The Whisky Exchange release exclusive single cask Midleton 1991 vintage Irish whiskey

The Whisky Exchange are pleased to announce the release of a new 1991 vintage whiskey from Ireland’s Midleton distillery in County Cork. After a long and rigorous selection process cask #48750 was chosen and bottled exclusively for sale by The Whisky Exchange.

Cask #48750 was a first fill bourbon hogshead, filled with spirit distilled in November 1991 and placed in bond on the 12th of that month. It was bottled in October 2012, a mere month shy of its 21st birthday, yielding 205 bottles at a cask strength of 54.1% alcohol by volume. Each bottle is individually numbered and packaged in a wooden presentation box.

Producer’s Tasting Notes:
Nose: A striking presence of aromatic oils and spices typical of this style of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Some linseed, backed up with a touch of menthol, paves the way for succulent, fleshy exotic fruits as well as kiwi, melon and a squeeze of blackcurrant. The wood influence cannot be ignored with calming vanilla overtones and firm base notes of charred oak completing the sophisticated aromatics.

Palate: The initial succulence of the fruity mouthcoating develops into a rich infusion of spices and fruit. Cinnamon, vanilla, dark chocolate, some sweet green pepper with cedar wood and charred oak, all delivered in harmony.

Finish: A long and leisurely finish. The full complexity slowly fades leaving the last word to the barley.

Tasting notes by TWE’s Tim Forbes:
Nose: Naturally there’s waves of delicious vanilla cream from the bourbon cask, but here it’s merely the backdrop for a mouth-watering array of tropical fruit, with peaches and apricots most prominent. Hints of cantaloupe melon & kiwi that may be familiar to anyone who’s tried Midleton’s Barry Crockett Legacy, the jewel in the crown of the ongoing single pot still range. The single pot still cereals and brown-sugared porridge are there too, plus rhubarb crumble, sweet raspberry cranachan and honeyed flapjacks in abundance. A captivating nose.

Palate: Initial honey, then tremendously intense peaches & cream; a spicy bite, then oranges, apricots, dried ginger, white grape juice, rosehip syrup, shortbread & butter biscuits, the kiwi fruit, honeysuckle and various different kinds of melon. A growing wood-spicey tingle. Water lifts the wood-spices initially, but after a minute or two releases sweet-pea, kumquat, orange flower water, nougat, natural caramel and grassy notes.

Finish: Still lots of fruit, becoming more orangey. The oak grows more prominent now, with hints of furniture polish and a final burst of warming, drying spice that envelops and lingers longest on the palate.

Comment: At this age it’s no surprise that a triple-distilled spirit matured in a first fill bourbon cask carries more than a hint of oak. What’s really impressive is that the expected vanilla and spices play second fiddle for so much of the time to a massive burst of exuberant, over-ripe exotic fruit. At cask strength this is a taste sensation not for the faint-hearted; a judicious dribble of water smoothes out the pot still’s naturally sharp edges and with a bit of time takes this exceptional dram to another level entirely.

The Midleton 1991 Cask #48750 is now available to purchase for £235 from The Whisky Exchange website and London shop: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/selection/midleton-1991-20-year-old/

Notes:

About 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

TWE 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

About Irish Distillers Ltd – www.irishdistillers.ie
Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.

A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midleton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers Ltd was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.

JAMESON TO CONTINUE ITS LEGENDARY PACE WITH IRON HORSE TV ADVERTISING

Jameson has launched the next instalment of its award-winning* advertising campaign, Legendary Tales of John Jameson, with a new TV commercial which aired for the first time in the USA this week. 

The creative – entitled Iron Horse – was directed by internationally acclaimed director, John Hillcoat, whose recent film work includes Prohibition era drama, Lawless and created by advertising agency, TBWA Worldwide. The commercial continues the saga of the brand’s founder, John Jameson, and his quest to protect his whiskey. In this action-packed commercial, Jameson comes face-to-face with his fiercest adversary yet – modern technology – and manages to rescue a runaway train carrying a cargo of his precious whiskey. 

Howard Southern, International Marketing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “The latest TVC will act once more as a powerful tool to bring to life the legend of John Jameson for consumers. John Jameson has been a great success and we’re delighted to bring consumers another exciting instalment.” 

Available in both 30 and 60 second spots, the commercial premiered during the NBA All Stars game on 17^th February and from the 25^th February, the full national TV and digital flight kicks off for three-weeks.

We’re delighted to let you all know that, based on multiple requests and growing popularity of Isle of Skye 8 YR, we have added 1.75 liter size to the line.

We’re confident this addition will add more value to the brand and will lead you to the sales increase.

Please see attached the image. The RRP is $ 59.99.

Cheers,

ImpEx Beverages Team

TALISKER LAUNCHES ITS BOLDEST WHISKY TO DATE: TALISKER STORM

www.tullibardine.com 

To mark the holiday, select food trucks nationwide will take a bite out of this pork-lovers holiday by offering limited time only custom treats infused with Maker’s Mark Bourbon. What better occasion to spread the love of bourbon and bacon and encourage your readers to get out and try The Southbound Hog from Big Ass Sandwich in Portland, the Bourbon and Blondies Sundae made with Bacon Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream and Browned Butter, Bacon & Bourbon Blondies from Little Baby’s Ice Cream in Philadelphia, the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hawaiian Pork Belly Bites from The Peached Tortilla in Austin, or the Bacon + Syrup Wafel with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup from Wafels & Dinges in New York City?

Below are some additional details on menu items for each of the participating trucks for your review. Please check each truck’s Twitter page for their day-of location on March 1^st!

New York City 

Wafels & Dinges

Bacon + Syrup Wafel with Crispy Bacon Baked Inside and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup

Potato (de Bastogne Wafel) with Thick Cut Bacon and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup

@waffletruck 

Nuchas

Bourbon Marinated Hampshire Pork Shoulder Empanada

@nuchasNYC

Created with Chef German Lucarelli of Soho House (@SohoHouse)

Kimchi Taco

Korean Al Pastor Taco with Makers Mark® Bourbon Pineapple & Gochoo Garoo Glaze

@kimchitruck 

Mike ‘N’ Willie’s

Mango Bourbon Pulled Pork Slider

@mikenwillies

Frites ‘n’ Meats

Bourbon Pulled Pork Sandwich

@fritesnmeats

Eddie’s Pizza

Makers Mark® Bourbon Bacon with Pineapple Pizza

@eddiespizzany 

Philadelphia 

Dapper Dog

Grilled Hot Dog Topped with Homemade Pulled Pork, Pickle Chips, and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Spicy Onion Sauce

@thedapperdog

Spot Burgers

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Pig Wings with Bourbon Glaze

@Spotburgers

Little Baby’s Ice Cream

Bourbon and Blondies Sundae made with Bacon Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream and Browned Butter, Bacon & Bourbon Blondies

@LittleBabysIC

Mac Mart

Kickin’ Kentucky Bourbon Bacon Mac

@MacMartTruck

Austin 

Boss Hog Kitchen

Smoked Turkey and Gouda Sandwich with Spicy Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hog Sauce

@bosshogskitchen 

The Peached Tortilla

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hawaiian Pork Belly Bites

@peachedtortilla 

Gourdough’s

Sticky Kentucky Swine, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Caramel, Candied Bacon and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

@gourdough

Seattle 

Happy Grillmore

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Bourbon Slaw

@happygrillmore

Pinky’s Kitchen

Pinky’s Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Triple Threat Pulled Pork

@pinkyskitchen

Portland 

Big Ass Sandwich

The Southbound Hog – Salt/Sugar Cured, Braised Pork Belly, Caramelized Onions, and a Serrano Pepper Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Sauce with Hand-Cut Fries

@bigasssandwich

Los Angeles 

Vizzi Truck

Honey Glazed Bourbon Pork Taco with Roasted Corn & Diced Jalapeños, Drunken 2-Way Apples, and Melted Brie

@vizzitruck

The Glenrothes Distillery Announces 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition

Contest will select two grand prize winners for a trip to Speyside and the opportunity of a lifetime

February 12, 2013 The Glenrothes is delighted to announce today’s launch of the 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition. Following the huge success of the 2012 competition, this year’s contest will result in two grand prize winners from the USA.  Each grand prize winner will receive a trip for him/her and one guest to Speyside, Scotland. The Glenrothes “Vintage Makers” will spend a week mastering single malt production, culminating in the creation of a new Glenrothes Vintage.

From February 12, 2013 until April 12, 2013, entrants can submit an essay of 750 characters or less and an image response to the prompt, “Share a Vintage Moment with The Glenrothes.” Winning entries will be selected based on the best representation of how The Glenrothes Distillery defines a Vintage Moment: A perfect combination of time, place, people and/or occasion when everything comes together to create a moment that will stay in the memory forever.

Grand prize winners will travel to The Glenrothes this summer and be hosted by Ronnie Cox, Keeper of the Quaich and The Glenrothes Brand Heritage Director.  Upon arriving, they will learn the time-honored art of whisky making and skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. The winners will spend time working at each stage of the process: testing the purity of the water source at the distillery’s two springs; milling the malt to achieve the golden proportions of husk, grits and flour; mashing to ensure maximum extraction of sugars in the wort; adding yeast to the washbacks and overseeing fermentation; and slowly and carefully distilling new make spirit in our tall copper pot stills.

The “Vintage Makers” will nose single malt from maturing casks to assess whether the contents are true of all The Glenrothes whiskies and exceptional in quality and maturity; only the top 3% of the distillery’s output is bottled as The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Whisky. Finally, the “Vintage Makers” will have the opportunity to create a new Vintage of The Glenrothes, to be released when it reaches the peak of maturity.  As an added bonus each of the lucky guests will produce their own selection of The Glenrothes – labeled with their own hand-written tasting notes.

When their work is done, our Vintage Makers will enjoy the simple pleasures that Speyside has to offer; a spot of fishing, dining in the local Highland restaurants or perhaps a picnic in the hills surrounding the distillery. The “Vintage Makers” will stay in Rothes House, a private home belonging to the family that owns The Glenrothes.

The Glenrothes is now available throughout the U.S. through Anchor Distilling. For more information on The Glenrothes or the 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition, please visit www.theglenrothes.com.

Abbreviated Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND A RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU AGREE TO THE OFFICIAL RULES. Contest begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on February 12, 2013, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on April 12, 2013. To enter, visit www.theglenrothes.com, complete the entry form, submit an essay (750 characters or less) describing your “Vintage Moment”. All entries must be received by April 12, 2013 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. For official rules (including how to enter and prize description), visit http://www.theglenrothes.com. Only one entry per person is permitted.  Sponsor: BB&R Spirits Ltd., 3 St. James’ Street, London SW1A 1EG. Share Responsibly.

About The Glenrothes

The Glenrothes is an award-winning Speyside Single Malt Whisky of exceptional quality from the town of Rothes in Speyside – Scotland’s whisky heartland.  Established in 1879, the distillery was known only to Master Blenders until the early 1990’s, and revered as a Class-A quality enhancer for their premium blends.  Today, only 3% of production becomes The Glenrothes single malt scotch whisky.  Each vintage is, by definition, rare and finite.  Currently available expressions in the US include: The Glenrothes Select Reserve – the House Style, Alba Reserve, Vintages 1998, 1995, 1988, 1978, and 1970 Extraordinary Cask.

Join the conversation at www.Facebook.com/TheGlenrothes or www.Twitter.com/TheGlenrothes.

About Anchor Distilling

Anchor Distilling Company aims to provide the bridge between discerning buyers and world’s finest spirits. A privately owned distiller and importer, Anchor boasts an artisanal portfolio with over 300 specialty products from nearly 20 countries.  All products are from multigenerational family-owned companies, and are sought by connoisseurs for their superior handcrafted artisanal qualities.  From a distilling perspective, Anchor Distilling is dedicated to creating very small batches of traditionally distilled spirits. www.AnchorDistilling.com

TRUE, UNCOMPROMISING BOURBON FOR TRUE BOURBON LOVERS: INTRODUCING THE FIRST RUSSELL’S RESERVE® SINGLE BARREL

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”

What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.

Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.” Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.

About Russell’s Reserve
Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky for more than 58 years and has joined the ranks of the greats when it comes to his uncompromising craftsmanship. Working alongside him is his son, Associate Master Distiller, Eddie, a relative newcomer with 32 years under his belt. Together they create the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon and 6 Years Old Rye. Jimmy has worked at the distillery since 1954 and his devotion to his whiskey making runs in the family blood. His grandfather worked in the distilling business, as did his father before him. His son Eddie Russell now follows in his footsteps. Russell’s Reserve is testimony to the uncompromising approach that comes with over 90 years of combined experience.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. About Gruppo Campari Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com

After an eventful 2012 at The Famous Grouse Experience, we’re looking forward to an equally exciting 2013.

World’s largest bottle of whisky

Roll up, roll up and see the world’s biggest bottle of whisky! Standing tall at 5ft 5inches, it proudly contains 228 litres of The Famous Grouse, the equivalent of 9,120 drams! This extraordinary feat officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records on 12th August 2012, a perfect way to spend the brand’s birthday!

CaskCompetition

A trip to The Famous Grouse Experience isn’t just a chance to visit a world-class tourist spot, you can actually grab yourself a once-in-a-lifetime prize. Until the end of March, visitors taking a tour of the distillery will be presented with a scratch card with the top prize a cask of whisky worth over £7,000! The winning ticket is out there somewhere………..

Online shop

Finally, we invite you to purchase some quality goods from the comfort of your own laptop at www.thefamousgrouse.com/online-shop. There you will find some limited edition whisky*, stylish clothes, an array of gifts and essential glassware. And keep an eye out for our latest special offers.

Cheers!

The Teeling Whiskey Brand returns after 231 years

Company carrying out feasibility study on new distillery in Dublin

To celebrate 231 years of whiskey distilling tradition within the Teeling Family, Independent Irish whiskey maker the Teeling Whiskey Company has launched its flagship premium Irish whiskey brand Teeling Whiskey.

The Teeling family are more recently synonymous with Cooley Distillery– which when established in 1987 was the first Irish whiskey distillery set up in Ireland in over 100 years. However the family’s whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 and Walter Teeling who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties.

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “Since 1782 the Teeling family have been crafting Irish Whiskey.   The entrepreneurial spirit that inspired Walter Teeling back in the 18^th century has not been diluted over the years and the latest generation of Teelings are committed to innovating and creating unique Irish whiskeys.  Our aim was to create a new Irish whiskey that is contemporary, a salute to our own provenance and which stands out for its quality and unique flavour.” 

Teeling Irish Whiskey is a small batch bottling from hand selected casks of Grain and Malt whiskey which are further matured in former Rum barrels.   Teeling Irish Whiskey is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration which provides an extra sweet and smooth flavour making it truly a unique Irish Whiskey.”  

During Walter Teeling’s time there were over 37 independent distilleries in Dublin alone.  The majority of which were centralised in the industrial engine room of the city – the Liberties.  In the 19th century Dublin whiskey became globally recognised as the premier whiskey in the world and some of the largest breweries and distilleries of the time emerged from these smaller operations in the Liberties – the remains of these can still be seen to this day.  Today there are currently no operational distilleries left in Dublin.

This may soon change as the Teeling Whiskey Company explores the opportunity to bring distilling back to Dublin.

Teeling commented, “At present the Teeling Whiskey Company is an independent Irish whiskey bottler but we aim to get back into the distilling game to ensure a consistent supply of whiskey for the future and allow us to be leaders in creating a bright new future for Irish and Dublin whiskey.  We are at advanced stages of a feasibility study on bringing Irish whiskey distilling back to the heart of Dublin.”