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.

Isle of Arran Distillers Celebrate Coming of Age with Malt, Music and Mayhem

Arran Distillers is set to rock ‘Scotland in miniature’ this summer with a three-day celebration as the business celebrates ‘coming of age’.

The main event, taking place on the 29^th June 2013, marks a landmark anniversary for business as it falls exactly 18 years since the first spirit flowed through the distillery.

A weekend of dedicated to malt and music, one of the key attractions is five different whisky master classes on offer giving people the chance to experience first-hand the delights of Arran.

Ranging from introductory tastings to samplings of old and rare whiskies, the master classes are led by Managing Director Euan Mitchell and the Arran team, and give visitors the chance to meet the people behind the whisky.

As well as tailored tastings there will be local produce on sale, a unique collector’s edition of The Arran Single Malt for sale, a whisky bar and food stalls, as well as many different family activities including archery, painting, bird of prey displays, storytelling and island crafts.

All this will take place to the sounds of local and regional bands including Scott Cowen and The Rowan Brothers who will entertain thirsty crowds from 11am -5pm.

Euan Mitchell, managing director at Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “Our Malt and Music festival is always a highlight of the year and this year expectations are very high. We’re all excited about our 18^th birthday and we’re inviting everyone to come and celebrate with us.

“As well as being a great party, this weekend event gives people the opportunity to really get to know the team behind Arran Distillers, which is something that not many distilleries offer.”

For whisky fans looking for something extra special, Arran is also hosting a unique evening to remember the night before the festival (28^th June) where guests are invited to enjoy a sit down dinner with the distillery team.

Just 40 tickets are on sale for the evening dinner event, which begins with a private warehouse tour with master distiller James MacTaggart. Guests will draw the whisky directly from barrels themselves before enjoying a champagne reception and five course dinner, with accompanying wine and finally their specially chosen whisky with the last course. After dinner guests will be presented with a 20cl bottle of commemorative whisky to celebrate the occasion, of which only 40 will be presented on the night.  This whisky will never be retailed so it is an extremely special bottling.

A ‘Survivors Hog Roast’ on Sunday 30^th June will see those who can’t get enough of the good stuff bid farewell to the weekend in style.

Tickets to the five-course evening dinner on 28^th June cost £95; tickets for the Malt and Music Festival on 29^th cost £5 and include a free spey dram glass, a dram token and a guided tour of the distillery. The whisky tasting courses cost between £15 and £45 and attendance at the Survivors Hog Roast is free.

For tickets please contact Arran Events http://www.arranevents.com/

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

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

Product awards include: ‘Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013’ for the Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008), Best Whisky Liqueur in the World Whiskies Awards for Arran Gold (2007).

Royal Salute Unveils The Diamond Tribute

To mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, Royal Salute, has introduced a new permanent expression to its range of luxury Scotch whiskies, The Diamond Tribute.

This unveiling coincided with the 62 round Royal Gun Salute to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at HM Tower of London. Guests of Royal Salute were in attendance as part of our long-standing support of Historic Royal Palaces and The Diamond Tribute was served at a reception at the Queen’s House.

The first bottles of Royal Salute were produced in June 1953 at the time of the coronation and have since been available in three different glazes denoting the rubies, sapphires and emeralds of the Imperial State Crown.

The Diamond Tribute takes its name from the most precious of gems and is in-keeping with the Royal Salute tradition of expertly blending only the most precious aged whiskies. The rarest of these have been selected from the locked Royal Salute vault at Strathisla – the oldest working distillery in the Highlands – where these casks rest under careful guard and watch until they have reached a minimum of 21 years of age.

Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, comments: “It is appropriate for Royal Salute to mark the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation with the introduction of The Diamond Tribute. It is a distinctive whisky that befits the traditions and values of Royal Salute; combining age and craftsmanship to create a Scotch whisky of finesse and rich complexity.”

Colin Scott, Master Blender for Royal Salute, continues: “Creating this whisky has been a great honour. It has immeasurable depth with rich aromas of peaches and sweet poached pears complemented by a sensation of sherry, and a wonderful spicy liquorice tang. It has a long, sweet and luscious warmth to finish”

Royal Salute The Diamond Tribute will be rolled out worldwide from July and will retail at US$270 in Travel Retail.

Notes:

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

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky with a portfolio that 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 please visit www.chivasbrothers.com and www.royalsalute.com

MIXOLOGIST TONY CONIGLIARO PAYS TRIBUTE TO

THE HARMONY OF THE EXCEPTIONAL:  CHIVAS 18 BY PININFARINA 

To mark the prestigious collaboration Chivas 18 by Pininfarina, leading mixologist Tony Conigliaro has fittingly crafted a series of cocktails, which marry the influences of Italy and Scotland.

Widely recognised as the world’s foremost maverick in creating drinks, Tony Conigliaro has taken a series of classic cocktails and ingredients, inspired by his own Italian heritage, to create four Chivas 18 drinks which stimulate the senses and ensure every taste of these interpretations is a new experience.

Chivas 18 by Pininfarina is an aerodynamic limited edition design ‘The Drop’, inspired by air and liquid, which has taken the form of three expressions, uniting both houses in their ongoing quest for beauty, harmony and, ultimately, pleasure.

Both Chivas and Pininfarina share a rich heritage in crafting rewarding and stimulating experiences in luxury. Pininfarina has been a crusader in Italian design and engineering since 1930, Chivas Regal is the original luxury whisky blend, established in 1909. Tony Conigliaro’s career has seen him continually work to break boundaries surrounding the drinking experience and expand upon the idea of what a cocktail can be, using bespoke ingredients.

The cocktails that follow are designed to be re-created at home and have been carefully crafted to be as stimulating to the eye and nose as the palate – enjoy! 

CHIVAS CHAMOMILE SOUR

The Italians have a strong affinity with Chamomile, a floral herb they grow up with. Here, Chamomile adopts a very adult, sophisticated guise, infusing Chivas 18 in a delicious variation of the classic whisky sour. 

Recipe – Per Serving

50ml Chivas 18

25ml Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

25ml Egg White

15ml Chamomile Syrup

3 dash Angostura Bitters

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker (no ice) and shake. Add ice to the shaker and then hard shake. Strain and serve simply as it is in coupe glassware. 

CHIVAS SPARKLING PEACH

The Bellini is very popular inNorthern Italy. This new Chivas 18 based interpretation offers complexity and depth. 

Recipe – Per Serving 

20ml Chivas 18

75ml Fresh Peach Juice

Add Chivas 18 and peach juice to a soda stream bottle and carbonate. Then serve in a champagne flute. 

CHIVAS ROB ROY

Inspired by Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor, the old school version of the Rob Roy is similar to aManhattanbut Tony’s version also incorporates the very Italian spirit Vermouth. 

Recipe – Per Serving

20ml Chivas 18

40ml Chivas Vermouth

2.5ml Maraschino Liqueur luxado

3 dash Angostura Bitters

Add the ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker and stir. Serve in a small coupette with a fresh cherry to garnish.

CHIVAS ARMY & NAVY

Tony has taken inspiration from the classic gin cocktail and substituted gin with Chivas 18.

The first Army & Navy recipe found by Tony is from 1948 so it could have been created in honour of the armed forces and it wasn’t long after the end of WWII. On the other hand, it may just have been created at the Army & Navy Club inWashington. 

Recipe – Per Serving

50ml Chivas 18

25ml Lemon Juice (Fresh Squeezed lemon juice)

15ml Cherry Orgeat

Add to a cocktail shaker over ice and shake. Double strain and serve in Coupe glassware, garnished each time with a lemon twist.

Chivas 18 Year Old is a luxurious blend of whiskies, hand-picked for their exceptional richness, including more than 20 of Scotland’s rarest single malts, aged for a minimum of 18 years.

Chivas 18 Year Old by Pininfarina is available globally now. See www.chivas.com for details 

Notes:

About Chivas 18 by Pininfarina

The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina limited edition series comprises three levels:

• Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Level 1 is available at a Duty Free price of £90 or equivalent (currency dependent) and can also be found at luxury retail outlets
• Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Level 2 is available from a Duty Free price of £360 or equivalent (currency dependent) and can also be found at luxury retail outlets
• Only five Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Mascherones are available to order. Hand assembled in Pininfarina Cambiano, price is on application 

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific andAmericas. It was at the beginning of the 19th Century that blending pioneers James and John Chivas, two brothers fromAberdeeninScotland, first combined different matured whiskies to create a unique ‘house’ character, setting a standard that would be handed down through the generations. In 1909, Chivas Brothers made distilling history by creating the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky – a 25 year old blend called Chivas Regal. This sophisticated whisky tookAmericaby storm and went on to become an international legend. Today, the Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About Pininfarina Extra

With a history dating back to 1930, Pininfarina is based on values of creativity, experience and innovation without forgetting tradition. It combines avant-garde style and technical solutions aimed at functionality.

If Pininfarina is known worldwide for car design, Pininfarina Extra (a Company specialized in product and interior design, architecture, nautics and aeronautics) expresses its design philosophy in all areas of life where beauty combines with elegance, essentiality and comfort. Founded in 1986 and led by Paolo Pininfarina, President and MD, Pininfarina Extra is located in Cambiano (Turin).

Its partners include leading Companies such as Acer, Alenia Aeronautica, Coca-Cola, Jacuzzi, Juventus, Lavazza, Snaidero and Unilever. Its most recent projects include: the Keating Hotel by Pininfarina in San Diego, the interiors of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (Alenia Aeronautica), the Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks machine, the interiors of the Juventus Stadium, the Snaidero Ola 20 kitchen, the LED TV Acer AT58, and the Primatist B62’ yacht.

www.pininfarina.com

At the recent Beverage Tasting Institutes International review of Spirits Awards PVI’s Brands went 3 for 3 with Gold Medals – Exceptional.

The English Whisky Co. English Peated Single Malt Whisky $64.99.
Pale golden color. Aromas of smoked nuts, peat, and honeyed biscuit with a silky soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a very earthy white cigar ash, peppery spice and honey cream finish. A civilized balance of delicate malt and robust smokiness. Delicious, drink neat and at room temperature.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 94 points (Exceptional)
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 46.0%
CATEGORY: English Whisky, Whisky
TASTING LOCATION: In Our Chicago Tasting Room
TASTING DATE: May-22-2013

Sullivans Cove Double Cask Single Malt Whisky $99.99.
Golden yellow color. Aromas of salty butter roasted nuts, nougat, suede, and golden raisin with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a sourdough pastry, cedar, chestnut honey, vanilla bark, and pink peppercorn accented finish. A nice range of nutty flavors make this a pleasant sipping whisky.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 91 points (Exceptional)
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 40.0%
CATEGORY: Australian Whisky, Whisky
TASTING LOCATION: In Our Chicago Tasting Room
TASTING DATE: May-29-2013

Amrut Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $79.99.
Old gold color. Aromas of honey toasted nuts, vanilla fudge, dried alfalfa, and buttered raisin bread with a rich, fruity medium-full body and a long, toffee, mocha cream, mossy earth, green tobacco, and peppery spice finish. Nice vibrancy and layers of flavor. Add a little water for more honeyed fruit and smoothness.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 91 points (Exceptional)
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 61.8%
CATEGORY: Indian Whisky, Whisky
TASTING LOCATION: In Our Chicago Tasting Room
TASTING DATE: May-22-2013

Glenmorangie’s Men of Tain set to share the secrets of Scotland’s favourite malt whisky 

— Glenmorangie’s free, family-friendly Open Weekend will offer 170 years of history, Scotland’s tallest whisky stills, special tours, barbecue and tastings on June 15 and 16 — 

Members of the public will be able to witness the magic of Scotland’s tallest stills in action when Glenmorangie’s distillery in Tain puts on a special Open Weekend on June 15 and 16.

The weekend-long programme of free tours, tastings and events will lift the lid on the production process behind Scotland’s favourite single malt.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk with the Men of Tain – the select group of craftsmen who are entrusted with the secrets of the Glenmorangie Distillery. Their dedication and skill has been handed down from generation to generation since the founding of the distillery in 1843.

They can also see the distillery’s 12 copper-necked stills in operation, the necks of which stand at over 16ft – the same height as a fully grown adult giraffe. This guarantees a smoother finish as only the lightest and purest vapours ascend to the top.

Paul Skipworth, President and Managing Director of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “We’ve been part of the Ross-shire landscape for 170 years when William Matheson first established the distillery. We are delighted to have this Open Weekend and to share some of the secrets that go in to making our famous whisky.

“Glenmorangie is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to experience the special ‘cathedral-like’ atmosphere of this beautiful still house, and the tranquil surroundings of the distillery for themselves.”
As a family-friendly weekend, complementary activities include a barbecue, crêperie, hot chocolate, falconry and performances by the Tain Pipe Band.

Doors open from 10am until 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday and there are two types of free tours available.

Tour A lasts three hours and starts at 10.15am and 12.30pm. There are only two of this very select type of tour per day. Ten lucky people on each tour will, as well as touring the distillery, also visit the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, Glenmorangie House, Tarlogie Spring and enjoy a very unusual sonic tasting. Those interested must pre-book this tour and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Tour B will take place every half hour from 10am. Booking is advisable but not essential. Visitors will see the mash house, still house, warehousing, and enjoy a whisky tasting and be given a tasting glass to take away as a memento.

Annette Mackenzie, Visitor Centre Manager at the Glenmorangie Distillery, said: “The Glenmorangie success story is as much about people as it is about whisky. We want as many visitors to see first-hand the artistry and dedication of the Men of Tain and what goes in to producing the perfect dram time and again.

“We will also be offering visitors the chance to join in the selection and design of a special, limited edition Glenmorangie through our unique Cask Masters programme, which we launched earlier in the year.”

Members of the public interesting in attending the Open Days should telephone 01862 892477 or email tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk

The Glenmorangie Distillery Open Weekend is part of a wider initiative being run by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the owners of The Glenmorangie Company. During the course of June 15 to 16, 40 of LVMH’s brands across Europe including Krug, Bulgari and TAG Heuer, will also throw open their doors to the public in a programme called Journées Particulières www.journeesparticulieres.com

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies.’

About Cask Masters:

To find out more about Cask Masters www.caskmasters.glenmorangie.com

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption. 

About LVMH:

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Numanthia, Vodka Belvedere, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton.

The Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Céline, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Berluti and StefanoBi.

LVMH is also prominent in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh).

LVMH is also active in selective retailing through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, la Samaritaine and Royal Van Lent.

LVMH’s Watches and Jewellery division comprises Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Jewellery, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.

Make This the Best Father’s Day Ever with a Canadian Whisky Book

Apparently, people spend 33 per cent less for Father’s Day gifts than they do for Mother’s Day. And some people feel guilty about that.

Well, here’s a little secret. Dads appreciate just being remembered. More funky socks? Glow-in-the-dark ties? Car wash supplies? Yes! They all say, “You remembered.”

But if you want to make him extra happy why not combine the two things men most enjoy relaxing with – whisky and a book. This year give your dad a copy of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.

Here he will learn the skills he needs to understand flavours and aromas. And just to be sure, tasting notes for more than 100 whiskies are included.

Along the way, he will hear compelling tales of the disasters, sudden triumphs and destructive family feuds that make up Canada’s colourful whisky lore.

It’s a revealing story of family dynasties, innovative science, fortunes made and lost, and sometimes brave and occasionally odd corporate strategies.

Yes, Dad is special. And once again this Father’s Day he’ll welcome more socks and ties. But why not give him something to enjoy at his leisure? And be prepared for the big grin that will spread over his face.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is available from book stores in Canada and the U.S., on the worldwide web from Amazon.com, and from Chapters.com for delivery in Canada.

EVENTS 2013 – 2014

July
As a Royal Warrant holder, we will be at Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Festival.

August
THE FAMOUS GROUSE BIRTHDAY – Celebrate with us on Sunday 11th

November/December
CHRISTMAS FAYRE WEEKEND WITH SANTA – Stock up with food, crafts and gifts. November 30th & December 1st 10am – 6pm

SANTA’S GROTTO
December 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd 1pm – 4.30pm  December 23rd & 24th  10am – 4.30pm

Visit their blog http://blog.thefamousgrouse.com for full info on all of our upcoming events.

Devil’s Cut™ wins a Global Effie

Jim Beam is now in highly acclaimed good company by taking home top bronze honors at the prestigious EFFIE awards for our global Beam Devil’s Cut launch campaign. In the world of advertising, receiving a global EFFIE award is equivalent to the Oscars … red carpet and all!

Beam was only one of three worldwide finalists who won. Nike also won a bronze and Febreze won a silver for its Olympic work. “We BEAT the likes of Coke and Diageo and a dozen other major finalists, so this is something to be really proud of,” said Chris Peddy, VP Global Marketing.

Congratulations to our global marketing team as well as our agency partners who were inspired by the core behavioral idea of unleashing the devil’s spirit of Jim Beam. “This was truly a team and 360 inspired consumer effort,” said Chris. “Obviously our business results speak for themselves and are also a primary reason why we won.”

Devil’s Cut is now sold in more than 20 countries around the world.

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials.  Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.  For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

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.