Ballantine’s Releases its Premium Seasonal Blend in Time for Christmas

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, will be supporting the festive trading period this year with its seasonal expression, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve. The ideal gift, this exceptional limited edition blend will attract new and existing customers during the festive season and help to strengthen the brand’s position in its key markets.

Created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is an exceptional blended whisky of superior quality which is available annually for a limited period. First launched in 2010, the expression was a Scotch whisky category first, with its luxury seasonal aromas including cinnamon, orange, raisin, candy apple and pear.

Peter Moore, International Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments: “Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve stands out as a unique category offering during a highly competitive sales period. The exclusive blend caters to those consumers who trade up when purchasing gifts and products to enjoy over the festive period and perfectly encapsulates the flair and blending expertise that defines Ballantine’s.”

Available from October to December 2011 in key markets such as Spain, France and Taiwan, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is presented in a superior white presentation box, decorated with snowflakes and elements of gold foil that add a premium festive feel. The packaging also differentiates the product from the traditional blue packaging that is synonymous with the brand, ensuring maximum shelf stand-out for Ballantine’s during the busy sales period.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is rich, deep and fruity with hints of moist raisin fruitcake and sweet candy apples perfectly balanced out by caramel toffees and soft ripe pears. It tastes sweet with succulent tangy orange and a superb liquorice root and ginger flavour. The finish is very long, round and sweet.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

www.chivasbrothers.com 

Kilchoman Launches 2006 Vintage

Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, is delighted to announce the release of its 2006 vintage; the first 5 year old from the first distillery to be built on Islay for over 120 years.

Matured from 80% first fill and 20% refill bourbon barrels and reduced to 46%abv; the 2006 Vintage is a limited release and available in mature malt markets around the world at a  UK RRP £49 per bottle.

Anthony Wills commented, ‘This is another milestone for Kilchoman, the additional two years of maturation has given the 2006 vintage an extra dimension and depth of character’.  

Tasting Notes

Colour- Light beech darkening nicely with age.

Nose – Peaty aroma, nice soft cooked fruits, Christmas cake.

Palate – Cloves, butterscotch, soft citrus, mouth –filling with a lasting sweetness.

Finish- A classic Islay Malt, now showing the benefit of ageing; peaty, fresh and clean at the end.

DRAM LOVERS ARE IN ‘GOOD COMPANY’ WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

One of the UK’s most discerning members clubs, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, has unveiled its freshly distilled corporate membership package with a one-off membership reduction for companies who sign up before 31 November 2011.

The Good Company Membership will see corporate members enjoy a variety of new benefits. Among its most appealing new features is the Company Sharecard, which can be passed between staff, providing access for the entire organisation to the Society’s three exclusive Members’ Rooms.

The Society is relaunching the corporate membership with an extra special offer, waiving the £150 joining fee, allowing corporate members to enjoy the host of new benefits for the annual renewal fee of £260 alone. This exclusive offer is only available until 31 November 2011.

Membership of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society allows anyone within the company to host a bespoke private event at SMWS or another venue of their choice and benefit from a new discounted rate, on top of existing preferential member rates. And for those with plenty of business travel, or simply an excuse to get spoilt, membership further includes access to special Society rates at all 26 Hotel du Vin and Malmaison hotels across the UK.

Celebrated the world over for its unique approach to providing members with the best single cask, single malt whiskies – The Scotch Malt Whisky Society decided to expand its corporate offering and provide membership for businesses with an unrivalled access to its exclusive offerings.

Mark van der Vijver, UK Sales Manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society says: “Our members join the Society to sample from the world’s finest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies. With greater access to our Members Rooms we offer a unique and welcoming atmosphere for them to enjoy with guests, whether it’s for business or pleasure.

“After a nip here and a tweak there, we’ve now ensured corporate members have even greater access for their entire organisation to our special malts and hospitality services with improved savings.

“With members dating back to the early eighties, the Society has a reputation for offering incredible malts and service to match. Our Good Company Membership is a shining example of this.”

Corporate members will also receive three luxury welcome packs comprising four different 10cl single cask bottles in each and named membership cards, as well as discounts on events services for everyone within their company.

All members have full access to the three society venues – two in Edinburgh and one in London – as well as opportunities to purchase rare single cask, single malt whiskies and Society gifts.

Further, all members will receive a personal invitation to the Good Company Soiree which takes place only once a year.

For more information on the Good Company Membership, visit www.goodcompany.smws.com , or alternatively call the Membership Team on 0131 555 2929.

Notes:
• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began 27 years ago when a group of discerning friends shared the price of a single cask of fine malt whisky.
• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society recently scooped 12 awards in Whisky Magazine’s Independent Bottler’s Challenge including the overall Icon of Whisky title for the Independent Bottler of the Year.
• The Society bottles over 300 single casks of malt whisky a year for its members and selects them from a range of more than 128 distilleries.
• The Society also has an exclusive partnership with the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin group, with various benefits for members and the opportunity for potential members to sample SMWS malts at 17 of their locations.

Good Company Membership offers corporate entertaining with a difference along with some rather nice perks… Access
• The use of three superb venues in Edinburgh, Leith and London, including exclusive Member lounges and award-winning Dining Room restaurant.
• Three named Membership Cards, presented in luxurious welcome packs including four different 10cl single cask bottlings.
• NEW company ‘ShareCard’, with flexibility to be circulated to ensure access for all staff to all services.
• Option to acquire up to two additional ‘ShareCards’

Bespoke Services
• Seven unique and impressive private function rooms for corporate entertaining.
• A dedicated team of Event Experts to manage your bespoke Private Dining, Whisky Tasting and Meeting events.
• Personal corporate gifting services and special offers, on the rarest single cask, single malt whiskies and Society gifts.
• Attendance by invitation-only to the annual ‘Good Company Soiree’

Savings
• NEW additional 5% discount* for private events, on top of existing preferential member’s rates.
• Good Company rates available to everyone within your company hosting private events with SMWS.
• Further reduced rates for block bookings of events.
• Complimentary roomhire for your first event each year, valued at £168.
• NEW special overnight rates at all 26 Hotel du Vin and Malmaison luxury hotels.

Good Company Membership costs £410 to join, with an annual renewal of £260 after the first year. For more information visit www.smws.com  / www.goodcompany.smws.com

Loch Fyne Whiskies is delighted to advise the naming of our BOTTLING OF THE YEAR for 2012.

(From LFW) The nomination comes as a result of our many customers’ reaction after an in-shop taster. The most democratic possible of all recognition by those who actually buy it, a reflection of the quality, wide appreciation and value of the whisky.

BRUICHLADDICH’s new 10 years old whisky “The Laddie Ten” was a clear choice, a complex single malt with a great flavour experience that changes over time and stays in the mouth and memory for a long time.

Bruichladdich 10yo The Laddie Ten OB 46%Abv. LFW’s Bottling of the Year 2012

LFW’s Bottling of the Year 2012

(From the Joynson) It’s taken me six weeks (so far) to write this tasting note – it’s been important to nail the emotion and joy of this particular bottle of whisky.

Long ago, I really-really rated the 15yo, 40% Bruichladdich bottled by the various previous owners (LFW price £32.90 in 1993). One of my top-top favourites. Despite being an unloved offering from a neglected distillery, produced by a variety of owners, all of whom were hard to like, or hate – or have any feelings for. Nonetheless the mature single malt from Bruichladdich was absolutely delicious, sitting in the complex category of single malt flavours.

For ten years we have watched the new management bugger-about with umpteen-and-then-some expressions; with wine, with wood, with smoke and with mirrors. My fear was that this, their new standard offering, their benchmark and my old talisman, would reflect some of that hither-and-thither stumbling.

My fear was unfounded. And with hindsight should never have been considered much, who could possibly forget the reason why they buy a distillery if that reason is because the whisky is bloody good?

And this is bloody good! Extra strength at bottling gives the impression of additional maturity and allows me to let myself consider that this Laddie Ten is as good as my inflated memory of the 15yo of old.

I’m so happy!

Tasting notes? Jumble up these any way: Complex, delicious, lightish, aromatic, warm, gotta-take-a-sip, mixed, exciting, varied, oiliness, hints, fresh, whiff, breeze & now drink.

An ace dram, oh joy!, whisky emotion, join in.

Same Flavour Map square as Clynelish; E5 Complex.

Price excluding VAT: £26.58
£31.90 Including VAT at 20%

Benromach wins Gold at New York tasting awards

Benromach’s flagship Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Benromach 10 Years Old been awarded a gold medal TheFiftyBest.com in New York City.

Tasted among 19 other whiskies, a gold medal was awarded in a Single Malt Scotch 10 to 12 year old tasting event in recognition of its “spicy, pure and velvety” flavour.

The accolade adds to the growing list of awards for the whiskies from Speyside’s smallest working distillery and the increasing success of Benromach across the UK and internationally. Benromach 30 Years Old won a bronze award at The Scottish Field Whisky Challenge in Edinburgh on Thursday night (November 3). Judges described it as the “perfect after dinner whisky”.

TheFiftyBest.com rating the finest in wines and spirits turned their attention to Single Malt Scotch Whisky this year for the first time. Malt whisky aficionados, wine and spirits writers, retailers and bartenders were the judges at the formal tasting in NYC.

Using professional criteria, the scotch whiskies were served “blindly” one at a time, and rated on a 1-5 point scoring system with 5 being the best. After totalling up the scores, the Single Malts were ranked according to the total scores received.

Under the management of Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach is handcrafted by just two experienced distillers. Using their unique skills they have developed the distillery’s portfolio which includes the popular Benromach 10 Year Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first fully certified organic single malt.

Gordon & MacPhail’s Miltonduff 1969 also walked away with a silver award at the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge which was held at Number 12 Picardy Place in Edinburgh.

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “To be recognised both at home and abroad is a significant achievement. The international appeal of Benromach is continuing to grow and it is exciting to see our range of whiskies being honoured at respected events like these.”

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.

Other Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old
Benromach Ten Years Old 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.

Benromach Traditional
A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke
Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins
A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

Old Pulteney Whisky Launches New Look Packaging Across Range

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has revealed a re-fresh of the design of its full range, at the end of a year that has seen the ‘maritime malt’ awarded some of the whisky industry’s highest accolades.

The re-design is the first significant update of the brand’s identity for several years, and follows Old Pulteney 21 Year Old winning four of Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible Awards, including ‘World Whisky of the Year’.

It also marks an impressive year of sales for Old Pulteney, which has enjoyed 62 per cent growth in the UK as well as significant expansion in key markets across the globe.

The re-design includes a striking new look for the bottle and pack of the 12, 17 and 21 Year Old expressions in both the domestic and travel retail sectors. Changes include:

 A new logo which features the year the whisky was established – 1826 – and the rugged coastal Wick location where Old Pulteney is distilled in the very north of Scotland’s mainland
 Greater use of foil on the packaging and bolder lettering
 A re-drawing of the traditional herring drifter that’s based at Wick, and has become a symbol of the brand

Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: ‘Our decision to refresh Old Pulteney’s packaging has been taken with a great deal of care, given that the brand’s distinctive look has been so successful for many years. We believe the new look creates a modern evolution for the brand, reinvigorating the original design while enhancing the history and maritime identity that are so important to Old Pulteney. After listening to consumer feedback, we believe this redesign will bring greater visibility and appeal, providing a contemporary edge that continues to communicate our whisky’s quality and rich heritage.

‘The launch of this new packaging couldn’t come at a better time, following Old Pulteney 21 Year Old’s recent industry awards, which are amongst the most prestigious a whisky can receive in terms of global recognition.’
The new look Old Pulteney is now available in stores. www.oldpulteney.com

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:
 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Holidays Past and Present with
Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46

This holiday season add a little extra cinnamon and spice with Maker’s 46– the first new bourbon whisky to come out of the Maker’s Mark Distillery in 52 years. To create Maker’s 46, fully matured Maker’s Mark is put back in barrels with seared French oak staves and aged for several more months. The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number of the process used to sear the French oak staves. Maker’s 46 is ideal for folks who don’t like bitter whisky but do love bold flavors.

Some people on your list may prefer old faithful friends like Maker’s Mark. Each bottle is hand crafted to taste and is drinkable neat, on the rocks or mixed. Half a century later, it remains a classic and will remind some of sitting by the fire during holidays long ago.

The retail price of Maker’s 46 is $35.00; for Maker’s Mark it is $25.00. Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46 are available nationwide. www.makersmark.com

Deck the Halls with Festive Cocktails

Celebrate the season and enjoy the company of loved ones while sipping these special holiday drinks. Be festive with your cocktails and enjoy every last sip.

Maker’s Mark Latte

1 part Maker’s 46™
2 tablespoons fresh finely ground espresso
4 parts spring water
3 parts + 1 part organic whole milk
½ cup ice cubes
½ part vanilla vodka*
1 rock candy swizzle stick
Fresh ground nutmeg

Method

Prepare espresso in stove top espresso maker. Bring 3 parts milk in a small saucepan or Turkish coffee pot to a light simmer. Mix espresso and milk in coffee mug. Add Maker’s 46™. Make the vanilla vodka foam: Add vanilla vodka and 1 part milk to small shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy. Pour foam over espresso milk mixture. Add swizzle stick and pinch of nutmeg. Stir and enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Classic Kentucky Eggnog

(Serves 10-12)
1 liter Maker’s Mark®
1 quart milk
1 quart heavy cream
2 dozen eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
Nutmeg for garnish

Method

Separate eggs and beat yolks until creamy. Whip sugar into yolks. Beat whites until they stand in peaks, adding 1/2 cup additional sugar, if desired. Beat yolks and Maker’s Mark® together, add whites. Beat cream. Add cream and milk to mixture. Add nutmeg to taste and garnish each cup with nutmeg. Makes 2 1/2 gallons.

Black Bull Scotch Whisky Wins Fourth Gold Medal of the Year: Blend at Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2011

Black Bull 12 year old, the deluxe blended Scotch from whisky specialists Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd has been awarded a gold medal for Best Blended Scotch Whisky at the 2011 Scottish Field Whisky Challenge. This incredible achievement saw Black Bull go up against 40 of the world’s leading whisky brands, both luxury and affordable. Independently rated and tasted blind by a renowned panel of whisky experts, Black Bull was again recognised as the very best in its field. The announcement of the award makes 2011 a quadruple gold medal year for Black Bull whisky, coming on the back of successes at the World Whisky Awards and the International Wines & Spirits Competition in April and August respectively.

Comments from Judge Darren Leitch of Whisky Shop:
“On the nose some mild peat notes, ginger biscuits and leather sandals filled with sand. Flavour wise there is a lot going on, with a good combination of pastel fruit sweetness, heather , vanilla and oak. A malty sweet finish which trails off with a soft oaky tone and a trace of peat.”

The Scottish Field Whisky Challenge is an annual competition celebrating the very best the whisky industry has to offer. Each year, a panel of experts takes part in a series of rigorous blind tastings to recognise the finest products on the shelves today.

The Black Bull brand dates back to 1864. Following a rebranding in 2008, Black Bull’s stature has grown, winning critical acclaim and a plethora of awards from the International Wine and Spirits competition, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and the New York International Wine and Spirits contest.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky selects whiskies from distilleries throughout Scotland, bottling a range of luxury single malt and grain Scotch whiskies as well as its award winning range of blended whiskies from its base in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

www.duncantaylor.com

Tullibardine Ltd, which owns and operates the Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery based in Blackford, Perthshire has been sold to the Picard family based at the Château de Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France.

In a joint press release today, both sets of shareholders were pleased to announce that a successful sale of the business had just been concluded. The sale of the whisky business to the French Group further strengthens their interest in Scotch Whisky following the purchase of the Highland Queen brand from the Glenmorangie company in 2009.

Michel Picard, Chairman, said today: “The purchase of Tullibardine Distillery provides synergies and a platform for growth for our Scotch whisky business. Tullibardine is a wonderful Single Malt Scotch whisky and we look forward to working with the team at the distillery to increase the profile, awareness and sales of the brand over the coming years.”

Alan Williamson, Chairman of Tullibardine said: “The shareholders of Tullibardine are delighted to conclude a sale of the business to the Picard family. The business will undoubtedly benefit from the skills, expertise and distribution which the Group can create for the Tullibardine brand and we wish them every success over the years to come. We have been custodians of the Tullibardine brand for the last 8 years and the time is now right for us to hand it over and for Picard to take it to the next level. We wish them every success.”

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Vivienne Westwood Scoops Top Design Award

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Vivienne Westwood, the innovative limited edition combining two British luxury brands, has won a coveted design award from the French marketing publication, Stratégies Magazine.

The limited edition, created by one of the world’s most acclaimed fashion designers, picked up the Packaging Design award in the Event Design Category at the 25th Annual Grand Prix Stratégies du Design awards, held in Paris on October 5th.

Launched in February 2011, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Vivienne Westwood is now available in more than 25 markets. The distinctive bottle proudly appears cloaked in a luxurious and unique three-piece coat featuring Vivienne Westwood’s Union Jack print, as first seen in a Gold Label collection in Paris. The pattern was particularly fitting for Chivas Regal, with the current design of the Union Flag dating back to 1801 and whisky brand owner Chivas Brothers’ roots also being traced back to this iconic year.

Organised by France’s most respected marketing title, the coveted Grand Prix Stratégies du Design is judged by leading professionals in design, including chief executive officers and directors of some of the world’s top design agencies. It recognises significant design innovations across fields as broad as packaging, product design, merchandising, web design, signage and interior design. The awards are frequently credited as being among the first to highlight emerging trends in marketing and communications and identifying designs that become reference points in their field.

James Slack, International Brand Director for Chivas Regal, said: “We are delighted that this innovative limited edition has been recognised by leaders in the field of marketing and design. This limited edition has struck a chord with luxury consumers who recognise the strong British heritage and luxury craftsmanship that serve as the foundation to both Chivas Regal 18 Year Old and Vivienne Westwood. The skill and dedication of our Master Blender, Colin Scott, is in many ways the same as that of a fashion designer – there is a true art to what they do.”

The collaboration with Vivienne Westwood marked an important step for Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, following previous work with leading fashion houses such as Christian Lacroix.

Notes

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

Vivienne Westwood began designing in 1971 along with her partner Malcolm McLaren, when London was at the forefront of cultural trends. By the end of the seventies Vivienne Westwood was already considered a symbol of the British avant-garde and for Autumn/Winter 1981 she showed her first catwalk presentation at Olympia in London. It was her Pirate collection which launched the New Romantic movement.

Today, the Vivienne Westwood brand offers 4 clothing ranges – Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania and MAN plus seasonal accessories, jewellery, bags, eyewear and footwear collections. Vivienne Westwood is now recognized as a global brand and Westwood herself as one of the most influential fashion designers in the world today.