BOWMORE UNVEILS EXCITING NEW DESIGN AND PACKAGING ACROSS ENTIRE RANGE

Plus Three New Expressions Exclusive To Global Travel Retail

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, today proudly unveils brand new packaging for its entire domestic and global travel retail / duty free range – a premium gift box and refreshed bottle design which will be released in February 2012.

As it enters this new-look era, Bowmore has also announced three new additions exclusive to the global travel retail sector: 100 Degrees Proof, Springtide and the limited edition Bowmore 1983. This new high-quality carton is a bold move by Bowmore, one of the top ten selling Single Malts in the world, as it is a distinct modification from the traditional tube packaging and supports its premium brand positioning and strong brand personality. This exciting redesign follows a hugely successful 2011 performance with continued growth for the brand.

The changes are also in response to consumer demand for a greater level of education on the taste experience and the history of the whisky and as such the new packaging communicates the brand’s unique status as the first Islay Single Malt and its 200 years worth of experience and heritage. The new look reinforces Bowmore’s ‘gift-ability’ as it features a greater level of foiling and gloss embossing thus creating shelf stand-out. The updated distillery illustration has a warmer and more emotive look and feel that strongly conveys the whisky’s roots, that is the magical island of Islay, giving category differentiation and shelf appeal. The design of the bottle has also been enhanced, with the label featuring a sleeker look to ensure back bar stand-out and differentiation.

Bowmore’s recent modifications have also improved the brand’s environmental credentials considerably. The new bottle is made of a lighter weight glass and the new cartons are completely recyclable, all of which significantly reduces the brand’s carbon footprint.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, comments: “We are excited to be taking Bowmore into a new era with this new gift box and bottle design. This has been a key priority focus for us over the past year as we wanted to ensure the design not only better represents the brand’s core values but also develops a stronger, more defined brand personality that consumers can engage with. We hope that this exciting change will contribute to our continued growth.”

In addition to its current global travel retail/duty free range (Surf, Enigma 12 Years Old, Mariner 15 Years Old and 17 Years Old), Bowmore is also launching three new additions to the collection, which will be available from March 2012.

BOWMORE 100 DEGREES PROOF

The term ‘proof spirit’ was first coined by British sailors during the 18th century who would check that their rum rations hadn’t been watered down by mixing it with gunpowder and lighting it. If it would still light, this proved it was 100% proof. There is no need to verify Bowmore’s authenticity or strength; the new small batch release Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof is cask-strength and non-chill filtered.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Rich auburn
NOSE: Fresh Islay sea air, subtle sweet malt and oak smoke
PALATE: Rich luscious smokiness, balanced with sweet caramelised sugar, vanilla and citrus notes
FINISH: Powerful and warm
RRP £49.99

BOWMORE SPRINGTIDE

The new expression takes its name from the high tide of spring, when the earth, sun and moon are all aligned. Predominantly matured in first-fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, this beautifully rich expression is packaged in a super premium gift pack, the perfect purchase both as a gift and for the whisky enthusiast.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Warm bronze
NOSE: Abound in chocolate and sticky figs, which balance perfectly against the classic sea-salt peatiness
PALATE: Rich in treacle toffee with raisins and dark sherry
FINISH: Lingering smoky finish
RRP £120.00

BOWMORE 1983

The Bowmore 1983 will be available in the global travel retail market and marks the launch of the 1980s vintage series for this sector.Decanted from a single hogshead cask, this rare, limited edition has rested, undisturbed in the legendary No.1 Vaults, the maturation warehouse below sea level.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Brilliant bronze
NOSE: Just a touch of fresh Atlantic sea-salt followed by Bowmore’s signature peat smoke with a hint of delicious ripe blackberry
PALATE: Captures the essence of Bowmore – earthy peat balanced by a gentle fruitiness
FINISH: Lingers on with fresh fruit and peat notes at the very end
RRP £500.00

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use 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 our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw 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 alsalso vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives 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 flavours.

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:

• BowmoreLegend
• Bowmore 12 Years Old
• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’
• Bowmore 18 Years Old
• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries. 

HIGHLAND PARK SHOWS PASSION FOR FOOD WITH INCREASED INVESTMENT

Highland Park single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, is increasing investment by 75% into brand activation around a new platform of food and gastronomy. The brand has forged an exciting partnership with Slow Food UK, is a sponsor at this year’s prestigious The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards and will also be implementing a significant sampling programme across some of the UK’s biggest foodie events.

With shared beliefs and values, promoting a passion for flavour and craftsmanship, Highland Park and Slow Food UK have launched a dynamic new initiative, the Slow Food Chef Alliance. The new initiative will engage with Britain’s chefs in actively supporting Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced, quality produce. A number of leading names have already signed up to the scheme including Slow Food UK Chef Alliance ambassador Richard Corrigan (Corrigan’s of Mayfair), Brett Graham (Ledbury), Michael Roux Jr (Le Gavroche), Raymond Blanc (Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons) and Sam Harris (Zucca). Top regional chefs including Colin McGurran (Winteringham Fields) and Tony Singh (Oloroso) have also attended launches in Yorkshire and Scotland with more regional events being rolled out across the country.

Reinforcing the partnership with Slow Food, Highland Park will be sponsoring the Slow Food Restaurant of the Year Award at the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, now in its 10th year and known in the industry as the ‘foodie oscars’. This new award, judged by Slow Food, Restaurant Magazine and Highland Park, will go to the restaurant that creates pleasurable food with a strong commitment to community and the environment.

The brand activation investment will also see a significant sampling programme take place at key events across the UK including The Great Yorkshire Show and the three day festive foodie extravaganza, Taste of Christmas. The brand’s experiential sampling at these events will integrate the Slow Food partnership, showcasing local chefs and producers alongside Highland Park’s award winning single malt, and aims to reach over 30,000 consumers.

Peter Sandstrom, marketing director, Maxxium commented: “Highland Park’s brand strategy very much focuses on our partnership with Slow Food, which is a natural fit. Our shared values and promoting a passion for the importance of taste and flavour has been integrated across all of our brand activation. The Slow Food Chef Alliance is going from strength to strength and we are extremely excited about our involvement with The 50 Best Restaurants of the World and this annual gathering of the world’s culinary greats. We are also looking forward to giving consumers a fantastic food and drink experience through our UK sampling programme.”

Catherine Gazzoli, Slow Food UK CEO, commented: “ Our close relationships with leading chefs and UK consumers who are genuinely concerned with the quality and provenance of the food and drink they enjoy gives us a strong basis on which to reinforce the compatibility between Highland Park’s production values and the Slow Food ethos.

“We’re thrilled that Highland Park and its agencies have the vision to work with us on some of the most exciting and visible projects that Slow Food UK has ever undertaken.”

On a local level at home on Orkney, Highland Park has shown support by helping to establish Slow Food Orkney which was successfully launched at the distillery this week and hosted by Slow Food CEO Catherine Gazzoli.

Highland Park:

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:
• Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky
• Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world.  For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.   Its core range of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malt is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. 

Slow Food UK:

In the fast modern junk food environment, Slow Food, a non-profit organisation, is the voice of calm reason and quality. We work to promote the greater enjoyment of food through a better understanding of its taste, quality and production, Working with local member groups across the country, our network of chefs and artisan producers, we deliver educational projects and events to reconnect people with where their food comes from, how and where it is produced and the implications of the choices we make on the environment, biodiversity and our own health.

For more information about 50 Best Restaurants of the World please visit: http://www.theworlds50best.com/

http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

LIGHTS, CAMERA, COCKTAILS

With Oscar night around the corner (26th February 2012), The Black Grouse Blended Scotch whisky has created some cocktails worthy of their own award nominations inspired by the film world’s distinctive characters and the actors that play them.

All of these serves are easy to prepare at home and would make the perfect way to toast this year’s winners.

The smooth-talker

Made with our famously smooth whisky, this serve is named after the legendary George Clooney who is nominated for best actor for his outstanding performance in The Descendants.

Ingredients

· 25ml The Black Grouse

· 1 wedge of orange

· Top with cola

Method

Fill a high ball glass with ice and pour in The Black Grouse. Add a wedge of fresh orange, top with cola and enjoy.

Silence is golden

This cocktail celebrates The Artist, a stylish and elegant movie which brought the glamour of a bygone era to modern cinema audience gaining a nomination for best picture in the process.

Ingredients

· 25ml The Black Grouse

· Freshly pressed apple juice

· A squeeze of fresh pink grapefruit

Method

Pour a measure of The Black Grouse over plenty of ice in a highball glass. Top up with apple juice and add a squeeze of pink grapefruit.

Dragon’s breath

Inspired by the rebellious anti-hero Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, our cocktail reflects Rooney Mara’s fiery performance which sees her as a contender for best actress.

Ingredients

· 25ml The Black Grouse

· 1 wedge fresh lime squeezed

· Ginger beer

Method

Fill a high ball glass with cubed ice and pour over The Black Grouse. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the ice and drop into the glass. Lengthen with ginger beer and serve.

The Black Grouse is available to buy from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons (RRP £17.50). For further information visit www.black-grouse.com

NOTES

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

About The Black Grouse

· It is a blended whisky made from grain and malt whisky.

· It is a unique blend of The Famous Grouse mixed with peated malt whisky to create a rich smoky, peaty blend with the trademark quality and smoothness of The Famous Grouse.

· Awarding The Black Grouse 94 points* (out of 100) Jim Murray described it as a ‘real treasure’ and of the finish he said that it was ‘so gentle, with waves of smoke and oak lapping on an oaky shore….brilliant’. (Source: Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2008)

· Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is a highly successful and innovative annual book that was first launched in 2003. Now well-established, the book takes account of all the latest developments in the world of the wee dram containing tasting notes on over 3,800 whiskies.

Dewar’s announces partnership with TED2012

Dewar’s to launch revolutionary digital installation at TED Long Beach

(February 2012, London) DEWAR’S® Scotch Whisky has today announced a partnership with TED, the non-profit dedicated to Ideas Worth Spreading, at their 2012 conference in Long Beach, USA.

The conference from 27th February – 2nd March will bring together a diverse group of speakers from the fields of technology, entertainment and design to deliver exciting multisensory talks in less than 18 minutes. Speakers include Reid Hoffman, co-founder of Linked In and Andrew Stanton, writer of the Toy Story movies.

Founded in 1984, the TED conference draws a global audience to attend the four day event, which features TED’s famous talks, plus music, comedy, dance, short talks, video (the video will be live later in the day on the 24th – WI) and other surprises.

At TED2012, Dewar’s will capture the buzz around the talks through the “Dewar’s Hub”, a revolutionary interactive experience that distils and visualises real time conversations from Twitter. Attendees will be able to explore different themes and conversation strands by tweeting to the installation or, alternatively, navigate, filter and influence the visualisation using motion detection. People around the world can also tweet requests to receive automated Twitpics displaying the discussions generated around their chosen topic.

The top selling Scotch Whisky in the USA, Dewar’s will be served during the week at hosted events such as the TED Fellows Reception. Eighty delegates will also get the chance to take part in a special evening whisky Masterclass with Dewar’s Senior Global Brand Ambassador, Stephen Marshall. Dewar’s fans across the globe will also be able to enjoy the session in their home or office through a video Masterclass.

“TED has had the pleasure of collaborating with many of the world’s most groundbreaking brands. Our partnerships allow us to encourage and expand the dialogue of innovation,” said Ronda Carnegie, Head of Global Partnerships at TED. “The Dewar’s Hub is an exciting addition to TED2012, bringing together all of the ideas generated from the TEDtalks as they happen.”

Tom Swift, Global Marketing Manager, Dewar’s, said: “‘We are very proud to have formed this partnership. DEWAR’S shares TED’s commitment to the spread of great ideas and their positive outcome. It fits perfectly with DEWAR’S own view of life that some things are just Worth Doing.”

About DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, the top selling Blended Scotch Whisky in the USA, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old & the exclusive DEWAR’S Signature. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S double-ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; an extra step that is simply worth doing. A taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S one of Scotland’s most awarded whiskies.

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Long Beach, California, along with the TEDActive simulcast in Palm Springs; the annual TEDGlobal conference is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.

TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide, and TEDBooks, short e-books by speakers that elaborate on a single idea originally presented on TED’s stage. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Ed Clark, Virginia Wildlife Activist, Wins Rare Life Award

Eagle Rare Bourbon donates $32,000 to seven charities around the country

RICHMOND, VA (February, 2012) — Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has named Edward E. Clark, Jr. of Waynesboro, Virginia, as the grand prize winner of the 2012 Rare Life Award. Eagle Rare will donate $20,000 to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, where Clark is president and co-founder, in his honor.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia, founded in an empty barn in 1982, was originally established to care for local wildlife. In just 30 years, the Center has grown into one of the world’s leading teaching and research hospitals for wildlife and conservation medicine. Over the years, the Center has cared for more than 60,000 injured or orphaned animals, reached millions of people with its educational programs, and trained students and professionals from veterinary schools in the United States, Canada, and more than 40 other countries.

During the Gulf oil spill, Clark was part of an interdisciplinary damage assessment team assembled by the Humane Society of the United States that was asked to view the area affected by the spill and make recommendations.

Additionally, Clark and his team have spent more than seven years developing and deploying a sophisticated online database, called WILD-ONe, which links care centers across North America and helps them collect, compile, and analyze patient records to detect and report health issues as they emerge.

Throughout his life, Clark has inspired and enabled millions of people to become involved in protecting wildlife around the world. It is because of his courage, leadership, survival, devotion, character and heroism that Ed Clark is the grand prize winner of the 2012 Rare Life Award.

Eagle Rare will also donate $2,000 to the charities of choice of the six runners up, making the company’s total contribution to this contest $32,000.

The six 2012 runners up are:

• Dick Hoyt, Character Award: Holland, MA (The Hoyt Foundation)

• Dr. Peter Sharpe, Devotion Award: Avalon CA (Institute for Wildlife Studies)

• Sarah Yourman, Leadership Award: Fairlawn, NJ (Boomer Esiason Foundation)

• Rachel Reynolds, Courage Award: Ashland, VA (CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation)

• Eric Johnson, Heroism Award: Louisville, KY (Supporting Heroes)

• John Ulsh, Survival Award: Carlisle, PA (Carlisle Area YMCA)

The Rare Life Award is an annual recognition program created to honor individuals who exhibit courage, leadership, survival, devotion, character and heroism. Candidates are nominated by friends, family and colleagues. Their stories and photos are posted online at www.eaglerarelife.com, where visitors vote on these inspirational stories.

For more information on the Rare Life Award or Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, visit www.eaglerarelife.com.

About Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is part of the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery, a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Eagle Rare Bourbon is a ten-year-old single barrel bourbon that has won multiple awards, including five double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more about the Rare Life Award Program visit www.eaglerarelife.com.

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES MACHIR BAY

Kilchoman is delighted to announce the release of Machir Bay, the first general release from the distillery. It will be available throughout 2012 and is a vatting of 3, 4 and 5 year old, matured in fresh bourbon barrels and finished in oloroso sherry butts for 8 weeks.

Anthony Wills, Managing Director, commented, ‘Machir Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Islay, is close to the distillery and will give continuity of supply to our customers around the world. Each year we will add more mature malt to the vatting’.

RRP in UK 38.50 including VAT.

Benromach Three Tens Continues for Fifth Year

Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been announced by No Fuss Events as headline sponsor for the legendry Three Ten Series cross country mountain bike races for the fifth consecutive year.

The Three Tens are a series of 10 hour mountain bike endurance events in which individuals or teams of two, three or four compete over a 10 mile course (approx) for 10 hours in a bid to complete the most laps.

The series will return to North Wales following last year’s success which saw around 300 professional, amateur and novice cyclists – including former trial world champion Ben Savage – compete in Coed Llandegla, Denbighshire. It was the first time the Benromach Three Tens Series has ever been held outside Scotland.

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, proprietors of Benromach Distillery said: “We’re excited to be continuing our sponsorship of the Three Tens as it grows in popularity across the UK and internationally. Those competing in these events are typical of the Benromach drinker being someone who is adventurous, challenges the norm and seeks to share experiences with like-minded people. We look forward to working with No Fuss to encourage more people to take part in these fun, sporting events.”

The event introduced by Fort William based No Fuss Events in 2005, has proved immensely popular, attracting both novice and experts to take on the challenge as teams. New for 2012 No Fuss and Benromach are also encouraging the country’s top pub, hotel or café mountain biking team, of various levels of ability, to take part in any of the 10’s series.

10 Under the Ben, the flagship of the series, will be held in Fort William – the UK’s premier mountain bike destination and Outdoor Capital of the UK – on Saturday 26 May. More than 750 riders from all over the UK and the rest of the world, including New Zealand and Canada, have experienced the awesome course on some fantastic trails within Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest. 10 at Kirroughtree will take place in Galloway on Saturday 7 July and 10 Yn Llandegla will round off the Benromach Three Tens Series in North Wales on the Saturday 18 August.

David (Spook) Murno, partner from No Fuss Events said: “We are delighted to be working with Benromach again in 2012, Benromach are part of the family at No Fuss. The events are all about recreational riders, as well as a scattering of elite racers, off road riders and weekend warriors participating in a sport that we all love, it’s all about like-minded people; and having a good time in a fun and relaxed environment.”

As well as commitment to the Three Ten Series, Benromach will provide spot prizes and the opportunity for participants to sample Benromach Traditional Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Located on the outskirts of Forres, Benromach is Speyside’s smallest working distillery. Only two experienced distiller’s hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. Specially selected casks are then filled with the new make spirit before being left to mature at the distillery for many years.

To enter the mountain bike challenge visit www.nofussevents.co.uk. If you would like to represent your pub, hotel or café in the series then all you have to do is get a team of four together and purchase a ticket, come along and enjoy not only Great Mountain biking but craic and entertainment in abundance.

Notes

1. Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in Forres, just two expert distillers make this, golden malt whisky.

2. Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm 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.

3. Benromach and No Fuss Events have been working together since 2008.

4. Benromach expressions include its flagship malt whisky Benromach Ten Years Old which is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke. Visit www.benromach.com for more details and information about other Benromach expressions.

Scotland rugby legend, Scott Hastings, ‘Drams Up’ charity support for new limited edition Glengoyne ‘Auld Enemy Dram’

February 2012, Edinburgh: Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings has teamed up with award-winning Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky to launch a new limited edition ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ in aid of charity. 

Glengoyne hosted a new sporting dinner: The Glengoyne Auld Enemy Dinner at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh on Friday 3rd February 2012, bringing together rugby legends and supporters to celebrate the history of the Calcutta Cup.  Held on the eve of the world’s oldest international rugby fixture, the new event will become an annual occurrence taking place in Edinburgh and London respectively.

As well as providing warming drams throughout the evening, Glengoyne recognised the past exploits of players of this iconic game and honoured the occasion by releasing a limited edition ‘Auld Enemy Dram’, a Glengoyne 1990 Single Cask bottling.  Proceeds from which will go to their two chosen charities – Help For Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation.

Scott Hastings led proceedings at The Glengoyne Auld Enemy Dinner, also attended by Scotland and England ex-internationals from the past 40 years, including, Finlay Calder, Gavin Hastings, Peter Winterbottom and Matt Dawson, along with many other Calcutta Cup veterans.

Neil Boyd, Commercial Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: ‘‘Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky is proud to have been the official sponsor of the inaugural 2012 Auld Enemy Dinner, which was a fantastic success. Established itself in 1833, Glengoyne recognises and celebrates the passion that is synonymous with this great rivalry, and the commitment and dedication of those that compete annually for the famous Calcutta Cup.

“Glengoyne is equally proud to have teamed up with Scotland rugby legend, Scott Hastings, to support both Help for Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation through the release of our new limited edition ‘Auld Enemy Dram’.  They are both excellent charities which were perfect partners for the great occasion. We at Glengoyne look forward to a long association with the Auld Enemy Dinner in years to come.”

The Auld Enemy Dram has a rich mahogany colour with a heavy and robust nose of hazelnut, prunes, cocoa powder, and liquorice with BBQ spice. The palate is powerful with good balance of red apple, raisins, wafer cone and subtle citrus.  The finish maintains strength with increased fruits and dry spice.

Retailing at £195, The Limited Edition Glengoyne ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ is now available to buy at Vino’s Edinburgh  stores and online at vinowines.co.uk or at http://www.glengonye.com/

Award-winning Glengoyne Highland Single Malt is one of the leading malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne since 1833. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne is made with knowledge, passion and craftsmanship.

Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s most accessible distilleries, located just 30 minutes north of Glasgow in a beautiful wooded glen overlooking the breath-taking West Highland Way.

Notes:

Photo

   Picture 1 (L to R): Scott Hastings (Scotland rugby legend) & Neil Boyd (Commercial Director at Ian Macleod Distillers)

Auld Enemy Dram tasting notes

Colour: Rich mahogany.

Nose: Heavy and robust; hazelnut, prunes, cocoa powder, liquorice with BBQ spice.

Palate: Powerful with good balance, red apple, raisins, wafer cone and subtle citrus.

Finish: Maintains strength with increased fruits and dry spice.

Glengoyne

Award-winning Glengoyne Highland Single Malt is one of the leading malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne since 1833. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne is made with knowledge, passion and craftsmanship.

The Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 12 Years Old at 43%, 17 Years Old , 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as special limited edition bottlings released every year. To buy online visit http://www.glengoyne.com/.

Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s most accessible distilleries, located just 30 minutes north of Glasgow in a beautiful wooded glen overlooking the breath-taking West Highland Way. Tours start from just £6.50, call 01360 550 254 or visit http://www.glengoyne.com/ for more details and to book.

Help For Heroes

Help For Heroes is a charity that does exactly what it says on the tin. Help for Heroes strives towards 100% effectiveness, so that for every £1 donated, £1 will go directly to helping wounded servicemen and women with grants that aim to provide practical, direct support.

The Bill McLaren Foundation

The Bill McLaren Foundation was set up to raise funds to support the development of rugby and its values and also to recognise the contribution Bill McLaren made to rugby through education and the development of an interpretative centre including Bill’s extensive archive including his big sheets.  It has three key goals:

To develop and promote the sport of rugby union and its values
To encourage and provide sporting opportunities for young people
To create an educative centre which will include the Bill McLaren Archive

AUCHENTOSHAN CELEBRATES SUCCESSES OF 2011

As 2011 has drawn to an end, Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt whisky, reflects on the brand successes of the year; from its first ever mixology competition, to continuing to challenge the perceptions of whisky with its unique Auchentoshan Presents Sunday parties.

2011 saw a dedicated on-trade push for Auchentoshan Three Wood, promoting its unique complexity and versatility. Auchentoshan launched the first ever, transatlantic Auchentoshan Switch mixology competition that uses only the Three Wood. The prize was a career-changing, 14 day switch across the Atlantic for two outstanding bartenders (one from the UK and one from the US) to work in prestigious London and New York establishments: 69 Colebrooke Row and Apotheke.

Over 100 top bartenders entered, with 20 finalists from the UK and US selected to attend the final showdown. The UK event took place at East London warehouse space, Village Underground, with an esteemed panel of judges overseeing the three rounds: Tony Conigliaro (co-owner of 69 Colebrooke Row). Giles Looker (owner of Soulshakers Bar Consultancy) and Neil Ridley (journalist and co-founder of revered whisky blog CaskStrength).

Martin Ball from Corridor, Manchester, the UK winner, will head to Apotheke in Spring 2012 to experience some world-class molecular mixology, whilst US winner Charles Joly from The Drawing Room, Chicagowill head over to 69 Colebrooke Row.

To further support the Switch in trade, Auchentoshan ran a London in-house cocktail competition whereby the winner would be automatically entered into the Switch UK final. The contest challenged bartenders from eight leading London cocktail bars to create an original recipe using the Auchentoshan Three Wood. All winners were taken to the distillery in Scotland for the final. The winner was Dav Eames from Saf in Shoreditch with A Decadent Dram, and as a result, the expression and two cocktails have since been listed at this top bar and restaurant.

As part of the dedicated on-trade push for the Auchentoshan Three Wood, the expression has gained listing in some of the most renowned bars across the UK, including Shaker&Company, Paramount, Soho(both including two cocktails), 14 sites of the Gaucho Restaurant Group, Donovan Bar at Browns Hotel(includingan Old Fashioned cocktail), as well aslisting across the entire Drake and Morgan Groupin London– The Anthologist, The Drift, The Refinery, The Parlour and The Folly – with two cocktails listed for 2012and staff training completed for over 80 bar and floor staff.

Continuing to challenge perceptions that whisky is the preserve of an older, pipe-toting, slipper-wearing gentleman, ‘Auchentoshan Presents’ went on tour. The series of Sunday parties mixed unique whisky tastings with dance floor flailings co-curated by promoters who, like the whisky, do things differently.

The tour kicked off in July in Glasgow, the home of Auchentoshan, at Black Sparrow bar with a Scottish Bank Holiday party. The series then travelled the UK over the summer, visiting Lock Tavernfor a Field Day festival pre-party, then Bristol’s Start The Bus, followed by Leeds’s Nation Of Shopkeepers and finally Manchester’s favourite intimate drinking hole, Common.

Over the course of the tour, over 150 target consumers experienced a unique Auchentoshan tasting,learning about the three key expressions, trying it with chocolate and also mixed as a long drink with fiery ginger ale and a wedge of orange. As the night unfolded so did the music. This summer saw Auchentoshan partnering with Field Day, Thunder Disco, Tramp!, Squeaky Hill, with top acts includingHot Chip (DJ set), Jacques Renault from DFA, Visions of Trees (live), Filthy Dukes, Feel My Bicep, Spectrals (live), Casper Cand Stopmakingme.

Continuing its collaborations with creatives, Auchentoshan Presents partnered with supper club Shacklewell Nights to create a hidden dining experience at Ruby House, a Victorian townhouse within the MC Motors building in Dalston, London. Guests were treated to impromptu whisky tastings and a three-course menu that either complemented Auchentoshan or incorporated it into the dish, carefully designed by Claire Roberson, Shacklewell Nights’ founder, and Jonathan Woolway from St John Restaurant. As the trend for supper clubs in unusual spaces continues to gain momentum, Auchentoshan Presents… Shacklewell Nights led the pack.

Auchentoshan continued to support innovative and stand-out events with like-minded brands and individuals withinthe arts, music, photography, design, and film, to increase consumer understanding of Auchentoshan’s brand positioning through association. In 2011, Auchentoshan supported 11 high-profile events, including Fashion East (London), Flatpack Film Festival (Birmingham), and Paul Smith Vogue Fashion Night Out (London). Almost 3,000 target consumers had tasted Auchentoshan, either straight or as a long serve with ginger ale and wedge of orange.

For more information, please visit http://www.auchentoshan.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/auchentoshan

Notes:

Auchentoshan

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The benefit? This strength removes the impurities and harshness often associated with single malts and takes the new spirit to it’s optimum strength for reacting with the casks during maturation, allowing Auchentoshan to extract maximum flavours from the wood. The result? A delicate, smooth malt with each expression strongly showcasing the character of cask it was matured in.

At the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 12 Year Old, Auchentoshan Classic and Auchentoshan Three Wood were all awarded a Silver Medal in the Spirits category. At the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 18 Year Old also won a coveted Double Gold Medal. 

Announcing the launch of The Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society (and their accompanying website, www.jsmws.com) as a US based independent bottler of the world’s finest single cask, single malt, natural cask strength whiskies:

Operated as a members-¬‐only Society, founders Joshua Hatton (author of a blog by the same name, jewishsinglemaltwhiskysociety.com), Jason Johnstone-¬‐Yellin (author of guidscotchdrink.com) and Seth Klaskin conducted a quiet launch on February 8th, 2012, inviting 150 loyal readers of both whisky blogs and many people in whisky enthusiast circles, Jews and non-¬‐Jews alike. Public roll out will commence on February 20th, 2012.

With the initial membership drive in early 2012, the Society will be capped at 250-¬‐300 members. Later this year, the Society will have an initial release of up to 5 single cask whisky expressions. Soon thereafter, the Society will open its doors to another 250-¬‐500 members.

There will be three levels of membership available. Those that choose to join in on the base, or “White,” level can expect to enjoy the following for an initial $180 membership fee:

• 1 complimentary 750ml bottle of one of the Society’s single cask single malts (to ship in Summer, 2012)
• 2 Urban Bar tasting glasses bearing the Society’s logo
• 1 Society T-¬‐shirt bearing the Society’s logo
• A one year subscription to Whisky Advocate Magazine, a premier industry periodical
• A laminated membership card – individually numbered
• The very low $36/yr. renewal fee (due on the one year anniversary of receipt of the welcome bottle)
• The ability to invite a friend to join the Society

Late 2012 -¬‐ early 2013 will see the release of the second set of 5 exclusive bottlings and the introduction of the Society’s first non-¬‐Scotch single malt whisky.

While faithfully dedicated to independently bottling the finest and rarest single cask whiskies for their diverse membership, the JSMWS will aim to respect the needs of the religious, while also providing varied and new experiences for those who are less restricted in their Jewish expression. For example, they may release some bottlings of other spirits besides malt whisky in order to provide observant Jews with alternate fine spirits to accompany their Passover Seder, when malted grains are not permitted for consumption. (Many Jews observe Pesach Kashrut laws during Passover even if they do not observe Kashrut generally.)

At the same time, the Society will regularly offer whisky expressions that are aged in ex-¬‐wine casks so that members who are not restricted in their consumption can enjoy the full range of flavors and characteristics that the malt world has to offer. Because bottlings are inherently separate and self-¬‐contained, the Society will have the freedom to release some wine-¬‐finished expressions without contaminating the kosher-¬‐styled expressions.

By managing this issue thoughtfully, the Society aims to support and maintain the widest range of Jewish and non-¬‐Jewish, and observant and secular-¬‐minded whisky enthusiasts in their Society. The Society will always post detailed cask notes on the website and on the bottle labels. Members are urged to utilize these notes to make purchase decisions in line with their own dietary restrictions.

Members of the Society will enjoy members-¬‐only web content on www.jsmws.com. Such content will include, but will not be limited to, regular blog updates from Society founders detailing tasting notes, distillery visits and cask selections -¬‐ all provided through both text-¬‐based blog entries and robust video content.

The Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society is a genuine Society – with their website (www.jsmws.com) acting as a virtual space for folks to meet and advance their mutual affinity for finely crafted malt whiskies. It is a place for diverse people to identify with others who share an interest in the craft, the allure, the aesthetics, and the incredible depth of single malt spirits. Members will be able to learn new things and mingle in a virtual community with others in a supportive and fun environment. The Society is a place that welcomes everyone, and extends hospitality to all. It is a place where members can shed the stress of the day and achieve relaxation by exploring exceptional spirits among friends. It is a club that promotes social justice and consideration of others.

Furthermore, while primarily built upon a solid foundation of premium cask selection for their members, the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society pledges to enact its commitment to social justice and philanthropy by donating 1% of all profits from the sale of their exclusive whiskies and merchandise.

The Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society invites members to enjoy their whiskies, their community and all of the growing programs it has to offer.