LIMITED EDITION LALIQUE DECANTER CELEBRATES THE MACALLAN’S LEGENDARY SMALL STILLS

The Macallan and Lalique are once again drawing upon their prestigious collaboration to create the latest addition to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection. The Macallan in Lalique Curiously Small Stills decanter follows on from the overwhelming success of the first three stunning decanters. This time around sees the decanter filled with an exceptionally rare 60 years old Macallan single
malt whisky.

Designed and created by the legendary French crystal house Lalique, exclusively for The Macallan, the Curiously Small Stills edition is limited to 400 individually numbered decanters, making it a highly collectable and desirable item.

David Cox, Director of Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan commented, “Our relationship with Lalique goes from strength to strength and this fourth collaboration further reinforces our very strong partnership. The Six Pillars, those elements which combine to give this great single malt its distinctive quality and character, continue to provide the inspiration for these stunning decanters. The addition of the Curiously Small Stills decanter continues this fascinating journey through the heart of The Macallan. The stills themselves are the smallest on Speyside, concentrating the spirit to create The Macallan’s rich, fruity, full-bodied flavours.”

“Over the years, we have drawn on the some of its oldest and rarest stocks to create extraordinary examples of this great single malt for connoisseurs and collectors alike; such is the lineage of this 60 years old Macallan, which was drawn from five sherry butts, made from a mix of Spanish and American oak, filled on 9th and 10th November 1950.”

Inspired by the artistic genius of Rene Lalique’s legacy and The Macallan’s curiously small stills, Lalique’s designers have interpreted the riveted entry hatch feature on The Macallan’s spirit stills as a circle of raised “cabochons” on the face of the decanter, creating an overall structure which is distinctly compact yet reflecting the smooth curves of the spirit stills themselves. Other defining design features of the decanter mirror the specific shapes and aspects of the still: the ‘satiné’ effect up the sides and shoulders to the stopper simulates the shape of the hatch handle, while the copper cap atop the crystal stopper has been made from an old Macallan copper spirit still.

Commenting on the new project, Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique said,“It is once again a pleasure to team up with one of the world’s finest single malts and together create the fourth decanter in this prestigious collection. Working with The Macallan continues to allow us strong creative freedom to produce decanters grounded in the highest quality and most intricate craftsmanship.

“The Curiously Small Stills decanter has been designed by our team in Paris and crafted at Lalique’s crystal making facility in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace. Each piece was worked on by up to 15 craftsmen, many of whom have attained the ‘Meilleur ouvrier de France’ – the Finest Craftsman of France Award. Each decanter bears the esteemed ‘Lalique France’ signature, which symbolises authenticity and over 100 years of creativity, heritage and craftsmanship, and comes in a beautifully designed lacquer presentation box, with a crystal stopper and a collectors guide, detailing the craftsmanship that has gone into producing this beautiful object d’art.”

The Macallan and Lalique have been working in partnership since 2005. During this time they have collaborated to produce an exclusive series of limited edition decanters based on The Macallan’s Six Pillars. The first three decanters in the series have proved hugely popular with both whisky consumers and connoisseurs, as well as collectors of Lalique crystal. In 2010 the relationship was taken to new heights with the creation of the Cire Perdue decanter containing the oldest ever Macallan ever released, at 64 years old. This unique decanter and its rare contents was auctioned by Sotheby’s New York in November 2010, raising a staggering US $460,000 for charity: water, an innovative charity dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water for people in developing countries, as well as smashing the world record price for a bottle of scotch whisky.

The Curiously Small Stills decanter is valued at USD$20,000 and is available from September 2011.

NOTES

The Macallan 60 years old in Lalique – tasting notes:

· Colour – Cherry

· Aroma – Complex; cinnamon, toasted apple & lemon, intertwined with blackcurrant leaf and polished oak, all encompassed by peat

· Taste – Mouth-coating, sweet, citrus, dark chocolate, smoldering peat

· Finish – Succulent, lightly fired malt caressed with peat

· Alcohol Strength – 53.2%

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s selection of the finest and most expensive maturation casks fundamentally influence the product’s final outstanding quality and distinctive character.

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

REDBREAST ADDS FIRST CASK STRENGTH EXPRESSION TO ITS REPUTED RANGE

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is adding to its collection of Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton* this weekend at Whisky Live Paris**, with the launch of Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – the portfolio’s first permanent cask strength bottling. This latest addition to the Redbreast range forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to promote the provenance and quality of this unique Irish whiskey style.

Produced at Midleton Distillery, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is Redbreast in its natural full-flavoured state – straight from the cask, non-chill filtered and without the addition of water. Bottled at 57.7% ABV, this first batch will be available from September 2011 in Ireland, France and Germany and in the US from February next year.

Brendan Buckley, Global Category Development Director for Irish whiskey at Irish Distillers, said: “Over the years, we’ve had great encouragement from whiskey enthusiasts and fans of the renowned Redbreast range to launch a cask strength expression, and we’re delighted to be finally releasing this incredible single pot still whiskey in response. It comes during what has been an exciting year for the range, having recently undergone a packaging revamp to freshen it up and reinforce its quality cues. We are confident that this latest development will be enthusiastically received by Redbreast fans around the world.”

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, added: “This is a very special single pot still whiskey, full of dried fruit flavours, with an exceedingly long finish. It is the perfect addition to the Redbreast range – representing the expression in its purest state. I’m confident that this will become the whiskey that all whiskey lovers will want to own and savour – myself included!”

Redbreast represents a style of whiskey that is unique to Ireland in general and to Midleton Distillery in particular. Single pot still whiskey is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, which is then distilled in traditional copper pot stills. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, and all single pot still whiskeys from Midleton, is triple distilled.

Notes

*In May 2011, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard announced plans to underline the rich heritage of Irish whiskey with the launch of a new initiative – Single Pot Still whiskeys of Midleton. Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of Single Pot Still whiskey, the launch heralded an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll-out of innovative extensions. Additionally, the initiative marked the adoption by the industry of new terminology for this unique style of whiskey – moving from ‘pure pot still’ to ‘single pot still’.

** Whisky Live
Paris is now in its eighth year and the 2011 show will take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September (26th September for trade professionals) at Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild. The ‘Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton’ will host a stand at Whisky Live, and Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, will be in attendance.

Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild
11 rue Berryer, Paris 8 e
Metro: Line 1, 2 or 9 – Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Ternes or Saint Philippe du Roule

About Redbreast
The origins of Redbreast whiskey date back to 1887 and was originally the brand name given to the whiskey supplied by the Jameson distillery to the Gilbey whiskey bonders, before bottling at the distillery became the norm in 1968. As the practice of selling whiskey to bonders ended in the late 1960s, brands such as Redbreast all but disappeared, until Redbreast 12 Year Old was relaunched by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard in the 1990s as a single pot still whiskey.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength joins the original Redbreast 12 Year Old and Redbreast 15 Year Old in the range. Full to the rafters with aroma and flavor, Redbreast displays the hallmark influence of whiskey matured in combination of first fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and American bourbon whisky barrels.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Tasting Notes
Nose: A fruit explosion: figs, dates, ripe banana, sultanas, red apple and lime. Pot still spices combine with the sweet vanilla and pine from the casks.

Taste: Deep full dried fruit, a touch of citrus with aromatic oils and spices. Vanilla sweetness leads to toasted oak and barley.
Finish: Exceedingly long finish with a rich complexity of spices and fruit, slowly fading through sweet butterscotch to barley.

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard
Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands globally including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin, Cork Crimson Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

Sazerac Introduces R&R Reserve To Fast-Growing Rich and Rare Line Up

The Way Great Canadian Whisky Used to Taste

NEW ORLEANS, lA. (Sept. 2011) – Sazerac has introduced its new R&R Reserve product in select U.S. markets, which strives to give consumers a more flavorful whisky experience. The brand extends from Sazerac’s impressive Rich & Rare brand, which has posted the largest case growth of any U.S. bottled Canadian Whisky brand over the past three years.

R&R Reserve comes from a full-bodied blend of hand-selected reserve barrel whiskies from Sazerac’s stock in Canada of more than 200,000 barrels of Canadian Whisky. The nose starts off with a velvety depth. The initial sip shows the complex intermingling of mocha and caramel followed by a wonderful merger of wood and rye grain blending with tangy dark fruits. The finish is lively with a zing of rye.

“We wanted to introduce a product that had nice depth and complexity and felt like some of the great Canadian Whiskies of twenty and thirty years ago,” says Drew Mayville, Sazerac’s master blender and Canadian Whisky expert.

R&R Reserve is the third recent new Canadian Whisky product from the Sazerac Company. Caribou Crossing Single Barrel and Royal Canadian Small Batch debuted in early 2010. “Our continued development of new Canadian Whisky concepts is an indication of how strongly we feel about the opportunity to re-invigorate the Canadian Whisky category with consumers. We feel R&R Reserve will prove to be an attractive option for consumers who want a full bodied whisky that can stand very well on its own straight, but can also work really well mixed,” according to Kevin Richards, Sazerac’s brand manager for Canadian Whisky.

R&R Reserve retails for between $9.99 – $13.99 for a 750ml.

About The Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California and Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.sazerac.com

JOHNNIE WALKER ® BLUE LABEL™ PARTNERS WITH PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO TO LAUNCH A LUXURIOUS NEW LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

Luxury whisky JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL has partnered with Porsche Design Studio, one of the world’s most exclusive design houses, to create the Johnnie Walker® Blue Label™ Collection by Porsche Design Studio, designed to enable men to celebrate their achievements today. The partnership has created a series of exclusive pieces, inspired by the perfect serve of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, that are ideal for entertaining friends or colleagues and as a prestigious gift.

Bringing together two of the world’s most iconic and aspirational luxury brands renowned for modernity, luxury and supreme craftsmanship, the collection consists of “The Chiller” and “The Cube”, but is led by a made-to-order Johnnie Walker Blue Label Private Bar (price available on request). The pieces in the collection have been exquisitely made to blend function and aesthetics, uniquely presenting everything required for the perfect serve of Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended whisky.

 Inspired by the iconic label which sits at a perfect 24 degree angle on each bottle of Johnnie Walker, the Private Bar is crafted from brushed titanium with a luxurious leather interior, and features state of the art motion sensors which open through a perfect 180 degrees, revealing three bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, four subtly illuminated crystal glasses and chilled water, essential for the perfect serve to cleanse the palate before tasting and to serve on the side.

 

The Chiller (RRP £240) holds a single bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, encased in sophisticated dark blue leather and brushed titanium, whilst the top removes to function as an ice chiller. The Cube (£490) comes with an individually numbered bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label alongside an ice chiller, stainless steel tongs, and four bespoke Blue Label crystal glasses, ideal for entertaining.

“We have remained committed to both modern and classical design principles through the design process, combining luxurious leather and metals,” explains Roland Heiler, Managing Director of Porsche Design Studio, Austria. “The resulting vision is a mix of traditional and high tech that combine to make the objects exceptional, setting them apart from any other gift packages.”

The Chiller and the Cube will be available at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and Royal Mile Whiskies from October 2011. The Private Bar is available made to order exclusively from Harrods. The collection will also be displayed at London hotels including The Savoy and the Mandarin Oriental. For the perfect serve of Johnnie

Walker Blue Label, a special illuminated Cube can be ordered at the Brompton Club, Home House, Whisky Mist, Blythswood Square and Dormy House at Gleneagles.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the commemoration of Alex Walker’s remarkable Old Highland Whisky and demonstrates the same rare commitment to flavour and the blender’s art. Only 1 in 10,000 casks are deemed of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each rare whisky is handpicked by the Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years.

Notes:

About Johnnie Walker® Blue Label™ Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is available from selected Waitrose stores, Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and The Vintage House. RRP: £140. BLUE LABEL is the pinnacle of the House of JOHNNIE WALKER.
Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The master blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. Using a relatively small number of whiskies requires incredible skill and exceptional liquids as each will pay a significant contribution to the final result.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

About Diageo
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER Scotch Whisky, GUINNESS beer, SMIRNOFF vodka, J&B Scotch Whisky, BAILEYS Irish cream liqueur, CUERVO tequila, TANQUERAY gin, CAPTAIN MORGAN rum, CROWN ROYAL blended Canadian whisky, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks (C) John Walker & Sons 2011.

Chef Alliance Group Photo – left to right: Massimo Riccioli of Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Pascal Aussignac of Club Gascon, Rowley Leigh of Le Café Anglais,Adam Johnson of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Jacob Kennedy of Bocca di Lupo, Richard Corrigan of Corrigan’s Mayfair, Catherine Gazzoli, CEO of Slow Food UK,Trevor Gulliver of St John Restaurant, Sam Harris of Zucca, Gerry Tosh, Ambassador of Highland Park, Bryn Williams of Odette’s and Marcus Wareing of the Berkeley

LONDON’S TOP CHEFS OUT IN FORCE TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF SLOW FOOD UK CHEF ALLIANCE

Leading lights of the culinary world came together yesterday at an exclusive event to mark the launch of Slow Food UK’s Chef Alliance; a new initiative, which will encourage chefs to actively support the aims of Slow Food UK.

Twenty-five of London’s celebrated chefs, including the Michelin starred Michel Roux Jr, of Le Gavroche fame, Bryn Williams, Chef Patron at Odette’s and Francesco Mazzei of L’Anima, congregated at Richard Corrigan’s eponymous Mayfair restaurant (28 Upper Grosvenor Street) for Slow Food UK’s inaugural Chef Alliance gathering.

The star-studded event was hosted by Slow Food UK CEO, Catherine Gazzoli and Irish-born chef/restaurateur Richard Corrigan; who has taken on the role of Chef Alliance spokesperson.

The dynamic scheme, which launched in partnership with Highland Park whisky, hopes to engage Britain’s chefs in actively supporting the aims of Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced, quality produce. Slow food is a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Chefs who attended the lunch enjoyed a menu, specially created by Richard Corrigan using Ark of Taste produce; a list of UK products in danger of disappearing, which eventual members of the alliance will be encouraged to use, when appropriate, on their own menus.

Richard Corrigan, Slow Food UK Chef Alliance spokesperson, said: “Slow Food UK Chef Alliance is bringing together the UK’s top Chefs who are actively championing great ideas to benefit the agri and culture of these islands.”

CEO, Catherine Gazzoli said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming so many acclaimed chefs to the alliance. Many of the chefs are already actively trying to use sustainably sourced, great tasting local produce; the alliance will simply allow them to shout about it.

“It’s great to know we have so much support out there, I truly believe this is the start of something very special.”

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, Highland Park said: “At Highland Park our commitment to making great whisky, which is rich in flavour and offers the best taste experience, sits at the very heart of what we do. Working with Slow Food therefore feels like a natural fit for us and one where we can forge a partnership grounded in shared beliefs and values.”

The Chef Alliance will be rolled out across the UK, with regional launches set to be hosted over the coming months. All types of establishments will be welcomed, however resident chefs must first become members of their local Slow Food group and membership will be by invitation only.

About Slow Food UK

Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members, in 150 countries around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. It was founded in 1989 in Italy. A non-profit, member supported association, with charitable educational programmes, Slow Food was created to counter the rise of fast food and fast life.

Slow Food UK has developed the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance as recognition of those chefs who champion and share our vision that all food should taste great, should be environmentally sustainable and that producers should be paid a fair wage. http://www.slowfood.org.uk

Chef Alliance Photo – left to right: Scott Dickson, UK Brand Manager Maxxium, Richard Corrigan of Corrigan’s Mayfair, Catherine Gazzoli, CEO of Slow Food UK, Gerry Tosh, Ambassador of Highland Park

About Highland Park:

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including ‘best new whisky release of the year 2009’ for its 40-year-old single malt and ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Please enjoy our brand responsibly.
www.highlandpark.co.uk  

www.drinkaware.co.uk

About Slow Food UK Chef Alliance spokesperson, Richard Corrigan:

As a chef Richard’s philosophy is firmly rooted in a sense that food should reflect both who we are and where we are. Born in County Meath, Ireland, he was raised in a farming family that grew, fished and hunted much of the food that came to the table.

Richard is actively involved in the Slow Food Movement and heartily believes in the “farm to fork” philosophy. He promotes small artisan producers both in the UK and in his native Ireland.

Richard can be seen behind the stoves in the renowned Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill in London’s Piccadilly and in the award-winning Corrigan’s Mayfair.

He has also written two cookbooks: The Richard Corrigan Cookbook: From The Waters and The Wild, and The Clatter of Forks and Spoons.

DIAGEO ANNOUNCES ITS SPECIAL RELEASES FOR 2011Diageo’s prolific collection of single malt Scotch whiskies, the Classic Malts Selection™, is augmented every year by the issue of a small portfolio of limited edition single malts, under the heading of Special Releases.

Diageo’s Special Releases 2011
The series has always aimed to intrigue, delight and sometimes surprise whisky connoisseurs and collectors, by presenting unusual, rare, collectable – but always deeply enjoyable – expressions of single malt whisky, all from original distillery stocks.

Some are affordable, others enjoy a rarity that imposes frankly aspirational prices. Many enjoy striking, specially designed packaging that enhances the pleasure of ownership and sharing.

Familiar distilleries are often present, but in unusual expression or ages. Other bottles are drawn from the precious and dwindling stocks of distilleries that ceased production last century. Most are bottled at natural cask strength and all without chill filtration. There are eight Special Releases this year; five are from closed distilleries; and the whole production is less than 60,000 bottles.

As Diageo’s Nick Morgan explains:

“We set out to include one or two really unexpected bottlings in the 2011 Special Releases collection. Very few whisky connoisseurs – possible none at all – will ever have encountered anything like the 20 year old glorious Port Dundas™ single grain whisky that we are offering this year, and since the distillery closed two years ago, it’ll be a rare experience for those who who get to try it now.

“By contrast, the 25 year old Knockando™ from first-fill ex-sherry casks might astonish those who thought they know this malt: this bottling is rich, deep-flavoured and very complex. The Glenury Royal™ at 40 years old is a very venerable (and inevitably expensive) bottling, an old-style after-dinner experience; but it shows no fatigue and is packed with flavour. Lovers of the Lowland style will be charmed by the Rosebank™ 21 year old.”

Older & Rarer
As in previous years, Brora™ and Port Ellen™ will be a focus for committed devotees of these irreplaceable single malts.

The Brora 32 year old is in a limited edition of only 1,404 bottles: compare the first release in this series, in 2002, which ran to 3,000 bottles.

The Port Ellen, also at 32 years old, comes in an edition of 2,988 bottles (compared with 12,000 bottles in 2002!). Rarer and older as the years go by, both are priced at £300 (UK RRSP).

DIAGEO SPECIAL RELEASES 2011 – DETAILS

Brora 32 Year Old
ABV 54.7%

• From a closed distillery at Brora, on the coast.

• Our oldest-ever bottling.

• Tenth of a limited series of annual releases.

• Annual allocation has extended availability of this irreplaceable malt; stocks now depleted.

• From whiskies at least 32 years old, aged in refill American Oak & refill European Oak casks.

• Only 1,500 individually numbered bottles worldwide (less than half recent releases).

• From specialist retailers only.

• UK RRSP £300 per bottle.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Antique gold. Bright, with good beading.

Nose: Modest but complex. Mild nose-feel, yet with a white pepper prickle. Immediate, sharp freshness, rising over sweet malt with fragrant wood smoke curling in the background. Gradually more fruity (baked apples with red-currant jelly, lemon and lime zests) then waxy (warm candlewax) with a trace of hessian, faint spearmint and creamy vanilla. Late, cleansing notes. Water freshens and sweetens things, liberating fresh menthol and floral notes underscored by soft, lemony biscuit, or Madeira cake.

Body: Dense. Oily and smooth. Medium.

Palate: At natural strength, fizzy and spicy. Subdued at first; sweet to start, with subtle smoke followed by sweet, charred notes (burnt fruit cake) then distinctly salty and drying. Smoother to drink with water: lightly sweet, then still salty and drying, with less spice, and now the burnt fruit-cake has become a soft, chewy, iced Danish pastry.

Finish: Long and warming, with late smoke and crushed black peppercorns. Later, traces of wood ash. Creamy and cooler with water; sweet with faint smoke and mint

Summary: Magnificent, and excellent at cask strength: the coastal, smoky, savoury Brora character is here sweetly softened in a malt that’s courteous yet informal; it has the depth and complexity of age yet also a spicy, lively twinkle, like a favourite uncle.

Caol Ila Unpeated 12 Year Old 1999
ABV 64%

• A sixth limited release of unpeated Caol Ila, the second at twelve years old.

• From a batch made once a year, from unpeated malt, for blending in the “Highland Style”.

• From 1st fill ex-bourbon American Oak casks filled in 1999.

• Fewer than 6,000 bottles worldwide.

• From specialist retailers only.

• UK RRSP £55 per bottle.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Yellow gold. Light beading

Nose: Quiet, approachable. Mild nose-feel, in spite of its strength. A sweet and fruity aroma: fondant and green apples. Hints of pear-drops with sweet and sour notes. No discernible smoke, but just a trace of Virginia tobacco; then the faintest olive brine tang in a room full of creamy vanilla toffee. Dusty cereals, then mint toffee followed by more vanilla and ripe fruit. Soft, fresh and fruity with water: buttery apple pie, now with a hint of breakfast cereal

Body: Medium to rich

Palate: At natural strength, the taste is sweet, the texture smooth and light; it’s warming, but not burning, as might be expected. By turns suddenly drying, with burnt fruit cake and complex, fruity chocolate; then richer and honeyed, with lemon curd on buttered toast. Smooth at reduced strength, with reduced sweetness, light acidity and a shake of salt, lending a maritime character. Initially cool; soon hotter, with silky tannins, before chilling again with mango and cream

Finish: Creamy and oaky; sweet milk chocolate, then burnt fruit. Hugely elegant with water and astonishingly clean.

Summary: Deceptively complex, at first hiding all that characteristic Caol Ila freshness and vigour under a smooth exterior. Masses of oaky, cocoa character and fruit tartness soon show that peat smoke isn’t everything!

Glenury Royal 40 Year Old 1970
ABV to be announced

• From Glenury Royal, a closed distillery near Stonehaven in the Eastern Highlands.

• The second oldest release from the original distillers.

• Interesting to compare with the 2007 Special Release Glenury Royal 36 year old, also 1970.

• A very limited release of individually numbered bottles.

• From American Oak refill casks filled in 1970.

• Only 1,404 bottles worldwide.

• From specialist retailers only.

• UK RRSP £525 per bottle.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep amber. Moderate beading.

Nose: Tentative at first. Mild nose-feel; soft and rounded. Soon deepening into a rich, dark cherry-scented chocolate torte; followed by mouth-watering fruit pastilles, soft apples, pear skins and tart red berries. Later, buttery vanilla fudge or a rich, soft ginger cake. A dash of water introduces more complex fruit notes; peach cream chocolates, fresh figs and cherries, developing into light orange oil with just a faint suggestion of smoke.

Body: Medium to rich.

Palate: Enjoyable even at natural strength, when an attractively oily, thick texture leads to cool, dry sandalwood, then to a sweet/bitter contrast; sugar crystals in spent coffee grounds or a slightly burnt fruit scone. A dash of water increases the sweetness; those peach-cream chocolates are back, and the overall effect is cooling and softly bitter, with fresh tarragon, grapefruit pith.

Finish: Long, with a pronounced dry oakiness followed by fresher cedary notes and a truly delicious cocoa powder conclusion. Later delicately savoury with some chocolate after-dinner mint. With water, long, silky and fragrant with late, drying, bitter chocolate torte. Light fragrant ash in the aftertaste (as with Assam tea).

Summary: A sumptuous old-style after-dinner malt, proudly displaying its forty years without a trace of fatigue. Another regal old Glenury Royal that’s easy to drink even at this high strength; oily, rich textured sweetness with a bitter edge and a long, elegantly drying and spicy finish.

Knockando 25 Year Old 1985
ABV 43.0%

• From Knockando, an active distillery on Speyside.

• A first limited release in this series.

• From first fill ex-sherry European Oak casks.

• A most unusual, richly flavoured expression.

• Fewer than 4,500 individually numbered bottles worldwide.

• From specialist retailers only

• UK RRSP £135.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Polished mahogany with crimson highlights

Nose: Deeply intriguing; rich and immediate, with no prickle. Dry Christmas cake, with slightly burnt edges, then a hard toffee note. Dry Oloroso sherry. Persistent, becoming more succulent; dried fruits macerated in liquor. Bitter-tinged traces of crystalline sugar, creamy wood oil. Fresh strawberries, and raisins! Water introduces more burnt notes, with chocolate, underscored by porcini and sage. Finally sweeter, with juicy-fruit gum.

Body: Medium. Lighter than expected

Palate: Mouth-drying and surprisingly harmonious. A sweet start (fresh, ripe grapes and citrus pith), then immediately drying, with distant smoke. Briefly and enjoyably spirity, with masses of dry cocoa; then sweeter, with aged plum pudding. Water makes things milder, smoother and sweeter, reducing the initial dryness. More cocoa and cedar-wood; autumn fruits; burnt croissant

Finish: Long and warming. Espresso coffee, with a distant hint of struck matches. Glorious late, winey notes accompany drying tannins. Soft caramel, cleansing tart red fruit. Water removes the struck matches and stirs dark chocolate in the aftertaste.

Summary: A very unusual, rich and deep-flavoured expression of Knockando that is extremely complex and intriguing. Superbly balanced: drying yet with residual malty sweetness: a broad array of magnificent ex-sherry cask notes make an opulent apéritif, appetising with hard, sharp cheeses.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old
ABV 57.5%

• A limited edition, natural cask strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

• From the essential Islay distillery, Lagavulin, on Islay’s rocky south coast.

• Tenth of a series of special 12 year old releases from the original distiller’s stocks.

• Vatted from refill American Oak casks, each at least 12 years old.

• Available in limited quantities worldwide.

UK RRSP £63 per bottle

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold. Good beading, with oily legs.

Nose: Glorious. Mild nose-feel. Starts oddly rounded and well-mannered. Soon grows increasingly complex. A waft of linseed oil, then newsprint splashed with vinegar, and fragrant, sweet wood smoke, with carbolic notes rising, then falling. Struck matches. Later, beeswax polish meets rich fruit mincemeat and coal tar, as chocolate and cumin tease. With water: more of the same, but greater clarity, a fabulous subtle interplay of tastes, and a little more smoke.

Body: Rich, firm.

Palate: Pleasing texture, lightly oily. At natural strength, the taste starts sweet, and is then dominated by wood-smoke. Charred newspaper and aniseed balls. Red berry notes. More powerful, with a dusting of pine shavings, then cooling, carbolic and herbal. With water the texture is smoother still; the taste long and slightly sweeter, with some fresh acidity; still herbal, with notes of aniseed and wood; so savoury, great to enjoy with juicy meats (sausage, kebab).

Finish: Warming. Char-grilled fennel with lashings of peppery olive oil; powerfully bitter-sweet. Lengthened by adding water: drying and warming, with elegant savoury notes again and a late whiff of lingering, fragrant smoke.

Summary: Extremely well-constructed and highly complex: full of wood smoke, peppery and spicy, this 12 year old shares much with its immediate predecessors – not least the capacity to instantly defibrillate the taste buds: the texture and taste, both straight and dilute, are splendid.

Port Dundas 20 year old 1990
ABV 57.4%

100% Single Grain Whisky

■From Port Dundas, a historic, now closed grain distillery in Glasgow.
■Very rare as a single grain bottling at any age.
■A first ever 100% grain release in this series.
■The first ever official bottling at this age.
■Liquid from three different casks – distilled in 1990, aged three years in refill, then in equal parts aged for 17 more years in either new American Oak Bodega, new European Oak Charred or first fill ex-Bourbon American Oak.• Incredibly rare and unrepeatable; very collectable.
■Just 1,920 individually numbered bottles worldwide. From specialist retailers only.
■UK RRSP £110.

Port Dundas Single Grain Scotch Whisky 20 year old

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep polished chestnut. Fine beading.

Nose: Mild, drying nose-feel. Vinous, with traces of cherry (kirsch-filled dark chocolates), well-worn leather and pencil shavings. Opens slowly, revealing woody, spicy aromas (black tea, molasses, dates and linseed oil) then delicate sweet notes of ripe banana, chocolate and vanilla cream. Finally turns fresh, resinous, herbal. Beautifully coherent with water, which lifts the wood-notes (fresh-cut sappy pine), until it becomes the inside of an old school desk (and all its contents) fusing with vanilla ice cream.

Body: Dense, liqueur-like.

Palate: Initially languorous; varnish, linseed oil. A smooth, rich texture and a sweet taste, growing into a compelling, layered, waxy, nuttiness (brazils, walnuts). Poppy-seed? Silky smooth with water and altogether more rounded; the texture smooth, the taste sweet. The wood cuts through; sandalwood (pencil box), white pepper and hints of vanilla.

Finish: Glorious, lingering and complex. Simultaneously drying yet coating, with notes of liquorice, aniseed and burnt sugar and oak-wood in the aftertaste. With water: beautifully smooth, long and rounded, with velvety tannins.

Summary: Rich, dense and seemingly impenetrable: an unusual and hugely challenging whisky whose very elegant complexities are only fully revealed by adding water. Like a fine, aged rum dancing with an elegant, oily Riesling.

Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1978
ABV 53.9%

• Now very rare, highly sought after.

• Eleventh of a limited series of annual releases.

• Annual allocation ensures availability of this irreplaceable malt for only a little longer.

• From refill American Oak casks filled in 1978.

• Just 2,988 individually numbered bottles available world-wide.

• From specialist retailers only.

• The oldest release and first Port Ellen 32 year old to come from the distillers.

• UK RRSP £300 per bottle.

Earlier and far larger releases in this series now change hands among collectors for £300 and more, having appreciated by 150%.

Tasting Notes
Appearance: Golden clear honey. Good beading for its age

Nose: Mild nose-prickle, crisp and mouth-watering. Sweet, buttery, smoky and savoury (warm croissant with honey, a wood-burning stove briefly open). Dense, in time showing barley sugar and caramel sweets above a light charred note (wet sand and crushed charcoal) that at last reveals the place of origin. A little water increases the charred note, now faintly smoky, then indulgent marzipan or toffee notes grow, yielding lemon zest, cloves and rich vanilla

Body: Medium

Palate: Smooth, chewy, and sweet overall. Cooling and slow, with clean, fresh summer fruits and waxy, creamy biscuits. Later, chewy, with rich fruit-cake. When water is added, still oily, full-bodied and deeply characterful: sweet, with a trace of salt. Pine resin cavorts with honey and light eucalyptus before a faint backdrop of tropical fruitiness

Finish: Long, warming, smooth and sweetish (Pecan nuts) then lightly astringent, before billows of ‘welcome home’ coal-smoke and late charred notes. Water softens the smoke and introduces elegant, late tannins and tartness.

Summary: An excellent example of the make that will be loved: extremely fresh, light and delicate yet immutably Port Ellen. Long maturation has brought charm, good manners, assured self-confidence and understated elegance, without losing any of the underlying personality.

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990
ABV 53.8%

• Distilled in 1990 at the now-closed Lowland distillery, Rosebank.

• From some of the oldest stocks now held by the original distillers.

• From refill American Oak and refill European Oak casks.

• Only 5,886 numbered bottles worldwide.

• From specialist retailers only.

• UK RRSP £160 per bottle.

• Appearance: Pale gold. Moderate beading, very clear.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Mild nose-feel. The soft start is soon balanced by a crisp, juicy fruit sharpness (tropical fruits, orange and tangerine peel) and sweetness (fruit sweets). Below this the sweet fruit gives way to a more delicate earthy, even floral character: lily and English rose. Water makes the aromas softer; sweet lemon fondant replaces the earthiness. Late green apple fruit and floral notes; ripe peaches in a brown paper bag.

Body: Light.

Palate: At natural strength, tingling mouth-feel and good acidity; fresh, clean and drying. Mineral and tart (ripe plum skins) with faint menthol, then pleasingly charred with light pepper. Beautifully silky with a little water, when a very soft floral sweetness emerges (fruit salad and orange water) before the lemony acidity asserts itself.

Finish: Short and drying, with just an appetising hint of bitterness. Later, some red grape fruit. Softer, more gentle and rounded with water. Finally, a little late cocoa dryness.

Summary: A charming whisky whose attractive citric and aromatic notes suggest a feminine elegance, and whose subtleties are best revealed with water. Fresh and clean: excellent shared as an apéritif.

The CLASSIC MALTS SELECTION, BRORA, CAOL ILA, GLENURY ROYAL, KNOCKANDO, LAGAVULIN, PORT DUNDAS, PORT ELLEN and ROSEBANK words and associated symbols are copyright © Diageo 2011.

BENRIACH APPOINTS NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has appointed Douglas Cook as Regional Sales Manager, it announced today (September 13, 2011).

Douglas (35), from Edinburgh, will have responsibility for Asia Pacific and European markets including France and Belgium.

A graduate of the University of Strathclyde with a degree in marketing and modern languages, Douglas is a keen linguist who speaks German, French, Spanish, Catalan, Italian and is currently learning Mandarin.

He started his career in exporting with United Wire, an Edinburgh-based wire manufacturer, before moving to Germany where he joined the export division of Dornbracht, a family-run manufacturer of high-end fittings and accessories for the bathroom and kitchen.

During his career with Dornbracht in Germany and the UK, he gained experience in the management of both retail and international project sales.

He developed his passion for whisky when he worked at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.

“I’m looking forward enormously to working with BenRiach,” he said. “It’s a fast-growing, innovative and dynamic company producing a fantastic range of award-winning, top-quality whiskies.

“My aim is to develop BenRiach and GlenDronach, through long-term partnerships in the premium-quality single malt segment of our established European markets and up-and-coming markets such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, India and Australia.”

THE MACALLAN AND THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY PUT O’NEILL IN THE FRAME

The Royal Photographic Society last night (8 September) recognised the innovative work of legendary photojournalist and portrait photographer Terry O’Neill HonFRPS at The Macallan 2011 Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony in London.

Following in the footsteps of distinguished photographers, including Albert Watson, Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey and Don McCullin, O’Neill was presented with The Society’s Centenary Medal, recognising his outstanding contribution to the art and science of photography.

The Royal Photographic Society and The Macallan recently announced a new three year deal to sponsor the world renowned annual Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony, as part of The Macallan’s innovative and ground-breaking work within the photography arena.

Founded in 1853, The Royal Photographic Society is the world’s longest established Photography Society. It was granted its Royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1894, and a Royal Charter in 2004. It remains one of the most prestigious and well-respected societies to this day, with membership across the world.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said, “The Macallan has built up a strong commitment to the world of photography, including The Macallan Masters of Photography Series, and by supporting The Royal Photographic Society this is continuing to cement our passion within this exciting sphere.

“The work which was recognised at this year’s award ceremony is a true testament to the talent and innovation of the photographers who took to the stage. It is a great honour to be associated with not only these outstanding photographers but also a society which has such a rich history, professional excellence and is a world leading authority in photography. We look forward to working with the Royal Society of Photography going forward and with the very best photography talent.”

The Progress Medal and Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of an invention, research, publication or other contribution which has resulted in an important advance in the scientific or technological development of photography or imaging in their widest sense, went to Rodney Shaw, President and co-founder of White Rose Digital, which provides user-friendly imaging-methodologies for digital photographers.

The Award for Outstanding Services to Photography, which honours major, sustained, and influential contributions to the advancement of photography and imaging, was awarded to Philippe Garner HonFRPS, International Head of Photographs and 20th Century Decorative Art & Design at Christie’s.

Honorary Fellowships were awarded to Jason Bell, John Downing MBE, Simon King OBE, Bob Martin, Mario Testino, and Stuart Blake, retiring Director General of The Society.

New for 2011 was the Education Award, for outstanding achievement or sustained contribution in photographic education, which goes to Paul Delmar, who taught Press Photography and Photojournalism at Norton College Sheffield for 30 years, and numbers Marc Aspland FRPS and Simon Roberts FRPS, among his many students who have gone on to become top photographers.

The Hood Medal recognising meritorious performance in photography, with particular emphasis on public service was awarded to Edmund Clark. The Vic Odden Award, recognising notable achievement by a British photographer aged 35 or under, was presented to Venetia Dearden; while The Society’s Lumière Award went to Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle.

www.themacallan.com

Please enjoy our brand responsible www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes

About the Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853, to promote the art and science of photography, a mission it continues to this day, in the UK and, through its overseas membership, worldwide. Membership of The Society is open to everyone interested in photography, amateur or professional, artist or scientist. The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity. www.rps.org

The Royal Photographic Society Awards: awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. Nominations are invited for a wide range of awards, including to those under the age of 35.

The Macallan

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home: Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills: The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut: The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.

Exceptional Oak Casks: The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.

Natural Colour: The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit: The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK FOR ICONIC LUXURY BOTTLE

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the pinnacle Scotch Whisky blend from the House of Johnnie Walker, has unveiled a brand new look for its iconic luxury bottle.

Inspired by the original 19th century Johnnie Walker bottle, the contemporary redesign of this famous bottle features crafted details embodying rarity and exclusivity, and reflecting the House of Johnnie Walker’s commitment to both heritage and modernity. An ultra-thick glass base and side walls made from light blue glass frame the blend inside, allowing the whisky to shine through. The iconic John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant are printed directly onto the glass in a rich gold colour, while each bottle is individually numbered to reflect the limited nature of this Scotch Whisky.

The new bottle is presented in a redesigned luxurious, silk touch effect box, the outer finely embossed with the gold John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant, and inside, the bottle is delicately framed by a gold lining, reflecting light onto the Scotch Whisky within.

Speaking of the redesign James Pennefather, Managing Director Reserve GB, said: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label is built on an unwavering commitment to blending excellence. This commitment to excellence is something that our new bottle reflects in every way and we believe that it is now as beautifully crafted as the Scotch Whisky it contains.”

The commemoration of Alex Walker’s remarkable Old Highland Whisky of 1867, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a skilful blend of the rarest whiskies taken from the four corners of Scotland. Handpicked by Master Blender Jim Beveridge, only 1 in 10,000 casks are deemed of sufficient character to deliver the remarkably smooth signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, Jim nurtures and blends in small batches, to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.

To mark the launch of the new bottle, the first 1,867 numbered bottles will each be personally gifted to those who have made extraordinary accomplishments today. Alongside this, The House of Johnnie Walker has commissioned the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Journal, a chronicle that tells the inspirational story of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s epic journey from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world.

The new look bottle will be priced at RRP £200 and available from usual Johnnie Walker Blue Label stockists from September 2011.

Notes

About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is the pinnacle of Blended Scotch Whisky from the House of JOHNNIE WALKER.

The rare casks used in blending JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL are truly special, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste.

The rare craft that lies behind JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL sees today’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, hand-picking and skilfully blending rare whiskies, with elusive flavours, drawn from the four corners of Scotland to produce a true masterpiece.

Jim, part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, nurtures supremely rare casks, from unparalleled reserves, for as long as they take to mature to perfection, and then blends them in small batches to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. Using a relatively small number of whiskies requires incredible skill and exceptional liquids as each will play a significant contribution to the final result.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

Available at Harrods, Selfridges and online at RoyalMileWhiskies.com

ABOUT DIAGEO

DIAGEO is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER, GUINNESS, SMIRNOFF, J&B, BAILEYS, CUERVO, TANQUERAY, CAPTAIN MORGAN, CROWN ROYAL, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.

DIAGEO is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2011.