GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES NEW CASK STRENGTH EXPRESSION

IN A “first” for GlenDronach, the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery has produced a new cask strength expression which has been bottled in November.

Worldwide aficionados of our unique, richly sherried malt can now enjoy a classic GlenDronach exactly as we made it – at cask strength, non-chill filtered and at natural colour.

Personally selected by Billy Walker and designed to supplement the core range of 12, 15, 18 and 21 YO vintages, the spectacular GlenDronach Cask Strength has been matured in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks.

The first batch comprises some 12,000 bottles.

Billy Walker’s tasting notes illustrate that this expression is destined to become just as iconic as the other wonderful vintages in the core range.

Colour
A deep golden body glistens with rich crimson.

Nose
A luscious balance of succulent sherry aromas explode in honey-drizzled golden sultanas spiced by warm oak and gentle ginger.

Palate
Intense toffee and cocoa cascade into the rich sherry-soaked dark fruits. Zested orange explodes in the long, alcohol-infused chocolate fondant.

Conclusions
Long and lingering.

GlenDronach, one of the first licensed distilleries, was founded in 1826 by James Allardice, a colourful and inventive Scot who pioneered wood finishing.

Almost two hundred years on, in keeping with this great tradition, we’ve invested heavily in our wood management programme. We mature our single malt whisky in premium quality sherry casks, hand-crafted from European oak by the most reputable and renowned bodegas from Jerez in the south of Spain.

Over time, silently resting in our warehouses by the Dronac Burn in Forgue, the interaction of the high-quality wood and the maturing whisky produces sensational results and flavours. Oloroso casks confer a heavier scented body on our single malt whisky, often adding subtle notes of fruit and toffee, while Pedro Ximenez casks give GlenDronach a rich, dark, zesty flavour. The combination of the two results in an avalanche of sublime tastes that leave an indelible impression on the taste buds…and the new GlenDronach Cask Strength is a perfect example of Billy Walker’s astounding ability to perfectly match wood to whisky.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on our new Cask Strength expression. If you would like to receive more information, please contact us on info@glendronachdistillery.co.uk

EARLY Christmas present for Sullivans Cove Whisky

Tasmanian Single Malt Sullivans Cove has been named World Whisky Grand Master by the world’s leading drinks magazine, The Sprits Business.

This latest accolade builds on what has been a record year for the luxury Tasmanian Single Malt, which was named “Southern Hemisphere Whisky of the Year” by Jim Murray and “Australasian Distiller of the Year” at Dominic Roskrow’s Wizards of Whisky earlier this year.

Global appetite for Sullivans Cove has peaked sharply and the boutique distiller has been forced to place stock on allocation to ensure that it does not run out stock before the whisky that it is currently producing is mature for bottling.

Speaking from London, judging panel chair and whisky commentator Neil Ridley said, “…Tasmania’s Sullivans Cove distillery created the biggest surprise of the day with their consistently well produced range of single malts.” Competition judge Shannon McCoy was especially impressed with Sullivans Cove’s offerings, remarking on their unique style compared to other international single malts.

Sullivans Cove’s Chief distiller Patrick Maguire couldn’t have asked for a better result, saying, “This has been an amazing year for us, many years of hard work are finally coming to fruition all at once and its fantastic to see Tasmanian single malt beginning to be recognised around the world.”

Sullivans Cove is available across Australia as well as the USA, France, Holland, Canada, the UK, New Caledonia, Singapore and Dubai.

About Sullivans Cove

Tasmania Distillery produces Sullivans Cove Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky. Sullivans Cove Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is double distilled using only Tasmanian barley with only the purest wilderness water from local mountains and forests. Matured in hand selected oak casks and allowed to settle and clear naturally, the whiskies retain full, creamy and lingering flavours that are winning fans the world over. Each cask is bottled separately, yielding only around 450 bottles, making each bottle a rare item to own and enjoy.

Tasmania Distillery Pty Ltd

Pre-Prohibition cocktails to celebrate Repeal Day on Dec. 5th – the anniversary of the passing of the 18th Amendment and end to Prohibition back in 1933!

Repeal Day

On Dec. 5, 1933, America passed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition, which outlawed alcohol from 1920 to 1933 known as Repeal Day. Without Prohibition’s repeal, America’s native spirit, bourbon, would have disappeared into history. To celebrate this national heritage, here are two classic bourbon recipes courtesy of Maker’s Mark®, America’s handcrafted bourbon. Cheers!

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

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

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

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

The perfect gift for someone who ‘nose’ their whisky

Speyside’s smallest distillery, Benromach, has launched a gift pack which will allow whisky lovers to get the most out of Benromach’s flagship single malt, the 10 Years Old.

The gift pack includes a 70cl bottle of Benromach 10 Years Old and two Benromach Blenders’ glasses. The tulip shaped nosing glasses are designed to help whisky lovers get the most from their single malt. The deep bowl of the glass allows the drinker to ‘swirl’ the whisky, then the narrow funnel concentrates the aromas at the top of the glass.

The gift pack is made of contemporary tin plate, with subtle and sophisticated Benromach branding on it. A handy carry handle means the gift pack can be easily taken along to festive celebrations to share with others.

Michael Urquhart, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, commented: “Nosing glasses really do improve the experience of whisky drinking, by capturing the aromas of the malt. Pour in a dram, swirl the glass and then savour the aromas of Benromach 10 Years Old – fresh green apples with a malty, digestive biscuit note and light peat smoke in the background.

“We think sharing a good single malt with friends is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an evening, which is why we decided to include two glasses.”

The Benromach Distillery, nestled in Speyside, employs just two men who make Benromach by hand, using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years.

The Benromach gift pack is on sale now, RRP £34.99.

A trio pack featuring some of Benromach’s most popular expressions is also available, RRP £34.99. The pack contains three 20cl bottles of Benromach 10 years Old, along with the Benromach Peat Smoke and the Benromach Organic, which was the first certified organic single malt Scotch whisky.

For more information about Benromach visit www.benromach.com

Notes

Benromach 10 Years Old
Tasting note
Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Awards
Benromach 10 Years Old was awarded the title of Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky (15 years and under) at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. Furthermore the product was awarded gold at the 2011 and 2010 Great Taste Awards and in November 2011 it gained gold at TheFiftyBest.com awards in New York. For the full list of Benromach 10 Years Old’s awards, visit: http://www.benromach.com/benromach/benromach-10-years-old-strength-43-14-benromach.html

The Malt Maniacs have published their 2012 Whisky Awards;

The Malt Maniacs Awards 2012

Introducing three NEW and exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies from Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch.  All bottled at cask strength, all limited editions, all launching in the next few months as noted below, some in time for the holidays (in case you’re looking for a special gift or working on a gift guide).

Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 Limited Edition Vintage – Launch date: November 2012
Often referred to as the cellar master’s best friend, a ‘valinch’ is a tube that is extended into the cask to get samples for tasting to determine if the whisky is ready for bottling. An apt name for this malt since the spirit is cask-strength. This is the 2nd bottling of this limited edition. As Scotland’s only triple-distilled malt, Auchentoshan is incredibly velvety and smooth yet Valinch has a distinct kick due to its cask strength.

SRP: $59.99 (750ml; 57.2% ABV); 1,300 bottles for U.S.

Glen Garioch 1986 Vintage – Launch date: November 2012
A new introduction from this small Highland distillery, Glen Garioch 1986 is very limited with 3,000 bottles available for the entire world. It is the fifth expression in Glen Garioch’s Vintage range to date – 1978, 1990, 1991 and 1994. It’s a liquid gem from a Highland distillery, a perfect dram for the whisky connoisseur.

SRP: $249.99 (750ml; 54.6%), 250 bottles for U.S.

Bowmore Dorus Mor Small Batch Release – Launch date: January 2013
This cask-strength, 10 Years Old Bowmore can be found throughout the world by a more ‘tempestous’ name that can’t be used in the U.S., so only here it’s known as Dorus Mor, a name chosen by the brand’s Facebook fans. A heady and strong whisky from the magical island of Islay, Bowmore Dorus Mor tastes of the very sea itself, bursting with the soul of the untamed Scottish weather and shows Bowmore’s trademark peat smokiness. This formidable tour de force is worthy of its strong name.

SRP $ $119.99 (750ml; 55.1% ABV); 2,400 bottles for U.S.

Ducks at Kilspindie partners with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Ducks at Kilspindie is thrilled to announce that it has been welcomed a partner bar of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – the world’s foremost malt whisky club. Ducks is now an official ‘home from home’ for Society members and whisky lovers alike where they can enjoy an extensive range of the Society’s exclusive cask whiskies in the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of Ducks’ new whisky snug.

Open to everyone, guests at Ducks will have the unique opportunity, initially, to sample sixteen of the Society’s distinctive single casks which are usually only available to members and their guests, making it the premier destination for any true malt whisky lover. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has worked closely with bar staff at Ducks to ensure that they can share the Society’s vast knowledge with their customers, providing an authentic Scotch Malt Whisky Society experience.

Ducks will also be hosting exclusive Society tasting dinners, where meals will be served based on their ability to compliment each whisky, they are also happy to arrange private whisky tastings for groups of two to eighty people.

Commenting on the venture, Mark Van Der Vijver from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society said:
“Ducks is synonymous with superb food, drink and service in the heart of East Lothian and with their hand-selected range of SMWS single cask whiskies, they have a rare and exclusive string in their bow. Malcolm and the team are now able to offer local malt enthusiasts and Society members an ever-changing variety of SMWS whiskies across their bar, award-winning restaurant and private events.”

Malcolm Duck added:
“This is massively exciting for us at Ducks. Members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society can now use Ducks as their own wee bar, whilst non members will also be able to sample these one off single barrel bottlings. We will be starting out with sixteen different bottles, including one from Japan. We go live on Monday 19th November, so come in and see us.”

Notes:
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society allows members to discover the very best single cask, single malt whisky anywhere in the world. Only ever bottled from a single cask, selected from a range of over 120 whisky distilleries, every Society whisky bottling is exceptional. To join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society visit www.smws.co.uk/memberships.

www.smws.co.uk

Located in the picturesque village of Aberlady, Duck’s at Kilspindie House is a relaxed, family run restaurant with rooms which offers guests two separate dining experiences; from two AA Rosette fine dining in Ducks Restaurant, to excellent bistro cuisine in Donald’s Bar Bistro. Ducks also offers twenty-three extremely comfortable en-suite bedrooms.

www.ducks.co.uk

GOURMAND WORLD WINE BOOKS AWARDS 2012

WINNER FOR CANADA – ENGLISH 

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert

In the category:  Best Spirits Book

Edouard Cointreau, President of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, today announced that Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, written by Canadian author, Davin de Kergommeaux has been awarded Best Spirits Book of 2012 for Canada.

The book now goes on to compete against winners from other countries for The Best in the World award. Results will be announced at 8:00 PM on Saturday February 23, 2013 at the annual Gourmand Book Awards Gala. An awards ceremony is to be held in Paris in the 1,400-seat theatre at Le Carrousel du Louvre, under the Pyramid of the Louvre Museum. This event, held annually, is part of the Paris Cookbook Fair, which this year runs from Friday, February 22 to Sunday 24, 2013.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert was published in hardcover on May 8, 2012, by McClelland and Stewart. Established in 1906, McClelland & Stewart is one of Canada’s most revered trade book publishing houses, whose internationally acclaimed authors include such notable Canadians as Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, Rohinton Mistry, Farley Mowat and Michael Ondaatje.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Gala event draws a huge international presence, with books from 171 countries competing. It is the only sector of book publishing that benefits from such an Awards event involving so many countries.

All information will be available on the Gourmand World Cook Book Awards website

BALLANTINE’S CONTINUES ITS LEAVE AN IMPRESSION CAMPAIGN WITH THE LAUNCH OF LOUD BLUE

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, is highlighting its associations with music and personal expression with the launch of Ballantine’s Loud Blue, a social media platform that invites brand fans worldwide to ‘leave an impression through music in a unique and creative way’.

Created with digital partner Work Club, Ballantine’s Loud Blue is an algorithm that turns Instagram photos into music. The platform analyses data from users’ photographs to trigger different musical genres and sounds in order to create music that represents the image itself, resulting in a unique and sharable photo-track. Ballantine’s fans are invited to take a photo using Instagram, tag it #loudblue and share it on Twitter. They will then receive an automatic link back from @loudblue to their own unique piece of music.

Designed to be rolled out across markets over the next two years, Ballantine’s Loud Blue is launching in Brazil this month and sees the brand continue its collaborations with local musicians in key markets. In Brazil, Ballantine’s has teamed up with local DJ duo, Felguk, who have offered their unique sounds to the Ballantine’s Loud Blue algorithm and will also produce a song sampling users’ creations, inspired by the photographic theme “My Brazil”. The project and partnership will be celebrated at a live event where Felguk will premiere their exclusive Ballantine’s Loud Blue track to their fans.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s International Brand Director, says “Ballantine’s is renowned for its dynamic and engaging marketing initiatives and we’re encouraged by the impact they’ve made. We’re making significant in-roads in emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Poland and Russia thanks in part to our innovative marketing activities and we’re confident that Ballantine’s Loud Blue will continue this success and resonate with our target audience.”

Ballantine’s Loud Blue is the latest consumer activation under the brand’s hugely successful global marketing platform, ‘Leave an Impression’, which launched in 2007.

To try Ballantine’s Loud Blue, visit www.ballantines.com/loudblue

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

About Work Club
Work Club is a full service digital & social marketing agency. In 2011, the agency was named Marketing’s Digital Agency of the Year in recognition of its creativity and effectiveness. Work Club helps its clients understand and leverage the impact of digital and social media on their brands and businesses. Its work addresses a wide range of business and brand challenges for global, regional and UK clients, most of which are No.1 or No.2 in their sectors.

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

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

JAMESON HITS FOUR MILLION CASES

Jameson Irish Whiskey has reinforced its position as the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey with the announcement today that it has reached the significant landmark of four million case sales globally. This figure includes the sale of more than one million cases in the United States alone and underlines 23 years of consecutive growth for the brand.

The announcement reflects recent sales figures which highlight the success of Jameson as an Irish export, where it is sold in over 120 markets. Sales volumes have increased by +15%, while value has increased by +18%*. Jameson’s largest market, the US, is growing at +29% with 49 of the 50 states in double digit growth. Key markets such as Russia and South Africa, where Jameson is now the second biggest international premium whiskey brand, also enjoyed huge success.

As one of Ireland’s most successful exports, Jameson is playing a key role in the export led recovery of the Irish economy. The whiskey has been distilled in Midleton, Co Cork, since 1975 where a recent €100 million investment was made by Irish Distillers to expand the distillery in order to cater for future growth, as it is now operating at full capacity. There is an additional €100 million investment in a new maturation site in Dungourney, Co Cork.

Anna Malmhake, CEO, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Anna Malmhake, CEO, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard commented, “We are delighted and proud to have reached the four million cases milestone. To think in 1988, when Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, Jameson sold just 466,000 cases globally, with Ireland as its main market. Since then, Jameson has witnessed consistent and sustained investment, with a long-term strategic outlook based on premiumisation and innovation coupled with strong and targeted marketing. The result has been incredible global success with 50 markets now in double digit growth worldwide. To have reached the four million cases milestone, which equates to over 1.3 billion glasses of Jameson consumed around the world last year, is a true reflection of the growing international success of Jameson, and the future potential of the company’s entire Irish Whiskey portfolio.”

“I wish to pay particular tribute to everyone in Irish Distillers from the distillery in Midleton; the bottling plant at Fox and Geese in Dublin, our Visitors Centres and our head office. It is through the support and dedication of our employees in the home of Jameson that this great Irish success story continues to grow.”

* Pernod Ricard figures 2011/12

About Jameson:
Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard
Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally, including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For further information visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com