Teeling Whiskey launch Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt

 Teeling Whiskey Company unveils first release from Vintage Reserve Collection of very old are rare Irish Whiskeys 

The Teeling Whiskey Company, Irelands leading independent Irish whiskey company, has released the first bottling from its new Vintage Reserve Collection, the Silver Reserve 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey.

This Silver Reserve bottling consists of 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey distilled in 1991 and matured firstly in Bourbon casks then allowed to marry in Sauterne wine casks to provide a truly unique Irish whiskey taste experience.   This small batch bottling, limited to only 5,000 bottles, is the first ever Irish whiskey to be finished in Sauterne wine casks.   Each cask was hand selected and chosen for their distinctive flavour profile.

The Teeling Vintage Reserve Collection will consist of handcrafted small batch releases of very rare and old Irish Single Malt whiskeys. Containing some of the oldest Single Malt Irish whiskey ever bottled, the Vintage Reserve Collection allows you to savour and appreciate Irish whiskey at its finest. The Vintage Reserve Collection will be individually hand bottled in exclusive decanters ensuring the finest presentation and care is given to such rare whiskey offerings.

The Vintage Reserve Collection will consist of 3 different bottlings ranging in age and price points the first release being the 21 Year Old which will be followed by a 25 Year Old and a 30 Year Old bottling of Irish Single Malt whiskey. Each bottling will have its own unique finishing and marrying methods to create very distinct taste experiences not currently available within the Irish whiskey category.

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented,

“We are proud to be able to release some of the oldest ever bottlings of Irish Single Malt with our Vintage Reserve Collection. These offerings are central to our goal to play the lead role in bringing an independent voice back to the Irish whiskey category and will help drive diversity in the category by introducing interesting and unique small batch bottlings of Irish whiskey. Teelings Silver Reserve Single Malt is a celebration of everything good about Irish whiskey – from its robust nose to its fully rounded and balanced array of flavours.  There is nothing else like it in the market.”  

The Silver Reserve 21 Year Old will retail for approximately €150.00 (USD$185.00 / GBP£125.00).  The product will be initially only available in Ireland through Dublin Airport, the Celtic Whiskey Store and in quality independent off licences and will then be rolled out to international markets such as the UK, Canada, NZ, Belgium, Germany and France.

The Top Spirits List rates all HIGHLAND PARK 25 YEAR OLD IS THE ‘BEST SPIRIT IN THE WORLD’

Highland Park 25 year old, distributed by Maxxium UK, is the ‘Best Spirit in the World’* according to Paul Pacult’s Top Spirits List in the June 2013 edition of Spirit Journal.

five star distillates from all spirits categories and Highland Park 25 year old is ranked number one on a list of 120 outstanding spirits from around the world. Highland Park Loki, the second limited edition bottling in the Valhalla collection, also features in the list at number 31. Highland Park has held the coveted title of Best Spirit in the World on three separate occasions.

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager for Highland Park, said: “We are honoured to be named ‘Best Spirit in the World’ for the third time across our collection. We are delighted that our 25 Year old expression has secured this top spot and can share the accolade with Highland Park 18 year old which has held the title on two separate occasions. The Top Spirits list is widely regarded in the industry and to receive the top spot amongst such strong competition really is testament to the quality of Highland Park 25 Year Old. In Paul’s own words it has ‘ethereal quality’, and with the accolades being bestowed upon it this year, we would be hard pushed not to agree with that. We are also delighted that Loki, another great expression from Highland Park, ranks in the top 35.

“At Highland Park we have an award winning reputation and we are proud to add this new title to our list of accolades, which shows we are consistently the best in the world at what we do.”

This is the second major accolade for Highland Park 25 year old this year, as it was recently awarded the first ever 100-point score, along with the Chairman’s Trophy for Best of Category, at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

For more information on Highland Park, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

*Highland Park 25 Year Old is joint number one ‘Best Spirit in the World’; this is the first time ever that there has been a tie for the number one position in the World’s Top 120 Spirits. http://www.spiritjournal.com/tastenote.htm

Notes:

About Highland Park
Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including category winner at the 2011 World Whisky Awards for its 25-year-old single malt and ‘Best Whisky in the World 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World by American drinks expert Paul Pacult in Top 115 Spirits, Spirit Journal 2009 and 2005.

Five keystones contribute to making Highland Park:

* Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park
* Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
* Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky
* Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park
* Cask harmonization ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park

While the history of whisky is long and proud, with legend telling of Saint Patrick bringing the craft of distillation to Scotland, the history of the Quaich is no less long or illustrious.

 The word Quaich comes from the gaelic “cuach” which means cup and they have been used for centuries to welcome or bid farewell to guests, or as a mark of comradeship or friendship. Sharing a dram of whisky from a Quaich has long been symbolic of binding people together in love, friendship or comradeship or to welcome or bid farewell to favoured guests. Today quaichs are often given as a gift to someone held dear.

This two handled Scottish drinking cup may have originated with the practise of drinking whisky from a scallop shell and progressed to forming these shallow cups from wood, stone or horn. Over the years the cups became more elaborate and highly skilled craftsmen fashioned wooden quaichs with beautiful celtic designs. From the 17^th century, as metals came to be more commonly used, quaichs have been made of  brass, pewter, silver or a combination of all three. The original outer shape was retained but the thick bases were thinned to reduce the the weight.

Quaichs originated in the Highlands and weren’t used in Lowland Scotland until the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie when the quaich travelled south in the canteens of the Prince’s army. The quaichs of the army were reputed to have glass bottoms enabling the drinker to keep an eye on those around him; a sad reflection on treacherous times.

Alex Scott & Co Ltd, a long established Aberdeen based company would like to offer you the chance to win a beautiful quaich so you may sup your dram in the traditional way and our gift set even provides a miniature of MacAllan Gold single malt whisky for the first filling.

To enter simply email the answer to the following question along with your name and address to sales@kiltmakers.co.uk using the subject line Quaich Competition, and we will draw the winner, at random, from the correct answers. Closing date June 19th, 2013…….. Please don’t forget to title your email Quaich competition.

What is the Centenary Quaich?

1. Quaich which resides in the Scottish Parliament building and is used for ceremonial occasions.
2. An international rugby union trophy contested annually by Ireland and Scotland.
3. A annual flat race run at Ayr races each September with the Centenary Quaich also being the name of the trophy.
4. A quaich presented to Queen Victoria by her loyal Scottish Subjects at the turn of the twentieth century.

Terms and Conditions:-  The winner will be notified of their win by email and the prize sent by post. No further correspondence will entered into and the judges decisions are final. The prize cannot be substituted or exchanged for cash. The competition is open to all except employees or relatives of Alex Scott & Co (kiltmakers.co.uk) or employees and relatives of Red Evolution. Important – entries will only be accepted from those who are 18 years old or over. This contest will run until Wednesday June 19th, 2013.

US beverage testers give Gold Medal to top selling Tasmanian whisky  

SULLIVANS COVE, Tasmania’s super-premium single malt, was recently awarded a gold medal by the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.

This award, from one of the world’s leading independent beverage reviewers, was given to the distillery’s Double Cask expression. It adds to Sullivans Cove’s list of prestigious international awards, which includes three Liquid Gold Awards from Jim Murray, and “Best Australian Single Malt” from the World Whisky Awards in London.

Chief distiller Patrick Maguire is of the opinion that a large part of Sullivans Cove’s huge domestic and international success is down to recognition from organizations such as the Beverage Testing Institute. He went on to say; “Things are going well, we are up 50% on last year and Sullivans Cove is now the biggest selling Tasmanian whisky. Exports are booming with North America making up 80% of our overseas sales, and we have sent our first shipments to Hong Kong and Japan this past week. It is great to be involved in such an exciting industry during otherwise difficult economic times.”

The sharp rise in demand has meant that the distillery is now working flat out to produce enough spirit.

The Tasmanian whisky industry has seen very strong growth over the past two years and there are now eight functioning distilleries on the island with 2 more in the pipeline.

About Sullivans Cove

Tasmania Distillery produces Sullivans Cove Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky, Tasmania’s top selling whisky. Sullivans Cove whisky is double distilled using only Tasmanian barley and pure wilderness water from local mountains and forests. The whisky is matured in hand selected oak casks and allowed to settle and clear naturally, thereby retaining full, creamy and lingering flavours. Each cask is bottled separately, yielding only around 450 bottles, making each bottle a rare item to own and enjoy.

http://www.sullivanscovewhisky.com/

About the Beverage Testing Institute

The Beverage Testing Institute is an independent, privately owned corporation that conducts professional blind tastings and reviews of beverage products. The BTI does not accept advertising or sponsorship from any producer or commercial entity. Participation in BTI’s open-forum tastings and competitions is completely voluntary.

BLACK BULL AND ECURIE ECOSSE CHARGE AHEAD

Sponsorship deal sealed which will see Black Bull as 2013 title sponsorship of the legendary Ecurie Ecosse racing team

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd are pleased to announce that their award winning Black Bull brand will be powering the Ecurie Ecosse racing team to the 2013 British GT and 2013 European Le Mans Series (GTC Class) Championships.

Ecurie Ecosse is one of the most respected and influential privateer racing teams in racing history. Three Formula One World Champions and every Scottish Formula One winner has raced for Ecurie Ecosse, not to mention the success the team has had in racing championships around the world. Founded in 1951 by Edinburgh accountant David Murray, the team has won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in 1956 and 1957, where they also finished 1st and 2nd, and under the stewardship of current owner, Hugh McCaig, were winners of the C2 World Sportscar Championship in 1986 and winners of the British Touring Car Championship in 1995.

Black Bull is the original 100 proof blended Scotch whisky. First produced by the Dundee based blenders, George Willsher & Co., in the 1860’s, the brand came to prominence after the repeal of prohibition in the United States in the mid 1930’s. By the end of 1980’s, Black Bull was a well-known name in the U.S and throughout Europe, and was subsequently acquired by Duncan Taylor Scorch Whisky Ltd. Today, the brand is sold in more than 25 countries throughout the world, and has been decorated with many prestigious awards, including “Gold” and “Best in Class” International Spirits Challenge 2013, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky 21 Years & Over” World Whisky Awards 2012, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky” World Whisky Awards 2012, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 Years and Under” World Whisky Awards 2011, “Gold” International Wines & Spirits Challenge 2011, “Gold” International Spirits Competition 2011, “Winner – Blend Category” Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2011.

Euan Shand, Chairman of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd said: “Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky are very pleased to be key sponsors of Ecurie Ecosse for the 2013 season, especially so in their pursuit of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014, the world’s greatest motor race. The rich heritage shared by both companies and their pursuit of excellence in their respective fields in surely a recipe for achieving that goal. Ecurie Ecosse’s current dominance in both championships is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Duncan Taylor’s Black Bull 100 Proof blended whisky brand to the attention of a new audience.”

Oliver Bryant, Ecurie Ecosse Director and driver added: “For Ecurie Ecosse to initiate a new alliance with a major brand like Black Bull is a terrific opportunity for European promotional activity. Indeed, we are already discussing a number of innovative activation strategies with Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky for implementation throughout the year…This partnership is a great match: both are world-class Scottish brands with a rich heritage and pedigree who share the same goal of being at Le Mans 2014.”

Ecurie Ecosse currently leads the points’ standings in both the British GT Championship and European Le Mans Series (GTC Class). Black Bull branding will appear on the squad’s BMW Z4 GT3 for the first time at this weekend’s British GT round at Snetterton in the UK on June 15/16, while the next round of the European Le Mans Series takes the team to the Red Bull Ring in Austria on July 19/20.

About Duncan Taylor

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd is an award winning Scotch whisky merchant, blender, bottler, and cask broker. The company was founded in 1938, but with origins dating back to 1864, the company over the decades has built up one of the largest privately owned collections of rare and vintage casks of whisky in the world.

Under the direction of Euan Shand, current owner and chairman, the independent, family owned company, has expanded into blending and bottling, subsequently producing some of the most respected and recognisable whisky brands in the market today. Key cask management and selection for bottling has lead to some of the finest and rarest whiskies being made available to discerning drinkers, which in turn has lead to Duncan Taylor receiving a reputation as one of the highest quality producers in the drinks industry.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky was awarded the Independent Bottler of the Year in 2009, recognition as the leading Independent bottler of whisky in the industry by one of the foremost whisky publications Whisky Magazine.

For more information on Duncan Taylor visit www.duncantaylor.com

For more information on Black Bull visit www.blackbullwhisky.com

Benromach to double production

The smallest distillery on Speyside is set for a major expansion to meet growing demand for their single malt whisky around the world.

Benromach, rescued by family-owned whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail and re-opened in 1998, has enjoyed strong sales growth in recent years.

Just two distillers, Keith Cruickshank and Mike Ross, currently produce the handcrafted Benromach range.

As part of a seven figure investment in the brand, Gordon & MacPhail is to recruit another distiller as production is increased.

Managing Director Michael Urquhart said: “We are very proud of Benromach whisky. It’s handcrafted and the only traditional Speyside whisky currently being produced.

“It’s been a huge success and we know we will need to increase production if we are to meet demand in the future. Whisky production is a business that needs vision and long term planning and this is a sign of the confidence we have in the Benromach brand.

“This investment comes on the back of 40% growth in worldwide sales in 2012 and continued strong growth in 2013, coupled with our ongoing projections.

“Keith and Mike are very much looking forward to welcoming a third member of the team in the coming months.”

As well as employing a third stillman, the company will build another two warehouses next to the Forres distillery as well as recruiting a brand manager.

Benromach Distillery, established in 1898, was purchased by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 after being closed for many years.

It was completely refurbished and refitted and was officially re-opened in 1998 by HRH The Prince of Wales. Since then it has launched a series of single malt whiskies including the flagship 10 Years Old.

The company recently won their second Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, partly as a result of the success of Benromach. Total company exports had risen 55 per cent in 2012 and have doubled in the three previous years.

Overall sales of Benromach continue to build with an increase of 40 per cent in the last year.  Along with a strong UK presence, Benromach is now exported to 40 countries with major markets in Sweden, China, France and the US.

The company has won many awards during the last decade for a series of innovative products including Benromach Organic in 2006, the world’s first fully certified organic whisky.

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a traditional Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

Benromach 10 Years Old

Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least 10 years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

THE HUTCH CLUB

Subterranean Cocktail & Jazz Lounge launches at Quaglino’s 

This summer sees the launch of THE HUTCH CLUB at QUAGLINO’S inMayfair: a glamorous cocktail and jazz bar which plays homage to the venue’s hedonistic spirit, which began when flamboyant host Giovanni Quaglino opened the doors to a beautiful, decadent society crowd in 1929.

Named after ‘Hutch’ one of the most popular cabaret entertainers of the twentieth century who tookLondon’s café society by storm. Legend has it that he created a stir by arriving at nightclubs with a white piano strapped to his chauffeur–driven car, dressed like an aristocrat and dazzled audiences with his brilliance.

A wonderful array of heritage cocktails will be served, featuring iconic spirit brands including The Macallan single malt whisky.  Guests can enjoy a Rob Roy, a Mayfair Stroller or a Chocolate Old Fashioned, all made with The Macallan Amber from The 1824 Series.

The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s will be located in the depths of the iconic London venue from 31^st May 2013 – 31^st August 2013.  Strictly by reservation only, guests will descend into an underground late-night bar featuring vintage golden palm trees, dimly lit cocktail lounges and the old-fashioned glamour of a grand piano, overlooking the legendary sweeping staircase to Quaglino’s restaurant floor. 

Entry strictly by reservation only:

Contact 020 7930 6767 / thehutchclub@quaglinos.co.uk 

The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s: 

Address: The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s,16 Bury Street,London,SW1Y 6AJ

Website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk/the-hutch-club

E-mail: thehutchclub@quaglinos.co.uk

Twitter: @TheHutchClub

The Macallan Amber Cocktails: 

Rob Roy (coupe glass)

The Macallan Amber, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters garnished with a Maraschino cherry & a twist of orange 

Mayfair Stroller (short whisky tumbler)

The Macallan Amber, sweet Vermouth & Campari, gentle stirred & served short on the rocks 

Chocolate Old Fashioned (short whisky tumbler)

Chocolate bitters, a teaspoon of sugar & a dash of Mozart Black & a measure of The Macallan Amber, garnished with a maraschino cherry

TWO MORE GOLD AWARDS FOR BUNNAHABHAIN’S SINGLE MALTS 

Bunnahabhain’s range of single malts, produced on the world-famous Isle of Islay, is reeling in the awards. The  18- and 25-year-old single malts both took gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London shortly after taking double gold and gold respectively at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving that the distillery’s move to un-chillfiltering its whiskies  has certainly raised the taste profile of these exceptional drams.

Pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, the entire range of single malt whiskies is un-chillfiltered and this traditional whisky-making process enhances its depth of flavour, aroma, colour and character. As whisky expert Dominic Roskrow recently commented about the un-chillfiltered range “the extra strength is to the whisky like what High Definition is to television, bringing the oral sensation into sharp focus”.

The Bunnahabhain distillery was established in 1881 and the close proximity to the ocean of its maturation warehouse, quite uniquely marks a noticeable sea influence in their aroma, palate and finish. They are also the only whiskies on Islay to be crafted from unpeated malted barley and to use a natural spring water source, the Margadale spring, situated about a mile north-west of the distillery.

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old, matured in 40% ex-sherry casks and 60% ex-bourbon casks, is rich with honeyed nuts, toffee and a slight salty tang on the nose. Beautifully balanced, the palate is influenced by mellow sherried nuts and wood shavings. The 25-year-old holds sweet caramel dessert aromas with subtle oak and polished leather on the nose leading to sweet berries, cream, salt and spiced-oak on the palate. The whisky has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

The whiskies are available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R900 for the 18- year-old and R2 390 for the 25-year-old.

THREE SHIPS WHISKY TAKES GOLD IN LONDON

Proving that South Africa makes some of the best whiskies in the world, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old has just been awarded gold and best in class at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge held in London. This follows merely a year after taking the coveted title of World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is an artful blend of selected South African and Scotch whiskies that have all been aged for a minimum of five years in oak casks. Robust, aromatic and unpretentious, the whisky exhibits a full peaty character, ending in a lingering, warm finish.

Created at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the Three Ships range of whiskies has earned many firsts for the South African whisky industry. These distinctions include the first blend of South African and Scotch whiskies, the first 100% South African locally matured and blended whisky as well as the first 100% South African single malt.

The Three Ships range consisting of Select, Premium Select 5 year, Bourbon Cask Finish and the limited-edition 10 year old single malt, are all crafted by Master Distiller Andy Watts, who has been the distillery manager for the past 22 years.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R135 per bottle.

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY GLOWS IN GOLD

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, South Africa’s first 100% single grain whisky, has fast become a talking point locally and internationally, receiving praise and admiration from whisky experts across the globe. And here is more to talk about: The whisky has just taken gold and best in class in front of an international panel of judges at the recent 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London, competing against whiskies from around the world.

Since its launch in 2009, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has added a host of awards to its name including the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards and inclusion in Ian Buxton’s 101 World Whiskies To Try Before You Die.

Distilled in Wellington in the Boland, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is inspired by the natural beauty of the Bain’s Kloof Pass just outside the town and is crafted from the finest South African grain. Made in a style that allows the maximum interaction between the wood and the whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is double-matured for a minimum of five years in specially selected oak casks.  The first three years are in casks that have been used previously for bourbon, and then re-vatted for a further two years in ex-bourbon casks.

The result is a whisky that shows exceptional interaction between spirit and wood. Toffee, floral and vanilla aromas softened by sweet, spicy undertones, produce a warm mouth-feel and a long, smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of Bain’s Kloof Pass.  The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering pass builder who planned and built Bain’s Kloof Pass in 1853 to connect Wellington to the interior.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R220, with or without a gift tin.