CANADIAN WHISKY
The Portable Expert
DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX

“This is an important time for Canadian whisky and this is an important book which isn’t just a story of a drink, but a story of Canada itself..”
–Dave Broom, author of The World Atlas of Whisky

Davin de Kergommeaux takes readers on a journey through the first systematic presentation of Canadian whisky: how it’s made, who makes it, why it tastes the way it does, its history, and the rich, centuries-old folklore surrounding it.

Join whisky authority Davin de Kergommeaux on a pan-Canadian journey from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, celebrating the diversity of Canada’s unique spirit. With his conversational and accessible tutelage, de Kergommeaux offers readers a carefully researched, reliable, and authoritative guide to Canadian whisky that is, quite simply, not available anywhere else. Not only a book describing the history and culture of the spirit, Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is also an informed exploration of taste. For the first time, whisky consumers — experts and novices alike — can approach Canadian whisky with a connoisseur’s appreciation of its rich subtleties.

“de Kergommeaux’s book isn’t just important, it’s a game changer, bringing to life an extraordinary and evolving whisky industry.”
–Dominic Roskrow, author of The World’s Best Whiskies and 1001 Whiskies to Try Before You Die

“Davin has brilliantly captured Canada’s true spirit.”
— John K. Hall, Whisky Maker, Forty Creek Whisky, Ontario

“Superbly researched and written, it is a must have for the whisky lover. If you have not discovered Canadian whisky, yet, let Davin be your guide.”
— Rob Allanson, Editor, Whisky Magazine

Canadian Whisky – The Portable Expert is available from Amazon

DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX is the author of the recently published Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, the definitive guide to Canadian whisky. An independent whisky expert, de Kergommeaux has been writing about, talking about, and teaching about whisky for more than a decade and a half. His writing and tasting notes appear in Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate, Scotch Whisky Review, Whisky and Fine Spirits, various lifestyle magazines, and on websites such as maltmaniacs.org. His website, www.canadianwhisky.org , has become a reference standard for Canadian whiskies with its comprehensive and no-nonsense tasting notes. Just six months after it was launched in 2010, the Association of Canadian Food Bloggers named de Kergommeaux’s website as the best wine and spirits blog of the year..

Internationally acclaimed whisky writer, Dave Broom invited de Kergommeaux to write the chapter on Canadian whisky for his most recent book, The World Atlas of Whisky, released in October 2010. De Kergommeaux also wrote all the Canadian entries in Dominic Roskrow’s new book, 1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die. De Kergommeaux’s own book, Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert was published by McClelland & Stewart in May 2012 to enthusiastic reviews, and is distributed in Canada and the U.S. by Random House. The book is available world-wide through most on-line book sellers in hardcover and as an e-book.

De Kergommeaux is a much sought after judge at international whisky competitions, including the World Whisky Awards. Since 2003, he has served as a judge for the annual Malt Maniacs Awards. These are long-standing and highly respected whisky competitions. Given his commitment to telling the Canadian whisky story and to making its qualities known around the world, in 2010 he decided to create the annual Canadian Whisky Awards, which he coordinates as well as leading the judging panel.

The pursuit of whisky is an individual passion as it is also about individual taste. This is why de Kergommeaux also leads tutored tastings for both individuals and groups. People certainly like what they hear. His master classes at the Victoria Whisky Festival, in British Columbia. have regularly sold-out well in advance every year since 2009. Similarly his master classes for the “Spirit of Toronto” event at Roy Thomson Hall have become a mainstay of this event.

Still, it’s a sad fact of whisky life that Canadian whisky, despite its quality, doesn’t get its due. And worse, myths and misunderstandings about Canadian whisky abound, only to confuse those who try to learn more. De Kergommeaux has taken on this challenge and is committed to change that with his book, his articles, and his regular public appearances, using a “kill-rumours-with-facts” approach. It is his mission to help serious whisky fans and whisky newcomers alike to discover one of Canada’s best-kept secrets: the hidden riches of Canadian whisky.

SOMETHING SPECIAL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF LATIN ART WITH ENBOTELLARTE MIAMI EVENT

Something Special, the No. 2 blended Scotch whisky in South America* is celebrating its tenth year collaborating with Latin American artists with the return of its acclaimed Enbotellarte competition. Inspired by the brand’s famous diamond-shaped bottle, the competition will culminate with an event in Miami’s Design District in November.

Enbotellarte 2012 invites creative talent from six markets across Latin America to create a piece of artwork inspired by the iconic Something Special bottle and that reflects their response to the question: ‘What makes you Something Special?’ The campaign – which is being supported with targeted promotion in each market to encourage entries from artists and consumers – aims to increase perception of Something Special as an innovative and contemporary brand in key markets.

Andre Barquero - Danza Vitrificada

Internationally-acclaimed artist, Eduardo Bolioli, resumes his role as head juror of the competition and is joined on the judging panel by fellow artist Juliana Rosales**. Winners will be announced in October and invited to take part in Enbotellarte Miami the following month, where they will gain exposure through press conferences aimed at promoting fresh, artistic talent across South America. The event will end with a public exhibition featuring the artwork of the Enbotellarte 2012 finalists as well as works from established artists from Miami and Latin America, who have been specially commissioned by Eduardo Bolioli***.

Eric Benoist, International Marketing Director for Chivas Brothers, says: “The creativity inspired by the Something Special bottle delights us each year and we are thrilled to be showcasing the 2012 Enbotellarte winners’ work in Miami this year. We are proud that over the last decade, we have been able to support, nurture and promote some of the most exciting talent from Latin America, and we look forward to discovering how this year’s artists have embraced Enbotellarte in portraying their individuality.”

Martin Mendizabal - 6 440

Previous Enbotellarte competitions have tasked Latin American consumers with making films, animation and computer generated images, incorporating the renowned Something Special bottle, which was created in the 18th Century by an Edinburgh-based diamond cutter.

Enbotellarte 2012 is open to artists in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Guatemala as well as artists residing in Miami.

Paola Rojas - Something Special Kilt

For further information about the Enbotellarte competition, visit www.enbotellarte.com

* within the premium Scotch whisky segment according to Pernod Ricard market view CY2011

** Juliana Rosales is a video, net art, noise and installation artist, architect, photographer and curator working in Montevideo, Uruguay. While working with the Fundacion de Arte Contemporaneo (an independent group of contemporary artists), she helped curate exhibitions and edited and published ARTE, a contemporary art magazine. As an artist, her work focuses on the digital and landscape, architecture and nature. Most recently, Rosales was commissioned to create an installation on the interior façade of the Centro Cultural de España in Montevideo to address environmental issues.

*** Artists commissioned by Eduardo Bolioli include:

• Tony Vázquez, Miami

• Mariana Monteagudo, Miami

• Lily Acevedo, Guatemala

• Francisco Martínez, Venezuela

• Geovanny Verdezoto, Ecuador

• Sheila Alvarado, Perú

• Emanuel Rodríguez, Costa Rica

• Pía Bernal Tello, Colombia

Peter Amezquite - Un Mundo Ideal

Notes:

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.

Magdalena Arman - Liquid Life

For further information please visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

Remainder of Rare 70 Year Old Single Malt Released

The last remaining bottles of one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive single malt Scotch whiskies is set to go on sale at a special event in Canada today (Thursday 20 September).

Gordon & MacPhail, the world’s leading malt whisky specialist, will release the last 100 bottles of its Glenlivet 70 Years Old at the opening of the new World Duty Free at Vancouver International Airport.

The first batch of the Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old was released in March 2011, following an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle. The release was met with international acclaim from whisky enthusiasts and the world press. All 100 large decanters sold quickly to customers worldwide.

This second, and final, release from this cask is expected to create similar excitement as it offers one last chance for collectors and consumers to own a piece of Scotland’s liquid history. The product will be exclusively available at Vancouver International Airport until it is released to the rest of the world on 1 November 2012.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the international interest for our Generations range. It’s fitting that we’re able to mark the worldwide demand and appeal of Scotch malt whiskies with the second release of this sublifme single malt at Vancouver International Airport, a gateway between the Far East, North America and Europe.”

Cask 339 was filled at Glenlivet Distillery on 3rd February 1940, to the instruction of John Urquhart, grandfather and great-grandfather of Gordon & MacPhail’s current owners. Successive generations of the Urquhart family waited for the day when it would be ready to share with fellow whisky enthusiasts. 70 years on, the whisky was bottled at cask strength (45.9%).

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, added:

“Our family has passed its knowledge and expertise of Scotch whisky from generation to generation since we were founded over 115 years ago. This is clearly reflected in the Generations range and the Glenlivet 70 Year Old, is an exceptional single malt, matured in the highest quality cask. We’re proud to be able to share this with the rest of the world.”

World-renowned whisky expert, Charles Maclean, said:

“The Glenlivet 1940 comes from a distillery which has been the benchmark against which other malts have been measured since the 1820s. Such a whisky will never be seen again. It is incredibly rare, and therefore highly collectable. But, more importantly, it is also celestial on the palate!”

Each bottle is beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a Sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Yew.

Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old was matured in a First Fill Sherry Butt, and bottled at cask strength (45.9% ABV). The decanter has a recommended retail price in the of $35,888 CAD. It is the second in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon & MacPhail under its Generations brand. In 2010 the family owned firm made history as it released Generations Mortlach 70 Years Old, in Scotland’s capital city, at Edinburgh Castle.

Prices may vary in different countries due to different excise and sales taxes and currency fluctuations.

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

Fiona Urquhart great granddaughter of John Urquhart, who ordered the casks to be filled

TASTING NOTE

The Glenlivet 1940 by Charles MacLean

70YO Single cask Speyside @45.9%Vol

Appearance: Deep amber, with tawny lights. First fill sherry butt.
Aroma: A mild nose-feel. The first aroma is of an old cocktail cabinet, with sherry notes predominating: polished wood, soft leather and a trace of candlewax. Behind this are fruity notes, lightly baked apples (even Tarte Tatin), but also fresh orange juice, and a thread of smoke or ash in the distance Adding a drop of water suuresses the fruity notes and slightly enhances the sweetness (now tablet) and smokiness.
Taste: A waxy, teeth-coating, mouthfeel; smooth and voluptuous. The taste is sweetish to start, then savoury, with a trace of salt – might this be a rare example of ‘umami’ in whisky, the elusive fifth primary taste? The finish is long, with a faint smokiness in the aftertaste. Drinks well at natural strength. With a drop of water the flavours remain intact.
Development: Fades gracefully towards vanilla fudge and sanded wood.
Comment: A stupendous whisky! Although it resonates with aged character – and, indeed. characteristics from another era – it retains vitality, both on the nose and in the mouth.

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.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing 100 70cl and 175 20cl decanters of 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011. Now they have released the remaining 100 70cl decanters from this cask.

About World Duty Free

Vancouver is North America’s gateway to Asia where the old world meets the new. World Duty Free has made a commitment to further this connection by bringing together exceptional people with exceptional product. World Duty Free’s “Connoisseur Collection” at Vancouver International Airport now offers one of the finest ranges of premium whiskey in the world.

CHIVAS REGAL CELEBRATES HERITAGE AND SARTORIAL STYLE WITH NEW LIMITED EDITION COLLECTIBLE

Chivas Regal, the original luxury whisky, has teamed up with British luxury shoe designer, Tim Little, to launch a limited edition collectible tin. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Made for Gentlemen by Tim Little is the first in a series of annual collaborations with modern craftsmen who share a passion for style, discernment, heritage and creativity.

The limited edition tin – designed by Little, the owner and creative director of British luxury shoe label, Grenson – is inspired by the modern gentleman’s wardrobe staple, the handmade brogue. The bold and masculine design aims to appeal to Chivas’ largely-male customer base and features a stylish deconstruction of this classic shoe.

James Slack, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “Made for Gentlemen highlights Chivas’ appreciation of heritage, craftsmanship and luxury. Our core customers are successful, modern gentlemen who seek style and substance in the brands that they connect with. Our collaboration with Tim Little taps into this insight – it’s stylish, distinctive and, importantly, a modern take on the typical whisky gift tin.”

Available in more than 60 markets worldwide from September 2012, orders for the Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen Limited Edition by Tim Little have already exceeded two million units, making it one of brand owner Chivas Brothers’ most successful limited editions to date. Participating markets include the UK, Germany, Thailand, Gulf and Colombia, with the UK RRP set at £25.39.

Notes

About Chivas Regal

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. 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 please visit www.chivas.com 

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 visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

About Tim Little

British designer and shoemaker Tim Little has designed and crafted footwear for discerning gentlemen for over twenty year. He is the Creative Director and owner of heritage luxury footwear brand Grenson, founded in 1866, and heads up his own brand, ‘Tim Little’ which he launched in 1997. He is credited with transforming Grenson, a traditional English shoemaker, into a contemporary mark of luxury.

For further information visit www.grenson.com and www.timlittle.com

Hooker’s House Bourbon from Sonoma Awarded best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2012 SIP Awards

Sonoma, CA. Hooker’s House Bourbon a Sonoma-Style Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a platinum Medal at the 2012 SIP awards last week. The platinum award was the only one given to asmall batch Bourbon in three years and one of three in the crowded American Whiskey category.

Hooker’s House Bourbon is the first Bourbon Whiskey to be finished in neutral Pinot Noir barrels giving it a unique wine country flavor profile and local story. Hooker’s House Bourbon ($36) 750ml bottle, 50% ABV (100 proof) finished and bottled in Sonoma, California.

Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged in neutral Pinot Noir barrels after spending time in new white American Oak barrels. Double barreling the Bourbon enhances the quality spirit with Wine Country influence of dark fruits, cherries and violets on the nose and pallet. The mash bill produces a sweet and savory balance of Corn and Rye. “The hot days and cool nights of the Carneros are ideal for grape growing and also excellent for aging Bourbon” says Fred Groth Founder of Prohibition Spirits and HelloCello. “The constant expansion and contraction makes the Bourbon ‘breath’ and gives it life”.

Hooker’s House Bourbon pays respect to the infamous General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War veteran, Sonoma resident, ladies man and whiskey aficionado. The spicy and bold character of Hooker’s House Bourbon is matched by General Hooker’s over indulging and sometimes outrageous lifestyle.

The 2012 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards were created to fill the void that is the current state of international spirits competitions. The illusion created by massive advertising budgets, celebrity endorsements and lofty judging is old, tired and susceptible to industry bias. The SIP Awards are the first to cut to the core of public opinion as a starting point, rather than an afterthought, in branding and product development. On July 14th 75 judges examined over 400 spirit brands in a blind taste test.

About

Hooker’s House Bourbon is aged and bottled by Prohibition Spirits, a new line from the founders of HelloCello, Fred & Amy Groth. Their other products include Limoncello di Sonoma, BelloCello, FigCello and blood OrangeCello.

For tours, industry tastings and more information please contact Fred Groth: Fred@HelloSonoma.com 707.721.6290. Learn more at: www.Prohibition-Spirits.com & www.HelloSonoma.com

FLAMING HEART is back!

Rock ‘n’ Roll-inspired Limited Edition whisky from Compass Box Whisky Co. returns to popular acclaim

Award-winning boutique whiskymaker, Compass Box Whisky Company, announces the fourth release of its popular, rock’n’roll-inspired FLAMING HEART Blended Malt Scotch whisky. It is big, bold and smoky with rich, concentrated vanilla and spice character.

John Glaser, American-born founder and whiskymaker of the London-based company, has created this new, fourth edition which once again pushes the boundaries by melding three Scotch styles: smoke, spice and sweetness. Only 9,147 bottles have been produced – perfectly in time for the holiday entertaining season. FLAMING HEART has previously won numerous awards, including Malt Advocate’s ‘Blended Whisky of the Year’ in 2011, and was awarded 95.5 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. Glaser believes this version is probably the best yet:

“This is really one of our whiskies I am most proud of. Because there is, to our knowledge, no other Scotch whisky like it. No other that combines peat smoke and sweetness like this.”

“This is a whisky inspired by a rock song. Appropriate, perhaps, as rock music has long been associated with rebellion against societal norms and our humble company has been associated, for better or for worse, with a reaction against the “traditions” of Scotch whisky production. We like to think of our approach as reflecting a craft ethos –making whisky better for the sake of it. Flaming Heart is an ideal example of this approach. In the melodramatic parlance of a rock lyric, it is a whisky born of fire, yet one with a big heart.’

Befitting its name, the packaging of FLAMING HEART is thought-provoking and representative of the whisky’s rebel-like personality. The front label is illustrated by London-based artist, Alex Machin, while the packaging is designed by London and New York-based agency, Stranger & Stranger.

To celebrate the worldwide launch of Flaming Heart, Compass Box is designating Wednesday 3rd October FLAMING HEART DAY, encouraging as many people as possible to raise a glass of Flaming Heart together, wherever they are in the world.

ABOUT FLAMING HEART
“With this edition we worked hard to maintain the style of the popular 2010 version, but adding slightly more complexity. We started with some beautiful casks of Clynelish aged in American oak. Adding a large quantity of heavy-peated whisky and a large quantity of whiskies which had gone through a secondary maturation in new French oak. And to top it off, we added a tiny amount of whiskies aged in sherry casks, just 1% of the total recipe, but it helped to contribute added complexity which you can notice.” – John Glaser, Whiskymaker.

The original limited edition of FLAMING HEART debuted in 2006 and was then followed-up by small-batch productions in 2007 and 2010. The whiskies for the fourth Limited Edition of FLAMING HEART come from Single Malt whiskies from distilleries located in the Northern Highlands, Islay, Speyside and Islands, primarily from the south shore of Islay and the village of Brora (Highlands). The recipe is made up of 66.7% Highland Single Malts (for fruitiness and perfume) and 33.3% Islay and Island Single Malts (smokiness and peat). The whiskies are matured in 75% American Oak (which imparts notes of vanilla), 24% New French Oak (clove spice) and 1% Sherry cask (dried fruits).

Bottled at 48.9% alcohol by volume, this limited release of 9,147 bottles was bottled in August 2012. It is non-chillfiltered and has a natural colour. Sip neat or with the addition of water, to taste. Pricing will be approximately $115 in the USA, £83 in the UK and €100 in Europe. It will be available in Europe from September and from early October in the USA.

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)
The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser. Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world. A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism. They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion. Their latest creation is a ground-breaking range of Blended Scotch whiskies called Great King Street. The first in the range is Artist’s Blend.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER
American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000. Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.

Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

A Scotch Whisky Blend Made Just for New York

Great King Street to Release the First of its Limited Release Regional Blends

GREAT KING STREET, the Blended Scotch whisky specialist brand launched by the Compass Box Whisky Company last year, has announced they will launch next month their NEW YORK BLEND, the first of the brand’s Limited Release regional blends.

Compass Box founder and Great King Street whiskymaker John Glaser explains: “We were approached by the New York Whisky Fest last year asking us to debut a new whisky at this year’s festival, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to start a series of regional blends, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. What better place to begin than New York?”

Glaser has long been inspired by the old Scotch whisky blending houses of 120 years ago who commonly made different blends for regional tastes. He has also been inspired by the ways in which blends were made in this period, delivering far more flavour than those of today. These things have formed the basis of his whiskymaking approach for the Great King Street brand.

For the New York Blend, Glaser made two key discoveries that inspired this one-off, limited edition bottling. One was an ancient New York Times article describing an 1890s bartender named Patrick Duffy who was responsible for instigating the importation of branded Scotch whisky in glass bottles for the first time into New York. Second, was an old Scotch blend recipe from a Glasgow blending house from the same era. Glaser fashioned a blend based on the old recipe and dedicated the bottling to Duffy, and the New York Blend was born.

What sets this Great King Street blend apart from Scotch whisky blends of today is flavour. The New York Blend uses lots of peaty single malts, plenty of sherry cask-aged single malts, and a much higher proportion of malt to grain whisky (80%/20%) than is typically used today (generally 30%/70%).

The Great King Street “New York Blend” will be launched on Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at the New York Whisky Fest at the Marriot Marquis hotel in Manhattan. Only 1,840 bottles are being released and it will be available primarily in the New York metropolitan area and via the Compass Box Whisky Company web site. The suggested US retail price will be $75.00. Glaser plans more Great King Street regional blends in the future, but for now he is mum about the details of where or when!

ABOUT GREAT KING STREET www.greatkingstreet.com
“This is more than a brand; it’s a mission. A mission to get people – all people – to take a fresh look at Blended Scotch; to join in the Rebirth of the Blend: in how Blends are made, how they are viewed, how they are consumed.” – John Glaser, Whiskymaker

Great King Street is a new range of whiskies solely dedicated to Blended Scotch Whisky. The first in the range, the Artist’s Blend, launched in 2011. The name and label are inspired by Compass Box’s registered office address in Scotland – 24 Great King Street, in Edinburgh. By applying the same skill, techniques and philosophy used for the Compass Box Signature Range of whiskies, Great King Street will offer a style and approach to Blended Scotch that has not existed before. The keys are using individually chosen casks from some of Scotland’s best distilleries, a high proportion of malt whisky, truly excellent quality grain whiskies, and the careful use of new French Oak aging for added complexity. All bottled at a natural colour and without chill-filtering. They call whiskies made with this approach ‘craft blends’.

Glaser explains, “In a world where malt whisky gets all the attention, people often overlook the pleasures of good Blended Scotch. We believe that Great King Street will change this. There are good reasons why the blending of grain whisky and malt whisky has been the mainstay of the Scotch industry for over 100 years. Well-made Blended Scotches have an elegance and approachability that make them a joy to drink. Great King Street will offer a new and compelling alternative for both whisky enthusiasts who ordinarily drink only malt whiskies, and for whisky novices.”

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)
The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser. Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world. A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism. They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion. Their latest creation is a ground-breaking range of Blended Scotch whiskies called Great King Street. The first in the range is Artist’s Blend.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER
American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000. Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.
Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

Whiskey in NAFTA to 2016: Market Guide

This report provides detailed analysis into the Whisk(e)y markets in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The report provides market growth dynamics and examines market consumption, consumption by major brands, consumption by channel (off- and on-premise), consumption by price segment and consumption by alcoholic strength.

Furthermore the report details for American, Canadian, Scotch & Irish Whisk(e)y by country overall consumption, consumption by price segment and by alcoholic strength. Actual data is included from 2006-2011 with forecast data provided for 2012-2016.

View table of contents: http://www.drinksector.com/toc.asp?idReport=648

Order online; http://www.drinksector.com/basket.asp?idReport=648&basketAction=auto

Whisk(e)y market guides are also available for the following regions (click on the region for more information):

Emerging Markets, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific & Latin America

Individual country reports are also available.

Just in time for election season; here are a  few fun political entertaining tips from celebrity pundit couple James Carville and Mary Matalin. As part of the Maker’s Mark Cocktail Party campaign, this couple has been poking fun at partisan rancor working up to the elections by encouraging civility at your own cocktail party!

Below are a few tips from Carville and Matalin on how to keep political discussion fun and respectful at your readers’ cocktail parties this fall.

In election season entertaining, political discussions are potential fights in a mixed political crowd. Luckily, these things can be handled in a way to make it fun. Just ask political pundit couple, Mary Matalin and James Carville, who are famous for their vocal advocacy on opposite sides of the partisan divide.

The duo have teamed up with Maker’s Mark Whisky for a humorous “Cocktail Party” campaign about putting partisan differences aside for the sake of good old Kentucky bourbon. You can see a video example of this campaign through this link.

Mary Matalin: Agree to disagree. Let’s face it, when it comes to talking politics, you’re not always going to agree with what you’re going to hear especially if it’s coming from over there (in reference to Carville).To avoid heated arguments, wait until those with opposing beliefs are finished with what they have to say and kindly respond “well, that’s a perspective”…… then resist the temptation to rip their face off..rule number one in cocktail parties: never make anyone uncomfortable in your home (even morons).

James Carville: Don’t try to change your guest’s opinions. I’ve tried with my wife the first years we were together and went to hell with that. Instead, try to understand their opinions without necessarily agreeing and find a common ground that you both can connect on.

Mary Matalin: As strategists, you have to always keep your eye on all aspects of your objective…for a successful party, make sure your hor d’oeuvres and nibbles include some that are bite size and can be enjoyed without flatware or plates; no one wants to be trapped with a blowhard on an empty stomach!

James Carville: Overall, let loose and enjoy yourself! At the end of a day, it’s a cocktail party! No one wants angry partisanship to ruin conversation; try witty or charming partisanship instead.

Mary Matalin: Agreed.