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.”

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.