BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED BRAND INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2012 BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

MASTER DISTILLER EMERITUS ELMER T. LEE ALSO NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Jan. 2012) – Buffalo Trace Distillery capped off 2011 with two prestigious wins from Whisky Magazine at its annual Icons of Whisky America 2012 luncheon held late last year in Louisville, Ky. Buffalo Trace was named “American Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year” for its single oak project, and Elmer T. Lee was named “American Whisky Ambassador of the Year.” The event honored American distilleries and their work over the past year.

The judges named Buffalo Trace Distillery “American Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year” for its single oak project bourbon, which was described as “remarkable…. will eventually give more knowledge about how whiskey and wood interact together over time.” The Single Oak Project is an intensive project undertaken by the Distillery which examines different variables that affect taste, in hopes of creating the “holy grail” of bourbon.

Elmer T. Lee, named the “American Whisky Ambassador of the Year,” was described by the judges from Whisky Magazine as “92 years old, but still going strong, he has spent years promoting bourbon while not seeking the spotlight for himself. Still, he picks the casks personally for the whiskey released under his name.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery will go on to compete in these two categories against distilleries from around the world. The world winners will be announced at Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards to be held in London, England in March.

For more information on the Icons of the Industry awards visit the Whisky Magazine website at: http://www.whiskymag.com/awards/icons_of_whisky/2012/ For more information on Buffalo Trace’s award-winning Single Oak Project, visit www.singleoakproject.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, 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. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.

AUCHENTOSHAN PRESENTS…
THE WILLIAM McGONAGALL BURNS SUPPER

Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt launches alternative Burns Night celebrations

For this year’s Burns Night, Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt whisky, has launched a series of alternative Burns Suppers at bars and restaurants across the UK, entitled ‘Auchentoshan Presents… The William McGonagall Burns Supper’. Instead of honouring Robert Burns – Scotland’s answer to Shakespeare – as tradition dictates, the suppers celebrate Burns’s arch enemy and the renegade poet, William McGonagall and his flair for challenging perceptions of poetry.

Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky that triple distills every drop (rather than just once or twice), thus creating a whisky of unmistakable smoothness. Just as Auchentoshan likes to do things differently, so did McGonagall; whilst Burns was a traditionalist, McGonagall was a rebel. With his outlandish performances, William McGonagall turned Scottish poetry on its head, and a McGonagall Supper does just that – the pudding is served first, followed by the main course, finishing with the starter.

Auchentoshan has provided on-trade accounts with specially designed tools to host their own McGonagall Burns supper, including recipes, posters, menu cards, tent cards, coasters and event tickets. As each dish is paired with an Auchentoshan expression, served in specially created, humourous Auchentoshan whisky glasses, each featuring a design of one of a variety of different shaped and sized moustaches.

Auchentoshan Presents… The William McGonagall Burns Supper Menu:

·       Dessert:           
o   Cranachan paired with Auchentoshan Three Wood

·       Main Course:    
o   Haggis, neeps and tatties served with whisky gravy, paired with Auchentoshan 12 Years Old

·       Starter:            
o   Flaked smoked salmon over oatcakes, paired with Auchentoshan Classic

Consumers can also host their own ‘Auchentoshan Presents… The William McGonagall Burns Supper’ at home by downloading a ‘How To’ guide and decoration materials from the Auchentoshan website, which include invitations, menu holders, andexamples of McGonagall’s poetry.

For listings and details of ‘Auchentoshan Presents…The William McGonagall Burns Supper’ held in the UK, please visit http://www.auchentoshan.com/. New venues will be added daily. 

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 result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.

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.

Super Bowl parties are as much about great snacks as they are watching the game. So, with game day fast approaching, we at Maker’s Mark would like to share with you easy ways to can kick-up fun finger foods with bourbon, as well as how to mix the perfect cocktail to serve with them. Below are recipes for Bourbon Apple Glazed Chicken wings and Maker’s Mark Onion Dip created by celebrity chef and Maker’s Mark Online Cookbook Editor Lee Anne Wong.  Additionally, we’ve provided a great recipe for a Whiskey Smash created by famous mixologist Dale Degroff.  If you are interested in additional food and drink recipes, I would happy to send more to you. Feel free to also browse the Maker’s Mark Online Cookbook at http://www.makersmark.com/.

Made from corn, barley and soft red winter wheat at the world’s oldest operating bourbon distillery, Maker’s Mark is a premium, handcrafted Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. With notes of toasted oak, caramel and vanilla it is the only bourbon that is as versatile in the kitchen as it is behind the bar. 

Bourbon Apple Glazed Chicken Wings

Notes: These tangy sweet wings get the benefit of being braised then baked, no frying involved!
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Level: Easy
Serves 4

2 lbs chicken wings, trimmed
1 cup Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
1 can frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed (12 ounces)
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup dark brown sugar
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

1.      Combine all of the ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to boil on high heat and then reduce to a simmer for 30-40 minutes until the wings are tender and the glaze has reduced, coating the wings.
2.      Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the wings from the pot and transfer to a parchment lined sheet tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the wings begin to color and the glaze becomes shiny. Garnish with minced scallions and apple. Serve immediately.

Bourbon Onion Dip

Notes: Greek yogurt and ricotta cheese lighten up this usually mayonnaise heavy party favorite.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Level: Easy
Serves 6-10

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large sweet onions/Vidalias, peeled, halved, sliced thinly with the grain
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, plus 1 tablespoon
¾ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
Few drops lemon juice
Pinch sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Crudité vegetables and chips for dipping

1.      In a wide heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced onions and the teaspoon of salt. Sauté the onions, stirring often until they begin to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir and cook the onions until they begin to color, about another 15 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of bourbon to the pan and stir in. Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have colored and caramelized. Remove the onions from the pan and spread on a plate or baking sheet to cool in the fridge.

2.      Using a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta and yogurt and process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Fold in the sour cream. Once the onions have cooled, rough chop them briefly. Fold into the mixture and season to taste with lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Serve the dip cold with crudité and chips.

Kentucky Whiskey Smash

2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
4 mint leaves
¾ lemon
1 part simple syrup
Lemon wheel, for garnish
Sprig of Mint, for garnish

Directions:  Muddle all ingredients except Maker’s Mark® Bourbon in a bar glass. Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and shake with ice. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.

Share Your Glenrothes Vintage Moment and Win A Trip To Scotland

The Glenrothes is asking you to recall and share a game-changing or  halcyon moment in your life, for a chance to travel to Scotland and  create the 2012 vintage. The winners will be the entries that in the  opinion of the judges best represent the definition of a Glenrothes  vintage moment: a perfect combination of time, place, people and/or  occasion when everything comes together to create a moment that will stay in the memory forever.
 
Wondering what the perfect Vintage Moment looks like?

This brand new video shares an inside look at the distillery and  highlights the beauty and history of The Glenrothes, from the  breathtaking hills of Speyside to the river Rothes and barrels upon barrels of vintage whisky.
 
See ambassador, Ronnie Cox share his own Vintage Moments here    
 
The Competition
– 4 US winners will be chosen to create the 2012 vintage
– Share your Vintage Moment in 1500 words or less
– Trip takes place in May 2012
– Enter at www.TheGlenrothes.com or Facebook.com/TheGlenrothes
– Contest ends on Jan 31, 2012

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES LATEST WHISKEY IN COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR. COLLECTION –
WAREHOUSE C TORNADO SURVIVING BOURBON

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky – It was a Sunday evening, April 2, 2006, when a severe storm tore through Central Kentucky, damaging two Buffalo Trace Distillery aging warehouses. Fortunately, no one was injured and Warehouse “B” was empty at the time. However, Warehouse “C” sustained significant damage to its roof and north brick wall. Warehouse “C” is one of the most treasured warehouses on property, built by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. in 1881. This historic aging warehouse stores more than 24,000 prized bourbon barrels in its ricks. It is also a favorite warehouse for tourists; its century-old wooden beams and pungent aroma of bourbon make it an ideal stop for the 55,000-plus tourists that visit Buffalo Trace Distillery each year.

Throughout the strong storm that raged across the Distillery, the bourbon barrels stood strong, never budging from their resting spots. Patiently they waited while the roof and wall repairs took place that summer. The barrels sat exposed to the central Kentucky climate for months as the sun and wind took their toll.

Finally in late 2011, those same barrels were tasted and the bourbon was married into a single batch dubbed “Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon.” It was only fitting this bourbon would be released under the Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. moniker, as he was a bourbon industry survivor himself. Taylor owned and lost more than seven distilleries in his lifetime and built many of the buildings at Buffalo Trace Distillery, including the storm damaged Warehouses B and C.

All of the 93 Tornado Surviving Bourbon barrels were located on the top two floors of Warehouse C, and were at least 9 years, 8 months old when dumped; many of them were as old as 11 years, 11 months old. Like the previous two E. H. Taylor, Jr. releases, the Tornado Surviving Bourbon is “Bottled in Bond” at 100 proof.

This Rye Mash #1 recipe bourbon has the aroma of dried fig and cloves that jump from the glass initially along with plenty of baking spice. An oaky dryness provides balance, which quickly builds the anticipation for a taste. A small sip fills the mouth with jam-like cooked fruit, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. The finish quickly builds in dark spices until the end as hints of tobacco leave you with the final impressions of this bourbon.

During the summer of 2006 the sun and weather inevitably contributed to increased evaporation, wood interaction and rich flavors in this bourbon whiskey. The angel’s share amounted to an astonishingly high 63.9% loss.

“A robust and flavorful palate from beginning to end. This bourbon is unusually rich” said Kris Comstock at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Typically bourbons at this age from upper floors will have a woody flavor due to the higher temperatures. These Tornado Surviving barrels are well rounded and quite tasty.”

The Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon is the third in the line of the E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection of whiskeys to be released over the next few years. It joins the Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon and the Single Barrel Bourbon, which Buffalo Trace Distillery released in 2011. Like the other two releases, this Tornado Surviving Bourbon will have very limited availability and will be packaged in a similar vintage label and canister, which are reminiscent of Taylor’s bottles nearly one hundred years ago.

Taylor is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the now Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

The E.H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon will be available for $69.99 per 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, 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. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.

Polo Crowd Celebrate the Ultimate New Year in India

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, marked its third year as title sponsor of The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, with its largest and most international crowd watching the Central Academy team win the impressive tournament.

The annual New Year’s Eve Procession, lead by His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur, marked the end of the five day polo event with the Central Academy team taking the title, outshining the Yuvraj Knights on the day with some scintillating polo.

The tournament attracted a high quality field including India’s Samir Suhag and Argentina’s Andres Weisz, both 5 goal players. Guests of nobility such as Prince Carl-Eugen Oettingen-Wallerstein and his wife Princess Anna of Bavaria also took part.

Set in the majestic shadows of Umaid Bhawan Palace, guests of Royal Salute were hosted from 26 – 31 December by His Highness with guest of honour, the 13th Duke of Argyll, the Hereditary Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. VIPs from every continent enjoyed the five days of international polo which culminated in the exclusive Royal Salute Golden Jubilee Ball.

Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, commented: “There is no event quite like the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup. Set within one of the world’s most majestic cities, guests have been treated to breathtaking experiences and a world-class polo tournament. This has truly been a spectacular event.”

The Maharaja’s famous New Year’s Eve procession and celebration at Mehrangarh Fort provided an unforgettable conclusion to the Jodhpur polo season, with an extraordinary spectacle of traditional dance, music, fireworks and festivities, ending on the rooftop above the blue city with a party under the stars.

The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup further highlights Royal Salute’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Royal Salute World Polo Series continues in January 2012 at the Royal Salute Nations Cup in Dubai.

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership; it is part of the brand’s DNA
• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of the four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy since 1953
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo
In addition to the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India, the Scotch whisky is proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious polo tournaments.
• China Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing
• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Dubai
• Brazil Triple Coroa Tournament, Helvetia Polo Club, Sao Paulo
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney
• Korea Country Polo Club, Jeju

In 2011, Royal Salute World Polo was proud to support several charity polo tournaments, supporting charities whose patrons include the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
• U.S The Foundation Polo Challenge 2011, Santa Barbara, California in aid of the U.S Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup 2011, Coworth Park, Berkshire,
• UK Bernard Weatherhill Polo Cup, Tetbury, England

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS APPOINTS RACHEL BARRIE AS MASTER BLENDER

Glasgow, Scotland (January 10, 2012) – Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), one of the major names in Scotch Whisky and producers of Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, announces the appointment of Rachel Barrie to the newly created position of Master Blender effective immediately. Barrie willalso head up the company’s Spirit Quality Control and laboratory functions. She will join Morrison Bowmore’s Operational Senior Executive Group and report directly to Andrew Rankin, MBD Operations Director and Chief Blender. Barrie joins the company bringing a vast amount of knowledge and experience having served many years in a similar role within The Glenmorangie Company.

Commenting on the appointment Andrew Rankin says, “Rachel is one of the most experienced Master Blenders in our Industry and I am extremely delighted that she will be joining our team here at MBD. We have a very strong blending team within the company and this appointment will massively strengthen and reinforce our commitment to producing the ultimate in quality Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.”

Barrie’s background before joining MBD is steeped in the whisky industry. Barrie comes to Morrison Bowmore from The Glenmorangie Company where she held the positions of Product Development Manager and ultimately their Whisky Creator and Master Blender and was responsible for creating some of their award-winning whiskies including Glenmorangie Signet and Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Prior to that, Barrie worked for Macdonald & Muir Ltd as the Quality Lab Manager and for the Scottish Whisky Research Institute as a research scientist. 

MBD’s Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. Contact: +44 (0) 1283 217703 or enquiries@cellartrends.co.uk

ABOUT MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS (http://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 majorproduction 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 bulk blend, vatted malt and in particular `Bottled in Scotland’ Blends and Single Malts. The success of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is based upon maintenance of traditional values and innovation in the marketplace.

Glenmorangie unveils Artein – a monumental whisky born of stone

Glenmorangie is proud to announce the release of Glenmorangie Artein, the third release in its award winning Private Edition range. Scots Gaelic for stone ‘Artein’ is an intriguing assemblage of 15 and 21 Years Old Glenmorangie, extra matured in ‘Super Tuscan’ wine casks.

Stone has always been at the heart of the making of Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky. Glenmorangie has its own unique hard water source – the Tarlogie Spring – which slowly filters through layers of limestone, adding rich minerals that eventually give Glenmorangie its complex fruity aromas. The Company has a great affinity with stone as close to Glenmorangie Distillery in the Scottish Highlands an ancient stone of symbolic significance was uncovered – the Hilton of Cadboll Stone. Glenmorangie proudly adopted an intricate Pictish motif from this iconic monument as its brand emblem.

Widely regarded as a pioneer in extra maturation and with a true passion for innovation, it is no surprise that Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation for Glenmorangie felt strong affinity with a highly talented group of ‘Super Tuscan’ producers, celebrated for breaking with Italian tradition. The rugged Tuscan coastal hills, built on stony foundations, are a seemingly improbable area for vineyards. However, the stones play an important role in the development of these fine wines. The vines are forced to delve deep into the soil seeking nourishment; as a result the grapes claim intense flavour from this unique terroir.

Dr Lumsden comments “Wine is one of my huge passions and I was fascinated by the role stony ground played in cultivating the vines – therefore influencing the flavour profile of the famed ‘Super-Tuscan’ wines. I was inspired to experiment with extra maturing Glenmorangie in these wine casks and was thrilled with the result – a rich, outstandingly fragrant whisky – born of stone.”

Glenmorangie Artein’s recipe has two thirds hand selected 15 years old whisky with a special additional third of 21 year old whisky. The spirit started its maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before individually spending a period of extra maturation in Super Tuscan wine casks.

On nosing, Glenmorangie Artein recalls a sweet and heady bouquet of ripe red berries, honeysuckle and fresh mint. On the palate, sun soaked baked fruits such as ripe apricots, peaches and plums harmonise gracefully with hints of spearmint and cherries in milk chocolate. A whisky of great length, Glenmorangie Artein finishes with high notes of zesty, lemon sherbet and a flourish of creamy cappuccino.

Bottled at a strength of 46%, Glenmorangie Artein will be available globally from January 2011 for around £69.99.

Glenmorangie Artein is an exciting new addition which joins the ongoing Private Edition range, comprising so far of the highly esteemed Sonnalta PX and Finealta.

The Private Edition range consists of rare and interesting limited edition whiskies carefully selected from the ‘cabinet of curiosities’ of Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, fast becoming collector’s items.

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:
Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies.’

The Glenmorangie Private Edition Range
Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award winning special range that provides the occasional opportunity for the Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team to share rare, limited samples of its rich and innovative experimentations to whisky connoisseurs and aficionados. Glenmorangie Artein marks the third release in this range, previous releases were; Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX – a full bodied whisky, extra matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and Glenmorangie Finealta – an exquisite recreation of a 1900s recipe from the Glenmorangie archives with subtle notes of peat.

Kevin Mackintosh – Photographer
Talented photographer, Kevin Mackintosh captured Glenmorangie Artein’s Scottish and Italian influence in a stunning shot where the lens alludes to the role of stone. Italian renaissance sculptures dominate the picture, surrounded by polished pebbles. A jug of water representing the Tarlogie Spring sits close to the bottle of Artein itself. The espresso maker, vintage Fiat 500 toy car and rich terracotta walls all reference the Italian connection, while he distinctive emblem of the giraffe alludes to Glenmorangie’s whisky stills, the tallest in Scotland and the same height as an adult giraffe. Mackintosh has shot all three expressions in the Glenmorangie’s Private Edition range, taking inspiration from the Whisky Creation Team’s ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. His work draws inspiration heavily from art, theatre, architecture and European cinema. Surrealism and magical realism play a large role in creating what he terms ‘Kevin’s Universe’, a collection of ‘magpie interiors’ and memories lost and found.

BENRIACH LAUNCHES NEW SOLSTICE 17 YEAR-OLD

the perfect midwinter malt

TODAY (December 22), on the winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, BenRiach is delighted to announce the launch of its new 17 year-old Solstice single malt.

It’s the Elgin distillery’s second Solstice expression,following the heavily-peated Solstice 15 year-old launched this time last year which Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible describes as spellbinding.

Just like the original Solstice release, this BenRiach has been distilled from heavily peated malted barley, then matured in ex-bourbon casks before finallybeing finished in tawny port casks.

The winter Solstice is the point at which the Earth is tilted atits furthest from the sun and it’s the day of the year with the fewest day light hours. Worldwide, many cultures regard the Solstice as representing rebirth and festivals and Billy Walkers tasting notes confirm the 17 year-old is the perfect celebratory midwinter malt.

In appearance, it shows distinct rose characteristics, with a bright copper crest.

On the nose, lascivious fruits with a fabulous aroma of stewed summer berries including strawberries, blackcurrants and red currants. The berry component is richly locked together by a muscular peaty blast. Latter traces of fortifiedwine and grape-like qualities become apparent.

On the palate, initial dry-roasted nutty notes advance to become a heavy peaty affair. Subtle notes of dried raisins and candied fruit. Clean and very enticing with the dominant peat flavours lingering on the palate. Smooth and very long. A unique mix of fruit and peat which marry with extraordinary precision in classic proportions.

SalesDirector Alistair Walker said: “Our new malt is a superb marriage of peat andfruit, a worthy successor to our 15 year-old…and just as spell binding.

With the wind howling and the rain battering against the window, it’s a wonderfullywarming late-night dram. The original Solstice was one of our most popular releases over the last couple of years, so hopefully the second edition will beas well received.”

The bottling strength for the Solstice 17 year-old is 50%. It’s presented in a rigid gift box and a limited quantity is available worldwide.

For more information – info@benriachdistillery.co.uk

THE MOST ANCITIPATED WHISKY FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR TO LAUNCH 2012 PROGRAMME ON 21ST JANUARY

The new programme and online booking system for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2012 goes live on Saturday, 21st January at www.spiritofspeyside.com. There’s likely to be a rush for some of the Festival’s most exclusive and prestigious events as thousands of whisky connoisseurs and hardcore fans of Scotland’s national drink snap up the sought-after tickets to take part in the undiluted whisky magic of one of the most important whisky festivals in the world.

The 2012 Festival runs from Thursday, 3rd – Monday, 7th May when Speyside invites whisky lovers and aficionados everywhere to come and discover the passion behind the world’s finest whiskies. From whisky master-classes, guided walks, tours and tastings to ceilidhs, music and dance, poetry sessions and family events there’s something for everyone. There’s even a Whisky School for dedicated whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals who want to learn more about the process of whisky making.

Speyside boasts a higher concentration of whisky distilleries than any other region on earth, including Cardhu, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Benromach, and it’s not just the range of whiskies at the Festival’s 230 events which is staggering, but the diversity of locations is outstanding – Festival goers can enjoy a dram in a castle, in a village hall, on a train, on a landrover tour, at a world class distillery or even on top of a mountain.

Festival highlights include the opportunity to visit distilleries not normally open to the public, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Awards which is judged by Festival goers, and the popular opening Gala Dinner which will be held at The Macallan on Thursday, 3rd May.

Speyside whiskies are in a class of their own, and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival successfully blends together an exciting and enriching range of authentic Scottish experiences mixed with a spirited passion for all things whisky.

To find out more and book tickets (on sale from 16th January, 2012) go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up to date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

ENDS

Notes for Editor:
– Next year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from 3rd-7th May. Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news.
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards as well as the Photographic Competition
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners