‘DRAMFEST’ BOOKINGS PROVE WORLDWIDE POPULARITY OF SPEYSIDE WHISKIES

Whisky fans around the world have been putting their money where their favourite dram is and snapping up tickets for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in their thousands since this year’s programme was announced on 14th January.

Whisky enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries worldwide have already checked out the Festival website, with 20 different nationalities taking advantage of the online booking system to ensure they have a ticket for their favourite event. Topping the ticket sales for this year’s Festival, which runs from 28th April – 2nd May, are whisky fanatics from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.

Advance ticket sales show a 15% increase on this time last year exceeding a value of £50,000 and representing a welcome low season boost to Speyside, Moray and the wider Scottish economy.

More than 40 of over 200 events, which cater for whisky lovers as well as their friends and family, have already sold out. Specialist whisky events and tours have proved the most popular, particularly visits to distilleries not normally open to the public such as Mortlach, Auchroisk, Dailuaine, Glendronach. Also sold out are tours around the Seven Stills of Dufftown and the Five Stills of Elgin, as well as some of the unique train tours to Strathisla Distillery and several of the whisky and food pairing events.

The five day ‘dramfest’, now in its twelfth year, is one of Europe’s largest whisky festivals. It annually attracts around 26,000 visits to events generating around £750,000 for the local economy, with tourists arriving from both home and abroad.

This year’s programme also features a selection of new events. Whisky lovers can become a Benromach Warehouseman for the day, take part in Food and Whisky Tours, try their hand at whisky themed craft taster sessions and choose from a selection of traditional musical events and ceilidhs.

Organisers are delighted at the response to this year’s Festival so far. Chairman Jim Royan extended a warm welcome to all visitors who plan to include the Festival in their travel plans this year, with a special invitation to Scots around the country from the Borders, to the Central Belt to the Highlands to come and experience the region and its world famous product during the Festival.

“The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival highlights the rich variety of landscapes, history and leisure opportunities that the area has to offer. It’s the blend of whisky, music, food and fun that guarantees Festival visitors are immersed in the culture of Whisky Country and experience the true taste of the Speyside spirit of hospitality.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “As supporters of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, EventScotland are delighted to see that the festival continues to attract large numbers of visitors from such a diverse range of countries.

“The event, which is amongst Europe’s largest and most-recognised whisky festivals, continues to seek out inspiring and innovative ways to showcase the very best of Scottish food and drink. Set against Moray’s picturesque landscapes and featuring events at some of the world’s most renowned distilleries, it’s a fantastic example of why Scotland is the perfect stage for the best food and drink events”

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.

www.spiritofspeyside.com– Speyside is easily accessible by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport

– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme

– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

– EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit

www.EventScotland.org

– The Year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by EventScotland and VisitScotland which began on the 1st January 2011. For more information go to

www.eventscotland.org/activescotland– A series of focus years running from 2010 to 2013 will ensure co-ordinated national activity that will spotlight some of Scotland’s great assets as we journey towards 2014. The four focus years are centred on domestic and international tourism and the development of the events industry in Scotland. These focus years will celebrate our reputation as a land food and drink, as an active nation, as a place of culture and creativity and as a place of natural beauty.

– EventScotland in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland is delivering Event Team Scotland, a new web – based portal which matches volunteers across Scotland with exciting sporting and cultural events. For more information please visit

www.eventteamscotland.com

Drams Under The Hammer

It’s enjoyed all over the world and is worth billions of pounds to the British economy. But Scotch whisky is also undergoing a boom as an investment.

Last October, Whyte & Mackay launched its Dalmore Trinitas at £100,000 a bottle, only to be topped the following month when Macallan released a 64-year-old single malt in a crystal decanter, which sold at auction in New York for $460,000 (£288,000). Earlier this month Gordon and MacPhail released 100 bottles of a 70-year-old Glenlivet, costing £13,000. Very few are likely ever to be opened.

Limited editions and whiskies from now silent distilleries can command premium prices and the amber nectar is turning into liquid gold for many collectors.

Now two Scottish businessmen have set up the country’s first internet-only auction site to handle the sale and purchase of rare, old and collectible whiskies.

Scotchwhiskyauctions.com is the brainchild of Tam Gardiner and Bill Mackintosh. Tam is the owner of Tam’s Drams, a specialist whisky shop in the Finnieston area of Glasgow. Bill is a director of Glasgow’s Whisky Festival, which held its inaugural event last year. It returns to the Arches in November.

The two believe their Scottish-based Internet site will provide a safe and secure environment for collectors and sellers alike. The first auction will be held on Saturday, April 2, and run for four weeks, closing on Saturday, April 30.

Tam said: “I don’t think collectors are being best served at the moment. Charges by traditional auction houses can be sky-high. Because we are internet-only, we are able to pass on cost savings to our customers.”

Bill added: “Other auction houses handle everything from furniture to furs. We will be concentrating on whisky only. Our pricing structure means charges will be fairer for purchasers and sellers alike.”

The Scottish Whisky Association, the trade body for distillers, said: “Collectors’ interest in rare bottlings of Scotch whisky has risen over recent years. It is a niche but growing market, with specialist auctions increasingly being held in the UK, United States and Hong Kong.”

For further information contact

Tam Gardiner on 07853 898223

Bill Mackintosh on 07821 107212

mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com

www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com 

Liz and Paul have been away to Islay (March 2011.) It’s a must for us to catch up on the local gossip, news and new events. Says Paul “A long overdue trip we are making “just for our members” – honest! We need sample drams and places so we can pass on all this glorious info to you.  It’s a hard thankless job, but some one has to do it, dinnae worry, we will struggle through”. Liz; “it’s a first for me and I am really looking forward to it, hope there isn’t too much peat!”  THE BLOG/DIARY of our ROAD TRIP goes like this; we started the trip from Perth, after an Angels corporate whisky tasting, taken by Willie and Don (we couldnee join in – driving y’know).

Leaving Perth approx 7.30pm Wednesday driving to Inveraray where we stopped overnight, a dram or three here in a friends hotel! Early start to Kennacraig … to catch the ferry to Islay … with 8 distilleries to check and several other “must do” not to mention meeting people and, trying to get to Jura, it was a whistle stop trip! WELL, WE ARE HOME AGAIN IN ONE PIECE. It was a grand trip, over two nights, three days on the island we visited all 8 distilleries (Bowmore twice) and Jura making 9 in all. Staying at Bowmore distillery was a good idea, fall asleep and awake to the sweet niff drifting in the slightly open windees… Lagavulin was shut when we got there, but, we were there and its their loss they were shut! Apart from distilleries, we were checkin oot accommodations, visits, historic sites, shops, grub and of course meeting people! Wait for the photos! Kildalton Cross and Kirk were immense, we ate at Holy Coo in Bowmore and a couple of take – away’s!

The ferry to Jura is a landing craft but we just had to have a go! There will soon be some new faces near the distillery, girls, it must be something in the air! Our very best wishes to all the “expecting” mums to be. Back on Islay we met our pal big Lamie, who drove us in his bullet proof Merc, bullet proof on Islay? must be a story there (aye there is), shared a few drinks and stories with him, a few good belly laughs too (if you have seen Paul and Lamie you’ll know how big belly laughs can be!). Just goes to show what whisky can do; a Campbell and a McLean getting on very well and best o friends! While the TV coverage of the darts in Glasgow SECC carried on relentless, we drank with Peter the younger and his lovely mum Linda exploring the wood in the bar, no to mention their own personal collection of excellent bottles.

So many nice people and a special hello to our man at Calmac on the way out of Port Ellen, made us a special place on the ferry. Hello also to the lovely lass at Spar in Port Ellen (from Mull and Dalmally!). Thanks for the butties.  S’funny isnee it, all except Kilchoman are on the water and all with a pier or slip, did they get deliveries by sea? Who is out there who knows?  Now then, who agrees with Liz and Paul, Islay needs a chip shop, a clothes shop (where do they buy socks, undies and jeans?) and a travel agent. We also need start trying to get all restaurants to lower their food costs a wee bit. We are no saying put in a KFC but something needs be done guys.  We also thought (rightly or wrongly) that after doing our best and spending money actually getting there ( no cheap ), that everyone should be made to accept a free bottle of their choice upon arrival or departure! Just as a thanks y’see.  Angels would be very happy to take you to the isle any time you wish. With our tour company MCLEANSCOTLAND you get so much packed in, real value for money and a great experience.

ARDBEG; Current owner: Glenmorangie plc.  Distillery Manager: Michael Heads  www.ardbeg.com What a clean and tidy place this is! Our first call right off the ferry, well, after Kildalton. Our first “spend!” here. Some work going on at the centre, grand wee place, lovely stuff to buy and great views, drams are no bad either! Their marketing and overall packaging matches the drink.

LAGAVULIN Current owner: Diageo. Distillery  www.discovering-distilleries.com Manager: Graham Logie.  Shut!!!

CAOL ILA Current owner: Diageo. Distillery www.discovering-distilleries.com Manager: Billy Stitchell. Doon by the water, chatted with other distillery tourists (on bikes). I would say, the least attractive distillery, big is no always beautiful. Come on Diageo.

LAPHROAIG Current owner: Allied Distillers Ltd. Distillery Manager: John Campbell www.Laphroaig.com Loved it! Big Lamie’s look – alike looked after us! Liz is now a land owner like Paul, enjoyed this distillery and its visitor centre with  museum and so on, enjoyed our drams, we left with gifts.

KILCHOMAN Current owner: Privately. Distillery  www.kilchomandistillery.com Manager: Malcolm Rennie. Eventually got there after our Dutch comrades, we detoured to see the ruined Kirk (Paul wanted this), back at the distillery; past the coos and horses into the barley floor, small but well formed. Our Canadian group coming in May, have a cask here. Some chattin and photos etc before we left for Bowmore.

BRUICHLADDICH Current owner: Bruichladdich Distillery Co. Ltd. Distillery Manager: Duncan McGillivray www.bruichladdich.com Chatted with Mary, shared a dram or several, bought the t shirt and enjoyed it all! Mary; we will be back! But – Dinnae carry on wi that gin! You get a nice feeling here, you know its not a big corporation who owns it and it shows, in a nice way, staff very happy!

BUNNAHABHAIN Current owner: Burn Stewart Distillers plc. Distillery Manager: Vacancy www.bunnahabhain.com A real “workin distillery” dirt an all, its what we thought  and much more, some purchases here at the Barlinnie of the isles. As a wee note Liz and Paul both thought this reminded them of prison, er, that’s another story. A nice drive doon a winding road that leads you to their door, all the time we were there one happy chap was whistling away driving his fork lift, a sign of a good happy workforce and aye, we would go back.

 
BOWMORE Current owner: Suntory, Japanese Whisky Co. Distillery Manager: Eddie McAffer www.bowmore.co.uk what can we say? we stayed there, enjoyed there, drank their drams there, laughed with the lassies there, had a special tour which we both appreciated thank you, and felt at home! Great relax area and bar overlooking the water to Port Charlotte. I tended to favour this one, probably as we were staying with them, wanderin aboot at 7am, the distillery is quiet, you can peep into places, its good to be the only person around at times, och the weather was good too!
 
AYE WE KNOW, Jura is a different isle altogether, aye but it’s nearby and we shall do our best! Jura Prophecy is the fourth of Jura’s classic bottlings and the first to be ‘profoundly’ peated. The whisky takes its name from one of the island’s most famous legends. In the early 1700’s the hated Campbells of Jura evicted a wise old seer. Bristling with resentment, she prophesised that the last Campbell to leave the island would be one-eyed with his belongings carried in a cart drawn by a lone white horse. Was the old seer a Maclean? wouldn’t surprise us. 1938, Charles Campbell, blind in one eye from the Great War, fell on hard times and led his white horse to the old pier for the last time. Ha!  Prophecy is bottled without chill filtration for an authentic taste of 1938. Flavours of peat, smoke, cinnamon and sea spray with bonfire notes give way to soft liquorice and nutmeg.

 http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc and info@angelswhiskyclub.com

Loch Fyne Whiskies News has posted a new item, ‘SALE OF ICONIC WHISKY AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH TO AID JAPANESEQUAKE AND TSUMANI VICTIMS’

Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief.  We all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy so we are looking to do something practical.

My brother, Michael, was due to fly to Japan to take part in a series of events to launch Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old when the disaster struck. 

We have decided to donate bottle No. 1 of Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old to a special charity auction to raise money for the relief effort.  All funds will be paid to the Red Cross who will use them to help the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster. 

Bonhams Edinburgh, who are giving their services for free, will deliver the special charity auction on Tuesday 29 March 2011 at 7.00pm GMT.  The auction will be held at Bonhams 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh and online at

http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19503/lot/1/ 

As I am sure you are aware Gordon & MacPhail launched Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old at a special event at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March 2011.  Distilled in 1940 only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011.  Whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean describes the single malt: “The Glenlivet 1940 opens a door into a different time, another country. To smell and taste this exquisite whisky is to experience the past in a unique way – layer upon layer of flavour, profound and evocative.” 

The whisky is beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Elm.

David Urquhart, Joint managing Director, Gordon & Macphail

You may view the latest Loch Fyne Whiskies post at;

https://www.lfw.co.uk/blog/2011/03/22/sale-of-iconic-whisky-at-bonhams-edinburgh-to-aid-japanesequake-and-tsumani-victims/

Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

A PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN THANK YOU TO DAD

Salute your dad this Father’s Day with the proudly South African, award-winning Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky. Distilled and matured at the James Sedgwick Distillery near the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first 100 % single-grain whisky.

Awarded gold and best-in-class at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Challenge, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is the perfect gift to show your dad just how much you value him.

Inspired by the pioneering pass builder Andrew Geddes Bain who created the Bain’s Kloof Pass amidst its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain. The whisky is quite uniquely double-matured in specially selected first-fill oak casks. After the initial three years’ maturation the whisky is transferred to a second set of first-fill oak casks to age for a further two years. Its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in a smooth and distinctive whisky.

The whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones. The result is a warm and extended mouth-feel with a smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available, with or without a tin, from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R175 per 750 ml bottle.

Fellow whisky enthusiasts,

We now have the Maltstock 2011 program online! So please visit the Maltstock website to see the full program.

We’re very happy Stuart Thomson (former Ardbeg manager) and George Cairns from the Edinburgh Liqueur Company will join us again. Donald MacLellan will be there for Glendronach and David Stirk with some great whiskies from his Creative Whisky Company. We have Antony McCallum-Caron from Glengoyne/Chieftains. And of course the great chaps from Master of Malt will be there again. This time they will host a “lost distilleries” tasting! Last year Compass Box provided a unique Breakfast Whisky. This year Gregg Glass from Compass Box will come to Maltstock! All this and more to look forward to!

Food
To get off to the perfect start, the highly praised Highlander Inn will come all the way from Craigellachie, Scotland to Maltstock again, to prepare a perfect Scottish breakfast for us. 
On Saturday evening we will of course have a BBQ. It will be a bit different though this year. It’s in the very capable hands of Harry Havinga and his team. They are currently ranked 5th in the World BBQ ranking (yes apparently such a ranking does exist). It will be a BBQ to remember!

Discount at The Whiskyshop Dufftown
Just a quick reminder: every subscriber to this newsletter will get a 5% discount at The Whiskyshop Dufftown. When ordering online simply enter the code: WSDMLTSTK2011. Or mention this code when buying in the shop. Both the excellent website and shop are well worth a visit!

And when you have a Maltstock ticket we will give you a special code for a 10% discount at the Whiskyshop Dufftown!

You can also save on shipping. Mike Lord from The Whiskyshop Dufftown will come to Maltstock. He will also be at the Islay festival. Simply select the country as “Hold at the WSD” when entering the delivery address and state where they want to pick it up in the comments field.

Maltstock tickets
Make sure you buy your Maltstock tickets on time. As always there will be no tickets sales at the Maltstock gates. All tickets need to be bought in advance. And tickets are selling faster than ever.

Maltstock is an all inclusive weekend. For just 175,- euro’s you have two nights accommodation, all food and drinks (including the whisky) and access to the free masterclasses. But above all: you will enjoy a very relaxed whisky weekend amongst fellow enthusiasts!

Click here to go straight to the Maltstock webshop. Or buy your tickets at the Whiskyshop Dufftown website where you can pay with credit card.

Hope to see you all in September at Maltstock!

the Maltstock team
Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier & Teun

The Dalmore Releases Castle Leod Whisky

The Dalmore has released a limited edition whisky called Castle Leod, named after the spiritual home of the Mackenzie clan, to raise much needed funds to help return the Scottish castle to its former glory.

The move follows the successful launch last year of the brand’s Mackenzie expression, which saw 3,000 bottles sell out in less than nine months across the world, raising more than £20,000 towards castle restoration and other clan projects.

This time there will be 5,000 bottles of Dalmore Castle Leod produced with an RSP of £100, and according to Richard Paterson, the creator of this new release, this one will sell even faster than the Mackenzie whisky.

The Dalmore has a long association with the Mackenzie clan. Not only did the family once own the Highland distillery, their clan symbol – the royal stag – sits on each and every bottle of the Dalmore in a tribute to its regal heritage and aristocratic pedigree.  In 1263, a member of the clan saved King Alexander III of Scotland from a charging stag and was subsequently granted the honour of using the 12-point royal stag as their crest. That in turn has been adopted by The Dalmore, along with the clan’s motto I Shine, Not Burn.

Castle Leod is nestled in the Scottish highlands just 14 miles from the Dalmore distillery.  Built in 1606, it is still one of the few castles in Scotland that was built and occupied by direct descendents of the original family owners.

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay

“Castle Leod is an exceptional single malt. It’s the first time we have released a whisky matured in barriques from one of the most revered and iconic Bordeaux houses in France.

“Having spent its initial maturation in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, this whisky still retains The Dalmore’s ‘house style’ of orange marmalade, vanilla and spice. But its final 18 months in Bordeaux adds an extra level of pure luxury, as well as a sensual finish of kiwi, sweet pear and sweet mango.”
 
John Cromartie Caberfeidh of the Mackenzie clan, is thrilled by the The Dalmore’s latest efforts to raise much needed funds

“I’m honoured that Richard Paterson has created this extraordinary single malt in tribute to Castle Leod, which is both my home and the spiritual home of the Mackenzie clan. We regularly have gatherings for our members at the Castle as this has been the seat of the clan since it was built by Roderick Mackenzie in the 17th century. The castle is filled with rich heritage and history, but more importantly, it has stood the test of time, and I have no doubt that in years to come The Dalmore’s Castle Leod will equally be recognised as a timeless classic.”

Tasting Notes:

Colour:   Radiant amber with hints of crimson gold
Nose:  Exhilarating romantic notes of Rose de Mai, heady tuberose, ylang-ylang and rich narcissus are coupled with arousing notes of juicy plums, blackcurrants, bergamot and mandarin.
Taste:  The “King of Grapes”. the Cabernet Sauvignon from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau adds that extra level of pure luxury to our noble Dalmore. But again fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are reinforced during this initial flirtation on the palate. Within seconds the next sensual fusion makes its presence felt when silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelised pear and sweet mango roll over from the warmth of your tongue. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft liquorice brings this passionate love affair to a perfect conclusion.

Information on The Dalmore:

The Dalmore whisky is crafted in small batches using an artisan philosophy that has been passed down through generations. The Dalmore converts crystal-clear water from Loch Morie in the Highlands into liquid gold. The small band of stillmen that run the distillery all originate from a handful of local families and, with years of experience, exhibit true craft and take enormous pride in their work. This ensures The Dalmore whisky’s unique and revered character.

Whisky fans can join The Dalmore Custodians, a select group of individuals with an appetite for luxury single malt, by visiting http://www.thedalmore.com

Smokehead teams up with Smokeheads

Edinburgh: Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has formed a partnership with its namesake book, Smokeheads, the brand new release by Scottish writer Doug Johnstone.

Smokeheads is set on the famous whisky producing island of Islay, home to the mystery distillery which produces Smokehead Single Malt. The book follows four late-thirties ex-university mates heading to Islay with a serious thirst. ‘Four friends, one weekend, gallons of whisky. What could go wrong?’ Over a weekend soaked in the finest cask-strength spirit, events spiral out of control, they are all thrown into a nightmare that gets worse at every turn.

Smokehead Single Malt sponsored the book’s launch event, held in Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms, where ‘Smoke and Coke’ was flowing, adding to the atmospheric reading by the author.

The partnership also includes ongoing promotions and discounts such as competitions to win copies of the book and bottles of Smokehead at www.faber.co.uk and www.waterstones.com plus exclusive discount codes offering 10% off bottles of Smokehead for readers.

To enter or for more information visit www.smokehead.co.uk or www.faber.co.uk/work/smokeheads
 
Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £31.99. For details of stockists and to buy online please visit www.smokehead.co.uk

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk  www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Tasting notes:

SALE OF ICONIC WHISKY AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH TO AID JAPANESE QUAKE AND TSUNAMI VICTIMS

The sale of a £13,000 bottle of Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old, launched earlier this month, is to be auctioned at a special evening at Bonhams, Edinburgh on 29 March in aid of the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Family owned whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail unveiled the iconic Single Malt Whisky at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March. Distilled in 1940, only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011. Decanter number 1 of 100 has been presented for this special event.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, had been due to fly to Japan to launch the whisky when the tragedy struck. He had the idea of auctioning the bottle in Scotland to raise much needed money for the relief effort. The proceeds will be donated to the British Red Cross Japan Appeal. The special, single item, charity auction will be held at Bonhams, 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh on Tuesday evening 29 March at 7.00pm GMT to allow buyers in the USA and the Far East to take part. Bonhams are giving their services for free.

Michael Urquhart said, “Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family-owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief. I think we all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy like this so it is good to be able to do something practical. I hope people will respond generously.”

Bonhams Managing Director in Scotland, Miranda Grant, who lived in Japan as a child, said, “We’re just pleased to be able to help Everyone has been shocked by the scenes of devastation and the loss of life and we’re all hoping to raise a good sum.”

Norman McKinley, director of the Red Cross in Scotland, said, “This is an extremely generous gesture by Gordon & MacPhail and Bonhams. The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan have caused widespread destitution and suffering.

“The costs of the relief effort and of rebuilding the homes and lives of those affected will be immense. Donations to the British Red Cross will be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster over the coming months and years.”

The charity auction itself will be preceded by a reception at 6.00 and a talk at 6.40 by the renowned whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean.

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/scotland

For further press information please contact Andrew Currie on 0207 468 5871 or andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com

NOTES 

Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (February 2010).

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant who have been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 40 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies.

British Red Cross: in the event that the British Red Cross receives more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters both here in the UK and overseas.

Dear Customer, 

Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief.  We all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy so we are looking to do something practical.

I was due to fly to Japan to take part in a series of events to launch Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old when the disaster struck.  

We have decided to donate bottle No. 1 of Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old to a special charity auction to raise money for the relief effort.  All funds will be paid to the Red Cross who will use them to help the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster.  

Bonhams Edinburgh, who are giving their services for free, will deliver the special charity auction on Tuesday 29 March 2011 at 7.00pm GMT.  The auction will be held at Bonhams 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh and online at http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19503/lot/1/

As I am sure you are aware Gordon & MacPhail launched Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old at a special event at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March 2011.  Distilled in 1940 only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011.  Whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean describes the single malt: “The Glenlivet 1940 opens a door into a different time, another country. To smell and taste this exquisite whisky is to experience the past in a unique way – layer upon layer of flavour, profound and evocative.”  

The whisky is beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Elm.

I would be grateful if you could make as many people as possible aware of this special charity auction.

Your faithfully, 

Michael

SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS 

Michael Urquhart | Joint Managing Director

GORDON & MACPHAIL, GEORGE HOUSE, BOROUGHBRIGGS ROAD, ELGIN, MORAY, SCOTLAND, IV30 1JY

www.gordonandmacphail.com

OWNER OF BENROMACH DISTILLERY | www.benromach.com

All highlighting by Whisky Intelligence