SMWS unveils world’s first interactive whisky magazine for iPad

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has unveiled a fully interactive iPad version of its award-winning members’ magazine Unfiltered – the first of its kind on Apple’s global Newsstand platform.

As well as offering some previously unseen content for the Society’s 26,000-strong membership, Unfiltered on the iPad also opens the magazine up to non-members, with videos, interviews and features, 360-degree photography, interactive maps and hidden extras for the curious of spirit.

SMWS teamed up with incumbent customer publisher Connect Communications to develop the cutting edge publication, designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the iPad’s capabilities. The result is as beautiful as it is useable, showcasing the creative photography and industry-leading writing that have become Unfiltered’s stock in trade.

Commenting on the launch, Unfiltered editor Kai Ivalo said: “Our vision for Unfiltered on the iPad was to reflect the excitement, adventure and curiosity which comes with a love of great whisky. Like a good dram, it impresses from the first nosing, but also has hidden depths for those prepared to explore.”

Richard Croasdale of Connect Communications added: “We knew from the outset that we wanted to avoid a flat reproduction of the print magazine – our readers expect us to be more imaginative. So we’ve fundamentally rethought what Unfiltered can be and how readers can interact with it. It’s been an exciting journey and we’re confident that Unfiltered has once again set the benchmark for its peers.”

Unfiltered can be downloaded now through iTunes or directly through Newsstand on the iPad. Search for ‘Unfiltered’, or visit http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/unfiltered/id525768278?mt=8

Love Isle of Skye Whisky – £440 Worth of Isle of Skye Whisky Savings Plus WIN a break to the majestic Isle of Skye

From 1 September, look out for special promotional bottles of Isle of Skye Whisky in all major retailers stocking Isle of Skye throughout Scotland.

There will be a huge range of Isle of Skye savings worth £440 up for grabs, plus the chance to win a two-night self-catering break to the majestic Isle.

Special offers and discounts range from 20% off prints at The Croft Studio and by Diana Mackie, to free child places at Seaprobe Atlantis, 20% off at The Tartan Company and up to 20% off at Clan Donald.

Click here to find out more about this promotion

Black Bull 12 Year Old Recommendation

Black Bull 12 Year Old has been recommended in 101 Whiskies to Try before You Die. This book is intended as an accompaniment to his previous publication under the same name. Ian Buxton makes a new selection of 101 whiskies by broadening his geographical domain in which to choose from, he also takes care not to choose expressions from the same brand to allow for a greater diversity of whisky brands.

101 Whiskies to Try before You Die is not an awards list – it’s a guide to the 101 whiskies that enthusiasts must seek out and try in order to complete their whisky education. Furthermore, the book avoids the deliberately obscure and focuses on the whiskies that he believes every whisky lover should taste.

The selection process was governed by three basic conditions 1) Readily available 2) Affordable 3) An excellent example of its kind.

Black Bull 12 Year Old comfortably meets all these conditions, and is a must try!

The author Ian Buxton is a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. He now runs a successful consultancy business. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1991, the highest honour of the Scotch whisky industry, and is a member of the international tasting panel for the annual World Whisky Awards and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited
www.duncantaylor.com

Black Bull 40 Year Old Batch 3

Batch 3 of Black Bull 40 Year Old has recently been bottled and is soon to be available to purchase from retailers.

Black Bull 40YO batch 3 is a mix of 14.4% Grain Whiskies and 85.6% malt Whiskies from some of Scotland’s premium distilleries.

Black Bull 40 Year Old Batch 3 (41.6%, 70cl) Tasting Notes:

Colour: Bright Gold
Nose: Raisins, roasted almonds, butter scotch, dark chocolate, orange zest, freshly cut grass.
Taste: Citrus fruits, manuka honey, faint smoked oakiness, wild berries with a distance coastal flavour emerging.
Finish: Long mouth coating finish with a delicate traces of chocolate covered cherries, with salty traces fighting their way to the front.
Comment: This is a dram to be savoured and enjoyed.

Contact kat@duncantaylor.com for information regarding the location of shop retailers and URLs for Online retailers that are soon to be stocking the Black Bull range and any other Duncan Taylor Ranges.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited

www.duncantaylor.com

Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky raises a glass to Fife’s Ship Inn Cricket team on Scotland’s most famous pitch

Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky kicked off the summer cricket season in style by announcing its official sponsorship of The Ship Inn cricket team on Scotland’s most famous pitch – Elie beach in Fife.

Supported by Isle of Skye Whisky, one of The Ship Inn team’s first wins of the season was captured on film by BBC Scotland. Landward’s presenter Dougie Vipond joined the Ship Inn team as special honorary team member on 27 May for a special feature on Elie’s unusual cricket ground. With players and spectators basking in glorious summer sunshine on the golden sands, the quaint fishermen’s cottages of Elie proved the perfect backdrop to this traditional British summertime pursuit and The Ship Inn’s team glory. Watch the episode online.

The cricket season runs through to 9 September with home games at Elie taking place every second Sunday. People are being encouraged to come along, rain or shine, and support the Ship Inn cricket team for some guaranteed entertaining sport, delicious food at the Ship Inn and of course a wee dram of Isle of Skye 8 Years Old.

For future game listings visit: www.ship-elie.com

Benromach’s stillmen at centre of distillery’s new creative concept

Two Scottish distillery workers have been penned by the Scottish illustrator, Jill Calder, to feature at the heart of a new design concept set to showcase the secret of Benromach, Speyside’s smallest distillery, to the UK and internationally.

Benromach is handmade by just two stillmen – Keith Cruickshank and Mike Ross – who make in one year what other distillers make in a week, making it one of Scotland’s best kept whisky secrets. Keith and Mike have now been immortalised in Fife-based artist Jill Calder’s illustrations, reflecting the personal qualities the two men bring to Benromach and its expressions. The design concept will be used in the distillery’s advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns.

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, the family-run Elgin company which owns Benromach commented: “Benromach is a handmade, boutique whisky which is lovingly crafted by Keith and Mike. They are the essence of Benromach and so we thought it appropriate that they were placed front and centre of our new concept.

“Jill’s illustrations are a perfect fit for Benromach – home and handmade and with loving attention to detail.

Douglas Alexander of Stuff Creative was briefed to give the Benromach brand a new creative personality. Doug, who founded Stuff Creative in November 2011, commented: “We wanted to find a creative personality for the brand that would let it talk and express itself. Anyone who visits Benromach can meet Keith and Mike, but now those who can’t make the trip to Forres personally can ‘meet’ both of them in Benromach displays across the country.

“I’ve worked with the Urquhart family, which owns Benromach, for 25 years, in each agency I’ve been a part of. They have a lot of vision and guts, and it really has been exciting working with the family and Jill Calder to bring the brand to life and celebrate the two men who make it all happen at the distillery.”

Jill Calder commented: “Illustrating Benromach distillery and its two stillmen, Keith and Mike, was a lovely process. I’ve never been a whisky drinker but they’ve done their best to try and convert me!”

Keith and Mike’s illustrations are available, but in large file size (3MB each). Please confirm if you would like to receive these illustrations via email.

Notes:

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.

Just two men hand-craft Benromach 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 portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.

For more information on Benromach, visit www.benromach.com

About Jill Calder

Jill Calder is an award-winning illustrator based in Cellardyke, Fife. Trained at Glasgow School of Art, her clients include the New Yorker, Elle magazine, the British Museum, Sainsburys and Harvard Business review.

For more information on Jill Calder, visit www.jillcalder.com

About Stuff Creative

Stuff Creative was founded by Douglas Alexander in November 2011. Prior to founding Stuff, Douglas was managing director of Navy Blue in Edinburgh.

For more information on Stuff Creative, contact Douglas Alexander on doug@stuffcreative.com

Gold Award For Black Bull 40 Year old Batch 3

We obtained a GOLD medal award for Black Bull 40 Batch 3 in this year’s International Spirits Challenge, where over 400 Scotch Whiskies were blindly tasted in Edinburgh, Scotland, by one of the best panel of judges ever to date. The panel of judges consisted of 15 different worldwide master distillers and master blenders. To name a few: the chief blender of Nikka Whisky, Tadashi Sakuma, the Balvenie malt master, David Stewart, master blender at Chivas Brothers, Colin Scott, and the master blender at Whyte and Mackay, Richard Paterson.

Black Bull 40 Year Old receiving a Gold Medal is a fantastic achievement considering such an esteemed panel of judges, and the level of whiskies that entered the competition this year. Black Bull’s continuing success in competitions and popularity amongst customers proves once again that it is a brilliant Blended Whisky full of flavour and character.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited

www.duncantaylor.com

WIN a magical escape to the Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Whisky has teamed up with VisitScotland as part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 to offer people the chance of winning a three-night self-catering break for two to the island, including return ferry travel from Mallaig to Armadale, a rare bottle of Isle of Skye 21 Years Old and up to £200 towards travel and spending money.

From the imposing skyline of the Black Cuillin shrouded in Celtic mist and towering high above the picturesque Glen Brittle, to the extraordinary cliff-like edge of Trotternish Ridge north of Portree, you are invited to journey ‘Over the sea to Skye’ and uncover an island full of surprises.

To help indulge your creative side during the Year of Creative 2012, make sure you experience the unique Poetry Trail at the Clan Donald Museum which brings to life the history of the Highlands and Islands through the Jacobite risings, to the sweeping cultural changes where clansmen became crofters and chiefs became landlords.

For full details and terms and conditions, visit: www.isleofskyewhisky.com/competition Or go to the VisitScotland Website.

GLEN GARIOCH UNVEILS NEW SMALL BATCH RELEASE

1995 expression offers the last chance to sample ‘old’ Glen Garioch at its finest

Glen Garioch, Scotland’s most easterly distillery, has unveiled its latest small batch release, the Glen Garioch Vintage 1995.

The limited edition, only the sixth special addition to the Glen Garioch single malt range, was laid down just months before the distillery was mothballed for two years in October 1995.

With just 1,000 8.4L cases available globally and a limited 100 in the UK, this expression encapsulates the final burst of rich and lightly peated malt produced at the distillery before its temporary closure.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands Marketing, said: “The aim with all our limited edition expressions is to showcase the distillery’s special quality of liquid, and the 1995 is certainly no exception.

“This vintage is the last to capture the old Glen Garioch peaty notes and has been matured entirely in first fill bourbon barrels for over 16 years.

“It’s a classically complex Glen Garioch; rich, full, robust and comes with a smooth velvety texture that accentuates its warm and spicy taste.

“Glen Garioch may be a small artisan distillery but our enduring spirit, honed over the last 200 years, means that we’re well versed at turning out distinctive single of exceptional quality.”

On the nose, the full flavour of the 1995 expression is heightened by an array of rich oak spices, with notes of spiced mocha and muscovado sugar turning more buttery when water is added. The end result is a wave of warm and spicy flavour with layers of baked banana, toffee sauce, mocha chocolate and warm golden syrup.

Rachel Barrie, new master blender for Morrison Bowmore, said this latest vintage reminds her of her roots, sitting in her grandmother’s kitchen in Glen Garioch’s closest town Inverurie.

She said: “This really takes me home to Inverurie, my gran’s kitchen was always filled with the smell of pancakes and maple syrup, honey drizzled waffles and apple strudel. These warm, spicy flavours are true Glen Garioch.”

This unique small batch release calls upon some of the last ever barley, malted and peated on site at the Oldmeldrum distillery. Following a short period of silence between 1995 and 1997 production was resumed without the use of the 200 year old malt barns, making this a rare vintage for single malt fans.

With its proud Doric history, the Aberdeenshire malt captures the enduring and couthie spirit of the Highland town of Oldmeldrum.

Barrie added: “With limited availability in the UK, and based on the blistering success of our previous small batch releases, whisky aficionados will need to be quick out of the blocks.”

At 55.3% ABV, Glen Garioch 1995 is available from specialist wine and spirit merchants, retailing circa £55. It is distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK.

Notes

• 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 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
• Glen Garioch is distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK, tel: 01283 217 703.

Ian Macleod Distillers Unveils New Look for Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky

We have the pleasure of unveiling the new design for the core expressions of our award-winning Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range.

Reconnecting the brand with its historic home, the new packaging for Isle of Skye 8 Years Old and 12 Years Old takes direct inspiration from the majestic scenery and romance of Scotland’s famous ‘Misty Isle’.

With a new standout colour palette on the label and bottle top that reflects the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains, the new label design introduces a striking watercolour sunset over the Isle of Skye, perfectly showcased by a new premium distinctive bespoke bottle.

Based on a family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts, Isle of Skye was created by the company’s founder Ian Macleod, whose signature appears on the label and bottle top.

The new age-roundel on both the red and cream label of the 8 Years Old and black and gold design of the 12 Years Old adds greater prominence to the age statement, emphasising the premium quality of Isle of Skye. While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 or 12 years.

This commitment to excellence has led to Isle of Skye being favoured by whisky expert Jim Murray in the 2012 Whisky Bible rating Isle of Skye 8 Years Old as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.*

The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes – (1.5 litre, 35cl and 5cl) and 70cl in Tesco and Asda and other leading national retailers from only £17.99 per bottle. It is also available to buy online at www.isleofskyewhisky.com