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.

New 2013 Edition of Malt Whisky Yearbook
t h e  f a c t s , t h e p e o p l e , t h e n ews , t h e s t o r i e s

*The Distillery Section completely revised with all the latest news
 *The chapter on Foreign Distilleries now bigger than ever – no less than 188 distilleries
 *New exciting articles by distinguished writers such as Charles MacLean, Ian Buxton, Gavin D Smith, Dominic Roskrow, Neil Ridley, Ian Wisniewski and Jonny McCormick
*Completely new Japanese chapter by Nicholas Coldicott
 *More than 250 tasting notes, including Japanese malts and independent bottlings
 *Meet brand ambassadors, retailers and whisky evangelists in Working on the Frontline
 *Learn about Whisky Cocktails and Whisky Tapas
 *Expanded section on Independent Bottlers
 *Last year´s success, Meet the Manager, continues with ten new interviews
 *The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you´ll find of the news and trends in the industry
 *All the latest info on bottlings, web sites, whisky shops, books as well as the latest statistics and figures
 *More than 500 colour photos

All in all – the most updated whisky book on the market! 

Published by MagDig Media Ltd.
Publication date; 1 October 2012
Number of pages; 300
ISBN 978-0-9552607-9-7
Recommended retail price in UK; £13.95
Contact; ingvar.ronde@magdig.com http://www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com/

MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS SCOOPS DISTILLER OF THE YEAR

Distillery manager and brand ambassador hailed as industry icons in awards hat-trick

Morrison Bowmore Distillers has cemented its position as the single malt specialist by being voted Whisky Distiller of the year at the 2013 Icons of Whisky Awards Scotland.

Glasgow-based MBD, the producer of four single malt brands – Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Glen Garioch and McClelland’s – was applauded by the judges for transforming a bulk blend business into a single malt specialist and reinvigorating all its brands with some “stellar releases”.

The awards celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world and two long serving MBD employees also won individual awards.

Eddie MacAffer, Bowmore Distillery Manager won the inaugural Distillery Manager of the Year category for 46 years of committed service, and Iain McCallum landing Brand Ambassador award, being hailed as “a new breed of ambassador who manages to mix a mastery of hard-core technical knowledge with a rare passion for the fun aspect of whisky.”

Mike Keiller, CEO, Morrison Bowmore Distillers said: “To see off such stiff competition and land a hat-trick of awards is a massive boost for us. Compared to any of our peers, we’re a small company so it’s immensely flattering to see both our business growth and individual expertise recognised. Being a single malt specialist requires considerable care and patience, but we’re certainly reaping the rewards of our investment.”

The 2013 Icons of Whisky Scotland were announced at an awards ceremony at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House on Friday 7th Sept 2012. The judging process included regional heats in the U.S, Scotland and other international markets.

Distiller of the Year: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Brand Ambassador of the Year: Iain McCallum Distillery Manager of the Year: Eddie MacAffer

For further information on Morrison Bowmore Distillers please visit www.morrisonbowmore.co.uk and www.suntory.com

Notes

ABOUT MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS (www.morrisonbowmore.com) Founded in 1951, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntory Limited and is one of the major names in Scotch whisky. With three Malt Whisky Distilleries situated in the major production areas of Islay (Bowmore), the Highlands (Glen Garioch) and the Lowlands (Auchentoshan), as well as significant blending, bottling and warehousing facilities, the company has established a leading role in the export of Single Malts.  The success of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is based upon maintenance of traditional values and innovation in the marketplace.

The remARKabLE Partnership Continues
anCnoc Releases Second in the Series from Peter Arkle Collaboration… with a Little Magic Added to the Mix

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today (10 September) unveiled the second in the series of Limited Edition releases from its collaboration with internationally renowned Scottish illustrator, Peter Arkle.

The partnership launched in April this year, and has seen Arkle develop an exclusive range of limited edition designs for anCnoc; each based on a unique aspect of Knockdhu Distillery, home of the single malt in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

anCnoc’s eagerly anticipated new edition is inspired by Arkle’s visit to the distillery’s warehouse, where the whisky is aged over decades. Arkle found this tranquil, dark space to have an enchanting atmosphere – almost magical – with “an incredible sense of time passing”. This is conveyed in his evocative black and white illustration on the bottle, showing rows of casks disappearing into the darkness.

The New York-based illustrator comments:
‘Working with anCnoc as a collaborative partner on its limited edition campaign has been an incredible thrill, and I am delighted with this new release. My illustration aims to capture the essence of what makes the whisky so special – time, as the sense of time passing was almost tangible inside the warehouse. I hope that drinkers get as much enjoyment from my design as they do from the magic inside the bottle!”

This dramatic design proves striking against the golden liquid inside – a new expression which has been hand selected by Knockdhu Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce.

Matured in American and Spanish oak sherry barrels, it is a refreshingly light dram, which is reflected in its soft colour and amber highlights. Spicy vanilla and rich coffee aromas are followed by fresh lemons, cooked green apples and just a hint a coconut, allowing for a sweet, warm and spicy taste.

Gillian Gibson, anCnoc Brand Manager commented:
“anCnoc is a malt tied very closely to the arts, and as our partnership with Peter Arkle blossoms, it is clear to see that he has captured the spirit of ‘a modern tradition’ perfectly by bringing a contemporary twist to the traditional world of whisky. We are incredibly excited to release the next in the series of anCnoc’s Limited Edition campaign. Peter’s unique design gives our drinkers a sneak peek into our warehouse, while the whisky inside makes for a delicious dram – an ideal choice to add to any whisky lover’s collection.”

A fourteen minute film, shot in Scotland and New York is available to view at www.anCnoc.com,  charting the extraordinary journey of this creative partnership.

The release will be available in USA, Russia, selected European markets as well as being on general release in the UK through independent retails and on line at anCnoc.com. RRP: £49.99

Notes
About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was established in 1894 and is one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for producing a single malt that makes every day a special occasion. The new limited edition product joins the popular anCnoc 12 year old, a light yet complex dram and a yearly vintage, currently the 1998, which is bottled in its natural form producing high intensity malt. Known for championing the contemporary visual arts and this new campaign builds on anCnoc’s grassroots arts sponsorships in cutting-edge Scottish galleries, which to date have generated a vibrant and modern environment for drinking whisky.

About Peter Arkle
Peter Arkle is been a freelance Scottish illustrator, based in New York City. Born in Penicuik he graduated from St. Martin’s School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, before moving to New York, where his unique style flourished. He has been working freelance since 1993, contributing to books, newspapers and magazines such as The New Yorker, Newsweek and Oprah, in addition to leading global brands and businesses.

Bowmore Islay Single Malt Whisky Announces Release Of Bowmore 1957 – 54 Years Old

~ The Oldest Bowmore and Oldest Islay Single Malt Ever Released ~

A Whisky Collector’s Dream Come True:

Bottles No. 1 and No. 2 to be Auctioned at Bonhams in Edinburgh and New York City this October with net Proceeds Donated to Charity

Islay, Scotland (September 17, 2012) – Bowmore®, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, will release its oldest ever expression this October: the exceptionally rare Bowmore 1957, 54 Years Old. Not only is this the oldest whisky the distillery has ever released, it is also the oldest IslaySingle Malt ever released. Distilled in 1957 and bottled in 2011, this marvel has been lying in wait in the finest oak for over half a century in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. With only 12 bottles in existence worldwide, this is the rarest Bowmore and will no doubt become one of the most sought-after and collectible Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in the world.

Bottles No. 1 and No. 2 will be offered at a public auction at esteemed international auction house Bonhams in Edinburgh on Oct 10 and in New York City on Oct 28 with a minimum reserve set at £100,000 per bottle (approx. $155,000). All net proceeds from both saleswill be donated to five Scottish charities.

Many generations have been the custodians of Bowmore 1957’s long journey from cask to bottle. Beginning in 1779 when Bowmore was established through to the present day, the distillery team has served as guardians of Bowmore’swhisky-making traditions and its inventory, safeguarding them so that future generations can continue to experience the unique spirit that is Bowmore. Bowmore 1957 was as much nurtured by the people as it was by its cask and the ancient distillery walls.

A collection of 1957 casks were bottled in 1995 but one in particular was held back from the outset as it was clear that it was more special and exceptional than the rest. Since 1995, the whisky in that cask has been examined every six months to check the quality, taste, developments and changes; closely watched to see how long the whisky could mature without losing Bowmore’s signature trait of a sweet/smoky balance.

Andrew Rankin, Morrison Bowmore’s Chief Blender, comments: “Upon checking the whisky in early 2011, we knew it had reached perfection at 54 years of age. Bowmore 1957 has withstood the test of time astoundingly well and is nothing short of brilliance in a glass.”

The Auction

Widely considered as one of the leading collectible Single Malts in the world, the Bonhams’ auctions for the Bowmore1957 are certain to quicken the heartbeats of whisky collectors around the world. Auctions are slated for Edinburgh on October 10 (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19871/) and in New York City on October 28 (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20459/) with bids accepted live in each location as well as live internet bidding. Enquiries regarding bidding can be directed to bids@bonhams.com. The minimum reserve set by Bonhams is £100,000 per bottle, the highest reserve ever set for a Single Malt Whisky. Says Martin Green, Bonhams’ Whisky Specialist, “We, at Bonhams, are very excited to offer at auction the rarest and oldest expression of Bowmore. This iconic bottling, the most mature spirit ever to come from Islay, has been watched over for 54 years and is in impeccable condition.”

The Charitable Donation

Morrison Bowmore Distillers, producers of Bowmore, have chosen to donate all the net proceeds of both auctions to five Scottish charities that encompass a variety of worthy causes: ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND (care for people with dementia, their caregivers and families); THE BEATSON ONCOLOGY CENTRE (care for cancer patients receiving treatment in the west of Scotland); CHAS (children’s hospice services); ERSKINE (medical care for Armed Forces); and MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE (cancer care and research). Mike Keiller, Morrison Bowmore Distillers ChiefExecutive Officer, says: “The notion of having a cask from 1957 that can still produce something so glorious shows the acute attention to detail and care that we pride ourselves on at Morrison Bowmore. The fact that we can take some of the precious cargo from this cask to help the lives of so many across many different communities through our charitable contribution, we thought we should help Scottish charities with this rare piece of Scotch whisky history.”

The Unique Presentation

Bowmore has been distilling and perfecting its celebrated Single Malt on Islay since 1779, using time-honored traditions that have not changed since. Bowmore is one of the few distilleries that still turns its floor-malted barley by hand, checks the germinating barley by rolling it between finger and thumb and judges the “middle cut” of new made spirit by eye to determine the best liquid to fill the casks that will mature into well-aged Bowmore.

No attention to detail has been missed in making this precious spirit, and thesame hand-crafted thoughtfulness has been applied to the vessel and presentation box that carries the Bowmore 1957. Each of the 12 bottles has been hand-blown and sculpted by two of the world’s foremost glass artists Brodie Nairn and Nichola Burns, into the shape ofwaves reminiscent of those that constantly crash against the No. 1 Vaults’ sea-facing walls, whilst the glass is inlaid with shimmering flecks of platinum.

Adorning each bottle is a platinum neck collar, hand-engraved with the bottle number and spirit strength, and platinum stopper hand-crafted by Hamilton & Inches, Warrant Holder to the Queen. The bottle and accompanying glasses and water pitcher, also hand-blown by Nairn and Burns, are nestled in a presentation box created by acclaimed woodworker Peter Toaig, using hand-selected pieces of Scottish Oak. View artisans’ videos here: http://www.bowmore.com/news/something-magical/

The Allocation Of 12 Bottles

Only 12 bottles of the rarest Bowmore 1957 have been created. Two of these will be auctioned, two have been retained for the Morrison Bowmore archives and the remaining eight will be available for purchase by the public solely at the Bowmore Distillery on Islay. The retail price for Bowmore 1957 will be £100,000 (approx. $155,000). Islay is the whisky-making mecca for many aficionados and those people who make the special journey to purchase Bowmore 1957 will be captivated by this magical island’s craggy coasts, windswept moors and friendly inhabitants.

The Cask Maturation And Tasting Notes

Bowmore 1957 (42.1%) is a symphony of aromas and flavors never before experienced. After distillation, the new spirit was placed into a second fill sherry cask (where it spent 43 years) and then in2000 was moved into a second fill bourbon cask. At first breath, an elixir of blueberries and wild figs with mellow almonds, tropical fruit and rich oakyovertones hits the nose. The palate reveals layer upon layer of sweet and refined ocean tastes with soft blueberries, cassis and figs, sea salt and fresh eucalyptus. Next, a wisp of teasing smoke and traces of dark chocolate fusewith notes of grapefruit and juicy oak, carried along by a warming marine breeze. This sensory journey ends with a long and whispering finish of cassis, bergamot and star anise.

For more information, please visit www.bowmore.com  and www.Facebook.com/Bomwore

NOTES:

The Bowmore Distillery

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt. Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool,dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

Bowmore Legend

Bowmore 12 Years Old

Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’

Bowmore 18 Years Old

Bowmore 25 Years Old

Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a furtherthree in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plusdetails of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com

JOHNNIE WALKER® LAUNCHES BOLD NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

by Pat Roberts

‘Where Flavour Is King’ showcases products’ credentials rooted in the big, bold flavours of Johnnie Walker whisky

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Blended Scotch Whisky, is this week launching a new global advertising campaign. Entitled ‘Where Flavour Is King’, the campaign focuses on the array of rich and intense flavours that are found in each blend of Johnnie Walker whisky.

From its origins in 1820, the Johnnie Walker label has always been committed to its quest to blend whiskies of exceptional flavour, refusing to compromise on quality. This dedicated attitude to finding exotic and exciting tastes takes the product on a special journey of distillation, maturation and blending, to produce the ultimate, unrivalled blend. The flavours, derived solely from the simplest ingredients of barley, water and peat, are mythically transformed through distillation and years of maturation in charred wood casks before being unleashed through the craft of the master blender.

This unique flavour production and craft of blending, which is at the heart of the Scotch, is reflected in the collection of campaign images, as consumers are transported to a mysterious and evocative world, featuring giant fruit smashers, towers of spices, honey cauldrons and fire-breathers.

Where Flavour is King – Black Label

The new, vibrant campaign and its collection of stunning images will be supported by an above the line campaign across outdoor and radio, as well as bespoke promotional materials, delivering rich consumer experiences in the on and off trade. The campaign will also feature social media activation that will centre on a unique Facebook app, taking consumers on an exotic and engaging journey through the layers, flavour and wonderful ways to enjoy Johnnie Walker.

‘Where Flavour Is King’ was written and produced by UK ad agency LOVE, and led by creative director Chris Myers. The campaign images were shot by renowned photographer Finlay MacKay over five days in London, England in April 2012. The extensive production – led by award-winning set designer Robin Brown, Michelin star food stylist James Hayward and Fashion Director of GQ Style in the UK, Luke Day – required a drawing room to be built from scratch, featuring dramatic lighting, giant fruits and 6ft tall bottles of Johnnie Walker Whisky. A short behind-the-scenes film about the making of the campaign images can be accessed here.

Gavin Pike, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker, said the campaign would help drive consumer awareness of the range of tastes across the brand portfolio:

“The new campaign, ‘Where Flavour Is King’, will open consumers’ eyes to the depth and variety of flavour that exists across the Johnnie Walker whisky taste spectrum. By creating a unique image for each variant of Johnnie Walker whisky, the consumer will be able to make an instant, tangible association with the power and depth of flavour of each blend. For example our Red Label shot centres around spices and fresh fruit, whereas the Black Label campaign highlights rich fruits and vanilla, with the distinctive Johnnie Walker smoky finish.

We’re thrilled to be able to Keep Walking in the footsteps of John Walker, dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of flavour and are positive that ‘Where Flavour Is King’ will provide even deeper levels of consumer engagement than in previous campaigns.”

The first market to launch ‘Where Flavour Is King’ is Africa, followed by Australia, Brazil, Global Travel, Russia & Hong Kong, later this year. European markets will roll out from July 2013.

CAPERDONICH REBORN AT THE OWL DISTILLERY IN BELGIUM
Ernie-Ernst J. Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries

The famous coppersmiths Forsyths bought the site of the well-known Speyside distillery Caperdonich at Rothes in 2010. As they did not intend to distil whisky but needed some more space for their manufacturing business Glen Grant’s twin sister distillery was bulldozed one year later. However, the manufacturer of distillation equipment saved the mash tun, the washbacks and the four pot stills. They were moved to the scrap yard.

Founded by the owner of the neighbouring Glen Grant Distillery, James Grant, in 1897-98, the newly built distillery was closed just after three years of production due to negative impact of the infamous Pattison Crash. In 1965 „Glen Grant No. 2“ was reopened under the name of CAPERDONICH. Two more pot stills were installed by the Glenlivet Distillers Ltd. However, production life had been short again when „The Secret Well“ was made silent by its new owners Pernod Ricard in 2002.

From scrap back to production

Richard Forsyth sold one pair of the four Caperdonich pot stills to the Belgian Owl Distillery which is situated near the vibrant economic and cultural centre of Liège in Wallonia, Belgium.

Master Distiller Étienne Bouillon’s huge success with his much acclaimed whisky made solely of Belgian spring barley brought instantly the micro distillery to a bottleneck after the first Owl Whisky was released in 2007. „The demand has been overwhelming since then. It was much higher than our production capacity of 20.000 bottles per year.“ 95% of their whiskies are consumed in Belgium.

The Owl Distillery’s two vintage Swiss alambic pot stills date back to 1890. Their small size and their age made further production increases impossible. „We considered their renovation, dropped this idea, and planned a new set of pot stills. While planning we still looked out for old used pot stills,“ the distiller recalls their difficult situation.

The founding team around Etienne with Christian Polis and farmer Pierre Roberti was absolutely lucky when Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich Distillery gave them a vital hint. Talks and discussions began. In the end Richard Forsyth sold one pair of the four Caperdonich pot stills which were originally built by his forefathers in 1898.

Étienne Bouillon was more than happy, his dream came true and above all resulted in the aquisition of a renowned pair of beautiful Victorian pot stills. By summer 2013 the 11,000 litre wash still and the 8,000 litre spirit still will be distilling a Belgian type of „Caperdonich new make spirit.“ A new set of mash tun and washbacks will be installed by Forsyths whereas the original Caperdonich mash tun will be displaced at the new distillery.

The production site will be moved to a former monastery, now a ruaral farm near Fexhe-le-Haut-Clocher west of Liège where the Belgian Owl Whisky matures already. „We will also have a visitor centre in the heart of Hesbaye to teach tourists different ways of whisky production,“ explains Katia Guidolin, the Assistant Manager, „we want people to appreciate our Belgian quality product amidst the fertile barley fields.“

„We are very, very lucky,“ says Christian Polis, who is in charge of finance, „our new distillery project will be co-financed by the influential MEUSINVEST GROUP, which supports various business enterprises in the Province of Liège.“

The new distilling business has started. „We offer the first 200 casks of the Private Angel Range to the whisky enthusiasts around the world,“ tells Étienne Boullion, „and you may place your order from now on.“

Tasting Notes: The Belgian Owl 48 Months, 46% abv

What a fulminant bundle of pleasing aromas! They are fruity and floral, joined by toffee, vanilla and wood flavours. What a wonderful lasting richly textured mouthfeel! The whisky pleases velvetly, runs smooth like cream, offers some sweetness, creates notes of coffee and chocolate. There is an excellent harmony between nose and palate. The new make is indeed perfectly distilled and by no means pungent, very clean, floral and fruity in abundance, smooth and by no means not harsh. Despite its young age the Belgian Owl is full of harmony and delight. It matured in a first-fill Bourbon cask from Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky, U.S. It is bottled non-coloured, non-chillfiltered and was reduced with natural water. Whisky like it should be!

For further information open a photographic tour at The Gateway to Distilleries www.whiskydistilleries.net and visit The Owl Distillery at www.belgianwhisky.com

Photos are copyright Ernst J. Scheiner 2012

TOP the  Caperdonich stills

MIDDLE Passionate Master Distiller Etienne Bouillon and his 1890 Alambics

BOTTOM the Bottle and the Glass