We are pleased to announce our events for the 2013 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which this year runs from the 2nd the 6th of May.

Friday 3rd May 2013 – 10.00
Manager’s Tour with Callum Fraser
Join Callum Fraser, our new Production Manager, for a tour of the Glenfarclas distillery followed by a tasting of five whiskies. Callum, who has 22 years experience in whisky distilling, joined Glenfarclas in December 2012. This promises to be an interesting tour as Callum reflects on his first few months in post, and shares his enthusiasm for the future of the distillery. After the tour Callum will introduce you to a selection of five of his favourite Glenfarclas expressions. This is the first time Glenfarclas has hosted a Manager’s tour during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, so join us for this historic event.
£40.00 per person
To book please click here.

Friday 3rd May 2013 – 14.00
Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Tour and Tasting
After a tour of family owned Glenfarclas, celebrate the distillery’s iconic Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength with a tasting featuring the Glenfarclas 105, and the limited edition Glenfarclas 105 Aged 20 Years and Glenfarclas 105 Aged 40 Years, and for comparison a special cask sample from our warehouses also at 60%. Kate Wright, Marketing Executive, will host this unique cask strength tasting, which gives you the rare opportunity to taste all three 105s in one tasting.
£35.00 per person.
To book please click here.

Saturday 4th May 2013 – 10.00
Glenfarclas – Anniversaries Tasting
Fully booked.

Saturday 4th May 2013 – 15.00
Glenfarclas Tasting at the Mash Tun
Join George Grant at The Mash Tun, in Aberlour, for an informal Glenfarclas whisky tasting.
£20.00 per person.
To book please click here.

Sunday 5th May 2013 – 13.30
Connoisseur’s Tour & Tasting
Enjoy a tour of Family owned Glenfarclas, after which Robert Ransom, Director of Sales & Marketing, will introduce you to a selection of four of his favourite expressions of Glenfarclas.
£25.00 per person
To book please click here.

Monday 6th May 2013 – 14.00
The Family Casks – Help choose the 1998 bottling
The Family Casks are a unique collection of single casks whiskies, with at least one cask bottled for every year from 1952 to 1997. To select the casks for each year, George Grant has nosed over 200 different casks. Now he would like you to assist in selecting the cask for the 1998 vintage to add to the collection. After a tour of the distillery, and a tasting of a selection of The Family Casks, George Grant will introduce a short list of 1998 cask samples, for you to nose, taste, comment on and then vote on. The chosen cask will then go forward for bottling, to be released for sale later in the year.
£45.00 per person.
To book please click here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Speyside in May.

Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257
Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234
Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK

GLEN GARIOCH LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASKS WITH WORLD DUTY FREE GROUP 

Travellers offered unique Glen Garioch Single Cask bottlings at regional airports

Glen Garioch’s New Year is off to a flying start as a series of exclusive single malt whiskies hand-selected by the World Duty Free Group hit the shelves this January.

Aimed at passengers flying from regional airports across the UK, the 11 exclusive Glen Garioch Single Casks were specially selected by staff from World Duty Free store teams at key UK airports including Gatwick North, Gatwick South, Heathrow Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, Stansted and the three Scottish airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as the Biza store teams in Manchester.

Teams visited the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, to personally hand-select their own individual Glen Garioch Single Cask which will be exclusively available to purchase from each respective airport’s World Duty Free store.

With some casks yielding just 58 bottles each, the World Duty Free range of Single Casks will be a must-have for whisky lovers, enthusiasts and travellers looking for a truly special spirit.

Paul Hunnisett, Head of Sales Europe said, “We are delighted to get off to a great start in 2013 by partnering with the World Duty Free Group, who are the industry’s leading travel retailer. Some of the airport teams from around the country sampled many casks during their time at the distillery and embraced the charm of the Highlands and the hand-crafted process peculiar to Glen Garioch.”

“Each cask represents the very essence of Glen Garioch and its artisan origins and air travellers will have the chance to enjoy what is considered the quintessential Highland malt.  What makes these bottlings really special is that each World Duty Free store team has personally picked a cask that they believe will provide customers at their own regional airport with a unique taste of the Highlands.”

Nigel Sandals, Buying Manager Liquor, UK at World Duty Free Group said: “Glen Garioch is the epitome of Highland charisma and malt magic in a glass. The distillery produces a beautiful range of single malt whiskies that are enjoyed by our customers across the UK airports. World Duty Free store staff had an amazing experience when they visited the distillery to have the opportunity to try Glen Garioch’s fine selection of handcrafted Single Casks.

“Our customers will have the chance to purchase a Single Cask exclusive to each airport, so they can taste their own Highland experience.”

The Glen Garioch Single Casks come in a range of specially crafted cartons and each bottle is individually numbered and marked as a World Duty Free special edition.

NOTES –

Product images are available on request Glen Garioch, pronounced Glen Geery, founded in 1797 is one of the oldest remaining distilleries in Scotland The distillery lies on rising ground at the picturesque town of Oldmeldrum, just 17 miles north-west of Aberdeen Glen Garioch was relaunched in October 2010 with a core range of two single malt whiskies – the Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve, a non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV and the Glen Garioch 12 Year Old, non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV after maturing in bourbon and sherry casks.

Glen Garioch is owned by the Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited who also produce Bowmore and Auchentoshan

Product Information for each WDF airport

World Duty Free Gatwick North

– Cask Number 2906 was filled in November 1999 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 12 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Gatwick North, World of Whiskies.

– Notes: Creamy and sweet. Smooth vanilla candy and barley sugar with a hint of rhubarb and custard with notes of chocolate, buttered toast and aniseed.

ABV 58.2%.

World Duty Free Gatwick South

– Cask Number 828 was filled in October 1997 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 15 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Gatwick South, World of Whiskies.

– Notes: Roast chestnut and baked apple with a gentle spice and a smooth coffee into the finish. ABV 53.8%.

World Duty Free Terminal 1

– Cask Number 989 was filled in March 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 14 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Terminal 1, World of Whiskies.

– Wood spice with a pleasing apple crumble and yule spice.  Then onto a Chocolate orange cream with lightly toasted hazelnuts and a brittle toffee finish. ABV 52.3%.

World Duty Free Terminal 3

– Cask Number 661 was filled in February 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 14 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Terminal 3, World of Whiskies.

– Rich and roasted with chocolate, hazelnuts and warming all spice build on the palate and linger into the finish. ABV 57.9%.

World Duty Free Terminal 4

– Cask Number 2911 was filled in November 1999 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 12 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Terminal 4, World of Whiskies.

– Unexpectedly aromatic with Eastern spices. Sandalwood, musk and cedar with ginger and toasted nutmeg. ABV 57.9%.

World Duty Free Terminal 5

– Cask Number 668 was filled in February 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 14 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Terminal 5, World of Whiskies.

– Sweet with a herbal twist. Cinnamon spiced berries, vanilla and  lemon sherbet with just gathered bay-leaf linger into the finish. ABV 53.9%.

World Duty Free Stansted

– Cask Number 4633 was filled in November 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 13 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Stansted, World of Whiskies.

– Vibrant and verdant.  Bursting blackberry and elderflower softened by vanilla and brambly woods. Leave a long and lingering finish. ABV 61%.

Biza Manchester

– Cask Number 663 was filled in February 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 14 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 7th September 2012 by World Duty Free Manchester, World of Whiskies.

– Beautifully balanced. Chocolate praline and nougat interwoven with milky jasmine. Heather honey lingers to the end. ABV 56.3%.

World Duty Free Glasgow

– Cask Number 10997 was filled in November 1978 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 33 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 16th August 2012 by World Duty Free Glasgow.

– Complex with an intriguing sweetness. A fruit medley of Damson plums and baked apples combine with crème-brulée and lashings of custard cream. Subtle peat smoke appears and lingers into the finish. ABV 54.8%.

World Duty Free Edinburgh

– Cask Number 670 was filled in February 1998 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 14 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 26th September 2012 by World Duty Free Edinburgh.

– Deep and enticing.  Rich velvety mocha with deep elderberry fruits and a warm spicy kick of cumin and cloves linger on the finish. ABV 58.9%.

World Duty Free Aberdeen

– Cask Number 1807 was filled in May 1986 at Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum. It spent the following 26 years patiently maturing in North American Oak until it was individually chosen on 16th August 2012 by World Duty Free Aberdeen.

– A wave of butterscotch and rolling tobacco intertwine with Scottish heather and the seductive scent of wild gorse. Deeper blackcurrant, elderberry and herbal vine notes build up on the palate and linger into the finish. ABV 52.4%.

For the most part of the 17th and the 18th centuries Campbeltown was a smuggling centre, an occupation that was supported by the area’s geography, topography…. and the local gentry. One famous story tells of an old woman living in the town who was up before the Sheriff for smuggling. She had been found guilty and before passing sentence the Sheriff told her:

Colour: Deep amber Nose: Smoke is easy to identify from the beginning and is soon joined with medicinal notes and subtle burning embers. On returning to nose, sweetness such as toffee apple is more pronounced. Palate: Both peat and smoke are detected yet it is simultaneously sweet, particularly toffee and fudge. This is followed with the taste of liquorice. Rich and oily from its maturation in small casks, it gives an impression of being older than its 11 years. Finish: Long, smooth and sweet. Slow and lingering hint of peat with peat reaching a crescendo with a strong peaty aftertaste.

New Zealand Prime Minister repatriates ‘Shackleton’s whisky’ to Antarctica

Yesterday, (Saturday 20 January 2013) New Zealand Prime Minister John Key returned 3 bottles of more than 100 year-old whisky to the Antarctic Heritage Trust in Antarctica. The 3 bottles are from whisky crates excavated from under explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s only Antarctic expedition base by Trust conservators in 2010.

The Prime Minister handed the whisky over to Antarctic Heritage Trust Trustee Rob Fenwick. The bottles will then be entrusted to Lizzie Meek, Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Programme Manager – Artefacts. The Trust cares for the whisky, as well as thousands of objects left in the expedition bases by the early Antarctic explorers.

The handover marks part of the final stage in a remarkable journey. After excavating the whisky one crate was flown to Canterbury Museum, New Zealand under permit from the New Zealand Government and thawed by Programme Manager Lizzie Meek, revealing eleven bottles of Mackinlay’s whisky.

Three bottles were then sent to Scotland for scientific analysis by Whyte & Mackay, (owner of the Mackinlay’s brand) and The Scotch Whisky Institute. The whisky provided a unique opportunity to apply modern sensory and chemical analytical methods to establish the flavour and composition of a product manufactured more than one hundred years ago.

Whyte & Mackay’s Master Blender, Richard Paterson, then used his unique nosing and tasting skills to create an exact replica of the whisky.  This whisky, which has been sold around the world, has gone on to raise over £250,000 to fund various Antarctic Heritage Trust projects, including the preservation of Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition base.

Repatriating the whisky back to Antarctica fulfils the permit conditions issued by the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs to remove, analyse and return the whisky.

The whisky travelled to Antarctica on Thursday 17 January 2013. The handover took place in the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s conservation lab at New Zealand’s Scott Base where the Trust’s team of conservators work over winter, conserving the explorers’ clothing, equipment, tinned goods and personal items.

Once conservation is complete at Scott Base the 3 crates will be returned to Ernest Shackleton’s British Antarctic Expedition 1907-1910 base at Cape Royds, Antarctica.

Richard Paterson, Whyte & Mackay Master Blender said “Having the chance to analyse and taste a whisky that is over 100 years old has undoubtedly been the highlight of my career. The whole process – from discovery to excavation to recreation and now repatriation – has taken 5 years but it’s been well worth it!

And as we come full circle in the original whisky’s journey, I’m pleased that the pioneering spirit of Shackleton will live on through the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s research, books, stories and of course the whisky!  It is indeed an enduring spirit.”

F: www.facebook.com/theshackletonwhisky

T: @shack_whisky

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY PLAYS WITH FIRE IN LATEST EXPERIMENTAL WHISKEY RELEASE

First Experimental Collection Release of 2013

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 2013) Just in time for colder weather, Buffalo Trace Distillery offers a solution to your winter chills. The latest Experimental Collection bourbons both survived the heat. The Hot Box Toasted Barrel Bourbon Whiskey and #7 Heavy Char Barrel Bourbon Whiskey are the two latest offerings from the Kentucky distillery.

Both of these experiments study the effects of extreme heat on oak barrels and the flavor of the bourbon inside.

The Hot Box Toasted Barrel Bourbon involved placing the barrel staves into a “Hot Box” at 133 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, the staves were steamed before being assembled into a barrel. The goal was to drive the flavors deep into the wood.

Next the barrels were filled with Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash #2 and left to age for 16 years and 8 months. The resulting bourbon is a well-balanced whiskey with fruity notes complimented by a caramel and buttery taste.

The #7 Heavy Char Barrel Bourbon Whiskey experiment used barrels which were charred for 3.5 minutes, as opposed to the normal 55 second char used by Buffalo Trace typically. The barrels were then filled with Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash #2 and left to age for 15 years and 9 months. The end result is a bourbon with an oaky aroma followed by a body that is heavy and complex. A smoky and robust flavor, with fantastic woody notes and hints of vanilla, fruit and tannin. It is dry and balanced.

“Toying with barrels is fun and interesting. It’s quite dramatic to see how something as simple as an extra heavy barrel char can influence the taste of bourbon,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “Both of these experiments yielded very interesting and balanced flavor profiles that I think most people will enjoy tasting.”

These “hot” barrels are part of the more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. These rare experimental bottles should be available in late January or early February. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

THE PERFECT DRAM TO TOAST THE BARD

“Tam tint his reason a’ thegither,

And roars out, ‘Weel done, Cutty-sark!’

And in an instant all was dark:

And scarcely had he Maggie rallied

When out the hellish legion sallied.”

                                                                                                Excerpt from Tam o’Shanter by Robert Burns (written 1790) 

If you’re looking to raise a toast to Scotland’s national poet this Burns Night (25^th January) then look no further than the award winning Cutty Sark Tam o’Shanter Blended Scotch Whisky[1]. This expression is a development of the acclaimed Cutty Sark 25 year old with a distinctly darker, wilder side befitting of Burns’ famous Tam O’Shanter tale.

The bottle itself features a scene from the poem etched around the bottle, as well as a wax closure showing Tam’s face. The designs are inspired by the late Alexander Goudie, one of Scotland’s finest figurative painters. The bottle is presented in a stunning bespoke oak gift box also decorated in the style of Goudie.  It also contains a 134-page book which tells the Tam o’ Shanter story through over 50 illustrated scenes by Goudie, bringing Tam’s story to life in a distinctive and dramatic style, and would make the perfect gift for whisky and poetry lovers alike.

The Tam o’Shanter bottling is an exploration of the Cutty Sark brand’s fascinating heritage, and tells the story of how the whisky got its name. The name ‘Cutty Sark’ was selected by the builders of the famous clipper now homed in Greenwich, from the poem Tam o’Shanter, penned by Robert Burns in 1791. The tale, last year named as Scotland’s favourite Burns poem*, tells the story of an Ayrshire man, Tam, who when riding home from the pub one evening happens across a gathering of witches and warlocks. One of the witches, Nannie, who is described to be wearing a short shirt, or ‘Cutty Sark’, chases after Tam, but only manages to catch the tail of his horse before he makes his escape.

Only 5,000 bottles of this new blend have been created. It is available from The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange and Gleneagles priced at £199 (RRP). It can also be enjoyed by the dram at Gleneagles.

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky was first created in London 1923 and relaunched in the UK in 2010. This lighter blend is a versatile whisky and makes a perfect base for long mixed drinks. For more information on Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky please visit www.cutty-sark.com.

*YouGov survey conducted as part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012. 

NOTES

About Cutty Sark Tam o’Shanter 25 year old

• Tasting notes:
• Appearance: Rich, shadowy and dark
• Nose: Drifting incense, exotic spices, jasmine, anise and sandalwood dance and leap out of the glass. Muscular sherried  sweetness, vanilla candle wax, rich fruitcake and honey sweetness cavort with aromatic spices and blood orange zest, soft peat smoke and hints of  tar
• Palate: Full-bodied, boisterous and sweet with a darkly sinister menace, rich velvet curtains surround dark chocolate,  eucalyptus, cracked black pepper and drying mint with rich, full, sherry sweetness and toffee
• Finish: Lingering, long, rich and sweet yet spicy
• 46.5% ABV
• RRP £199
  
  

  ---

HOUSE SPIRITS DISTILLERY UNVEILS RARE AND ORIGINAL AMERICAN MALT WHISKEY

Small Batch Bottling of Portland-Produced Westward Oregon Straight Malt Whiskey to

Roll Out Nationally in 2013

 PORTLAND, Ore. (January  2013) – House Spirits Distillery, the Portland-based craft distillery known for the award-winning Aviation American Gin, announced today the launch of Westward Oregon Straight Malt Whiskey.

Westward is an original malt whiskey that is inspired by the Irish tradition, but crafted in a unique and distinctively American style.  Every hand-numbered bottle begins with a wash of 100 percent locally sourced Northwest two-row barley, which is then fermented with Scottish and American ale yeasts and double pot distilled for exceptional character and depth.  This rare spirit matures in full-size, two-char new American oak barrels for at least two years, allowing Oregon’s dry, hot summers and wet, cold winters to contribute to its rich, smooth flavor.

“Christian and I are whiskey lovers at heart, so it seemed only natural for us to take that passion and turn it into a uniquely flavorful malt whiskey that fellow whiskey lovers will enjoy,” said Thomas Mooney, co-owner and CEO of House Spirits.

Available immediately in California and Oregon, Westward whiskey will be available in New York and DC in April, and it will roll out to other markets over the next few months. The anticipated retail price for a 375ml bottle is $49.99.  West Coast retailers stocking Westward include The Wine House, K&L Wine Merchants, Beltramo’s, San Francisco Wine Traders, Hi-Time Liquor, and Cask.  Leading restaurants and bars pouring Westward include Seven Grand, Wood and Vine, Ray’s and Stark, Chateau Marmont, and Son of a Gun.

Christian Krogstad, the founder and master distiller of House Spirits, added that “we have taken something rooted in tradition and created an inventive, new style of whiskey that captures the terroir of the Northwest.”

About House Spirits Distillery

House Spirits Distillery is a leader of America’s craft distilling resurgence, and the anchor of Portland’s famous “distillery row.”  Its award-winning products are batch-distilled with an intense, passionate, near-obsessive pursuit of quality using ethically sourced ingredients, and they include Aviation American Gin, Westward Oregon Straight Malt Whiskey, Krogstad Aquavit, and a line of limited release small-batch spirits.  House Spirits has developed a loyal following among food and beverage connoisseurs, and its brands are distributed nationally by Southern Wine & Spirits, RNDC, and other leading wholesalers.  For more information please visit www.housespirits.com.

CHIVAS AND CANANA PRESENT: A PARTNERSHIP INSPIRED BY FRIENDSHIP

Canana directors Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna to create two films inspired by friendship 

Chivas Regal, the original luxury whisky, is excited to announce a unique collaboration with Canana – the arthouse Mexican production company, founded by life-long friends Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Pablo Cruz, and led by Julián Levin. Chivas has partnered with Canana to produce two short films about modern male friendship, the first of which is set for release in January 2013, followed by the second in early February.

The collaboration marks the second phase of Chivas’ successful ‘Here’s to Real Friends’ campaign and will see Canana bring modern brotherhood to life with a story about three life-long friends told in two short English language films – the first film directed by Diego and the follow up by Gael. This is the first time the two directors have worked together in this way, each directing a story around the same characters. Both films are produced by life-long friends Julian Levin and Arturo Sampson and written by childhood friend, Alonso Ruizpalacios, staying true to the friendship theme.

Set in Mexico, the films explore themes of trust, forgiveness and acceptance in friendship as they follow the adventures of three life-long friends. A comic yet thought provoking story unfolds in the first film as the characters re-connect and explore how they have changed individually – and what impact this has on their relationship. Viewers will have to wait until the release of the second film, directed by Gael, to see what happens to these friends over time.

An exclusive trailer for the project, which gives fans a sneak peek into the world of Canana and the real life friendships that inspired the films, can be viewed at www.chivascanana.com.

Commenting on the collaboration, Canana founder and director of the first short, Diego Luna said, “We founded Canana so that we could work with our friends to make films in a way that felt different. Gael is like a brother to me, so it will always be exciting to work hand in hand.”

Adds Gael Garcia Bernal, “This is the first time Diego and I have worked together in this way – directing a film each, which work in succession as part of the same story. We have different directorial styles so it will be interesting to see how that comes across interpreting this story with the same characters.”

Created by brothers James and John Chivas and shared by friends around the world, Chivas understands that friendship and brotherhood are a vital source of inspiration and support for men.

Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, James Slack said, “The partnership with Canana is an exciting project for us. We wanted to work with a company that understood friendship in the same way that we do. We were founded by two ambitious brothers and their values of generosity, brotherhood and friendship have remained at the heart of Chivas. Canana mirrored these values, founded by friends who followed their shared passion and found success. We look forward to seeing the reaction to these films from our Chivas fans around the world.”

More about the partnership, including an introduction to Canana and the makers of the films, can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/ChivasRegal.

Notes: 

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 installment 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 please visit http://www.facebook.com/ChivasRegal 

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 labor 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.

NEWSFLASH!!!

As you know our Open Day this year is scheduled for Thursday 23rd May.   As a special wee treat for Society Members we are planning an exclusive tasting for Society Members in the Tasting Room on the afternoon of the 22nd May of the proposed “summer” bottling for the Society so that they can be involved in choosing the next cask.

If you are going to be in Campbeltown on that date please let us know so that we can give you details of time etc.

Slainte

Janet (please contact Janet to join the Society)

P.S.   We are in the process of picking a cask to be released shortly.

For the Springbank Society

J & A Mitchell and Co Ltd, The Tasting Room, 9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6HZ

Tel :   + 44(0) 1586 555492   Fax :  + 44(0) 1586 551110  website  http://www.springbankwhisky.com  

Benromach sales blossom as Gordon & MacPhail invests for future growth.

Benromach, Speyside’s smallest distillery, experienced exceptional sales growth in 2012 and its rise is set to continue with investment in a new bottling line in 2013.

Benromach’s overall sales were up by 40% in 2012 and exports increased by 55%. The handmade single malt, which includes Benromach 10 Years Old as part it its portfolio, experienced particularly strong growth in sales to China, Sweden, the USA and France. Sales in the UK increased by 13%.

Handcrafted by just two men, Keith Cruickshank and Mike Ross, it is no small feat for such a small distillery to increase its market share so much in one year.

Michael Urquhart, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, the family-run company which owns Benromach, commented: “As the smallest distillery in Speyside, Benromach is punching above its weight in terms of sales growth.

“Benromach’s single malts are becoming increasingly popular with people who want a whisky with a distinctive traditional Speyside style. We worked very hard to promote ourselves throughout the UK this year, resulting in a 13 percent increase in sales.

“Internationally, our importers in the USA have been letting more people in on the secret of Benromach, while in Sweden and France, new listings of Benromach with large drinks distributors have made an impact.

“China is our biggest success story of 2012. The Benromach 10 Years Old has really taken off over there, spurred on by success in the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition, where Benromach 10 Years Old gained a top award.”

To support the continued growth of Benromach, parent company Gordon & MacPhail has invested £540,000 in a new bottling line in Elgin and building works to improve production efficiencies. Gordon & MacPhail has been an independent bottler of single malt whiskies for over 100 years and the installation of the new line will free up the existing main line to deal with greater volumes of Benromach.

Notes:

About Gordon & MacPhail:
Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

About Benromach
Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

The Benromach portfolio includes the award-winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.