Glenfiddich Pioneers First-Ever Tasting Adventure Inside Grand Canyon

The World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Pours Exclusive Collection of Scotches at World Wonder

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 1, 2013) – On Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, toasted the Grand Canyon, renaming one of the seven natural wonders of the world ‘Glen Canyon,’ and offered whisky connoisseurs and thrill-seekers a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience. Ian Millar, Global Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich, led guests, who arrived to the remote canyon location via helicopter, in a tasting of a collection of Glenfiddich offerings that together are valued at an estimated $50,000. Additional marques included:

• Glenfiddich Original 1991 50 Year Old Single Malt

• Glenfiddich 1964 Travel Retail Exclusive Single Malt (42 Year Old)

• Glenfiddich American Oak 30 Year Old Single Malt

“Glenfiddich has always been a true original and it was only fitting for us to offer the world’s first single malt Scotch tasting in the Grand Canyon,” said Ian Millar, Global Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich. “It was always William Grant’s dream to have the best dram in the valley and we certainly had the best drams in one of the most picturesque valleys in the world. I look forward to creating new once-in-a-lifetime tasting experiences for single malt connoisseurs around the world.”

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is generally recognized as being the true pioneer in the field. The Glenfiddich distillery, located in Dufftown in Scotland’s Speyside region, was built in 1886 by William Grant with the help of his seven sons and two daughters. To this day, Glenfiddich remains an independent, family-owned company run by the fifth generation of William Grant’s family. This independence allows the distillery creative freedom to continue to innovate and set the standard against which the rest of the category is measured, while continuing to set the trend of releasing some of the world’s rarest whiskies. Credited for having started the single malt category in 1963 when it introduced the first range of non-blended malts, Glenfiddich continues to retain the pioneering tradition established by Grant, making it the world’s most awarded and best-selling Single Malt Whisky in the world.

The Glenfiddich range includes the core 12 (40% ABV; RRP $39.99), 15 (40% ABV; RRP $59.99), 18 (40% ABV; RRP $89.99) and 21 Year Old (40% ABV; RRP %159.99) expressions, as well as a series of rare and precious expressions, including the renowned Glenfiddich 50 Year Old, a bottle of which sold in 2009 for a staggering $38,000. For more information, visit www.glenfiddich.com.

World first as Glenmorangie fans design their own dram 

— Pioneering Cask Masters online programme will create brand new whisky — 

In a world first Glenmorangie is asking its own fans to create their own perfect dram.

It means those who enjoy Scotland’s favourite malt will be able to vote online on the taste, design and launch of a new whisky.

The Cask Masters online programme is launched today (1 March) and will run for 18 months. Anyone can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Last year Glenmorangie was crowned Distiller of the Year at the IWSC Awards, and this initiative is a new way of interacting with the brand’s enthusiasts.

Whisky fans from across the world will help develop a new type of Glenmorangie single malt, to be released in late 2014.

In order to speed up the process Glenmorangie has pre-selected three whiskies that are nearing the end of their maturation at their Highland distillery. But it’s up to fans to register their opinions online and determine the outcome of the new whisky.

The programme is being overseen by Glenmorangie’s award winning arbiter of taste, Dr Bill Lumsden.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company explained: “For years we have listened to fans and their views and noted reactions to the whiskies we have introduced.

“Now it’s their turn to have a go and I hope as many whisky aficionados as possible will be able to join in and enjoy each stage of this exciting journey…who knows where we will end up!”

Glenmorangie enthusiasts will be part of the five stage process and be able to:

1. Vote for their favourite of the three whiskies.
2. Get involved in the naming of the new whisky.
3. Decide what direction the packaging and design will take.
4. Attend the photo-shoot.
5. Get involved in the location, choice of, and attendance at the global launch.

At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured.

Dr Lumsden has already revealed his selection of the three whiskies to a group of leading international whisky experts, who have all independently offered their initial views on his selection. Their taste notes are available on the Glenmorangie Cask Masters website to guide participants.

At the later stages of the programme design and photography experts will also offer their thoughts on the naming, packaging and launch suggestions received from Glenmorangie whisky fans.

Michael Atkinson, Marketing Manager for Glenmorangie added: “A few years ago this would have been impossible to organise, but with crowd sourcing in vogue, and the technology now making it more accessible, Cask Masters allows us to harness the enthusiasm and passion of our Glenmorangie aficionados.”

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.’

Concannon Irish Whiskey

Background: Launched in U.S. in early 2012, Concannon Irish Whiskey is the independent spirit of Ireland. Developed as a joint collaboration between Livermore Valley-based Concannon Vineyard and Ireland’s renowned Cooley distillery.

Brand Ambassador and 4th Generation Vintner, John Concannon, is continuing his family’s legacy of blending rich tradition with pioneering innovation with the development of Concannon Irish Whiskey. “Our Irish roots run deep, and entering the Irish Whiskey market symbolizes building an eternal bond with the past by creating a bold, new chapter in our Concannon Family History.” Concannon Irish Whiskey, a special tribute to his Great-Grandfather, James Concannon, in admiration for his adventurous spirit, vision and ambitious endeavors. James Concannon also celebrates his birthday on St. Patrick’s Day.

Product: Concannon Irish Whiskey is a refined blend of malted barley and corn, craft distilled for proper balance of character and purity. It is matured in bourbon barrels for a minimum of four years, then mellowed in Concannon Petite Sirah wine barrels for four months before blending. This is known as the “Concannon Effect”, which gives Concannon Irish Whiskey a uniquely fruity character with a full, clean and balanced taste.

Tastings Notes: Visual: Light golden wheat color

Nose: Toasted malt, red fruit and vanilla

Palate: Balance of honey sweet, spice, and citrus flavors

Finish: Medium-length. Warming and round, with hint fresh oak.

Price: $24.99 for a 750ml bottle, 40% ABV.

Accolades: Concannon Irish Whiskey received Best New Irish Whiskey of the Year in 2012 from International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

Distribution: Nationally distributed in the U.S.

Website: http://concannonirishwhiskey.com/

The Macallan unveils The Flask in Oakley Inc. design collaboration

Luxury single malt, The Macallan, has partnered with sport and lifestyle brand Oakley, Inc. to produce a unique limited edition flask.

Entitled ‘The Flask’, this latest collaboration for the brand has an edgy, adventurous feel.  It underlines both The Macallan’s credentials in innovation whilst adhering to the brand’s unwavering commitment to precision and detailed craftsmanship.

Made from stainless steel and carbon fibre the flask is durable in style as well as design.  The Flask has gone through extraordinarily exacting regimens and processes to ensure the exquisite taste of the single malt when in The Flask is maintained.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, Edrington Group, said: “Working with people like Colin Baden and Neil Ferrier at Oakley, Inc. has not only been a huge amount of fun, but together it has allowed us to defy convention and take a truly design-driven approach in crafting this beautiful, yet high octane Flask.  The Macallan is known for its unique collaborations and this latest output continues our commitment to the high quality creativity now inherent within the brand.”

The edgy and adventurous theme to this collaboration is brought to life here in *The Flask: Test Sessions video

Neil Ferrier of Oakley, Inc., said: “I love the story behind The Flask as it was born in a very fitting environment. When Ken visited Oakley’s design bunker, he brought us some great Macallan so we granted him access! After a few drams, he asked Colin Baden, Oakley’s CEO, about making a convention-defying hip flask, and The Macallan; The Flask was born.  The challenges along the way were a ton of fun and result is a highly-engineered piece of hardware that is dedicated to purpose beyond reason.”

The Flask, which can hold 20cl, is extremely robust in functionality with every potential circumstance and environment of usage considered.  The inner flask is laser welded, wrapped in carbon fibre composite and clad in aerospace grade aluminium.

Limited stock of ‘The Flask’ will be available to purchase via www.themacallan.com. 100 flasks will be available from 27^th February date, priced £600.

Notes 

*The Flask: Test Sessions film is the creation of Oakley Inc, the architects of The Macallan Flask.  It is designed to showcase their creativity and flair.  This is not a promotional film on behalf of The Macallan brand.  

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.

This is the second release for the New Zealand Whisky Collection in Canada. The 18 year old South Island Single Malt now sits on the shelf alongside our Dunedin DoubleWood at LCBO stores.

Aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for 18 years, this rare, premium New Zealand Single Malt is now available for the first time in Canada. Please visit the LCBO website to find a store near you.

Like all our products, the South Island Single Malt has been gaining praise, awards and recognition all over the world since it’s release. Awards include the Midwest Whisky Olympics in the USA, the Wizard Awards in the UK, and the UK Whisky Test Match series.

Acclaimed whisky writer Charles Maclean loved the South Island, and had this to say:

“A mild and very mature nose. The nose is floral, with light coconut and tropical fruits. The taste is sweet, fresh. Noses and tastes older than 18 years – there is something intriguingly ‘antique’ about its flavour profile”
– Charles Maclean – Scotland’s leading Whisky expert.

DID YOU KNOW?
The New Zealand Whisky Collection has a Canadian connection. All our whisky was distilled whilst the company was owned and operated by Canadian distilling giant Seagram’s Company Ltd., the biggest spirits producer in the world for much of the 20th Century.

Seagrams sold its New Zealand distillery in 1997 and it was mothballed soon after – but more than 400 barrels of whisky remained. Fortuitously, these were bought by the New Zealand Whisky Collection and set aside to mature and sweeten, before being bottled and released to wide acclaim. This whisky represents an enduring link between Canada and New Zealand.

Where’s the single malt?

We are getting lots of enquiries on the status of our Single Malt Whisky. Our first few casks have, indeed, reached the legal age of three years in order to be called “whisky” in Canada. We are finalizing our packaging and hope to have the first casks of single malt bottled and ready for sale by April. We will definitely let you know when it is ready for sale! You can also follow the progress of all our maturing whiskies at www.caskbook.com. (And, in case you are wondering, we have sampled our oldest casks and believe that you will be suitably impressed.)

 In the meantime, we are pleased to offer you three new products, all directly available from us at our onsite retail distillery store.

New Port Askaig Islay Single Malts available at The Whisky Exchange

The latest releases from Speciality Drinks Ltd’s Port Askaig range of single malt whiskies are now available at The Whisky Exchange. Sourced from an undisclosed distillery on the famed whisky-producing island of Islay they are selected to show a classic Islay profile across a range of different ages.

The Port Askaig 12 years old, released at The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in October 2012, is now joined by two additions to the range, aged for 19 and 30 years respectively and bottled at cask strength.

Port Askaig 12 years old – 45.8% abv

Nose: Very fresh and invigorating, with bracing sea air, seashells, a minerally character like wet slate, plus phenolic notes of ash and wet burnt wood. Faint honeyed, leafy notes in the background. Becomes earthier with time.

Palate: Mediumweight, but packs a punch. Very minerally initially, then salty and sweet at the same time. Becomes ashy and drying, with the brininess increasing as the smoke, dry turf and chalky, flinty notes assume control mid-palate.

Finish: Some lemony acidity breezes in to keep things fresh as the ashy smoke and turf linger.

Comment: More savoury than some drams from this distillery, this 12yo has impressive depth of character for a relatively young malt, but remains light enough to encourage a refill. Very more-ish.

Port Askaig 19 years old Cask Strength – 50.4% abv

Nose: Quite rich, with a great contrast of pure, clean, lemon-creamy malt and some deliciously dirty, turfy, earthy, sooty, oily phenols. Medicine cabinet hints of bandages, liniment, Savlon and swimming pools in the background. Gets more like a smoky lemon cheesecake with time in the glass.

Palate: Lemon & tart apple fruit at first, then big phenolic grunt, with lots of hot bitumen, ash, tar, soot; then creamy lemon and honey, a minerally note and burning turf.

Finish: The lemon cheesecake returns as the heavy phenols slowly disperse, leaving a sweet tingle at the death.

Comment: Although only a few % higher in abv, this 19 year old Port Askaig certainly raises the intensity compared to previous batches. Water releases a little sweetness.

Port Askaig 30 years old Cask Strength – 51.1% abv

Nose: Lots going on: rich honey sweetness, some strong melon notes, bananas in various forms – fresh, foam and milkshake, then some barley sugar and very light smoke emerges.

Palate: Quite full and generous, with very rich flavours following on from the nose, and a luxurious oily texture. Sweet initially, but the phenols are much more evident on the palate than the nose, with thick smoke and rich wet peat alongside more subdued melon and banana fruit notes from the nose. A thread of honeyed lemon runs through the whole ensemble.

Finish: Good length, sweet and lightly sooty, with the fruit lingering much longer than expected.

Comment: We’ve normally bottled this at the traditional 80 proof, but the vatting was just far too good to add water to. Superb stuff.

The Port Askaig 12yo, 19yo Cask Strength, and 30yo Cask Strength are now available from The Whisky Exchange website and London shop: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/B-40-Port_Askaig.aspx

Notes:

The Whisky Exchange

The Whisky Exchange (TWE) is a family business founded in 1999 that has grown to be the internet’s No.1 specialist retailer of whisky and fine spirits, serving thousands of satisfied customers every week through their website www.thewhiskyexchange.com

The Whisky Exchange has won a string of industry awards, including Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year and Online Retailer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards, Icons of Whisky Online Retailer of the Year and Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge.

The TWE website currently stocks over 5000 whiskies, of which the majority are Scottish Single Malts, Bourbons & Irish Whiskeys, with the remainder coming from as far afield as South Africa, India, Sweden, Australia and Taiwan.

TWE also stocks a wide range of other fine spirits, including hundreds of gins, vodkas, cognacs, armagnacs, brandies, rums, tequilas, mezcals, liqueurs and many other drinks from all over the world.

As well as an online outlet, The Whisky Exchange also operates a shop in Vinopolis near London Bridge. Further details can be found at http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/Vinopolis.aspx

The world’s three best spirits books of 2012 were named in Paris on February 21, at the annual Gourmand Book Awards. Books from 171 countries were entered in the competition and from these 294 books from 86 different countries were named finalists in 66 categories. Six spirits books made it through to the finals.

Steffos Spritbibel, written by Sweden’s Steffos Törnquist and Helen Pe was named the Best Spirits Book in the World for 2013. Second place went to Germany’s Rainer Schillings and Ansgar Puden for their book Sake, while Canada’s Davin de Kergommeaux garnered third best spirits book in the world for his Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.

The competition is held annually in conjunction with the Paris Cookbook Fair and celebrates outstanding quality cookbooks, wine books and spirits books.

(Paris, February 21, 2013)

CHIVAS LAUNCHES DRIFTING: PART 2

(Click on poster above to watch the film)

Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, has released the conclusion of Drifting, a two-part short film co-directed by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, produced in partnership with Mexican art house film company, Canana.

Drifting Part 2 sees Garcia Bernal take over from Diego Luna as director following Luna’s Drifting Part 1 film,  which set up the story of three friends who reunite after having drifted apart. A practical joke in part 1 saw the friends left in a precarious situation which Bernal has to resolve in the concluding film.

Following the launch of the second instalment, Chivas is encouraging its fans to celebrate real-life friendship by taking part in an exclusive competition to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two friends to the legendary Cannes Film Festival, of which Chivas is an official sponsor, for a special screening of Drifting. The We Go Way Back photo competition asks participants to upload pictures of themselves with their best friend, showing moments of friendship and shared memories*. People can vote for their favourite submissions in the gallery showcasing entries.

James Slack, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, says: “Drifting explores themes of trust, forgiveness and acceptance, which are integral elements to friendships and the partnership has real life friendship and collaboration at its core – from the story of Canana to the way the two directors are working together on the short. We’re confident that this partnership will really resonate with modern gentlemen around the world and demonstrate how in tune Chivas is with their values and lives. We hope that with the Chivas and Canana content and our Facebook competition, we will give Chivas fans a rewarding experience.”

To view Drifting and exclusive behind the scenes interviews with Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal visit www.chivascanana.com

Notes

*The We Go Way Back competition will be open for entries from the 18^th February through to 24^th March 2013. People can vote for their favourite submissions until 31^st March. The winner will be selected by Canana from the ten submissions with the most votes.

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 and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About ‘Real Friends, Make Time’

Chivas Canana Present was inspired by ‘Here’s to Real Friends’, the latest instalment of the Live with Chivalry campaign, featuring two short films about friendship directed by Academy Award® winning short filmmaker Joachim Back. The two cinematic films focus on the trials, tribulations and idiosyncrasies of modern male friendships, celebrating the stories that bind real friends together.

For further information visit www.chivascanana.com

About Canana

CANANA was founded in 2005 by Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Pablo Cruz, and most recently joined by partner and CEO Julián Levin.  Over the past 7 years, CANANA has produced over twenty films including Abel, Luna’s first feature length film, Sin Nombre, Miss Bala, directed by Gerardo Naranjo, and most recently, the English language film, Chavez, directed by Luna and based on the life of Mexican-American labour union organizer César E. Chávez.

In 2012, CANANA expanded its operations in the U.S. with Canana L.A., bridging the talent pool between Latin America and the U.S. with such projects as A Man Must Die, a political thriller produced in collaboration with Focus Features, with Naranjo set to direct. In México, CANANA added both a television arm, which produced Soy Tu Fan, starring Ana Claudia Talancón and Niño Santo, and a distribution outlet, CANANA Presenta, which has been releasing international art house films in Mexico for six years across all platforms, with a catalogue of more than 50 titles, including the award-winning NO, Pina, and The White Ribbon.  The partners’ passion for film has also reflected through Documental Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival that has taken over 200 documentaries to communities across México, having recently completed its 8th tour.

New arrivals and upcoming events at Miner’s Delight Inn in Atlantic City, Wyo.

Tell ‘em you got 86’d at the Two-bit Cowboy Saloon.

Etymology of the term 86’d is unclear. Generally the term relates to getting rid of something (did the mob in Vegas really take people eight miles out of town and put them six feet under?) or banning a person from a place, usually a bar. In the latter case could anything be worse than being banned from a two-bit bar?

Tongue in cheek, Barbara and Bob Townsend, purveyors of single malt Scotch whisky, intend to further confuse and add to the term’s contemporary development. To them it means customers of the saloon my choice from 86 single malt Scotch whiskies,Wyoming’s best selection.

With their latest delivery the Townsend’s added the 86^th malt to the backbar. Single malt whiskies included in the delivery are Auchentoshan Valinch 2012, Balblair 2001 vintage, and Longrow 14 year old Burgundy Cask. Their order also contained Batch 10 of Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon and Blackwood’s Small Batch Gin, the botanicals for which are hand cut on Scotland’s Shetland Islands.

The inn hosts two single malt tastings each month. For March 2013 those will be …

First Friday Scotch Tasting, March 1^st,6 – 9 p.m., $40. Bob’s three features are:

– Hazelburn 8 year old Cask Strength, 56.5%

– Glenfarclas 21 year old, 43%

– Bunnahabhain Toiteach, 46%

In addition guests will pick two malts from the other whiskies on the backbar

Second Saturday Scotch Tasting, March 9^th,6 – 9 p.m., $25 Bob’s three features are:

– Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2006, 50%

– Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve, 48%

– BenRiach 10 year old Curiositas, 46%

In addition guests will roll a die and pick a whisky from one of six regions and at last select a connoisseur’s choice from the other whiskies on the backbar

http://www.minersdelightinn.com/Taste%20Scotch,%20Wyoming.htm