SOUTHERN COMFORT RELEASES EXCLUSIVE MILITARY BOTTLE
Limited-Edition Package to be available only on Military Bases

October, 2012, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort announces the release of a special military-only package to pay tribute to our servicemen and women protecting our country.

During World War II, many US troops stationed overseas shared their fondness of Southern Comfort with the people they met all over the world. This worldwide exposure helped propel Southern Comfort into the international icon it is today. To honor those troops, past and present, Southern Comfort has developed this military-only package to recognize that exceptional relationship.

“We’re extremely proud to release these special camouflage Southern Comfort bottles in honor of our servicemen and women,” said John Tichenor, VP, Group Brand Director, Southern Comfort. “May it remind us all of the sacrifices our troops make every day to preserve our freedom.”

These distinctive bottles were designed to resemble the current camouflage pattern being used in Afghanistan while still using the brand’s distinctive look and feel. To honor the connection with the troops, the back of the bottle highlights the special relationship Southern Comfort has with the military.

To further show the brand’s appreciation to service members, the program was kicked off with a donation to the Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation, an organization supporting wounded warriors during their rehabilitation, reintegration and healing process.

Bottles will begin hitting shelves in early November with a suggested retail price of $16.99. They will be available on military bases only.

About Southern Comfort
Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand. Please visit us at SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort

Cranberry Cooler

RECIPE:

1½ parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon 1 tablespoon cranberry jam 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 drop vanilla extract 3 parts cranberry juice Splash club soda Fresh cranberries for garnish

Add the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, cranberry jam, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cranberry juice to a shaker. Add ice. Shake vigorously. Strain over ice and add a splash of soda. Garnish with cranberries.

After cocktails, show guests that even old-time favorites can become new. Brined with Maker’s & accompanied by a savory bourbon gravy, this recipe for Brined Turkey Breast is sure to please even the most cynical traditionalists.

Prep time: 8 hours Cook time: 2½- 3 hours Level: Intermediate

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Brined Turkey Breast Serves 6-8

1 brined whole turkey breast, 6-8 lbs (recipe follows) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup Maker’s Mark® Bourbon ¼ cup cider vinegar ½ cup apple juice 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced ½ lb slab bacon, cut into ¼-inch thick pieces 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick pieces 1 head fennel, cut into ¼-inch thick slices vertically 1 large red onion, cut into ½ inch thick slices/rings 10 cloves whole garlic 1 gala or granny smith apple, pitted, cut into ¼ inch thick slices 4-5 fresh bay leaves Salt and fresh black pepper 1 recipe Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Turkey Gravy (recipe follows)

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat the outside and inner cavity dry. Season generously with salt and pepper, and the minced thyme inside and out. 2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, vinegar, apple juice, brown sugar, and rosemary, whisking until well combined. 3. In the bottom of a small roasting pan/large casserole dish, arrange the bacon pieces, carrot slices, fennel, onion, garlic, apple slices, and bay leaves. Pour the marinade over the vegetables and then place the turkey breast on top, breast side up. 4. Roast the turkey for an hour at 400F, basting occasionally with pan liquid. Reduce the heat to 350F and continue to cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 158F and the skin is golden brown, about an hour and a half more. 5. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes, tented in foil. The meat will continue to cook as it rests. Slice the turkey breast and serve over the confit of vegetables with the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon turkey gravy.

Bourbon Brine

½ cup Maker’s Mark® Bourbon 1 cup kosher salt 1 cup sugar 6 cups water 1 piece cinnamon stick 10 pieces allspice berries 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 5 cloves garlic, crushed 2 bay leaves 1 sprig thyme 1 whole turkey breast, 6-8 lbs

1. Combine everything except the turkey breast in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolves. Simmer for 10 minutes then remove from the heat. Allow the brine to cool down completely. 2. Place the turkey breast (breast side down) into the brine in a large container. (Or you can put the turkey in a triple layered plastic bag and pour the brine in, tying the bag at the top). Allow the turkey to cure for 6-8 hours, then remove from the brine.

Bourbon Turkey Gravy

Makes 1 quart

6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 pieces turkey wings, chopped into 2-inch pieces 1 onion, minced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 bay leaf 1 sprig thyme 1 sprig sage ¼ cup flour ¼ cup Maker’s Mark® Bourbon ½ cup red wine 3 cups chicken or turkey stock 1 tablespoon brown sugar Splash red wine vinegar, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over high heat. Brown the turkey wing pieces in the pot, then add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and sage. Reduce the heat to medium-high, then sauté the aromatics with the turkey wings until they begin to soften and color, about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the flour on top, stirring to coat well. 2. Cook out the flour for 2 minutes then add the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, red wine, stock, and brown sugar, stirring with a wooden spoon until well combined. Continue to stir the gravy. It will thicken as the liquid begins to heat up. Once the gravy has thickened, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the gravy for at least 30 minutes, until the alcohol has cooked off and the gravy is flavorful. Add water or stock as necessary for desired consistency and season to taste with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Strain the gravy before serving.

Everyone knows that there’s always room for dessert…and a warm drink. Wind down after a long day of conversation & laughs with these simple Gingersnap Cookies & a Maker’s inspired Toddy.

Prep time: 1 hour 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Level: Easy

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Gingersnap Cookies

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature ½ cup dark brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup unsulphured molasses 3 tablespoons Maker’s Mark® Bourbon 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground pink peppercorns (optional) 1 cup sanding sugar, or Demerara Sugar

1. Cream the butter and sugars on high speed together using a stand mixer or hand held mixer, until light a fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the molasses, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined, another minute. 2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pink pepper. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, add the dry ingredients into the butter and eggs, folding to combine. Mix the dough evenly, and then refrigerate covered for an hour until the dough is well chilled. 3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop the dough in and spread out 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes, until slightly chewy. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Yuzu Toddy By Derek Alexander

RECIPE:

2 heaping bar spoons of yuzu honey, recipe below* 1 part Maker’s Mark® Bourbon ¾ part Laird’s® Applejack Brandy ½ part yuzu juice 5 parts hot water

1. Combine all ingredients and serve hot.

Yuzu Honey ¼ cup yuzu rind* ½ cup honey ½ cup water 10 tablespoons sugar 1½ teaspoons pectin 2 tablespoons yuzu juice

1. Add water to yuzu rind and bring to a simmer. 2. Mix the sugar and pectin together. Stir into the water and yuzu, pouring in a thin, steady stream while stirring. Bring to a boil. 3. Add the honey and stir until the mixture is thick. 4. Add the yuzu juice. Cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Keep refrigerated when not in use.

*Tip: You may substitute a bottle of citrus tea from an Asian Market for the honey if you can’t source yuzu.

Jura distillery has added a 30 year old single malt whisky to its collection.

Called the Standing Stone, or ‘Camas an Staca’ in Gaelic, the new expression takes its name from the largest of Jura’s eight standing stones. Known as ‘The Bay of the Protecting Rocks’ this imposing 12 foot obelisk is reputedly all that remains of a stone circle laid some 3,000 years ago by the earliest Diurachs to appease the spirits.

The iconic Jura bottle is presented in a beautiful display case that opens its doors to showcase the bottle and reveal the story of the whisky. Meticulously detailed, the bottle is in-filled with copper wax, with a matching metal plaque.

Jura ‘Camus an Staca’ will be available for purchase in selected whisky stores across the world from December at RRP £350 per 70cl.

Nose
The seductive nuances of sandalwood, tuberose, lime and spicy patchouli soon usher in hints of vanilla, Java coffee, tangerine and crushed Ogen melon. Whispers of sea spray, spicy apple and honeyed figs linger in the background.

Taste
Fleshy oranges, tangy liquorice, coconut and sweet pineapple are followed by orange rind, black cherries, dark toffee and sun dried raisins.

Jura distillery manager, Willie Cochrane said “The standing stones have mysteriously stood the test of time on the island, so it’s only fitting that we create an aged whisky in their honour.  The whisky’s long maturation in American white oak gives the spirit a quiet serenity, whilst its three years spent finessing in the finest Oloroso Sherry butts from Gonzalez Byass gives this spirit a commanding finish.”

NOTES

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 Diurach’s Own 16 years old; fruity and spicy Elixir, and Superstition and Prophecy which are lightly and heavily peated respectively.

To find out more visit www.jurawhisky.com

JIM MURRAY’S WHISKY BIBLE AWARD WINNERS 2013

2013 World Whisky of the Year
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye (128.6 proof)

Second Finest Whisky in the World
William Larue Weller (133.5 proof)

Third Finest World Whisky in the World
Ballantine’s 17 Years Old

SCOTCH

Scotch Whisky of the Year
Ballantine’s 17 Years Old

 Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks)
Ardbeg Day

Single Malt of the Year (Single Cask)
Balblair 1965

Best Scotch New Brand
Dewar House Experimental Age 17 Years

Scotch Blend of the Year
Ballantine’s 17 Years Old

Scotch Grain of the Year
SMWS G5.3 Aged 18 Years (Invergordon)

Scotch Vatted Malt of the Year
The Last Vatted Malt

Single Malt Scotch

No Age Statement (Multiple Casks)

Ardbeg Day

No Age Statement (Runner Up)

Aberlour a’bunadh Batch No. 33

10 Years & Under (Multiple Casks)

Glen Grant Aged 10 Years

10 Years & Under (Single Cask)

SWMS 33.116 Aged 8 Years (Ardbeg)

11-15 Years (Multiple Casks)

Lagavulin 12 Years Old Special Release

11-15 Years (Single Cask)

Berry’s Own Selection Macduff 2000

16-21 Years (Multiple Casks)

Old Pulteney Aged 17 Years

16-21 Years (Single Cask)

Old Masters Strathmill 21 Years Old

22-27 Years (Multiple Casks)

Highland Park Aged 25 Years

22-27 Years (Single Cask)

Macallan Masters Of Photography 1989

28-34 Years (Multiple Casks)

Benromach 30 Years Old

28-34 Years (Single Cask)

The Whisky Agency Caol Ila 33 Years Old

35-40 Years (Multiple Casks)

The Balvenie Aged 40 Years Batch 2

35-40 Years (Single Cask)

Berry’s Own Selection Glen Grant 1974

41 Years & Over (Multiple Casks)

Highland Park 50 Years Old

41 Years & Over (Single Cask)

Balblair 1965

Blended Scotch

No Age Statement (Standard)

Ballantine’s Finest

No Age Statement (Premium)

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Casks Edition

5-12 Years

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old

13-18 Years

Ballantine’s 17 Years Old

19 – 25 Years

Teacher’s Aged 25 Years

26 – 50 Years

The Last Drop 50 Years Old

IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Whiskey of the Year

Redbreast Aged 12 Years Cask Strength

Irish Pot Still Whiskey of the Year

Redbreast Aged 12 Years Cask Strength

Irish Single Malt of the Year

Bushmills Aged 21 Years

Irish Blend of the Year

Jameson

Irish Single Cask of the Year

The Tyrconnell Single Cask 11 Year Old

AMERICAN WHISKEY

Bourbon of the Year

William Larue Weller (133.5 proof)

Rye of the Year

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac (128.6 proof)

US Micro Whisky of the Year

Balcones Brimstone

US Micro Whisky of the Year (Runner Up)

Woodstone Microspirit 5 Grain No. 3

Bourbon

No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels)

William Larue Weller (133.5 proof)

No Age Statement (Single Barrel)

Four Roses 16 Years Old Single Barrel 78-3B

9 Years & Under

Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Aged 8 Years

10-17 Years (Multiple Barrels)

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2011 Barrel Strength

10-17 Years (Single Barrel)

Willett Family Estate Bottled 14 Years Old

 18 Years & Over (Multiple Barrels)

Evan Williams 23 Years Old

Rye No Age Statement

Thomas Handy Sazerac (128.6 proof)

11 Years & Over

Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye 18 Years Old

CANADIAN WHISKY

Canadian Whisky of the Year

Masterson’s 10 Year Old Straight Rye

JAPANESE WHISKY

Japanese Whisky of the Year

Hanyu Final Vintage 2000

EUROPEAN WHISKY

European Whisky of the Year (Multiple)

Penderyn Portwood Swansea City Special

European Whisky of the Year (Single)

Hicks & Healey Cornish Whiskey 2004

WORLD WHISKIES

Southern Hemisphere Whisky of the Year

Sullivans Cove Single Cask HH0509

*Overall age category winners are presented in bold.

For more information contact:
Dram Good Books Ltd
info@whiskybible.com
+44 (0)117 317 9777
www.whiskybible.com

Official statement from the Morrison Bowmore Team:

In response to the Bonhams auction of the Bowmore 1957 Single Malt Whisky in Edinburgh today (10th October 2012): Whilst we came close to reaching the minimum reserve today, we couldn’t accept anything less, especially with all proceeds going to our chosen charities. The Bowmore 1957 is an exceptionally rare and unique bottling. With only 12 bottles in existence worldwide, it is the oldest whisky the distillery has ever released as well as the oldest Single Malt to have come out of Islay. It is a testament and a celebration of the craft and care that we, as a distillery, put into our whiskies. We’ve always appreciated that with auctions it’s down to the luck of the draw on the day. The Edinburgh auction remains open for another week and the second auction in New York will be held on 28th October 2012. There remains an opportunity for a winning bidder to take home this jewel of a Single Malt Scotch Whisky and a significant donation made to our charities.

St Columba’s Hospice Live Life Ball raises £400k

October 2012 The St Columba’s Hospice Live Life Ball, held at the newly refurbished Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, raised a record £400,000 on Saturday evening. The one-off bottle of St Columba’s ‘AOIBHINN’ Ardbeg Reserve, in a unique bottle designed by Maeve Gillies, raised £27,000 alone.

Janice Gammell, Chair of the Live Life Ball Committee, said: “This is an amazing result and I speak for the committee when I say we have been humbled by the support we have received. Raising £400,000 is more than we ever imagined and it’s a privilege to know that thousands of people over the next 35 yrs of St Columba’s Hospice will benefit from one night of generosity and kindness.”

Margaret Dunbar, Chief Executive of St Columba’s Hospice, said: “Our ambitious plans for a £26 million rebuild of St Columba’s Hospice are well underway and this amazing result will bring us one  step closer to completing the project. We offer our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. We will return to our spiritual home in Trinity, overlooking the Firth of Forth, in Spring 2014. Our new St Columba’s Hospice will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality of care for the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians for the next 35 years.”

Lesley Christie, Fundraising Director, St Columba’s Hospice, said: “This is without doubt our most successful fundraising event ever and we have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill which has been shown towards St Columba’s Hospice. We are enormously grateful to our Live Life Committee for their incredible commitment to making this event such an overwhelming success, and to everyone who came long and supported us on the night.”

For further information please contact Jen Wood at St Columba’s Hospice on 0131 551 1381 / 07552 167967 / jwood@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Notes:

ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE has been caring for patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians with cancer and other terminal illnesses since 1977. The Day Hospice, In-Patient Unit and Community Nursing Team are all vital resources, providing specialist care to over 1,000 people and their families each year. The Hospice aims to help people live as actively as possible, from diagnosis, right up to the end of their lives. As well as the highest quality of clinical care, the Hospice also offers emotional, spiritual and practical support to patients, their families and carers. St Columba’s Hospice aims to help people face the most difficult experience they will ever go through, with confidence and dignity. All services are given completely free of charge. St Columba’s Hospice is currently being completely rebuilt to create a state-of-the-art specialist palliative care facility. The Hospice has temporarily decanted all clinical services to Kirklands House, Gogarbank for the duration of the rebuild project. St Columba’s Hospice will return to Trinity, North Edinburgh in 2014. St Columba’s is a charity, not part of the NHS. It costs over £6m per annum to keep our Hospice running and the Hospice is dependent on donations to find 67% of that money. The rebuild project will cost £26 million, £2.7 million of which still needs to be raised.

ARMORIK Millésime 2002: celebrating 25 years of Breton Whisky with a 10 years old single malt whisky

The 100 years old family distillery from northern Brittany releases its first Armorik 10 years old.

25 years ago, on the northern coast of Brittany, the first Breton whisky was released from Warenghem distillery’s warehouses. To celebrate this anniversary, we are proud to launch our first ARMORIK 10 years old.

ARMORIK Millésime 2002, Oloroso Sherry Cask N° 3261, is the first in a series of single casks launched to celebrate 25 years of whisky in Brittany. These casks, distilled in February 2002 and selected for their unique quality, have been secretly preserved in the silence and the twilight of our warehouse. Once a year, a cask from this batch will be bottled in a specific packaging highlighting the men behind this whisky.

ARMORIK Millésime 2002, 1st edition
Single Cask, 56.1%, Un-chillfiltered
Distilled: February 25th, 2002
Bottled: May 2012
Cask: N° 3261 – Sherry Oloroso
Nb. of bottles: 748

Whisky in Brittany: 25 Years of innovation

Year 1987 marked a turning point for Warenghem distillery. Our 100 years old family distillery started producing Breton whisky! Considering that Brittany, Ireland and Scotland shared the same Celtic roots, Gilles Leizour and Bernard Le Pallec decided to create a unique distillery inspired by the traditional techniques of its Scottish cousins.

Our artisanal, familial distillery boasts more than 100 years of experience in liqueurs and spirits. Driven by our motto «Tradition and Innovation», our team of 15 people passionately work to manufacture high-quality products.

Warenghem distillery’s range is sold in supermarkets and specialist shops in France and is rapidly growing on export markets such as Holland, Germany, Belgium and USA.

Follow us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Distillerie-Warenghem/140303299334911

Or Visit us on:  www.distilleriewarenghem.com

Contact Distillerie Warenghem: info@distillerie-warenghem.com

Distillerie Warenghem, route de Guingamp, 22300 Lannion, France, +33 (0)2 96 37 00 08

Glenfarclas 1968 “My Tribute”

Private Exclusive Dinner Events

My tribute to the 175th Anniversary of the Glenfarclas Distillery Luc Timmermans has had a long love affair and collecting history with Glenfarclas and, in particular, casks dating from 1968. Not only was this the year that the distillery first began to market its single malt in its own right, and to build stocks for the future but it was also the year of his birth.

At exclusive private whisky dinners all over the world Luc Timmermans will present this exquisite whisky, the My Tribute cask, sadly Luc Timmermans last cask from the mythical 1968 vintage.

Exclusive private dinners will be organized in Belgium, Singapore & Taipei.

The presentation package holds more than just a bottle of whisky. It tells you a story about the mythical 1968 vintage and the history of this fine and independent distillery. So while you are enjoying this exquisite 44 year old whisky at home with your closest friends and family you can read and experience the story and history of this fine distillery.

The presentation pack holds :

-70cl bottle of the Glenflarclas 1968 “My Tribute” Single cask, Single Highland Malt,
-2 Crystal Cut Glencairn “My Tribute” tasting glasses
-1968 Booklet by Ian Buxton describing Luc’s story, the background and comments of Luc Timmermans and notorious whisky reviewers -Book by Ian Buxton describing the History and 175 years of independence of this great 6th Generation Family owned distillery

Since this fine cask only yielded 175 bottles only 175 people will be able to join this experience.

More information at www.glenfarclas.be

DESIGNJUNCTION PUTS THE MACALLAN IN THE FRAME

For the first time The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, hosted its own special Masterclass and sampling at this year’s designjunction. The Macallan engaged with over 5,500 people throughout the course of the five day event, which is now in its second year and took place in London’s Sorting Office, showcasing the finest selection of international design brands.

Building on the success of The Macallan’s Masters of Photography series involving iconic photographers such as Albert Watson and Rankin, the luxury single malt whisky recently commissioned Annie Leibovitz for the third edition of its award-winning Masters of Photography series.

Those attending this year’s designjunction had the opportunity to visit The Macallan Masterclass lounge for an introduction to the brand and The Masters of Photography project. This was brought to life through displays of Kevin McKidd shot in NYC by Annie Liebovitz, capturing The Macallan moment, while providing an insight into the inspiration behind The Macallan Masters of Photography series.

Guests had a unique opportunity to sample the newest arrival to The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold, the first in the new 1824 series, exclusively available in the UK until spring 2013.

The Macallan team also distributed over 4,800 Gold n’ Soda cocktails at the VIP and press launch and at the Pecha Kucha Friday evening event, ensuring The Macallan was at the front of influencers’ minds.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, commented: “Those attending designjunction had a natural affiliation with design and photography, making it an ideal platform to allow us to build our brand further. We want to reach out to both existing Macallan fans and also new consumers who share our passion for art and photography, but who may not be familiar with our single malt whisky. designjunction provided us with the perfect opportunity to do this. It was also another great way to give people a chance to see for themselves our superb collaboration with Annie Leibovitz, which has global appeal, learn more and be inspired by our Masters of Photography series.”

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition sees Leibovitz bring to life the essence of the luxury brand through her unique photographer’s eye, with renowned Scottish actor Kevin McKidd cast in the role of leading man. The collection comprises 1,000 bottles of which there are four different single malt expressions crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print, that each is paired with.  Shot against four dramatic backdrops in and around New York City, Annie Leibovitz captures the brilliance of a moment where everything comes together, showcasing the stature of whisky as an icon of taste and masculinity.

http://www.themacallan.com/

http://www.themastersofphotography.com/

About The Macallan: 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan. 

The Masters of Photography: 

The Annie Leibovitz Edition is the third in the award winning The Macallan Masters of Photography series. The previous two editions were authored by Rankin and Albert Watson. These unique limited edition collections perfectly conjoin the art of whisky making with the artists interpretation of the world of The Macallan as seen through their photographers eye.

The Macallan Masters of Photography Annie Leibovitz images:  

The Library – This historic location, modelled on Sir Walter Scott’s library in his home in Abbotsford in the Scottish Borders, provided a setting rich in heritage suited to McKidd’s seated, powerful and reflective moment.  The deep red mahogany 1995 whisky with rich notes of raisin and chocolate orange has a long, lingering finish which matches the contemplative mood of the shot.

The Gallery – In the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh hangs ‘Niagara Falls from the American side’ by renowned artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900).  His private gallery in Upstate New York provides an indulgent backdrop to the intense, sensual moment the actor shares with his leading lady. In its accompanying 1989 single malt, burnished oak gives out a rich intensity which, like the image, has a dry finish that teases.

The Bar – Shot in the Red Spot Bar, nestled in the town of Hudson, the mood is upbeat, lively and relaxed as Kevin McKidd meets up with friends to enjoy a glass of The Macallan together.  Like McKidd, the note of Vibrant Oak in the 1991 bottle, makes a statement but is refined enough not to dominate.

The Skyline – The actor is literally on top of the world, as he stands heroically on the iconic Tudor City building against the breath-taking Manhattan skyline at day break.  The dawn light in the shot is complemented by the lemon and citrus fruit nose of the light gold-coloured 1996 whisky.

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4RT, to which address any notices should be sent.

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits and Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:  

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home. 

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit. 

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.  

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan. 

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range. 

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

The 1824 Series

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created four expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring minerals and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series.  Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock.  We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that a great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age.  His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Tasting notes: 

Gold – a burnished gold spirit offering a lemon citrus nose, then orange peel and sweetness that softens but doesn’t eliminate the zest. A note of vanilla followed more assertive by dark chocolate – with lingering floral and light oak notes. Citrus and boiled sweets dance on the palate, along with hints of ginger and cinnamon, while soft oak tones reveal toasted apples. The finish is medium sweet, malty and slightly dry.  

Amber – a floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry. 

Sienna – a warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming. 

Ruby – Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.

SUPERSTITION IS THE WAY

 Jura Superstition named The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year 2012

One of the remotest distilleries in Scotland has won the coveted title of The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year.

With its smoky, peaty repertoire offset with tastes of spice, honey and pine, The Isle of Jura Distillery’s Superstition has walked away with the 2012 Whisky of the Year award.

With 20 stores across the UK and around 3 million customers each year, the winner of The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year is based on a combination of customer choice, sales, and recommendations from store managers.

Previous winners of the award, which is now in its sixth year, are Dalmore 12 year old, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Auchentoshan 12 year old, Bowmore 12 year old and Bunnahabhain 12 year old.

Commenting on The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year 2012, a title which will officially be bestowed upon Jura Superstition on 1st November, David Brown, Sales Director at Whyte & Mackay said:

“I am absolutely delighted to learn that Jura Superstition has been selected as the Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Shop.

“Jura Superstition has long been recognised for its unique character which comes from the very special Island of Jura located off the West coast of Scotland. Lightly peated in flavour, Jura Superstition doesn’t have the polarising nature of many of the Island whiskies, which is probably the secret of its success.”

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop said of Jura Superstition:

“Jura Superstition has a sensational taste, uniquely combining Jura’s core character with subtle, peated tones.

“This truly is a consumer favourite, with the Whisky of the Year being voted for by our customers as well as our store managers, who base their decisions on customer reaction to the 300 plus products we offer across our stores.

“With the consumer confidence behind it, Jura Superstition is a much deserved winner of Whisky of the Year 2012.”

Dominic Roskrow, Editor of Whiskeria magazine concluded:

 “Isle of Jura has always enjoyed an intense and passionate following but the distillery has reinvented itself in recent years, with stylish new packaging, an upgrading of its core range and the launch of exciting new malts. Superstition is a unique whisky, using a gentle wave of peat to do to the core Jura fruity characteristics what salt and vinegar do to fish and chips – enhance and enrich the experience without overwhelming it. It has taken Jura in to a new direction and for that alone it deserves this accolade.”

NOTES

 The Whisky Shop – part of Glenkeir Whiskies – is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist, with 20 shops nationwide offering more than 300 products. For more information on the Whisky Shop visit www.whiskyshop.com