This month, The House of Suntory Whisky proudly marks its 90th anniversary of whisky making. It has been 90 years since founding father, Shinjiro Torii, built the first whisky distillery in Yamazaki, Japan in 1923, and this new “art of whisky making” was born. Since then, the House of Suntory has grown to include its three luxury brands – The Yamazaki and The Hakushu single malts, and the blend, Hibiki – all which have gone on to earn high praise and global success.

Some highlights include:

– 1923 – Shinjiro Torii, established Japan’s first distillery in Yamazaki on the periphery of Kyoto

– 1973 – Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, completes Suntory’s second distillery, Hakushu

– 2002 – Shingo Torii, grandson of Shinjiro Torii is named the current Master Blender of the House, and continues to perfect the quality of Suntory’s Japanese Whisky

– 2012 – Suntory achieves global accomplishment, when named Distiller of the Year for the third time in three years

– 2012 – Suntory’s marks impressive global growth of shipments: The Yamazaki increased by 24% and The Hakushu increased by a remarkable 187%

– 2013 and on – Looking to the future, Suntory plans to strengthen their global presence by expanding to new markets, talking to new customers, and proposing new ways of enjoying their whisky. In 2013 and 2014, Suntory will be investing approximately 5 Billion Yen (US$50 Million) to increase productivity at the Yamazaki Distillery and the Ohmi Aging Cellars. This expansion and investment is to meet the increasing demand globally for Suntory whisky, specifically, in the US and UK.

World Whisky Day 2013 – Four Fun and Interesting Facts About Whisky & Maker’s Mark:

• Whisky comes from all over the world. Each type varies by region, distillation, aging and grain mash recipe. For instance, Irish whiskies are normally distilled three times while Scottish whiskies are distilled twice. Maker’s Mark whisky is made from mash that consists of at least 51% corn, red winter wheat and barley malt and is distilled twice.
• Did you know whisky can be spelled with or without an E? The difference in the spelling depends on the style or country of origin. Whisky is generally used in Scotland, Wales, Canada and Japan, while whiskey is mostly used in Ireland and the U.S.  While Maker’s Mark is distilled in Kentucky, the Samuels’ family has Scottish roots – therefore no “e.”
• Bourbon is both good behind the bar and in the kitchen.   Maker’s Mark has become a favorite among bartenders and chefs alike, as it offers great dimension when added to sauces for meats and in sweets like ice creams and cakes. Go ahead—take a stab at adding some whisky to your favorite recipes!
• Whisky sales have sky rocketed in the past year in the U.S. and abroad! In the U.S., American whiskies including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were at the forefront of this growth, with a combined volume rising 5.2% – that’s 16.9 million cases in 2012 alone! American whiskies also accounted for 70% of the total U.S. spirits exports for 2012.

Toast to this fun day with a few classic cocktails:

Maker’s Mark Manhattan

• 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
• 1/2 part sweet vermouth
• 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice). 

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned

• 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
• 1/2 part club soda
• 2 orange slices
• 2 maraschino cherries
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry and the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill glass 3/4 full of ice. Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and splash of club soda. Garnish with additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

STARS SET TO DISCOVER THE LEGEND AT 2013 BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Championship to welcome major winners to this year’s tournament                       

American Ryder Cup stars Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson, plus 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, will headline the field for this year’s Ballantine’s Championship. The trio of major winners will join home favourites YE Yang and KT Kim for the Championship’s sixth edition, which takes place from 25 – 28 April 2013, at the prestigious Blackstone Golf Club in South Korea.

This latest world-class field underlines the growing reputation of the Ballantine’s Championship, as players look to join a legendary family of previous winners which includes Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell (2008), Englishman Lee Westwood (2011), as well as defending champion Bernd Wiesberger (2012).

Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted that the Ballantine’s Championship continues to attract such a wealth of both talent and interest from all over the world, again reinforcing the increasing importance of Korea as a world-class golf destination.  We look forward to another exciting edition of this prestigious golf tournament.”

World Number Five Oosthuizen will make his debut in the Ballantine’s Championship, having captured his sixth European Tour title at last month’s Volvo Golf Champions in his native South Africa.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting Korea and to playing in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time,” said Oozthuizen. “I got my first win in Asia last year and it would be nice to challenge for another in April. I’ve heard good things about the tournament and I look forward to discovering more about it.”

American Zach Johnson, himself a former winner of The Masters in 2007, is also making his debut at the championship and it will be the first time the three-time Ryder Cup player has played in a European Tour event outside of the Major Championships and World Golf Championships events.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to play in the Ballantine’s Championship and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “To be able to play in a new country and test myself against some of Europe and Asia’s leading players is very exciting.”

Meanwhile countryman Dustin Johnson, one of the biggest hitters in world golf, returns to Blackstone Golf Club having finished fourth on his debut in 2011. The 28 year old was forced to miss last year’s Ballantine’s Championship but goes to Blackstone in good form already in 2013.

“I was disappointed to have to miss last year’s Ballantine’s Championship because of my back injury,” said Johnson, who recently won his seventh US PGA Tour Title in the season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. “I really enjoyed my first visit a couple of years ago and I’m looking forward to returning.”

Leading the home hopes will be Yang and Kim, with both players striving to become the first Korean to win the Ballantine’s Championship. Whilst Kim is the former Korean Amateur Champion and won the 2007 Maekyung Open, Yang became the first Asian player to win a Major when he held off Tiger Woods to win the 2009 US PGA Championship.

“The Ballantine’s Championship is always an important event for the Korean players and it is one I always look forward to,” Yang said. “Ballantine’s always puts on a great Championship and really looks after us, so I hope that I can do well in return.”

The Ballantine’s Championship was established in 2008 and builds on Ballantine’s long-standing association with golf. In addition to the Championship, Ballantine’s sponsors several top-flight events, as well as investing in grass-roots activity such as the Golf Fund in China and the Road to the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.

Notes

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 129 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008
• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the BMW Masters, The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open & The Mission Hills Golf World Cup
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

About Chivas Brothers

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

The English Are Coming.

The English have arrived. English Whisky that is.

Purple Valley Imports is proud to announce that The English Whisky Co. (EWC) is now available in the US. The Classic and Peated Single Malts are produced by St. Georges Distillery, the first new distillery in England in over a century.

The whisky expressions being released are exclusive to the US market. Initial release will be in the Chicago, Washington, DC, Boston and San Francisco markets.  An official launch is scheduled for the week of April 14th, when Andrew Nelstrop, Managing Director of EWC will be visiting the US. Events are planned for Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago.

Raj Sabharwal, Managing Director, Purple Valley Imports commented “we have been working for over 2 years to get these great Single Malts into the US.”.

Added Andrew Nelstrop, “the US is an important market and we wanted to introduce our Single Malts with the right flavor profile”. EWC is imported by Purple Valley Imports USA, named Whisky Importer of the Year by Whisky Magazine.

For more information contact Raj Sabharwal, at Raj@purplevalleyimports.com. Or 704-497-2493. Purple Valley Imports USA 2013 Whisky Importer of The Year 704 497 2493

Saturday, May 11 is still a couple of months away but there is no need to stay dry until then. ‘Single Minded 2013: A Modest Guide to Really Good Whisky’ is here to steer you towards a selection of Great Everyday Whisky at reasonable prices and within easy reach right here in Canada.

Written and published by Spirit of Toronto’s executive producer, Johanna Ngoh, this was conceived as a refreshing antidote to books that review 4,500 whiskies, most of which will never reach our shores. Her 2013 selection includes single malt Scotch, blends and blended malts, as well as whisky from the United States, Canada and Ireland.

Priced at $14.95 plus tax and shipping, this can be ordered online at www.singleminded.ca

JOHNNIE WALKER® UNVEILS SECOND BLEND FROM JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB – THE GOLD ROUTE™, INSPIRED BY THE RICHNESS OF LATIN AMERICA 

• JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION™ – THE GOLD ROUTE™ launches,  blended exclusively for travellers and inspired by rich adventures traversing the Gold Route through Latin America

March 2013: Today JOHNNIE WALKER, the world’s leading Scotch Whisky brand, unveiled the latest exciting blend from its Trade Routes Series: JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE. The Gold Route takes inspiration from the journeys made by the Walker family and their agents – from Central America through the Andean mountains, passing the Inca pyramids and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean – where they witnessed magnificent scenery and diverse cultures whilst in pursuit of new businesses and rich experiences.

The blend is available exclusively for travellers in duty free stores, and like the other blends which make up the Collection, it pays tribute to the travelling heritage of the John Walker & Sons agents.

Crafted from the finest aged whiskies hand-picked for a luxurious smoothness and vibrant flavour, in the glass the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE evokes a sense of the exotic fruit flavours and beautiful rich golden colours of this region.

“We took inspiration from the richness of flavours, sights and experiences of Latin America to help us select the most precious liquids for this blend,” commented Master Blender Jim Beveridge. He added: “On the nose, there is an immediate wave of an exotic mix of bananas, mango and pitaya, complemented by a hint of vanilla sweetness. On first sip, the palate embarks on a journey that is as distinct and magnificent as the vistas of Latin America: tantalising flavours, a perfect blend of fruitiness with hints of pineapples, guava, passion fruit and raisins, all balanced perfectly by deep charred peaty notes, in keeping with the signature smoky JOHNNIE WALKER flavour. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the finish is smooth and luxurious, a fitting addition to the JOHNNIE WALKER lineage.”

Steve White, Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “At the very heart of JOHNNIE WALKER lies a bold spirit of adventure which has given rise to a great number of epic journeys. Our blends have been inspired by tales of rich travel adventures, in this case, along the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean.

JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is a premium blend made exclusively for the intrepid travellers of today. It is a whisky to remind them of their own travels and inspire them to plan new journeys.”

JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is the second blend in the collection of three whiskies, collectively known as the Trade Routes Series, inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes. The first release, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE SPICE ROAD™, which launched in November to critical acclaim and great retail success, is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the JOHNNIE WALKER agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. The third release in the Trade Routes Series – JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE ROYAL ROUTE™ will be available exclusively in duty free stores later in 2013.

With a recommended retail price of $95, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is available to travellers in duty free stores globally now.

Notes

Johnnie Walker Facebook: facebook.com/JohnnieWalker

Johnnie Walker Instagram: @johnniewalker

Twitter Hashtag: #JWGOLDROUTE

Campaign Video: http://youtu.be/tYzNryMTNRs 

Further information on the history of the John Walker & Sons agent journeys

From the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, JOHNNIE WALKER has always pushed boundaries to discover new horizons.

From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences.

Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, JOHNNIE WALKER had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights. Meanwhile, the striking image of the JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man was becoming an icon all over the world.

Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the JOHNNIE WALKER agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers’ Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.

Today, this tradition continues as JOHNNIE WALKER produces the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION, a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers. The first three blends in the collection collectively known as the Trade Routes Series are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes. 

‘The UK’s leading Whisky Experience where you can taste, learn about & enjoy the world’s finest whiskies’

 Vinopolis, 1 Bank End, SE1, LONDON
5th – 7th October 2013

 Tickets for The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2013 are now on sale!

05 March 2013 – We are very pleased to announce that tickets for The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2013 are now on sale at http://www.whisky-show.com.

For a fifth year, the show will be returning to London to bring whisky alive in new wonderful ways. Welcoming back Martine Nouet to oversee the running of this year’s Whisky Marketplace, we will be pushing the boundaries of whisky pairing by going beyond simple taste and smell. We will also be welcoming back the cocktail legend Ryan Chetiyawardana, with a host of whisky inspired drink creations to awaken the mind and taste buds.

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show has become one of the pinnacles of tasting experience and once again, guests of the show will be able to taste some of the very rarest Dream Drams, some of which cost thousands of pounds per bottle. Building on previous years, we will have the people who are responsible for producing the whisky on hand to delve deeper into the production process, from field to bottle. All of this combined with free mini–masterclasses, incredible specialist masterclasses and a hearty whisky infused two course meal make this year’s show a must attend event.

 Join whisky-lovers from the UK and around the world for this luxurious food and whisky extravaganza at Vinopolis, London’s premium wine and spirit destination. The show will run across the weekend of 5th-6th October 2013 from 12pm-6pm each day, with a press and trade only session on Monday 7th.

Sukhinder Singh, Show Director, said:
“We look forward to pushing the boundaries of whisky tasting even further in 2013, and introducing new people to the world of whisky. We are very proud to have created what is regarded as one of the best whisky festivals in the world, and look forward to sharing some Dream Drams with friends old and new in October.”

Tickets are available from our website at http://www.whisky-show.com/tickets

Find us online at:
web: http://www.whisky-show.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whiskyshow
twitter: @TWEWhiskyShow

Notes:

Media Enquiries: Oliver Chilton (Ollie@whisky-show.com) on 020 8838 9388

Feedback on The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2012

Ollie Hill
“I was a whisky show virgin and didn’t know quite what to expect at this year’s show! I was absolutely blown away by the selection of whiskies available for tasting and had a great time chatting away to many of the people who have worked in the industry for many years and ultimately make this wonderful spirit possible. I will definitely be back next year and anticipate this will be a permanent annual fixture on my calendar for many many years to come!”

Susan Sheen
Just wanted to say what a fabulous day we had. The show was amazing and a wonderful introduction into the world of whisky – especially for a confirmed brandy drinker! It was a pleasure to meet so many knowledgeable people, so full of
enthusiasm for the spirit and willing to share this information.

David Stirk
“Loved it … Expertly organised with the whisky advocate in mind. Met some superb people (everyone was so friendly) tried some amazing drams and bought some to boot. Great meeting so many esteemed writers/makers/personalities and
really can’t wait for the next one.”

Serge Valentin – http://www.whiskyfun.com
“Impeccable as always. Whiskies, company and atmosphere – and I mean it. And a great opportunity to taste the newer bottlings. Well done again!”

Graeme Bowie, Balblair Distillery
“Having done many shows home and abroad, this was my first time at The Whisky Exchange Show. Very impressed with the set up and venue. Lots of interesting people who wanted to know about your brands. Probably the best UK show I
have attended. Can’t wait for 2013.”

About The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show:

 The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show consumer sessions will take place on Saturday 5th October & Sunday 6th October
 The event will take place at Vinopolis, situated near London Bridge.
 All food and drink (apart from ‘Dream Drams’, see below) is included in the price of admission.
 A small number of rare and expensive ‘Dream Drams’, which have ranged in price in previous years from £500 to over £3000 per bottle, will be available to try on presentation of tokens. Each visitor will receive a token with admission and further tokens can be bought at the Show.

 Tickets include a two course whisky themed meal at the Show Brasserie.
 Tickets include access to a food pairing area, with a variety of whiskies matched with complimentary dishes.
 Masterclass events are still to be announced, but in the past have included tastings led by writers Dave Broom, Serge Valentin and Charles Maclean; Master Blenders Richard Paterson and Rachel Barrie; retired Gordon & Macphail Managing Director David Urquhart; Glenfarclas Sales Director George Grant; and brand ambassadors including Highland Park’s Gerry Tosh, Suntory’s Tatsuya Minagawa and Diageo’s Colin Dunn. These have covered a wide range of whiskies from the impressive to the fabled, including Dalmore’s 50 year old Candela and Gordon & Macphail’s Glenlivet 70 year old.
 Tickets will be on sale through http://www.whisky-show.com in Spring 2013. More details about the show can be found at http://www.whisky-show.com.

About Vinopolis:
Vinopolis has been established as an exhibition centre and tasting venue for wines and spirits since 1999, and is located in the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct built in 1866. With its soaring vaulted arches and perfect location adjacent to the world-famous Borough Market and London Bridge, Vinopolis is the ideal setting for The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show.

With its nearby transport links and accommodation, Vinopolis is easy to get to for people attending from in and around London, as well as being highly convenient for visitors and exhibitors travelling to the event from further afield.

More information about Vinopolis can be found at http://www.vinopolis.co.uk.

Kilchoman Launch Machir Bay 2013

Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release; Machir Bay 2013 which will be available from the 4th of March. The Machir Bay range is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious IWSC 2012 Gold Medal – Best in Class. Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature whisky each year allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures. Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.

John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013 Machir Bay displays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”

Machir Bay 2013 is bottled at 46% ABV and is available to buy from www.kilchomandistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers worldwide priced at £39.99 RRP in the UK.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Light beech

Nose: Soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas

Palate: Soft mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness

Finish: A long lingering finish. A classic Islay malt now showing the benefit of additional ageing.

About Kilchoman

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery to be built on the Island of Islay for 125 years.

One of only a handful of distilleries still practicing floor malting but what makes Kilchoman special is that barley is grown at the distillery whereas other distilleries purchase barley from around the country.

Based on a farm on the rugged west coast of Islay, the distillery’s founder Anthony Wills wanted to build a distillery that took whisky production back to its traditional roots.

Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s Coolest 100 things of 2011 and many more.