MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS AND CAMPARI AMERICA BOLSTER U.S. DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT

Morrison Bowmore Distillers Grants Campari America – Exclusive U.S. Import and Distribution Rights For McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Effective June 1, 2012

GLASGOW and SAN FRANCISCO  – Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), one of the major names in Scotch Whisky, announces the appointment of Campari America (formerly Skyy Spirits) as the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for MBD’s top-selling McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, effective June 1, 2012. The deal brings one of the world’s fastest-growing Scotch malt whisky brands into the folds of Campari America, who already manages distribution and marketing in the U.S. for MBD brands Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

McClelland’s came to the U.S. market 18 years ago and has since grown to become the fifth best-selling single malt in the United States and number 15 in worldwide sales. It is the second best-selling malt in the Morrison Bowmore portfolio and has shown considerable sales increases, with global sales nearly tripling between 2001 and 2010. The volume growth of McClelland’s has outpaced all of the top-ten selling single malts in the world. (IWSR 2011 Report/Single Malt Category).

The addition of McClelland’s builds upon the already strong Campari America whisk(e)y portfolio which includes Wild Turkey® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Russell’s Reserve® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Glen Grant® Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Hibiki® Whisky; Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky; and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky, and demonstrates Morrison Bowmore’s confidence in Campari America’s formidable marketing and sales expertise in this category.

“Morrison Bowmore Distillers boasts one of the most critically acclaimed whisky collections from Scotland, representing every major distilling region,” said Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO, Campari America. “This broad selection allows Campari America to appeal to every whisky fan, from the novice to the seasoned aficionado. The addition of the broad McClelland’s portfolio lets us offer even wider choices for our distributors, retailers and consumers, furthering solidifying our position as the premier whisk(e)y supplier in the U.S.”

“We have found a true partner for our brands in Campari America,” says Mike Keiller, CEO, Morrison Bowmore Distillers. “Our fine portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies have shown significant volume and value growth since Campari America took them on in 2008. We are confident that McClelland’s strong growth trajectory will only continue under the expert leadership of Campari America and its outstanding sales force.”

McClelland’s offers a range of four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, each of which provides consumers a chance to explore Scotland’s key whisky producing regions and reflect the true essence and distinct characteristics of that region:

· McClelland’s Highland – Highland malts capture the true spirit of Scotland – the moorlands, heather and fresh pine forests – and are rounded, firm and fruity.

· McClelland’s Islay – Famous throughout the world for their peaty character and dry finish, the Islay dram is the unmistakable taste of Scotland.

· McClelland’s Lowland – The malts crafted in the Lowlands match the soft rolling landscape. Smooth and light, they make the perfect aperitif.

· McClelland’s Speyside – Speyside malts are sweet and fruity, sometimes delicate, sometimes rich and robust but always complex.

This past March, the brand introduced new packaging – a premium gift box and a refreshed label – which underscores the excellent spirits quality and addresses consumer demand for a greater level of education on the taste experience of the famous whisky producing areas. The new cartons are completely recyclable, lowering the brands carbon footprint.

ABOUT MCCLELLAND’S SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

McClelland’s is a regional single malt Scotch whisky with expressions from Scotland’s four main whisky producing areas: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay. It is produced by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Glasgow, Scotland and distributed in the U.S. by Campari America. McClelland’s is the 5th largest single malt in US domestic market by volume and 15th globally (IWSR 2011). McClelland’s is available nationwide in 50ml, 750ml and 1.75L bottles. For more information visit www.morrisonbowmore.com

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.

ABOUT CAMPARI AMERICA

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

LAGAVULIN™ TO SPONSOR ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL AGAIN

by Pat Roberts

Lagavulin™, the iconic Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, will again be the headline sponsor of the Islay Jazz Festival in 2012, the brand’s owner Diageo has announced, following its highly successful and widely welcomed sponsorship of the event in the last two years.

The Islay Jazz Festival, which this year will take place from 14-16 September 2012, attracts hundreds of jazz lovers, from Scotland and further afield, to the world-famous whisky island on Scotland’s west coast.

Artists already booked include the Neil Cowley Trio, the Colin Steele Quintet, Konrad Wiszniewski with Pascal Schumacher, and Scottish guitarist Graeme Stephen.

Commenting on behalf of Lagavulin, Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach, said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor this world-class festival again, which brings so many discerning jazz lovers to venues throughout this unique and special island.

“We have been pleased with the public and community reaction to our sponsorship over the last two years, and with the Festival’s growing success in attracting visitors to Islay, including many from abroad. It’s clear that live jazz and fine Malt Whisky are the best of partners, and that Islay, with its many distinctive and intimate venues and excellent whiskies, is ideally placed to host such a fine event”.

Fiona Alexander of promoters Jazz Scotland welcomed the confirmation of a further year’s sponsorship by Lagavulin.

She said: “Visitors to the Festival arrive with a sense of enchantment and discovery. The timeless beauty of the constantly changing landscape and the warmth of welcome provide a great backdrop to the heritage of Lagavulin production and the handcrafted creation of live jazz”.

Jazz Scotland will shortly release a film of the 2011 Festival highlights, which will be seen on the Islay Jazz Festival website , where details of this year’s programme will also be posted once available.

The Festival is promoted by Jazz Scotland and The Islay Arts Association, and also supported by Argyll and Bute Council and Creative Scotland.

The events of the Festival are spread over three days and many venues on Islay.

Notes

Programme details (and ticket sales when booking starts) on the Islay Jazz Festival website.

Compass Box Whisky Co. and The Whisky Shop join forces for whisky tasting ‘World Record’

2 Great Men, 3 Great Whiskies, 8 Great Whisky Shops, 24 Hours, 683 miles!

To mark the arrival of their trio of award-winning whiskies – Great King Street, The Spice Tree and The Peat Monster – across the 19-strong empire of Whisky Shops, boutique whiskymaker Compass Box is embarking on a journey from Inverness to Brighton, via 8 cities, 8 Whisky Shops and 8 different tastings, in an attempt to set a whisky tasting world record and raise money for charity along the way. The twist? The whole tour will happen in just ONE day.

Whisky Shop Managing Director, Andrew Torrance, explained: ‘We are delighted to list the Compass Box range in our stores from Spring this year. When we were discussing a launch plan we thought the best way to bring the magic of these whiskies to our consumers was of course to let them taste the product. What better way to do that than in one day! Inverness to Brighton in one day. I’m really looking forward to it and I know our customers will get right behind the challenge. Like all the best ideas, it was hatched over a good dinner and a glass of whisky.”

As four-time winners of ‘Whisky Innovator of the Year’, Compass Box is no stranger to uniquely ambitious ideas. But is this the most extreme thing Compass Box Founder and Whiskymaker, John Glaser, has ever agreed to do in pursuit of his art? “I have to admit to staying up pretty late a few times in support of our whiskies, but usually this take places in a very civilised bar rather than a van. Regardless, I can’t wait for this night. If it gets more people to understand our craft approach, enjoy what we do, and learn more about the wonders that whisky has to offer, then it is worth every one of the 1440 minutes on the road”.

John Glaser will join Whisky Shop’s Whiskeria Magazine Editor and acclaimed whisky expert Dominic Roskrow on this joint tour, starting with a one-minute-past-midnight tasting at The Whisky Shop in Inverness on Friday June 15th and finishing in Brighton with a grand finale at 11.30pm the same day. In-between, the whisky industry’s ‘odd couple’ will visit Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Oxford and London.

At each venue, Dominic and John will illustrate Compass Box’s unique approach to whiskymaking with a tasting of the Great King Street – Artist’s Blend, Spice Tree and Peat Monster, while focusing on a different side of the world of whisky. They will serve variations on the whisky Highball and talk about the history of blended whisky as dawn breaks over Edinburgh; breakfast on Spice Tree with haggis in Newcastle; investigate the best whisky and food matches over a whisky dinner in Oxford; and discover the magic of the finest whisky cocktails in London. The grand finale will entail a glass of something very special under the stars on Brighton’s seafront.

John and Dominic will be encouraging whisky fans and Whisky Shop’s W-Club members to come along and join in the fun at each venue, while everyone – wherever they are in the world – can follow the journey on Twitter @CompassBox and @TheWhiskyShop and their Facebook page www.facebook.com/CompassBox

As Dominic Roskrow put it, “If truth be told, none of us know whether it’ll work out or not. Heaven knows who’ll turn up in Edinburgh at 4.30am and I have this vision of being stuck in a traffic jam in Crawley as midnight approaches. I was asked the other day if anyone has done anything like this before. I said don’t be stupid!”

Venue Time Theme
Inverness 12.01am Classic tasting and grand départ
Edinburgh 4.30am The history of Blended whisky and the rise of the Highball
Newcastle 8.30am Breakfast pairings (haggis and Spice Tree, kippers with Peat Monster)
York 11.30am The Art of Blending
Birmingham 3.30pm Oak – the magical ingredient
Oxford 6.00pm Food & whisky matching – cheese, seafood, spice
London 9.00pm Whisky Cocktails
Brighton 11.30pm Something special to finish!

To sign up to any one of these events customers just need to contact The Whisky Shop in the city where it is taking place. All attendees will receive a commemorative T-shirt and all ticket proceeds will go to charity.

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.

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.

ABOUT THE WHISKY SHOP
The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest Independent Whisky retailer with 20 stores stretching from Inverness to Brighton. Their aim is to de-mystify the whisky category and be the friendly face of whisky on the High Street. They carry over 300 whisky products and welcome over 2 million customers every year to their website and shops.

ABOUT DOMINIC ROSKROW
Dominic is currently the Editor of Whiskeria and responsible for editorial content at The W Club. He has been a freelance whisky writer for six years, and has specialised in whisky for more than 10. He is a former Editor of Whisky Magazine, and currently covers world whiskey for The Whisky Advocate, making him the only journalist to work for all ‘big three’ whisky titles. He has just published his fifth book, 1001 Whiskies To Try Before You Die, and his sixth, The Whisky Opus, is out in August. His latest project is founding a new trade association for craft distillers across the world. Which just goes to show that from this whisky tasting tour to the new association it really is possible to travel from the ridiculous to the sublime!

Please find below a link to the results of the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge which you may find of interest.

Scottish Field Results of Summer Whisky Challenge 2012

You can also visit them on Facebook and Twitter as they move through the stages to the Grand Final at the end of the year where the Scottish Field Whisky of the Year will be published.

Rare whisky launched to mark Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A 60 year old Single Malt Whisky is being launched today (6th February 2012) in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee by one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists.  Gordon & MacPhail – the Elgin based and family-run Single Malt Whisky specialist – has released only 85 bottles of Glen Grant 60 Years Old.

Distilled on 2nd February 1952, four days before the Queen acceded the throne, the whisky was bottled on 2nd February 2012 at cask strength, making it exactly 60 years old. Gordon & MacPhail’s Joint Managing Director Michael Urquhart said: “Glen Grant 60 Years Old is a rare single malt whisky and we are delighted to be releasing it to mark the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. “With whisky of this quality and rarity – each bottle comes with a certificate of authenticity – we expect considerable interest,  not just in the UK, but from the international marketplace where recent export figures have shown we have an avid consumer following.  “In producing the packaging for this remarkable Single Malt we worked with Scottish craftsmen, allowing us to showcase some of  the finest talent in the country.”

Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 60 Years Old is described as having poise and great complexity, displaying aromas of Cox’s Pippins and Granny Smith apples, laced with cinnamon and root ginger.  The palate reveals the age and depth of character as rich, burnt fruit notes mingle with a drying, spicy edge and a dusting of white pepper.

The Single Malt is presented in a pyramid shaped crystal decanter adorned with a diamond shaped stopper. Each decanter is expertly engraved – the script in-filled with silver – and uniquely numbered. The decanter carries an engraved crown with a sparking Swarovski crystal, set at the meeting point of the crowns two arches. A silver collar, placed around the neck of the decanter completes the presentation. The decanter is packaged in a hand-crafted box made of Scottish Elm, felled a short distance from Holyrood House, the Queen’s official Scottish residence. The decanter nestles in the box lined with luxurious, purple Harris Tweed and a dust jacket made from the same material protects the box and the precious contents.

The limited edition bottles are now being put on the market for a recommended retail price in the UK of £8,000 per bottle. Prices in export markets will differ depending on duty and import taxes.

 The launch of Glen Grant 60 year old is supported by an online social media campaign and dedicated microsite www.gordonandmacphail.com/diamond and Facebook page. Both display images of the hand crafting bottling process and packaging of the final product.

THE MACALLAN LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION DIAMOND JUBILEE BOTTLING

The Macallan is celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne with the release of a stunning limited edition commemorative Diamond Jubilee bottling. The specially designed bottle bears a unique image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by the sculptor Arnold Machin. With only 2012 bottles available, and like The Macallan’s previous commemorative royal bottlings, this edition is expected to be highly sought after by collectors from the worlds of whisky and art.

The pack was designed by acclaimed Art Director David Holmes, who was responsible for the 2011 Macallan Royal Marriage edition. Arnold Machin’s magnificent image of the Queen is displayed on an intricately designed ceramic brooch which sits proudly on the bottle’s label. The distinctive image, depicted here on a product for the first and only time, was one of a series of effigies created by Arnold Machin OBE RA. A development of this design was later used on all definitive issue British postal stamps.

Commenting on the special commemorative Diamond Jubilee edition David Holmes said; “A Royal Diamond Jubilee is extremely rare and should be celebrated with flair and unique exuberance. With this in mind and taking inspiration from a brooch gifted to Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee, it was imperative to keep the design sophisticated. The motivation behind the colours stemmed from the tones so often favoured by the Queen, pale blue, pale yellow and pale green. These colours complement the product’s subtle tones perfectly when presented in the display case which, with its cushioned regal purple lid has the feel of a jewellery box. In a year of celebrating Britain, all elements of production were British based. The antiqued pewter surround was made in Scotland, the cameo in Staffordshire and the flags and ribbons are all made in Britain.”

The golden amber liquid has been specially chosen for the months it was drawn from the casks, 6th February, the Queen’s accession and the first week in June, traditionally when the Jubilees are celebrated. Bottled at 52%, in line with the year of the Queen’s accession, the exceptional sherry cask matured single malt gives hints of citrus fruits, ginger and clove.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington commented; “The Macallan is honoured to showcase and play host to such an iconic British emblem. This unique combination between art and whisky results in an exquisitely designed creation which continues our exceptional attention to detail in all The Macallan products. Our Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno has put together a superb single malt which carries the character and nobility of the occasion it commemorates, whilst David Holmes has given us a truly inspiring way to use this iconic image”

The 2012 bottles are available from The Macallan Distillery Visitor Centre for UK collection only and online for UK customers at www.themacallan.com at a price of £350. Limited quantities will also be available via selected luxury retailers. Bottles will be available for sale from 31st May 2012.

http://www.themacallan.com/shop/detail.asp?pid=MACDJ01

© The Machin Arts Foundation and used with their kind permission.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Vanilla is the first to show, sweet to a point, yet shows maturity. Citrus fruits hang on to the coattails, (orange, apple, hints of lemon), almost appear when they are required. The cask influences then appear, resinous, never overbearing, changing to show polished oak, aged, reminiscent of a once exquisite dining room.

• Palate: Rich dried fruits open up to show their hand. Raisin drives the character in a non-nonsense manner. It is evident it is not alone, figs and dates, are the lesser players of the group. As they converse, treacle toffee takes a bow followed by the courtiers, ginger and clove. Like a finale the grand lady enters, Oak – refined, polished, elegant, overlooking all.

• Finish: Long, meanders, in no hurry to leave.

SOUTHERN COMFORT LAUNCHES BOLD BLACK CHERRY

New line extension expands Southern Comfort family of brands beginning in June

May 2012, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort announces the launch of Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry, a mixture of Southern Comfort with whiskey and cherry flavors. The new product is set to hit shelves nationally in June 2012.

Southern Comfort was created by New Orleans bartender, Martin Wilkes (M.W.) Heron in 1874. After experimenting with a variety of fruits, spices and other spirits, Heron struck on the perfect combination creating a one-of-a-kind blend of whiskey, fruit, and spice flavors. The new Bold Black Cherry product carries on Southern Comfort’s heritage as the leader in the flavored spirit category. The combination of dark fruits with Southern Comfort is perfectly served with cola to enhance the rich, complex flavor.

“The launch of Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry continues the brand’s innovation with new flavors which began with Southern Comfort Lime in 2010 and continued with Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper last fall,” said Mark Bacon, VP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. “We feel Bold Black Cherry will recruit new consumers into the Southern Comfort franchise who enjoy a distinctive flavor profile in their cocktails.”

Infused with natural cherry to deliver an authentic taste that’s smooth and invigorating, Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry has been designed to appeal to a broad age range and meet consumer demand for great tasting flavors that are unique. The brand is confident the new expression will continue to increase relevancy amongst younger drinkers, offering a bolder drink that’s ideal for high energy occasions.

Southern Comfort will launch an advertising campaign this summer consisting of a six-week national television buy which will support the new product release and include commercials on ESPN, TBS, FX and Comedy Central among others.

Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry will be available across the United States as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. Each bottle will be presented at 70 proof with a suggested retail price of $16.99 for a 750ml bottle.

SoCo Bold Black Cherry & Cola

2 oz. Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry

4 oz. Cola

Lemon Wedge

Fill a glass with cubed ice. Pour in Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry. Add Cola and garnish with lemon wedge.

About Southern Comfort

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

GEORGE T. STAGG BOURBON NAMED TOP SPIRIT IN THE WORLD FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!

American Bourbon’s Dominance Over Scotch Whisky Continues!

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May, 2012) – For the second year in row, George T. Stagg, the iconic uncut, unfiltered bourbon released annually from Buffalo Trace Distillery, has been named the number one spirit in the world by noted spirits reviewer F. Paul Pacult.

The list, compiled annually by Pacult, will be released in his June 2012 issue of The Spirit Journal. Last year, George T. Stagg was the first American Whiskey to ever be named number one in The Spirit Journal’s 13 years of tabulating. Stagg knocked off the perennial favorite Highland Park 18 Scotch Whisky for the first time ever, and this year the Stagg beat out a Northern Highlands Single Malt Scotch.

Notes Pacult about this year’s winners, “Spirits are continually getting better and more sophisticated each year. It’s no surprise to us that three of the top five spirits in the world hail from Kentucky, which right now is one of the hotbeds of distilling prowess.”

The George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey is part of the Antique Collection that is released each fall from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Long considered the frontrunner of the Collection, the Stagg has collected numerous awards over the years, including the 2012 Bourbon of the Year; the 2012 Second Finest Whiskey in the World from Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible; 2012 Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2011 Ultimate Spirits Competition Chairman’s Trophy Winner; 2011 Double Gold Winner, Best Bourbon, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; the 2010 American Whiskey of the Year from Jim Murray’s 2010 Whiskey Bible; 2009 Bourbon of the Year and Best Bourbon Aged 13-17 Years from Jim Murray’s 2009 Whiskey Bible; among others.

The 2012 version of the George T. Stagg will be released later this fall with the Antique Collection. Suggested retail pricing of the Stagg is $69.99.

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, Whisky 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

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers, 

I’ve had a hard time keeping this quiet, but now I can finally spill the beans, Kensington Wine Market has been granted Canada’s First Ardbeg Embassy, we’re going to celebrate! We have two events coming up this Saturday, June the 2nd to coincide with International Ardbeg Day: a free drop in tasting from 2-4PM and a whisky dinner at Buchanan’s Chop House starting at 7PM. For more details on the events see below! 

And thanks for helping make Kensington Wine Market Canada’s first Ardbeg Embassy! 

International Ardbeg Day Calgary Events on June 2nd 

1. Free Drop in Tasting – Drop by the Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Road NW, between 2 and 4PM this Saturday June 2nd for the opportunity to sample the Ardbeg range and get a great deal on Ardbeg single malts. We will have the Ardbeg 10 Year, Blasda, Uigeadail and Corryvreckan all open for sampling and for just two hours they will be available for purchase at a 15% discount! No need to RSVP, just drop in and help us celebrate with a dram…
2. Ardbeg Dinner at Buchanan’s Chop House – The second event, a dinner at Buchanan’s Chop House will take place at 7PM the same evening, Saturday June 2nd. This dinner will feature a flight of Ardbegs, including a bottle of the now sold out Ardbeg Alligator, carefully paired with food by the maestros at Buchanan’s. Tickets for this event are $100. Please send me an email if you would like to register for the event. At last count there weren’t many tickets left! – $100 

Kensington Wine Market Spring Whisky Week is Coming Up – June 12th – 14th  

Our Spring whisky week is just around the corner, with three incredible events:

1. Lost in Translation – Tuesday June 12th 7PM – A special Japanese whisky tasting featuring six Japanese whiskies all exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market in Alberta. Four of these whiskies are exceptionally rare single cask bottlings: Nikka Coffee Malt 1998, Nikka Coffee Grain 1997, Nikka Yoichi 1991 and Nikka Miyagikyo 1988. It will be a great tasting and an opportunity to learn a little bit about the Japanese whisky industry which is very nearly 100 years old. – $60
2. Spring Single Malt Festival – Thursday June 14th 7PM – 100 or so of the best whiskies in the province in Canada’s Best little whisky festival. Tickets are limited very limited. – $60 – Sold Out
3. The Ultimate Dalmore Tasting – Friday June 15th 7PM – Quite simply put the most exceptional tasting of Dalmore whiskies ever put on in Canada. The tasting won’t feature just one, but two different 40 year old distillery bottlings of Dalmore, plus a 45 Year, and a number of vintage releases. Prepare to be impressed! – $250

Slainte!  

Andrew Ferguson 

PS-Don’t forget to check out my tour blog at http://fergusonwhiskytours.com/?page_id=10 or that you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/scotch_guy .

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

28.05.12, Edinburgh: Independent bottlers and distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers, has revealed a new design for the core expressions of its award-winning Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range.

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

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

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

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

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

Iain Weir, Director of Marketing for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “We wanted the new brand design to create an authentic representation of Isle of Skye’s core values – the values that are embedded in its age statement and island heritage. The new packaging will also ensure better shelf-standout and reinforce its position as a premium quality, award-winning Blended Scotch Whisky.

“Famed for its breathtaking scenery and historical legend, Skye has an infinite romantic appeal that we wanted to capture in the Isle of Skye re-packaging. The imagery of the sunset over the Cuillin Mountains suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment. Whether you are toasting your success conquering a Munro or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward.”

The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes (1.5 litre, 70cl, 35cl and 5cl). UK stockists include Scottish Tesco and Asda stores and all good specialist drinks outlets. Isle of Skye 8 Years Old can also be purchased online www.isleofskye.com.

Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky is currently only available in international markets including the USA. Other expressions in the range include limited editions 21 and 50 Years Old available in the UK and internationally. The repackaged Isle of Skye range will launch in the USA later this year.

For further information visit: www.isleofskyewhisky.com