The Scotch Malt Whisky Society  

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship 2013 

Winners Announced

On Friday 21^st June, whisky enthusiasts from all over Australia flew in to compete in the annual Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship.  A major event on the Australian whisky calendar ever since 1989, this year 60 competitors and a large number of spectators gathered in the Dinosaur Gallery at The Australian Museum in Sydney to put their tastebuds to the test and find out who would be the newly-crowned Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Champion.

With everyone seated, competitors had 30 minutes to assess the eight whiskies poured before them in a blind-tasting format.  Each competitor was provided with a list of nine possible whiskies – the eight on the table, plus one red herring.  The task was to correctly identify which whisky was which.

This year’s line up of whiskies featured a large number of Islay/peated malts that were similar in style, and it took some pretty experienced and knowledgeable palates to discern them apart.

With the competition part of the night out of the way, the party began – whisky cocktails made with Monkey Shoulder, cask-strength drams from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and The Balvenie & cheese matches were amongst the offerings to be enjoyed.  And halfway through the party, it was time to announce the winner!

Craig Daniels from Adelaide, and previous winner in 2008, took out the title with a near perfect score. Craig’s reward, apart from significant bragging rights, is a trip for two to Tasmania including airfares and accommodation, with a two-day personally guided whisky tour of Tassie’s distilleries in the Hobart area.  1^st prize is valued at over $2,500.

Second place went to James Tait from Sydney, along with a very impressive $1,000 worth of cask strength, single cask, single malt whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Third place went to Ian Titman from Sydney, who won himself $500 to spend at The Oak Barrel (a bottle shop in Sydney renowned for its whisky range) plus two tickets to their upcoming Whisky Fair later in the year.

The whisky and food flowed for the rest of the evening, and whilst the event revolved around a competition, it was clear that camaraderie, fun, and the spirit of whisky enjoyment was the clear winner on the night!  And those that didn’t get on the podium this year will no doubt wake up tomorrow and get themselves in training for a further attempt next year!

The Winner - Craig Daniels

Notes  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began in the late 1970’s when a group of discerning friends in Edinburgh bought a single cask of malt whisky and shared it amongst themselves.  The group of friends grew and grew, with subsequent cask purchases, and in 1983, the group syndicated as a Society.

Today, the Society has over 26,000 members around the world with branches in 17 countries. It bottles over 350 single casks a year for its members from a range of more than 129 distilleries.

Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.

The Society has been active in Australia since 2002, holding extremely popular and well-attended frequent whisky tasting nights in each of the capital cities around Australia all through the year for both its members and the general public.

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship is a blind tasting competition that has been run in Australia since 1989.  It was held annually in Adelaide from 1989 until 2002, then was in recess for six years until The Scotch Malt Whisky Society resurrected the competition in 2008.  It is open to national and international competitors, and is now an annual event held in Sydney and hosted by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

THE WHISKY SHOP OFFERS TRIBUTE TO HONOUR AT FLAGSHIP PICCADILLY STORE   

One of the world’s most expensive and exclusive whiskies is now available from The Whisky Shop’s flagship Piccadilly store for the first time.

Priced at £150,000*, Tribute to Honour has been crafted by Royal Salute using the most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies to pay homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland.

Only 21 bottles have been released globally and each flagon of Royal Salute Tribute to Honour is individually numbered.  One of these bottles will be kept in the Royal Salute Vault and bottle number 17 is currently displayed in the window of The Whisky Shop’s Piccadilly store.

Located across from The Ritz, the award winning flagship store is widely regarded by the industry as the leading specialist whisky retailer in the world and Managing Director, Andrew Torrance, is delighted they have been selected to stock the exclusive whisky from Royal Salute.

Andrew said: “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 and we are proud to be able to offer Tribute to Honour.

“Our premium flagship Piccadilly store was designed to be luxurious, accessible and educational to both whisky novices and connoisseurs alike and we have already had considerable interest in Tribute to Honour and the heritage and craftsmanship of this prestigious product.”

The master distiller and the creator of Tribute to Honour, Colin Scott, said: “Chivas Brothers has a phenomenal archive of high-aged whiskies, some of which, after decades of careful maturation, have acquired a rich intensity and deep concentration of sumptuous characters. It is these very few whiskies which I have personally selected to compose Tribute To Honour – this opulent and rarest of blends.”

The narrative of the Honours comprises glorious legends and intrigue and remains a powerful and inscrutable ode to Scottish history.  Fittingly, only the finest aged whiskies – at least 45 years old – are presented in the spectacular Tribute To Honour bejewelled bottle, dressed by Garrard in flawless diamonds and shimmering gold.

As the world’s oldest jeweller to royalty, Garrard has embellished the Royal Salute Tribute to Honour black porcelain flagon with 413 flawless white and black diamonds. These exquisite jewels form the shape of the Sword of State: one of the trilogy of treasures that are The Honours of Scotland.  Set in gold and silver, 22 carats of gemstone adorn the decorative collar and stunning flagon’s visage.  Golden lions sit either side of the diamond encrusted sword, a symbol of valiancy and patriotism, of battles fought and won.

341 craftsmen hours were dedicated to the manufacture of all silver and silver gilt elements, the cutting and setting of all gems, and the polishing of each individual bottle. The prestigious jeweller has served six successive British monarchs and pays tribute to the ancient Scottish Sword of State as its landmark.

The Royal Salute Tribute to Honour is available from The Whisky Shop at 70 Piccadilly or by calling 020 7499 6649.

*Price includes VAT

Notes: 

The Whisky Shop: 

The Whisky Shop is the largest specialist whisky retailer in the UK with 21 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com

The premium London Piccadilly flagship opened in 2012 and recently won the 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail. 

Royal Salute: 

The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA.

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation

• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest

• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny

• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy

• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish Royalty

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.

For further information: www.chivasbrothers.com 

Garrard:

Garrard, the international jeweller with a cultural heritage of unparalleled richness was founded by master goldsmith George Wickes, who received his first royal commission in 1735. By the time the firm had passed into the hands of Robert Garrard in 1802, whose name it still bears, creating designs of matchless magnificence for the social and royal sects had become a matter of course.

Garrard’s seductive collections can be found today at its flagship store on London’s Albemarle Street or on display in the permanent exhibition in the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels reside. Celebrating a 275 year anniversary this year, Garrard’s legacy of devotion to the highest degree of workmanship has been the company’s trademark since the first designs drew the attention of the world. Garrard continues to passionately embrace the past by creating tomorrow’s heirlooms today.

OF MONSTERS AND MEN AND JAKE BUGG ROCK THE WORLD’S ONLY WHISKEY AND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN AN IRISH DISTILLERY

Bushmills Live: International indie artists take to the stage at age-old distillery 

Bushmills Village: June 2012: Global stars including Of Monsters and Men and Jake Bugg, together with friends Foy Vance, Willy Mason and Iain Archer gave electrifying performances last night at Bushmills Live – the festival of handcrafted whiskey and music which took place among the barrels at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

The intimate two-day festival on Ireland’s north coast was attended by just 500 music and whiskey fans from around the world, including attendees from countries spanning from the USA to Bulgaria and Portugal to Russia.

Artists more used to playing to crowds of hundreds of thousands, such as Of Monsters and Men and Jake Bugg, performed a series of small gigs in centuries-old buildings at the Old Bushmills Distillery, where the art of whiskey-making has been practiced for generations.

Of Monsters and Men’s Ragnar Þórhallsson said: “Last night was unlike any other gig we’ve played before. We have performed in many venues in cities all around the world, but this one, in a whiskey distillery, was something very special. The atmosphere was great and we loved it. We would be honoured to play here again.”

Jake Bugg added: “I’ve played many gigs but never thought I‘d be playing in a whiskey distillery and it was pretty cool. Good to see my mate Iain Archer – happy birthday.”

These global superstars were joined by emerging indie artists Bear’s Den and Sons and Lovers, together with David C Clements and VerseChorusVerse, recipients of the inaugural Bushmills Live Legacy Fund. This is a trust of £20,000 set up by Bushmills™ Irish Whiskey and Third Bar, an artist development company run by last year’s headliner, Snow Patrol’s lead singer, Gary Lightbody and Davy Matchett, curators of the fund.

Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery, Colum Egan, said: “This was an incredible night for Bushmills Irish Whiskey and for music lovers. Last night, we welcomed both globally-established artists and emerging talent to our home on Ireland’s north coast. Their music, like our whiskey, represents the very best in hand craftsmanship. He added: “It was fantastic to see so many friends come to the distillery, enjoy the music and of course share a glass of Bushmills.”

NOTES 

Facebook: facebook.com/bushmills1608

Twitter: @BushmillsGlobal

Hashtag: #BushmillsLive

Tickets to Bushmills Live were not available for sale but were won via a competition on Facebook. To find out more, visit facebook.com/bushmills1608.  

BUSHMILLS LIVE ARTIST INFORMATION 

About Of Monsters and Men

http://www.ofmonstersandmen.com/

Of Monsters and Men is an amiable group from Iceland whose debut album “My Head Is An Animal” is a collection of infectious folkie pop songs. With the group’s single “Little Talks”, the band (consisting of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, Ragnar Þórhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, Kristján Páll Kristjánsson) has become a breakout act all around the world.

After a breakout year, “My Head Is An Animal,” the band’s debut album, was officially certified platinum worldwide. Surpassing 1 million sales, the record remains a clarion call for the band’s invigorating style. The band capped off the year with “Little Talks” selling over 3.5 million singles worldwide, the album reaching Platinum status in Canada and Ireland, as well as Gold in multiple countries including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States.

In 2013, Of Monsters and Men will continue on a world tour including stops in Japan, Australia, South America, North America, and heading back to UK and Europe this summer. 

About Jake Bugg

www.jakebugg.com

By now, it’s likely you will have heard of Jake Bugg following on from his support slots at two of the year’s hottest gigs: namely The Stone Roses’ miniscule secret London show at Village Underground, and a week later, Noel Gallagher’s smallest ever solo performance at Camden’s Dingwalls. Come October, the latter legend will also be taking him on the rest of his 2012 tour dates, in Europe, America and beyond.

All across the land he has been working hard, playing songs and garnering new converts wherever he goes. His headline November shows in Manchester and London have both been upgraded due to demand; the release of his debut album has been brought forward – unheard of in this day and age because people want to get their hands on it.

Aged “about 14”, he started picking up his uncle’s acoustic guitar and, having learnt other people’s songs, started experimenting with his own. It didn’t take long for him to start coming up with worthwhile stuff. In fact, one of the best songs on his debut album, ‘Someplace’ dates back to this time. A beautiful melancholic ballad, it exhibits the undeniable, natural gift for melody that characterises all of Jake’s songs.

Jake only got signed about a year or so ago, but such is his prolific nature that he did not waste any time in getting down to business. 

About Willy Mason

http://www.willymason.net/

Willy Mason is a singer-songwriter from the Northeast US. His new single ‘I Got Gold’ is a standout track from new album ‘Carry On’, an album five years in the making. It comes in the wake of the critically acclaimed and gold certified debut ‘Where The Humans Eat’ which included the now classic track ‘Oxygen,’ and the progressive sound of his 2007 sophomore release ‘If The Ocean Gets Rough.’

He has recently toured in the UK and Australia and often appears on stage with headliners and good friends Mumford & Sons.

Mason’s new single ‘I Got Gold’, produced by Dan Carey (MIA, Hot Chip and Kylie Minogue), has been receiving Radio 1, 6Music and XFM plays, and fuses Mason’s unique vocal delivery with a rhythm that lyrically draws on sentiments of hope, disillusionment, love and lost connections. 

About Bear’s Den

http://www.musicglue.com/bearsdenmusic/

Bear’s Den are London trio Andrew Davie, Joey Haynes, and Kevin Jones. The music they make is wholesome, warm, and engaging, and takes its influence from the likes of Being There era Wilco, Ryan Adams, and a wealth of both folk and alt-country reference points.

The ethos of DIY is at the heart of everything Bear’s Den have done since their inception. Charging around the UK in a van playing to any venue that would have them, picking up support tours with the likes of Of Monsters And Men, Smoke Fairies, and Matt Corby, and concluding 2012 with a support slot for Mumford & Sons at London’s O2 Arena, Bear’s Den took time out and relocated to a cottage in Wales to record their debut EP, sold only at shows last year, and went on to record their ‘Agape’ EPin Norfolk with Kristoffer Harris.

‘Agape’ sets out its stall from the opening chords, and is a spellbinding example of Bear’s Den’s sound. Andrew Davie’s lyrics and voice are beautifully fragile, resonating with the clarity of a songwriter almost twice his age. Framed around the ambiguous Greek word for love, Agape is a warm, all-embracing tune that sets a tone throughout the whole 5-track record.

About Iain Archer

http://www.iainarcher.co.uk/modules/news/

Iain Archer is an award-winning songwriter and producer, originally from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. He is a versatile performer who has had success in his own right and with others. He has written five successful albums under his own name, has toured extensively and has had his songs used widely on US TV shows and adverts.

He has scored a number one album and two top ten albums writing with the likes of Example, Gabrielle Aplin, Hudson Taylor and Nina Nesbitt. Additionally 2012 saw Iain working extensively with 19 year old Brit-Nominated Jake Bugg, signed to Mercury Records. Jake Bugg’s exciting eponymous debut album hit no.1 in the album charts in October, and has remained within the top 10 ever since, already passing platinum sales. He co-wrote and produced the first three Radio 1 playlisted singles, ‘Trouble Town’, ‘Lightning Bolt’ and ‘Taste It’ along with co-writing Jake’s last two radio hits ‘Two Fingers’ and ‘Seen It All’.

A prestigious Ivor Novello Award winner for his work on Snow Patrol’s breakthrough multi-platinum selling album ‘Final Straw’, Iain co-wrote the huge hit ‘Run’ which went  top 5 for the band and later to number one for Leona Lewis, breaking the record for the fastest selling UK download.

He is a founding member of the band ‘Tired Pony’ that also featured the likes of Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, Peter Buck from REM, Richard Colburn from Belle and Sebastian and Tom Smith from Editors. 

About Foy Vance

http://www.foyvance.com/

Foy Vance is a musician from Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. He released his debut album ‘Hope’ in July 2007 to great critical acclaim. The Independent newspaper described him as ‘The missing link between Richie Havens and Stevie Wonder’. Three tracks from the album were used on hit US drama, Grey’s Anatomy.

His single ‘Be the Song’, featured in the American medical series, House. In 2010 Foy, along with David Holmes composed the music for a short film by director Terry George, and as a result has been offered a part in the director’s next feature film as a busker. The short film, ‘The Shore’, won a 2012 ACADEMY AWARD®*. Foy will release a new album entitled ‘Joy of Nothing’ later this year and will tour with Bonnie Raitt in the UK and Europe this summer.

*ACADEMY AWARDS® is a registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

About Sons and Lovers

http://www.sons-and-lovers.com/

Sons and Lovers are a four piece who have recently completed a UK tour with Ellie Goulding, and have only been recording since early last year.

They played on the BBC Introducing Stage at Underground Festival last year and recently played at Club NME nights in London. They are quickly creating a buzz and a name for themselves.

Each track is a brilliant example of craftsmanship, with catchy guitar melodies and strong lyrical stature.

About David C Clements:

http://davidcclements.bandcamp.com/

David C Clements has been playing music throughout the UK and Europe for more than a decade. Although his current guise has only been implemented from the beginning of last year, he previously fronted up Belfast act, Six Star Hotel. With a series of European tours, and a few critically acclaimed albums, he knew it was time for a change. He first dabbled in producing records for local acts, such as the Lowly Knights and Napoleon, but we all knew he would not stay off the road for long.

David C Clements, as a musical project, was born on 1st January 2012. Throughout the opening few months of 2012 David has released three two track EPs online, this has caused quite a stir throughout the industry, gaining him viral support from Two Door Cinema Club, a live session on BBC Radio One, a show at Union Chapel London, a Channel 4 advert, a Day Trotter session and a plethora of local radio support.

“David has the voice of a melancholy angel. He has a rare ear for melody and lyrics that hit right at the heart of the human condition.” – Paul McClean, BBC Radio Ulster. 

ABOUT VERSECHORUSVERSE

VerseChorusVerse is the musical alias of Tony Wright, the founding member of ‘And So I Watch You From Afar’. He composed some of their most popular songs before leaving the band in late 2011.

After leaving the band, he darted quickly in the opposite direction, keen not to repeat himself stylistically. Since then he has been racking up the miles playing across the UK, Ireland and Spain along with artist approved supports of Daniel Johnston, William Elliot Whitmore, Michael Kiwanuka, Jonah Matranga and James Yorkston.

He recently finished recording his highly anticipated debut album with Ivor Novello winner Iain Archer, (Jake Bugg, Ben Francis Leftwich) and is due to release it this year with PledgeMusic as he seeks to fund the accompanying campaign for the album. 

ABOUT BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY

With a heritage rooted in authenticity and quality, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is produced, aged and bottled at Ireland’s oldest working Whiskey distillery in the village of Bushmills in County Antrim on the far north coast of Ireland. The Old Bushmills Distillery uses 100% malt barley to make triple distilled malt whiskey, which is what creates the rich, mellow and distinct flavour that is the house style. The Bushmills portfolio includes: Bushmills Irish Whiskey; Black Bush, Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 1608 and now Bushmills Irish Honey. 

BUSHMILLS LIVE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjyzNFGuRmo

To launch the festival, Bushmills commissioned some good friends who are artisans to make a 3D art installation that depicts the Bushmills Live poster using materials inspired by the handcrafted whiskey and music at the heart of the festival. The master craftsmen who cemented their friendship when creating the stage set for a hugely popular American television epic that was filmed in Belfast – used 254 casks, 250 bottle tops, 30 bottles of whiskey, five metres of AMP wiring and four guitars to handcraft the 10ft by 16ft installation artwork. 

ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold 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 www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The Macallan M: Mastery in the Power of Three

An exquisite creation born of a collaboration between three masters: The Macallan, Fabien Baron & Lalique

The Macallan presents M: a masterpiece born of a collaboration between three masters of their crafts. The Macallan has partnered with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique with a single objective: to create the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained in a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter.

Brought to conception by creative director Fabien Baron; brought to life by Lalique’s mastery of crystal; and brought to purpose by The Macallan’s sublime and highly complex whisky, M is the ultimate reward for the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs.

Just 1,750 crystal decanters of M, each engraved with its own individual number, will be released worldwide in 2013.

Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron’s illustrious creative vision, M’s tall, slim dimensions and geometric form challenge the perceptions of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M itself, selected by Baron as a typographic representation of the decanter’s striking design.

Its six striking facets are Baron’s homage to The Macallan’s heritage, reflecting the six pillars at the heart of its ethos: The Spiritual Home – the breathtaking 390-acre Macallan Estate where every drop of M is created; the distillery’s Curiously Small Stills, whose unique shape gives the spirit its fruity, full-bodied character; The Finest Cut, the 16% of the new make spirit, the smallest figure in the industry, selected for maturation; Exceptional Oak Casks, acquired and cared for without thought to the cost, infusing every drop with distinctive aroma and flavour; Natural Colour created solely through the interaction between spirit and wood; and The Peerless Spirit, marking The Macallan’s unsurpassed place in the hearts of the world’s most discerning consumers.

Lalique has drawn on 150 years of mastery, and its long standing relationship with The Macallan brand, to bring refinement and flawless clarity to M. Fashioned in highest grade crystal, each hand crafted decanter unites proven tradition with striking originality; exuding beauty, integrity and expression at every glance.

Interwoven with rich dried fruits, spices, orange citrus and wood notes, M’s whisky is the creation of its third master, The Macallan, drawing on its classic full flavoured tradition. With a rich natural colour, complexity and sumptuous intensity never before seen in a single malt, every drop is laden with character absorbed from the Spanish sherry oak casks that nurture it through its maturation process. M’s spirit brims with individuality.

David Cox, Director of Fine and Rare whiskies at The Macallan comments: “The coming together of three such masters has resulted in a truly beautiful creation, which specifically showcases the vital influence of The Macallan’s exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks and the craft of the Whisky Maker. The natural colour of M is stunning. A single malt of the most exquisite complexity and character, M will set a new standard in the world of decanters to become the iconic representation of The Macallan.”

Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique comments: “We have been delighted to have worked with our friends and long-time partners, The Macallan – with whom we have collaborated since 2004 – to realise this exquisite piece. The decanter styling is utterly unique in the world of decanters, and our masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to this project to bring it to life.”

Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron comments: \”I love the craftsmanship and purity of The Macallan. It\’s rare to find that level of quality today.\”

M is available worldwide starting from June 2013, with a recommended retail price of $4,500.

NOTES

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

ABOUT FABIEN BARON

As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fash¬ion, cosmetic and fragrance world’s most visible and influential brands. The creative director’s singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing ground breaking television commercials, music videos and online video content. Fabien Baron is currently the Editorial Director of Interview Magazine.

ABOUT LALIQUE

The LALIQUE story began with René Lalique (1860-1945), renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery who then became the Master in the art of glassmaking of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, with highly eclectic creations. René Lalique earned his title, “Sculpteur de Lumière”, from the richly sculptural craftsmanship and dramatic contrasts between clear and frosted finishes that define his work. Today, LALIQUE is internationally recognised as the undisputed Master of crystal, and offers crystal collections across five categories: decorative items, interior design, jewellery, art and fragrances. The vision of LALIQUE is to celebrate the creative genius of founder René Lalique by pushing the limits of the factory by creating distinctive decorative objects, issuing superb perfume bottles in crystal, reviving breathtaking jewellery designs, carrying out major architectural projects, working with renowned artists to produce limited edition works of art in crystal and recreate its cultural heritage, something eternally precious. LALIQUE continues to thrive as a global lifestyle luxury brand, standing for craftsmanship, excellence and creativity.

REMINDER:
Victoria Caledonian Distillery Special Presentation/Whisky Tasting today!

What: Be a Founder-Owner of a new local whisky distillery and real ale brewpub – whisky tasting & presentation
When: Tuesday June 25, 6:30 pm.
Where: Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales – 3020 Edgemont Blvd
Cost: FREE! RSVP to Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com with the date / location in the subject line!

See note from Graeme below for full info:

Many of us have had a passion for seeing how Scotch or Irish whisk(e)y and real ales are made, and even dreamt about participating in or becoming a founder-owner of a distillery or brewery. This is now a reality — not in Scotland or Ireland but right here in BC. Graeme Macaloney PhD, an experienced fermentation engineer and a Scotsman, is launching a full scale single malt & pot still whisky distillery, and real ale brew pub – the Victoria Caledonian Distillery – and is conducting a series of complimentary “Show & Tell” presentations including complimentary whisky tasting at: Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales…

6:30 pm Tuesday 25th June

Founder-Owners benefit from a range of whisky and real ale benefits, including:
• A five-day hands-on brewing and distilling academy;
• Founders Reserve whisky (bottles or cask) or real ale keg(s);
• Founder-Owner branded jacket and branded glassware;
• Annual maturation party with meal, real ales & whisky, etc;
• Potentially significant financial return.

The new distillery plans have the full support of highly experienced Scotch whisky industry experts. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to get in on the ground floor, Graeme will be presenting and answering questions. This ‘show & tell’ session will, of course, include complimentary tastings of two excellent single malt whiskies. If you would like to attend this private presentation and are genuinely interested in this program, please RSVP to Graeme indicating our venue and date.

Slàinte!

P.S. Graeme, in his consummate professionalism, has asked us to include the following: This communique is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in MacMhaol-onfhaidh (‘Macaloney’) Brewers & Distillers Ltd (MBD). This document is not an offering memorandum and should not be construed as such. Anyone who wishes to invest in MBD should refer to MBD’s Offering Memorandum and should carefully consider the risk warnings and disclosures contained therein before making an investment decision. You may request a copy of the Offering Memorandum by contacting MBD at Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the tastings!

Slainté,

Crystal Coverdale
General Manager
Edgemont Fine Wines, Sprits & Ales

3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver BC
604-984-9463
Open Daily 9am-11pm, Free parking at back

Driving Directions

BUSHMILLS™ IRISH WHISKEY MAKES NEW FRIENDS AMONG WORLD LEADERS

Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Wednesday, June 2013: What do you give a world leader who’s got everything? In this instance, it’s a bottle of Bushmills 12 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey from the people who are famous for bringing friends together.

Heads of state from the G8 nations, who were meeting in Northern Ireland this week, were sent home after their two-day summit with a personalised bottle of the 12 Year Old Single Malt as a gift from UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

The bottles, from the Old Bushmills Distillery on Northern Ireland’s rugged north coast, were chosen by Cameron among gifts that represent the best of Northern Ireland.

Mr Cameron presented the bottles to each of the heads of states as well as to key delegates who travelled with them to the summit at Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, on 17 and 18 June.

Bushmills Master Distiller, Colum Egan selected one of the distillery’s finest reserves – Bushmills 12 Year Old Single Malt – for the commemorative gift, a Single Malt which is only available at the distillery itself.

Colum Egan said: “Here in Bushmills we say that getting to know our whiskey is like building a friendship – the more time you spend with it the more you appreciate its character and personality.

“The chance to make friends with world leaders only comes along once in a lifetime, so we are all mighty proud that Bushmills has forged new friendships with the heads of some of the most powerful nations on earth.”

Bushmills Irish Whiskey also partnered with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at the G8 summit to provide media from around the world with a series of tutored tastings of its handcrafted range including: Bushmills, Black Bush™, Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 1608 and Bushmills Irish Honey Spirit Drink.

Immediately after the summit, the distillery based on Northern Ireland’s north coast, is staging ‘Bushmills Live’, a festival of handcrafted whiskey and music (June 19 and 20) where a range of indie artists including Of Monsters and Men will play to an audience of 500 international music and whiskey fans from countries such as the United States, Russia, Portugal and Bulgaria.

NOTES:

ABOUT BUSHMILLS™ IRISH WHISKEY
With a heritage rooted in authenticity and quality, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is produced, aged and bottled at Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery in the village of Bushmills in County Antrim on the far north coast of Ireland. The Old Bushmills Distillery uses 100% malt barley to handcraft triple-distilled whiskey, which is what creates the smooth taste that is the Bushmills house style. The Bushmills portfolio includes: Bushmills Irish Whiskey; Black Bush, Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt, Bushmills 1608 and now Bushmills Irish Honey Spirit Drink.

ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold 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 www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Bordeaux, June 17, 2013 – Sales of niche whiskies are growing because consumers in many markets are looking for different tastes that set their chosen whiskies apart from universal brands. Faster growth is a requirement to ensure niche products do not miss the current upward sales trend for whisky overall. Markets emerging as prime target areas are Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia and the USA.

However, gaining distribution for niche brands is often complicated in some markets by the agreements potential worthwhile distributors have with major brands. Such limitations slow down the process of broadening distribution.

Says Richard Lombard- Chibnall, Sales Director of Lombard Brands: “For smaller companies like us Vinexpo offers an ideal solution. We cannot visit all the markets in which we can see growth opportunities, it would simply take too long. Vinexpo is the recognized marketplace of the drinks world. The world comes to Vinexpo and therefore we benefit from that traffic. Already within the first 2 hours or so of opening our stand we have had 30 enquiries. On past experience this is likely to reach about 200 by the end of the exhibition and we would be well pleased with that result”.

Start up Whisky Legends opened for business this year with the unique offer of re-creating famous whisky blends of years gone by. Potential distributors are attracted by the chance to obtain whiskies no longer available. Through Whisky Legends, who buy casks of aged whiskies from other distillers, unique bottlings can be obtained to satisfy a growing demand by consumers for something different. Comments Scott Watson, Founder: “In the first 2 hours of opening our stand the company made 20 new business appointments which bodes well for the rest of the week. There is quite definitely a growing consumer demand for niche brands and our speciality is to recreate whisky legends. This is our first Vinexpo and it looks like giving us access to a number of potential business partners”.

Angus Dundee Distillers are a regular Vinexpo exhibitor with many customers who expect to see them at the show. Apart from maintaining a presence in the niche sector it does bring potential new distributors to the company’s attention. Says Jimmy Robertson, Regional Sales Manager: “Even though we are already in 80 markets there is always room for growth. We are particularly interested in expanding our presence in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. Asia is also a huge market in which we seek broader representation”.

The common thread linking the small or niche whisky producers is that Vinexpo is a marketplace at which serious players in the industry must either have a presence or attend. To have so many importers and distributors coming to Bordeaux provides opportunities for niche marketers to meet many of them and develop business to mutual benefit. It is the preferred route rather than the time needed to travel the world. It is why the smaller whisky companies come back to each Vinexpo”.

July 2013 will see the release of a new whisky in to the UK market. Oak Cask Distribution LTD, set up by 2 young entrepreneurs plan to shock the whisky stereotype in the UK and introduce an Australian Single Malt from Tasmania.

Old Hobart distillery is one of the most southern distilleries in the world and is where Overeem Single Malt Whisky is made; I say ‘made’ but this word is far to bish, bash, bosh for head distiller and owner Casey Overeem, a man who is a perfectionist in every sense of the word. You can really taste this with every dram of his fine hand-crafted single malt selection.

Overeem whisky is crafted in Tasmania, a wonderland that is home to the near perfect whisky making conditions, rivalling anywhere in the world. The finest barley, the purest water and temperate climate which helps Overeem whisky mature that bit quicker than most.

Casey has developed 4 different products for his current collection with Blend to be added in 2016:

• Port Cask Matured 43%ABV
• Port Cask Strength 60% ABV

• Sherry Cask Matured 43% ABV
• Sherry Cask Strength 60% ABV

Since coming on to the whisky scene in 2011 the Overeem range has won acclaim from all quarters including Jim Murray and the Malt Whisky Society of Australia (MWSoA) and with just 8,000 bottles being produced each year by this boutique distillery, Overeem is one of the most sought after and exclusive whiskies in the world.

With the introduction of world whiskies ever increasing on the UK market it’s about time horizons are broadened and this fantastic Aussie dram is given the opportunity to pleasure the pallets of the UK’s whisky drinkers.

The Way to Get Intelligent About Whisky

FindTheBest, a Santa Barbara start-up website that delivers thousands of comparisons across 9 different topics, enables whisky lovers and enthusiasts a means to find and compare hundreds of whiskies and scotches.

The whisky comparison has a myriad of tools that allow the user to easily find what he is looking for–whether he is looking for a list of only the best blended scotches or wants to compare a few specific whiskies side-by-side. From the search result page which has 377 whiskies in its database, one has various options: he can filter the search from highest to lowest by price, ABV, or Smart Rating–an aggregate score based off of five whisky-rating sources: the Beverage Testing Institute, the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the LA Whiskey Society, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Wine Enthusiast’s Magazine.

Other filter options include tasting notes, years aged, distillery, and region. After one has narrowed down his search to the top four or five whiskies of his preference, he can compare them side-by-side to see how these whiskies’ tasting notes, nose, finish, and palate differ. This site can be used for people looking for help in purchasing their next whisky or others who are simply curious of how the top Irish whiskey brands differ and relate.

So whether you need assistance in your next purchase or you want to compare some of your favorite whiskies in an objective, data-driven fashion, this is the site for you. This comparison tool does not make the choice for you; rather, it gives you all of the tools and information you need to make an informed decision. Try out the widget below to see how it works:

Glen Keith Distillery Re-Opened by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead Msp as Chivas Brothers Expansion Continues

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead MSP officially re-opened the Chivas Brothers-owned Glen Keith distillery today.

The distillery has been ‘silent’ since 1999, but it was announced in 2012 that it would re-open to help the company continue to meet increasing worldwide demand for its luxury Scotch whiskies, which include world-renowned blends Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute.

The Glen Keith re-opening is just one phase in a continued programme of investment for Chivas Brothers. The company has committed £40 million annual capital expenditure on its operations.

Other recent major investments have included the £10 million expansion of The Glenlivet Distillery in 2010, increasing its distillation capacity by 75%. In 2012 expansion work at Glenallachie, Longmorn, Glentauchers and Tormore distilleries – in addition to the Glen Keith project – increased the company’s malt distillation capacity by a further 25%, while in Paisley it opened a new super-premium bottling hall, focused on the hand-packaging of its highest-value expressions.

This programme of investment will culminate in the building of a brand new distillery at Carron on the River Spey, to open in 2014. Planning permission for the project was granted by Moray Council in April this year.

Declaring Glen Keith distillery officially open today, Mr Lochhead, who is also MSP for Moray, said: “The Scotch whisky industry is one of Scotland’s great success stories with exports hitting a record £4.3 billion in 2012. It also provides valuable jobs across rural Scotland, which in turn supports communities, particularly in Speyside where we have a concentration of distilleries. There are of course knock on benefits for other industry sectors such as tourism. Whisky can act as a draw for visitors curious to see where their favourite tipple is made, and for the local manufacturing sector who provide the fabrication skills for the whisky industry to continue to thrive.

“I do enjoy a wee dram myself and I’m always happy to see a local distillery like Glen Keith being brought back to life – it’s a great boost to the local area. This is a positive step which will play an important part in delivery of even greater success for Chivas Brothers and help them to market themselves to the world. I wish them every success.”

Christian Porta, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, said: “It is wonderful to see this distillery re-opened and producing spirit once again. The fact that we are re-opening a silent distillery, and are soon to build a brand-new distillery in the region, shows just how strong the demand for our luxury Scotch whiskies is.

“With our extensive inventory of more than six million casks, and this new increased distilling capacity, we are well placed to continue to meet this demand, safeguarding the future of our award-winning brands for decades to come. The sweet, fruity spirit produced at Glen Keith, will be aged in oak casks and used in the Chivas Regal and Royal Salute blends, as it was in the past.”

Prior to re-opening, the distillery underwent a major upgrade, resulting in a 50% greater malt distillation capacity. Work included the installation of new malt storage facilities, and a new mash-house and tun-room, which accommodates the new mash tun along with six additional washbacks, bringing the total to 15. The distillery’s existing six still were also refurbished.

Environmental improvements at Glen Keith will make this distillery one of the company’s most energy efficient, with the heat generated during distillation being recycled within the process. The latest generation of still thermo compression systems has for the first time been incorporated into both wash and spirit distillations. This gives a further energy usage reduction of 15% compared to Chivas Brothers’ current most efficient distillery.

The investment at Glen Keith has already brought real benefits to the Speyside business community with a number of local contractors involved in the upgrade. Building work was undertaken by A.D. Walker of Banff, structural steel work by W.R. Simmers of Keith, and the distillery’s new wooden washbacks were built and installed by Joseph Brown Vats of Dufftown. Stills were refurbished by Forsyth Group of Rothes, while malt and grist handling was carried out by Clark & Sutherland in Keith.

Two companies from just outside Keith – L.H. Stainless and Advanced Electrics – carried out stainless steel piping and tanks installation and electrical works respectively, while C&A Innes of Keith upgraded the distillery’s water supply. Other local contractors at Glen Keith included G&A Construction of Dufftown, McKerron & Milne roofwork and McCormack’s scaffolding of Rothes, D Paterson steelwork of Elgin, and I Fraser & Sons electrical of Rothes. The new mash tun was constructed by Briggs of Burton.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:
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.