“The Lighthouse Collection” blazes Travel Retail trail

 There’s no better time to travel abroad for Old Pulteney devotees, with our exclusive Travel Retail expressions featuring in travel outlets from the end of this month. ‘The Lighthouse Collection’ features three distinctive and colourful additions to the Pulteney range – Noss Head, Duncansby Head and Pentland Skerries. Each bears the name of a lighthouse close to our coastal Wick distillery and their launch celebrates our long-standing maritime heritage. With their eye-catching packaging, this superb trio of highly individual whiskies will soon enjoy an unmissable presence across airport duty free stores and a range of travel retail outlets – you can learn all you need to know about each of them here.

Following on from the release of the first in the Icons of Wales series – The Red Flag edition, Penderyn Distillery is pleased to announce the release of the second in the series – ‘Penderyn Independence’

Penderyn
Independence commemorates the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. The emerging statesman Thomas Jefferson, who went on to become one of America’s most famous Presidents, was one of the fifty-six men who adopted the Declaration of Independence. Wales is a small country with an equally small population yet Jefferson and fully fifteen of his fellow signatories came from Welsh roots.

‘Penderyn Independence’ is beautifully presented and wrapped in a copy of the Declaration, accompanied with a quill. The front of the presentation box also highlights the signatories from the Declaration.

The Worshipful Company of Distillers is delighted to announce a unique event taking place at the Apothecaries’ Hall, in the heart of the city of London, on Thursday 17th October 2013. Please click here to find further information about the inaugural Distillers’ Charity Auction. Run by Christie’s, the auction will be limited to 50 highly collectible lots, including bottles of great historical significance, rare bottlings, and whiskies not commercially available, generously donated from private collections as well as company archives and stocks. Click here for the application form to attend the Auction in person and receive your copy of the Auction catalogue priced £100, telling the story behind each whisky in this extraordinary collection, or register to bid by telephone.

We hope you can join us for an unforgettable evening,

 Brian W. Morrison
The Master

A flavour of lots on offer

 1964 Bowmore
1946 Macallan (pictured)
1956 Bowmore (pictured)
Johnnie Walker Director Blends set
Hazelwood collection
Dalmore 1964 One Off bottling
Laphroaig HRH visit
50 Years Old North British
Macallan Easter Elchies opening
Glenury Royal 50 Years Old one off

 For more information or to reserve a catalogue, please contact:
Assistant Clerk, Mrs. Kim Lyons
Email: KLyons@lbmw.com
Telephone: 020 7960 7173

Old Pulteney set to sail the world

The countdown is on to the start of one of sailing’s most prestigious occasions – the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race – with this year’s race featuring an Old Pulteney yacht for the first time! Established by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, a friend of Old Pulteney, the event is the world’s longest ocean race and our sponsorship of one of the yachts in the 12-strong fleet marks a wonderful global opportunity to celebrate the brand’s maritime heritage and long-standing involvement with sailing. Skippered by Dutchman Patrick van der Zijden, our yacht has been named Old Pulteney and you can find out all you need to know about our involvement with this wonderful event here.

WHISKY SHOP OPENS IN MANCHESTER

Luxury drinks retailer, The Whisky Shop, today (Thursday 22^nd August) opened the doors to its newest store located in the heart of Manchester’s retail area.

Located at 3 Exchange Street, close to exclusive retailers Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Shop is designed to be luxurious, accessible and educational to whisky novices and connoisseurs, leading them on a journey of discovery and celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the product.

The Whisky Shop is the first retail store in the UK to provide a dedicated platform for some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies.  Its flagship London store in Piccadilly which opened late last year is widely regarded by the industry as the leading specialist whisky retailer in the world.

The Manchester opening is just the latest in a series of exciting developments for the business in 2013.  Following on from the opening of its flagship London store in November 2012, the retailer acquired specialist whisky store, Loch Fyne Whiskies, for an undisclosed sum in May.

The London Piccadilly store recently fought off competition from the new Burberry global flagship on Regent Street and the bespoke Christian Louboutin boutique in Selfridges to scoop a prestigious retail design award.*  The Whisky Shop’s commitment to design excellence is set to continue in its Manchester store.

The store is spread over two floors, showcasing almost 600 sq ft of retail space.  Featuring slate and timber flooring, glass display vitrines and a new fully-glazed shop front featuring copper signage, the store has a comfortable but luxurious feel.

Prominent space in the main retail section is given to The Whisky Shop’s key retail partners Diageo and Brown-Forman.  Located up a few steps from the main retail area is The Whisky Shop Library which features an array of rare and exclusive whiskies.  Situated at the top of the Library stairs are inset angel wings, in reference to whisky terminology, ‘the angels’ share’ and a signature symbol of The Whisky Shop.

Andrew Torrance, managing director of The Whisky Shop, said: “These are very exciting times for The Whisky Shop. Manchester has a fantastic retail offering and we’re delighted to be opening our newest store in this vibrant and interesting city.

“Our aim is to inform and entertain our customers.  Whisky is a wonderful and diverse drink that should be enjoyed rather than revered.  We look forward to bringing The Whisky Shop experience to Manchester.”

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said:  “The Whisky Shop’s decision to open a second flagship store in Manchester is a testament to both its retail and its food and drink offering. We are certain the brand will experience great success in the already thriving area in and around Exchange Street, and wish it all the best as a new business in the city.”

Ffion Jones, Brand Manager – Super Premium American Whiskey, UK at Brown-Forman, said: “Brown-Forman is delighted to be partnering with The Whisky Shop on the launch of its second premium flagship store in the UK, following the success of the London Piccadilly store.   There is no doubt that the new Manchester store will provide an excellent platform to showcase Brown-Forman’s leading range of American Whiskey, as well as allowing us to interact with consumers in store to educate them on the growing American Whiskey category.”

Nick Temperley, Head of Diageo Reserve Great Britain, said: “I am very proud that Diageo Reserve Brands are partnering with The Whisky Shop in Manchester. The interactive and innovative retail space created will highlight the history and range of the Johnnie Walker brand and educate shoppers on the vibrancy of the malt whisky category, showcasing the range of flavours across our malt whisky brands.”

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with 22 stores nationwide.  For further information please visit www.whiskyshop.com or contact 0141 427 2977. 

* The 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail

BEST OF SOUTH AFRICAN WHISKIES AT DUTY FREE  

South Africa’s international award-winning whiskies, the Three Ships range and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, both carrying the title of World’s Best, are being showcased for the first time in the concourse promotional area at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Held in the main walkways, the concourse promotion offers greater visibility for these proudly South African and multi-awarded whiskies. Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky took World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards whilst the Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old, received World’s Best Blended Whisky at the same competition in 2012, ahead of those from traditional whisky-producing countries such as Ireland, Scotland and the USA.

According to Eliska Botha, global marketing manager for the brands, these awards, coupled with the other gold medals they and the rest of the Three Ships portfolio have garnered at every major international whisky competition the past few years, have put South African whisky-making firmly on the map.

“We have always believed that the whiskies produced here in South Africa are of a quality that places them among the best. Our master distiller, Andy Watts, creates whiskies which are innovative and unique in profile to offer a spectrum of styles that appeal to a broad whisky consumer base.

“By introducing these whiskies to travelers in duty-free shops, we broaden the awareness and visibility of these proudly South African whiskies and take a step closer in exporting not only to Africa but also the rest of the world.”

The promotions of both brands are being managed by duty-free concessionaire, Big Five Duty Free. The Bains “Best of South Africa” promotion, which started mid-June and will run until the end of August, is supported by a display and an audiovisual showing how and where Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is produced.   Consumers who buy a bottle of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will receive a complimentary 50ml.

The Three Ships promotion was accompanied by high-visibility concourse displays and tastings, underscoring the message that South Africa produces the best whisky in the world. An interactive unit engaged consumers with the message “Where in the world is the best whisky made”, and consumers had to throw a ball into a hole positioned over South Africa in order to win a Three Ships miniature.

Consumers who purchased two bottles of Three Ships could win instant prizes such as a whisky jigger, hip flask or tote bag and received an entry towards possibly winning a Three Ships Whisky travelers’ hamper consisting of a leather carry bag, a bottle each in the Three Ships range, six crystal glasses and a copy of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

The range of Three Ships whiskies (Three Ships Select, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old, Three Ships Bourbon Cask and the limited-release Three Ships 10 Year Old single malt) and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky are produced at The James Sedgwick Distillery in the picturesque Boland town of Wellington in the Western Cape, South Africa.

The distillery is the only dedicated whisky distillery in Africa and in the past two decades, has seen a period of major overhaul. State-of-the-art equipment and new maturation cellars have been introduced with a strong focus on ensuring the distillery functions in a sustainable, environmentally sensitive manner. In recognition of the high level of innovation that fashioned the upgrade of both the distillery and its products, the Whisky Magazine in April 2011 bestowed its Icons of Whisky award on the distillery as Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year.

JAMESON LAUNCHES NEW CITY EDITIONS TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

Jameson is appealing to the international jet setter with the release of a new special collection called City Editions, which will retail exclusively in Travel Retail outlets from this month for a limited period.

The labels have been designed to capture the urban culture and essence of eight great cities around the world, featuring Amsterdam, Bangkok, Dublin, London, Moscow, Paris, Singapore and Sydney. To further appeal to collectors and highlight the travel theme, each label is finished with postage stamp edges. Each label will be exclusive to the corresponding city’s key international airport, with the Amsterdam edition being the first to hit the shelves in Schiphol airport from August 2013, retailing at €24.50*.

To support the launch of the City Editions range, Jameson has created an activation programme that aims to maximise visibility, consumer engagement and sales.

Upon purchase, consumers will be invited to enter a City Editions Facebook photo competition for a chance to win a retro-inspired travel trunk, which doubles up as a drinks cabinet, containing all eight limited editions, along with four bottles of Jameson Original.

To enter the competition, consumers will be asked to post a picture of their limited edition bottle or of the city they love on Facebook at www.jamesonwhiskey.com/cityedition. Entries can also be submitted in the airport via a smartphone or custom iPads in promotional spaces.

The City Editions campaign will be further activated through experiential activities including a simulated bicycle ride in Amsterdam and a virtual city scape of Moscow.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, comments: “Jameson has become a worldwide success thanks to its consistent quality and smooth taste, but also for its innate Irish character which continues to inspire whiskey fans all around the world. With the Jameson City Editions, we wanted to celebrate the different cultures and personalities of some of the great cities around the world and we’re delighted with the end results. We are hopeful that this special collection and the marketing activity we are activating to support the launch will capture the imagination of international jetsetters and provide them with a unique memento of their travels for them to enjoy with their friends or keep as collectors’ items.”

To find out more about the Jameson City Editions activation, please scan:

 NOTES 

*RRP: €24.50 or equivalent 

About Jameson

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson Select Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive) and Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve.

www.jamesonwhiskey.com

About Irish Distillers
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 Midleton 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.

www.irishdistillers.ie

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/