and heroism. Over 400 years ago illicit distilling was rife on the island, until in 1781 when meddling politicians introduced a ban on illegal distillation that effectively brought an end to whisky distilling on Jura.

The Jura distillery was founded in 1810 by the then Laird, Archibald Campbell, but over the years it began to fall into a state of disrepair. However, the early 1960’s signalled a new era of good fortune for the distillery when two locals, Robin Fletcher (owner of the Ardlussa Estate) and Tony Riley-Smith (owner of Jura house) rebuilt it, not only bringing back this magical malt, but also creating jobs on the island.

In 1963, architect William Delme-Evans worked with Fletcher and Riley-Smith to introduce tall, elegant stills into the distillery and it is those very same stills that continue to produce the precious amber malt to this day.

There are five classic bottlings in the Jura Collection, each with their own distinctive flavour profiles: the light and delicate Origin 10; the rich and full bodied Diurachs’ Own 16 year old; fruity and spicy Elixir, and Superstition and Prophecy which are lightly and heavily peated respectively.

To find out more visit www.jurawhisky.com

The illustration of the Jura 39¾ tasting session created by Robbie’s Brown Shoes

VIDEO

Click above to view and share the Jura 39¾ illustrated tasting.

For more information on the Jura 40 year old please visit www.jurawhisky.com

NAT SHERMAN INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES INAUGURAL POP-UP SHOP

IN COLLABORATION WITHBROOKLYN’S WIDOW JANE DISTILLERY AND CACAO PRIETO 

NEW YORK (JULY 2013) – Nat Sherman, Tobacconist to the World, announces the opening of its inaugural pop-up shop in conjunction with Widow Jane Whiskey, a fast growing cult favorite for whiskey lovers at Cacao Prieto, a chocolate factory and distillery in Brooklyn, New York. Located at 218 Conover Street, in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, the 500-square foot pop-up shop inside the Cacao Prieto Apothecary will feature the full Nat Sherman Premium Cigar Portfolio including the award-winning Timeless Collection, The Nat Sherman Host Selection, The Metropolitan and Metropolitan Maduro Selections. The pop-up will also feature a variety of Nat Sherman’s latest product offerings including The Nat Sherman 1930 and The Nat Sherman Sterling, along with the full range of their all-natural luxury cigarettes. The Nat Sherman pop-up is expected to remain open through the end of October 2013. Official hours of operation as well as a schedule of events will be posted on both Nat Sherman’s and Widow Jane’s Facebook pages.

Cacao Prieto was founded by Daniel Prieto Preston, whose family has been farming organic cacao in the Dominican Republic for more than 100 years. The Prieto family farm, Coralina Farms, provides the entirety of cacao for Cacao Prieto’s chocolates and spirits. Cacaco Prieto is also home to the distillery that produces Widow Jane Whiskey. Known as The Foundation Spirit of New York, Widow Jane is distilled with the pure, sweet water of the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, NY, whose limestone quarry was essential in building both the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Daniel and his team at Cacao Prieto for Nat Sherman’s inaugural Pop-Up concept,” said Michael Herklots, Executive Director of Brand and Retail Development at Nat Sherman. “We strongly support Daniel’s vision for the distillery, and as both Cacao Prieto and Nat Sherman are New York routed – family-owned and operated, there is no better partner. We look forward to bringing the Nat Sherman experience to Cacao Prieto’s clientele, and the entirety of the Red Hook community.”

The Nat Sherman Pop-Up is adjacent to Botanica, a specialty cocktail bar modeled after the lounge of a bourgeois Venetian hotel. Botanica will join in on the collaborative concept with Nat Sherman, featuring an exclusive list of cocktail and cigar pairings, curated by Michael Herklots, throughout the duration of the pop-up.  

“We are truly thrilled to offer the Nat Sherman experience at our Brooklyn facility,” said, Daniel Prieto Preston, Founder of Cacao Prieto. “We are always looking for ways to innovate what we do here in Redhook, so it’s an honor to partner with Nat Sherman to bring their first Pop Up to fruition.”  

About Nat Sherman International:

Founded by Nat Sherman in 1930 and family-guided for three generations, Nat Sherman International continues to define the authentic tobacco experience. Through a tradition of innovation and expertly crafted products, Nat Sherman’s timeless appeal, while quintessentially New York is embraced and enjoyed worldwide. Learn more at www.natsherman.com.

About Cacao Prieto:

Founded by Daniel Prieto Preston, an inventor and aerospace engineer, whose family has been farming organic cacao and sugar cane in the Dominican Republic for more than 100 years. Cacao Prieto is an Artisan Distillery and produces bean-to-bar chocolate made fresh daily from the finest organic, single origin Dominican Cacao and distills a line of small batch, cacao-based liqueurs and rums. Learn more at www.cacaoprieto.com

About Widow Jane:

As great whiskey distillers throughout the world — from Kentucky to Scotland — have long known, it takes sweet water from tough rock to make great whiskey. And, that’s what Widow Jane Whiskey, distilled in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, is all about. Made with pure sweet water of the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, New York, it was limestone from this mine which built the Brooklyn Bridge, that statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building. Learn more at www.widowjane.com