Jura Launches 1977 Vintage

Jura distillery has added a new, limited-edition vintage expression to its collection – the 1977.

This uniquely crafted vintage takes its name from the Gaelic word for the Yew tree, which once sprawled across the entire island of Jura. Translated as ‘Juar’, the Yew tree has long been associated with immortality and regeneration, with some even believing it gives access to the “otherworld”.

Filled to cask in 1977, this vintage release was originally matured in three first fill bourbon casks before being finished in a ruby port pipe for 12 months. Each of the 498 bottles has absorbed the character and colour that only comes with careful aging.

The 1977 vintage is presented in a solid oak box, with each box hand-crafted individually by Scottish-based cabinet maker, John Galvin.

The whisky is sweet, fruity and warm amber in colour. The nose provides subtle notes of peach melba, creamy caramel, ripe sweet pineapple and maple syrup, giving way to the tastes of crushed pear, passion fruit, kiwi and sweet apricots.

Jura 1977 is bottled at 46% ABV and available to buy from www.jurawhisky.com or from specialist whisky retailers priced at £600 RRP.

Jura distillery manager, Willie Cochrane:

“The 1977 is a perfect mix of amber and gold shades – a quality which is only achieved through age. Complemented by an enticing scent and soft sweet flavours, Juar is a real treat for all whisky lovers.

“Each of the lucky 498 buyers of this whisky will also receive their own hand-carved box, each one a testament to the craft and expertise of John Galvin. We’re proud to collaborate with someone who takes craft as seriously as we do.”

Taste Notes

Colour: Warm amber.
Nose: Subtle notes of peach melba, creamy caramel, ripe sweet pineapple and maple syrup.
Taste: Prolonged sensations of crushed pear, passion fruit, kiwi and sweet apricots.

About Jura

Off the west coast of Scotland lies one of nature’s best kept secrets, the Isle of Jura. Populated by a community of less than 200, known as Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura), it is a place of myth, legend and intrigue – and an award-winning range of single malt whiskies which hold the promise of good fortune for all those that believe.

There are five classic bottlings in the Jura Collection, each with their own distinctive flavour profiles: the light and delicate Origin 10; the rich and full bodied Diurachs’ Own 16 years old; fruity and spicy Elixir, and Superstition and Prophecy which are lightly and heavily peated respectively.

www.jurawhisky.com

TEELING HYBRID WHISKEY

 – SEE BEYOND THE NORM- 

Edition No. 1 limited to 1,400 bottles world-wide

  – 240 in Alberta – 

Edition No.1 consists of – 10 Yr Old Single Malt whiskey from Cooley Distillery in Ireland and

10 Yr Old Single Malt Whisky from Bruichladdich in Scotland married together in oak barrels for 8 years. 

Bottled at cask strength with no chill filtration or colouring added. 

44.1% ALC/VOL  

Tasting Notes 

Nose: The nose is of medium-body with notes of wood and spice, hints of dried peels and fudge with a little barley sweetness.

Finish: Medium, great oak integration.

CSPC #755065 

MIDLETON LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE SINGLE POT STILL SINGLE CASK WHISKEYS 

Irish Distillers Ltd has reinforced its commitment to rejuvenating the Single Pot Still whiskey style with the release of ten exclusive Single Pot Still single cask whiskeys under the celebrated Midleton brand.

The new expressions highlight the complexity, elegance and balance associated with the Midleton range and have been released exclusively to key accounts in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK.

The new releases follow the launch of Irish Distillers Ltd’s first Single Pot Still single cask customer exclusive at the Celtic Whisky Shop, in November 2010, which saw the retailer sell out of its limited bottle. This success has led Irish Distillers Ltd to extend the initiative to six retailers across Europe and now also includes James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange. Each retailer is offering their customers between one and three expressions bearing the name of the retailer, the cask number and the Midleton brand name.

Each bottling has been matured in ex-bourbon casks, true to the Midleton style, which have been charred and seasoned with bourbon. The individual casks, which were laid down between 1991 and 1999, have yielded, on average, 185 bottles – making the range highly collectable. Each expression is presented in a premium bottle, following the same design cues as Midleton Very Rare, the most exclusive whiskey produced at The Midleton Distillery.

Casks #7102 and #53735 are exclusive to La Maison du Whisky in Paris and illustrate the individuality of the Midleton Single Pot Still single cask releases. Bonded in 1999, cask #53735 has a light Single Pot Still style with a nose of delicate spice, perfumed rose petal with a touch of garden mint, while cask #7102, bonded two years earlier, is an example of the heavier Single Pot Still style with a balanced nose of spices, herbs and wood. Each of the ten expressions enjoys a long finish, which is typical of the Midleton range.

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, says: “The Midleton brand name is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and the extension of the Single Pot Still single cask releases has allowed us to further showcase the quality of the Single Pot Still style to whiskey connoisseurs, who eagerly anticipate opportunities to taste Midleton whiskeys. The response to the release of cask #71578 in 2010 was phenomenal, so I anticipate a similar reaction this year and look forward to discussing each cask with Single Pot Still whiskey advocates.”

The Irish whiskey category has experienced a near 8% compound annual growth rate between 2005-2010 and its annual 4.9m case sales is expected to reach 7.9m cases by 2016*. Category growth has been boosted with a resurgence in the popularity of the Single Pot Still Irish whiskey style, led by Irish Distillers Ltd. In 2012, work began on a €200 million expansion of Midleton Distillery, significantly increasing its production capability and capacity.

Notes

*IWSR 2012 

About Irish Distillers Ltd – http://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. 

About Midleton Single Pot Still Single Cask Irish Whiskeys

Celtic Whiskey Shop, James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange are each offering between one and three Midleton single cask Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys to their customers. Each expression bears the Midleton brand name, the name of the retailer, the cask number, the date of bonding and the warehouse reference number.

Fundraiser in Support of The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer^® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation

Taste Whisky for a Grand Cause

“Tip a Wee Dram” – a fundraiser supporting the Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver, BC 

Team Hope rides again in The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation. Last year Team Hope rode with nearly 3000 others in the pouring rain and helped raise $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation. Help us meet our fundraising goal of $58,000 for 2013.

WHAT: “Tip a Wee Dram” – a whisky tasting fundraiser for cancer research

–      13 tasting bars to sample over 60 different whiskies

–      Food stations that pair well with your fine sips

–      Auctions with lots of great items to bid on

ONLY 300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD. This event is sponsored by Edgemont Fine Wines and Spirits & Ales with donations from many generous purveyors of fine whiskies and food. Funds go to the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer.

WHEN:  March 8, 2013 from 7pm to 10pm. VIP & Masterclass start at 6pm.

WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver – just a quick bus ride from Marine Drive Canada Line Station.

COST: Starting at $60 per ticket. Purchase tickets at www.tipaweedram.com or at Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales – 3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver. Click here for a map.

CONTACT & INFO: Brendan Cassidy – 778-928-4875 info@tipaweedram.com; Shauna Jones – 604-785-2716 shauna@shaunajones.com; Crystal Coverdale – 604-984-9463 edgemontlrs@gmail.com

Website: www.tipaweedram.com

Twitter: @TipAWeeDram

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamhoperides

About Team HOPE

We are a diverse group of 15 people; but, the themes of why we participate seem to converge and explain why last year we rode through two days of driving rain to complete our goals….

Alan

“..I have ridden in all the Conquer cancer rides. I first rode because of the loss of my dear wife. Her struggle through cancer was a powerful parable for life. Still now I ride for her. She will help to propel me again this year especially when I complete 200 miles in two days. I know life is a gift.”

Shauna

“…father, , husband, best friend, god-parents, grandmothers, uncles and all others…some surviving and some not….Need I say more? Frankly, I ride because I’m tired of making this list. Four years ago I decided to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer because of this list and because I wanted to do something about it. I also believed that if I became more physically active and healthier, I’d have a better chance of fending off diseases like cancer. I ride with Team HOPE. Help us provide HOPE for others.”

Jan

“I ride for the 118 names I have on my Team Hope jersey.  These people fought, or are fighting, their battles with cancer right now and they are my heroes.  I hope for the day that I no names get added to this list.

I ride because I can”

Bonnie

“My mother, stop-mother, brother, aunts and uncles and good friends….I get up every morning to go to work; I’m a nurse in the Diagnostic Imaging Department (MRI,CT, Xray). People come in daily to the department for a scan/biopsy to confirm a diagnosis, or for care following complications of Cancer.  “IT” doesn’t discriminate against sex, age or race. I watch everyday the long term effects it has on everyone associated or involved.  There is too much “collateral” fall out from a Cancer diagnosis. I’m “tired” of “IT”. …This is why I Ride!”

Soheila

“Father-in-law died of lung cancer – he never smoked ….I never completely understood how badly this disease affects everybody in so many ways until last year when my close friend was diagnosed, had two operations and many therapies, and passed away from colon cancer in only 10 short months.  It changed me profoundly.

I got more determined to do anything I can to be part of any force against this disease in any way possible, no matter how small. I bike to help conquer cancer.”

Crystal

“I very much remember the day when I found out that my Mom had cancer the second time. I got a phone call when I was at work, as they live out of town it was the only way. I just remember going to get some support and a huge hug from my employee once I could hold in my tears for long enough to walk into our store from my office. Just thinking of the feeling of that news again brings me back to that moment and reminds me again why I am with Team Hope and why I am riding. I ride for my mother and am thankful every day that she has won her fight!”

Visit us at www.facebook.com/teamhoperides for more information and pictures of our team.

Dubai Celebrates the Sport of Kings at The Royal Salute Nations Cup

Meadowside Blending Co.Ltd. announce new UK distribution partnership with Forth Wines Ltd.

Glasgow based Independent bottlers Meadowside Blending, are delighted to announce Forth Wines Ltd will be their sole distributor for their Maltman single cask, single malt whiskies in the United Kingdom.

Forth’s Managing Director George Thomson is happy with this addition to their extensive portfolio.

Meadowside Blendings Director Andrew Hart said “We are delighted to have Forth Wines supporting us and look forward to a successful partnership. Previously The Maltman has been sold exclusively for export, and we have been looking at the home market for some time. Working with a company of the high calibre of Forth Wines gives us a perfect platform to launch our brand in the UK,and we are confident it will be well received.”

The initial UK launch will include bottlings such as:

Mortlach 14 year old bourbon cask 46%
Benriness 18 year old bourbon cask 46%
Bunnahabhain 10 year old sherry cask 46%
Tobermory 16 year old sherry cask 46%
Dalmore 15 year old sherry finish 46%
Glentachers 15 year old bourbon cask 46%

For sales inquiries, please contact Claire Cameron on  claire.cameron@forthwines.com  direct dial no 01577 866004

Bondeau opens doors to World Distillers in UK market

Bondeau are pleased to announce our joint initiative with Dominic Roskrow.

Our aim is to help world distillers, specifically craft distillers, become more accessible to UK consumers through the Bondeau platform.  Our part in this will be to provide the e-commerce platform, the logistics, bonded warehousing in the UK and to handle UK tax and duty, whilst Dominic will be working with the distilleries on their ranges and various other PR activities.  The initiative will also offer other marketing and events services.

This initiative will provide world distillers with an alternative route to market, as ‘Bondeau is not a retailer’.  We provide a framework which allows brand owners to reach consumers in the UK market, and at a fair price, without the costs on their part.  It also allows UK consumers access to fabulous whiskies and spirits from various locations in the world.

For further information visit our website: http://www.bondeau.com/ and fill out the contact form.

Chivas toasts Chivalry this ‘Valentine’s Day’

Chivas Deluxe Scotch Whisky is rejuvenating Valentine’s Day this year, calling all men to embrace Chivalry as a celebration of gentlemanly behaviour.

Brothers John and James Chivas founded Chivas Brothers grocery store in 1801, satisfying the fine tastes of the
aristocracy of the Highlands with luxurious products and unparalleled service. Among their noble following, Queen
Victoria, took heed of their chivalrous approach, and awarded the Chivas brothers the Royal Warrant.

In the same chivalrous spirit, Chivas plans to reignite classically gallant, honourable acts this year, with a few simple steps this Valentine’s Day.

A Guide to Chivalry on Valentine’s Day

1. The Tell-tale act of chivalry, the ‘Classic’: Holding open the door for your female acquaintance
2. Don’t let technology rule: Turn off your phone or any other device that could interrupt your date
3. Stand up for what you believe in: Always offer your seat up to a woman or anyone who might have a greater need
for it
4. Wrapped up warm: Offer your coat or jacket to the ladies
5. Raindrops shouldn’t fall on your head: carry the umbrella, not always easy, but always chivalrous
6. Ladies first: Always serve any female guests first, whether it be food or drink
7. Be interested: Listen, ask questions, show an interest in what she has to say!
8. The cliché: Flowers. Always flowers!

For 14th February, toast to the resurgence of chivalry with Chivas 12 Year Old in any number of ways, as below.

Chivas 12 Year Old: £35 at The Whisky Shop

Enjoy Chivas 12 Year Old either on the rocks for a sophisticated balanced dram, or as a simple cocktail:

The Little Green Apple:
Named after a Frank Sinatra song, this delicious and simple cocktail is perfect for those who love a refreshing whisky, or
for those new to the taste of Scotch.

Ingredients:
50ml Chivas 12 Year Old
10ml Monin Cinnamon Syrup
Top up with Apple Juice
Serve over ice
Method: blend ingredients together in tumbler glass

Chivas Peach and Green Tea:
A long drink, blending Chivas 12 Year Old with green tea – a superb blend of eastern flavours meeting the distinctive
floral whisky characteristics.

Ingredients:
35ml Chivas 12
5ml lemon juice
5ml vanilla syrup
5-6 Mint leaves
Method: blend ingredients together in a highball tumbler glass then top up with firefly peach and green tea, serve over
ice and garnish with a mint leaf

The Chivas Regal range of whiskies can be found in The Whisky Shop’s new flagship store, London Piccadilly, plus all
good drinks retailers (RRPs as listed above). www.whiskyshop.com

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. In the UK, Chivas is one of Pernod Ricard’s key brands. It was at the beginning of the 19th Century that blending pioneers James and John Chivas, two brothers from Aberdeen in Scotland, 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 took America by 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.

For further information:

Chivas UK Facebook page (facebook.com/chivasregaluk).

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, ClanCampbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com

Don’t follow the crowd this Valentine’s Day, break the mould and celebrate Ballantine’s Day instead! 

Express your true feelings with the Ballantine’s Day Love Stories app, where you can relive your first encounter and share your own Love Story with that special someone.

http://stories.ballantines.com/gallery/index.html 

The new app, available online and on mobiles and tablets, allows people to detail their individual love stories and describe their first impression of each other in a storyboard format which can be shared via social media and on the website’s stream of Love Stories. 

Ballantine’s, Europe’s No 1 Scotch whisky, has created the Love Stories app to encourage consumers to create an individual piece of art and leave an impression on their loved one. 

So why not try it out and surprise your loved one this Ballantine’s Day?

The February Outturn is now available and as always it’s an eclectic assortment of delicious drams!

View our latest offerings at (and for an opportunity to join) www.smws.ca but first enjoy a sneak peek:

Cask No. 7.77 Elegant ladies taking tea

22 years old; refill barrel; 54.8%abv

The nose was attractive and evocative – ladies’ perfume, soft leather, raincoats, mint. The palate was absolutely fabulous! Big fruit flavours (apple, raspberry, pomegranate) swirled around with perfume, leather, oak, coconut meringue and mint leaf – elegant and delightful.

Cask No. 3.193 Baby-faced arsonist

14 years old; refill sherry butt; 57.7%abv

‘Sweet,’ ‘salty,’ ‘resinous’ – some of the Panel’s utterances on first nosing; far-away fish smokehouses, sweet barbecue sauce on baby-back ribs. The taste was full-on – ashy, smoked fish, crispy seaweed, earthy, salted caramels, sticky ribs.