Celebrate Hogmanay with a NEW Limited Edition from The Dalmore

Bring in the New Year with a dram of the NEW Dalmore Eos 59 year old single malt. The Dalmore is renowned for its distinction and aristocratic pedigree, rewarding its loyal admirers with a unique, full taste that reflects its colourful history and origins.

Named after the Titan goddess of the dawn, The Dalmore’s Eos captures the essence of mythical properties and divine nature that she represented to our ancestors. Legend has it that Eos opened the gates of heaven every morning, an appropriate portrayal of the opening of the Dalmore’s warehouse doors to release this divine spirit. Like the ancient practice of worshipping the dawn, The Dalmore’s Eos is sure to become a treasured part of whisky history.

The subtle aromas reach you well before your tongue senses the exquisite flavours like the brightening night sky hinting to dawn. An exhilarating explosion of honeyed pear and pineapple, bitter dark chocolate and roasted coffee wakens the senses before the nose delights to the scent of soft peaches, mangoes and almonds. Intense flavours of toffee, caramel, orange, golden syrup and cinnamon then vie for attention on the palate and leave a long lingering full-flavoured aftertaste.

Selected from the same two exceptional sherry casks, Eos is sister to Selene, The Dalmore’s highly prized 1951 vintage. An additional year of slumber has intensified the flavours of the whiskies, now combined to create a golden nectar likely to appeal to the sacred golden-throned goddess herself.

Little did The Dalmore’s local artisans know it at the time, but on the seventh of June 1951 history was being created. This was the day that casks 1781 and 1782 were filled and left to mature, deep in dark, bonded warehouse’s tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. As countless dawns swept the land, the characteristics that make Eos so unique slowly developed, infusing the spirit with distinctive aromas, flavours and finishes. Now, over half a century later, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller finally believes the time is right to release the spirit.

Only 20 decanters containing this divine spirit will ever see the light of day. Made from mouth blown Portuguese crystal, painstakingly hand cut and adorned with beautiful silver highlights, each decanter reflects the years of skill, knowledge and craftsmanship that have gone into producing every drop of The Dalmore Eos. The decanter is then safely encased in a prized and robust solid steel box, inlaid with dark timber to protect it over the decades to come.

Price RSP £15,000

Visit The Dalmore website at www.thedalmore.com

The above whisky can be found at Harrods, Selfridges, Whisky Shop Chain, www.elitemarket.com, Oddbins, Nicolas, World of Whisky, World Duty Free & all good whisky specialists.

Notes:

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 the nearby river Alness 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 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

Tomatin releases 1973 and 1982 Single Casks.

Tomatin Distillery is delighted to announce the release of two exquisite Single Cask bottlings. These expressions of the Tomatin Single Malt Scotch whisky were selected by Master Distiller, Douglas Campbell, who deemed them to be of an exceptional standard.

Matured in a refill Bourbon cask the 1973 displays a complex mix of flavours ranging from wild cherries and pear drops to coconut flakes and lemon curd. This 36 year old single cask yielded a paltry 184 bottles and will be available to consumers worldwide although the majority of the stock is expected to be sold in Western Europe. Bottles are expected to retail at £450.00.

The 1982 expression comes from an Oloroso sherry Puncheon and offers drinkers a remarkably different experience to the 1973. Bottled at a natural strength of 57%abv and limited to 560 bottles this bottling will again be offered to Tomatin distributors throughout the world. The 1982 is expected to sell for around £340.00

Both of these whiskies are presented in an ultra heavy weight glass bottle which is sealed with a wax coated glass stopper. Each bottle is protected with a luxurious velvet lined wooden box designed by Breeze Creative and manufactured by Mount Gabriel.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Sales Manager for Western Europe commented “I feel confident that these Single Cask expressions will be very well received by whisky enthusiasts around the world. We are starting to build up a loyal following in certain Western European markets and I am sure that consumers will not be disappointed by what are 2 very unique expressions of Tomatin”.

Product Details

Brand Name Tomatin 1973 Single Cask
Cask No 25602
Cask Type Refill American Oak Cask
No of Bottles Produced 184
Date of Distillation 13.09.73
Date of Bottling 10.08.10
Age Over 36 years
Strength 44%abv
Chill filtration No

Tasting Notes

Nose – A veritable fruit salad. Pear drops, wild cherries, cranberries, malt, vanilla and beeswax
Palate – Light ,soft , subtle fruity flavours coat the middle of the tongue. These are followed by delicate hints of lemon curd, coconut flakes and a heather honey sweetness that linger on and on…
Finish – Smooth , sensual and creamy.

Brand Name Tomatin 1982 Single Cask
Cask No 92
Cask Type Refill Sherry Puncheon
No of Bottle Produced 560

Date of Distillation 29.01.82
Date of bottling 10.08.10
Age Over 28 years
Strength 57%abv
Chill filtration No

Tasting Notes

Nose – Soft and honeyed with gentle hints of aniseed. Darjeeling Tea leaves, banoffee pie with a minty undertone.
Palate – Rich , sweet and mellow. Gently toasted hazelnuts and almonds, stewed plums giving way to subtle oaky flavours.
Finish – Subtle and creamy with a hint of coconut.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES FILLS MILESTONE 6 MILLIONTH BARREL OF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number six million.  Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark. And in an historic coincidence, the filling of barrel number six million took place on the exact same day, 75 years later, that Heaven Hill filled their first barrel of Bourbon in 1935.

“It is indeed a proud day for our company and our extended Heaven Hill family,” said Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “That the filling of this historic barrel fell on the 75th anniversary of the day that my father and his four brothers filled Heaven Hill’s very first Bourbon barrel makes this day monumentally important for us.  And it is made all the more special that it is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.”

No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the American Whiskey industry in between the filling of their first barrel— ironically on Friday, December 13th, 1935—and their latest milestone barrel, but the company remains true to its original mission as a family-owned and operated independent Kentucky company, the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Heaven Hill now has over 900,000 aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in their inventory, and their flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. 

The 6 millionth barrel was “bunged off” by sixth- and seventh-generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries.  Congressman Brett Guthrie, Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton and Mayor Elect Bill Sheckles, State Rep. David Floyd and Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts attended the brief ceremony and offered congratulations to the company on their latest accomplishment.  The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone barrels in a special display where visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center may view them.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

The Macallan HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION INSPIRED BY Albert Watson edition of The Masters of Photography

Inspired by the launch of the Albert Watson edition of The Masters of Photography and his visual interpretation of the journey of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, the Speyside single malt has launched the first Macallan Masterclass photography competition.

The competition invites the public to upload their finest photographs that celebrate the theme of “great journeys”. It could be from travels or a special moment showing a passage of time from one stage to another.

The top ten photographs, as voted for by the public, will then be judged by Albert Watson, winner of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society’s 2010 Centenary Medal, who will choose a first, second, third and a highly commended entry. Prizes include the ultimate trip of Scotland, Nikon digital camera equipment and a 12 month subscription to Digital Camera magazine. Entry to the competition and voting is at www.themastersofphotography.com. Closing date is 29th April 2011.

Edinburgh-born world leading photographer, Albert Watson, unveiled his latest works of art undertaken in partnership with The Macallan single malt whisky earlier this month. Interpreting the story of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, Watson visually documented his journey which began in the forests of Spain and ended at The Macallan’s spiritual home in Speyside.

To create his black and white photographic series, Watson embarked upon a journey of 12 days covering 600 miles and encountered some of the most breathtaking scenery. From the entrancing forests of Northern Spain, where the mighty Spanish oaks grow, to the traditional cooperage in Jerez, Watson began a journey of discovery, culminating in the alchemy and passion of The Macallan Distillery in Scotland. The photographic odyssey took place in 3 parts, the romantic tale of a couple’s road trip, a series of images expanding on this particular journey and finally the creation of fine art platinum prints.

The outcome is a stunning anthology which captures the genuine emotional connection between the photographer and his subjects: the striking landscapes, beautiful settings and the spectacular weather patterns. Watson’s photographic prints exude an air of drama and romance, trailing a stylish couple taking a voyage to unearth the key secret behind The Macallan. These are coupled with intimate shots of the time served master craftsmen of the cooperage and dramatic stills of the surrounding wilderness.

A limited collection of 1,000 unique The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old bottles is available for purchase throughout the world, each with a specially commissioned label by Watson and a set of 10 portfolio prints unique to this edition. A further 36 individually customised bottles of The Macallan 1946 whisky, the date Watson first met his wife Elizabeth, with a signed one-off collectible platinum print can also be purchased, once they have completed their world exhibition tour, with a reserve price of £10,000.

The Macallan Masters of Photography Albert Watson Edition can be purchased at luxury spirits retailers or via www.themacallan.com for an RRP of £700. 

To enter the Macallan Masters competition, go to www.themastersofphotography.com.

www.drinkaware.com

Notes

Tasting notes – The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old

NOSE – Dark chocolate orange, cloves, ginger and dried fruit, accented by polished oak

TASTE – Robust spine of blood orange and exotic spices, with an abundance of sun ripened raisins, dates and sultanas

FINISH – Tantalisingly long, oak, allspice, stem ginger with sustained fruitiness

COLOUR – Lacquered rosewood

The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old bottles will be available for purchase in the UK from luxury retailers for the RRP £700.

The Macallan 1946 bottle can also be purchased in the UK at luxury retailers at a starting price of £10,000

The first Macallan Masters of Photography was launched in 2008 with Rankin.  Rankin produced 1,000 individual black and white images captured on Polaroid.  Each limited edition bottle of rare 30 year old Macallan Fine Oak single malt displayed a bespoke label featuring one of Rankin’s images, accompanied by the original Polaroid.  The array of images featured artistic nude studies of Tuuli, Rankin’s muse and wife, contrasted by shots of the dedicated craftspeople of the distillery, and still life images of the surrounding flora and fauna at Easter Elchies Estate.

The Macallan is ranked number two by value* among the world’s top selling single malts and is recognised as being a leader within the Scotch Whisky industry when it comes to innovation.

*IWSR figures ending December 2006

www.themacallan.com

Albert Watson – photographer

Born in Scotland, Albert Watson is one of the world’s most successful photographers of the past four decades.  His striking images have appeared on over 240 covers of Vogue and Rolling Stone – some of the most iconic portraits of a generation including Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger and Kate Moss.

As well as directing over 300 TV commercials for global brands including Gap, Chanel and Revlon, Albert is also the creative genius behind some of the most well recognised movie posters of our time, namely Memoirs of a Geisha and Kill Bill.

In recognition of his work Albert was named one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time by industry bible, Photo District News.  In 2010 he was awarded the ultimate accolade – the Centenary Medal from the Royal Photographic Society.

Albert Watson is a master of his art who greatly enriches our perception with his unique photographic view.  A single minded commitment to perfection has made Albert Watson one of the world’s most sought-after photographers. 

www.albertwatson.net

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.

High Tech or Hand Crafted?

The Balvenie Holiday Survey Reveals Men Want It All

 With just days until Santa arrives, The Balvenie Single Malt Holiday Survey conducted by Leger Marketing asked 1,200 Canadian men, “What are you buying this year?” 

• Canadian men are into the true holiday spirit and showing their gentler side selecting “time with family” as number one on their wish list (32.9%); followed by “travel” (22.4%) and “peace and quiet” (12.3%).

• Thirty-four per cent of Canadian men identified electronics stores as their primary spending target this Christmas, ahead of clothes, toys and restaurants.  The liquor store ranks in the top five “spending destinations” at eight per cent, beating out jewellery (6%), cosmetics (2%) and furniture stores (1%).   

• Forty per cent of Canadian men pick single malt scotch, such as The Balvenie, as the special gift they would buy for their best friend – beating out a hand-built watch (23.6%), bespoke clothing (23.3%), or hand-rolled cigars (12.9%).

• And they give with heart. Ninety-one per cent of Canadian men say they would feel pride in giving a gift like handcrafted single malt scotch – the highest “pride” rating of any premium gift. 

• Tradition reigns in mens’ shopping style. The majority of Canadian men (85%) will make their Christmas purchases at good old fashioned “Bricks and Mortar” stores.

• Canadian men plan to spend an average of $638 each on gifts this year. Married males will spend considerably more ($732) than single males ($347).

• Credit continues to fuel the Canadian consumer: a large majority of Canadian males (59%) will be using their credit cards to make their Christmas season purchases. Twenty-eight percent will use debit and the remaining 13% will use cash.

Create Your Own Whisky with Master of Malt

Master of Malt have teamed up with whisky blenders Compass Box to launch a competition in which two lucky winners will undergo a blending session with master blender John Glaser. At the end of the session they will create their own whisky, which they can take away with them.

The prize also includes dinner at Hix Restaurant, an award-winning London eatery which was voted Best New Restaurant 2010 by Time Out Magazine, followed by a night’s stay at the High Road House hotel, an exclusive hotel and private member’s club.

You can enter the competition by purchasing any bottle of Compass Box whisky from Master of Malt (www.masterofmalt.com) and there are 250 chances to enter.

Winners will be treated to a Champagne reception at the Compass Box offices, followed by a tasting of rare limited edition whisky from the Compass Box range. The tasting will be followed by the blending master-class with John Glaser, at the end of which the winners will create their own unique whisky which they will take home with them. Later in the evening there will be cocktails at Mark’s Bar in Soho (voted London’s Best Bar 2010 by Time Out Magazine). The winners will then be taken to dinner at the Hix Restaurant, before finally retiring to the High Road House hotel for some well-earned rest.

You can read more about the competition here: http://www.masterofmalt.com/compass-box-competition/

Click here to browse the range of eligible Compass Box whiskies: http://www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/compass-box-branded-whisky/

About Master of Malt

• Established in 1985
• One of the UK’s leading online whisky and spirits retailers
• A highly rated independent bottler, all of whose single cask whiskies scored over 90 points in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2009

http://www.masterofmalt.com

Read the Master of Malt blog: http://www.masterofmalt.com/blog
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SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 2011 – TICKETS ON SALE IN JANUARY

Whisky connoisseurs and fans of Scotland’s national drink will be noting Friday, 14th January, 2011 as a key date in next year’s diary.  Tickets for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 go on sale online at www.spiritofspeyside.com, and there’s likely to be a rush for some of the Festival’s most exclusive and prestigious events.

Next year’s Festival runs from Thursday, 28th April – Monday, 2nd May, and distilleries, shops, bars, pubs and villages throughout Speyside will be welcoming visitors from around the world with quality malt whiskies, special tastings, outdoor activities, music and many other entertaining events.

There are only 16 places available at the respected Spirit of Speyside Whisky School, aimed at whisky connoisseurs, whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals who want to learn more about the process of whisky making.  The Whisky School features three days of undiluted and informative malt whisky education of the highest standard and includes seven expert-led technical lectures and seven top level technical site visits conducted by distillery managers.

However, many more whisky fans can enjoy a rare peek behind the scenes at other well-known distilleries around Speyside which are usually closed to the public but which offer unique events and experiences during the Festival, including Benrinnes, Glenrothes and Mortlach.

Another highlight of the Festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards, where the final Award winners are judged by Festival visitors.  And to launch the 2011 Festival, the magnificent Opening Dinner will be held at Cardhu Distillery on Thursday, 28th April. 

Festival goers can also learn about Speyside whisky’s heritage, about using whisky as a culinary ingredient or how to choose the best drams for a dinner party, and even how to pair it with chocolate, sausages and cheese.

To find out more and book tickets (on sale from 14th January, 2011) go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up to date with the Festival on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

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

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2001 EDITION OF EVAN WILLIAMS SINGLE BARREL VINTAGE BOURBON

The 16th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon to Begin Shipping After Holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the release of the 2001 edition of its highly acclaimed Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 16th annual release of the series.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill—the grain recipe—is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who along with his son Craig produces and selects each vintage from among Heaven Hill’s 900,000 barrels of aging Bourbon.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”
 
Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned and operated, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the latest vintage in the landmark series for 500 members of its Bardstown Whiskey Society in an elegant setting at Louisville’s famed Derby Museum at Churchill Downs back in November.
   
As with the previous 15 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2001 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  This new edition features the traditional corn, malted barley and rye mashbill, and stringent selection of barrels from the top three floors of the rickhouse, that are the hallmarks of all of Parker and Craig Beam’s Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons.  The 2001 edition will be available nationally beginning in January 2011 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, which is why it has also been named a “Best Buy” award winner by Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazines, among others.    

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

BUNNAHABHAIN IN ELITE TOP 4% OF WORLD’S FINEST WHISKIES

Bunnahabhain, crafted on the Isle of Islay, is basking in the glory of receiving Liquid Gold status for its 18-year old single malt in the 2011 Jim Murray Whisky Bible Liquid Gold Awards.  Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, the definitive guide to whiskies across the globe, covers over 4 500 offerings with  Liquid Gold conferred on an elite 4% of those earning a score of at least 94/100.

Over a four-month period, Murray tasted more than 1 000 whiskies to reach his final selection. In his book he salutes distillers for “maintaining and furthering the finest traditions of whisky making and taking the craft to the very highest levels.”

Bunnahabhain is known for its gentle taste profile and unique character across the portfolio of 12-, 18- and 25-year old single malts. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows freely underground, with no impact from the peaty moorlands. The name, meaning “mouth of the river” in Scottish Gaelic, is pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn and refers to the Margadale River which flows close by. 

According to the brand’s spokesperson in Africa, Brian Glass, the award is an exceptional honour not only for the whisky but also for master distiller Ian MacMillan who has over 35 years’ experience of whisky distilling and blending.

“The Bunnahabhain distillery, located on the north-eastern tip of Islay, has been known for producing outstanding whiskies since its inception in 1881.  It holds a proud heritage of maintaining quality and a unique taste profile. MacMillan has an extraordinary ability to continue that tradition.  All his single malts consistently receive top accolades at international whisky and spirit competitions.

“The new Liquid Gold accolade enhances the standing and distinctiveness of Bunnahabhain and is an important affirmation for whisky connoisseurs.”

Enjoy the Bunnahabhain 18-year old neat or with a splash of water to reveal its fragrant nose of honeyed nuts, subtle sea-induced salty tang and wafts of toffee and leather, balanced by sweet oak spice and sherry on the palate. 

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R725. For more information please visit www.bunnahabhain.com

Notes to Editors

Bunnahabhain belongs to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands, including Black Bottle and Scottish Leader. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are involved in a joint venture as equal partners, owning and marketing the selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Old Pulteney ‘Ice Boat’ is Unveiled Ahead of Record Breaking Arctic Adventure

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky and explorer Jock Wishart, yesterday unveiled a specially designed ‘ice boat’ which will be rowed in a pioneering arctic expedition – The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole. The bespoke boat has been constructed to withstand some of the harshest conditions on earth and enable Jock and his crew to conquer one of the world’s last true firsts – the first ever attempt to row to a pole, possibly the greatest ocean row ever.

The vessel and some of its crew were revealed for the first time today at the Natural History Museum’s outdoor ice rink in central London, where the boats unique arctic attributes were put to the test.

In July/August 2011, internationally acclaimed adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart will lead a six strong team on the pioneering Row to the Pole expedition.  In the bespoke ice boat, they will set off from Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage to the magnetic North Pole which if successful, will make history. The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition and has only now become possible due to the increase in seasonal sea ice melt and its deterioration because of climate changes. The final leg of the journey is only navigable for a few weeks of the year before refreezing and Jock and his crew will be working with scientific research partners to deliver environmental data and insight from the journey.

The unique rowing boat, known as “The Old Pulteney”, was designed by yacht designer Peter Bosgraaf from Amsterdam in collaboration with Devon-based Hugh Welbourne and Roger Daynes, a leading British sledge designer. This vessel is the first rowing boat in the world to have a “cathedral hull” with sledge runners fitted underneath. This unique feature, combined with attachment points for harnesses, will enable the crew to drag the boat over the ice to” leads” they could row on to complete the final leg of their journey. This gruelling feat was last attempted by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1916 who was forced to drag his boats to safety over the ice during his Imperial Trans Antarctic expedition.

The vessel, which was built in Christchurch, Dorset by Rossiter Yachts, is sheathed in carbon fibre and kevlar to withstand extreme arctic conditions yet remain light enough for the crew to pull. With a planned weight of 900 kilos, its 9.2 m by 1.82 m dimensions were dictated by the size of the plane in Canada which will fly the boat in from Yellowknife to Resolute Bay, Canada (the starting off point for the expedition),on the final stage of its journey from the UK. The Old Pulteney has been constructed to accommodate six crew and their equipment during the four to six week voyage. The colouring of the boat incorporates Old Pulteney whisky’s dark blue in its top sides to help absorb heat during the expedition and its golden underside was selected for visibility should it capsize.

To reach the magnetic North Pole, Jock, who is a descendant of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns, will row for hours on end in challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance for rest or shelter. Joining him will be 36 years old Billy Gammon a British born ex advertising executive who took part in the Indian Ocean race in 2009, South African born Rob Sleep who worked for ten years on a variety of yachts circumnavigating the world and has walked to the Pole on several occasions,36 year old climber, rower and “super yacht” captain Mark Delstanche, a Row to the Pole cameraman and the winner of Old Pulteney’s international competition Pole Position, who will be announced at the London Boat Show in January.

Margaret Mary Clarke, Brand Manager, Old Pulteney says: “We are delighted to unveil such a truly magnificent boat. The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole has been planned for three years and we are confident that the crew will be toasting their success next Summer in the Pole with a dram of Old Pulteney.”

Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure. The whisky is distilled in the historic harbour town of Wick, the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland and the windswept and rugged landscape that surrounds it has given the malt its legacy as the Maritime Malt.

Notes to Editors

• The certified position of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.
• See Jock Wishart’s biography attached for more information on his previous feats as an oarsman, polar explorer and navigator.

‘The Old Pulteney’ Ice Boat

The Old Pulteney was designed by Dutchman Peter Bosgraaf of Peter Bosgraaf Yacht Design from Amsterdam in collaboration with Hugh Welbourne of Welbourne Yacht Design from East Allington, Devon, who advised on the laminates and under water construction. Roger Daynes of Snowsled Polar from Tetbury in Wiltshire advised on the design and construction of the “runners” on the bottom of the ice boat. The boat was built by Cris Rossiter of Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

Pole Position

The Old Pulteney Pole Position Challenge was created to offer one determined individual the chance to do something almost beyond extraordinary – become the 6th member of Jock’s Row to the Pole crew. Entrants were asked to apply online stating why they had what it takes to join the expedition.

Forty eight shortlisted entrants were invited to showcase their fitness, team building and mental abilities by competing head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day at Eton Rowing Club on 19th November. The winner, who will be announced at the London Boat Show on the 7th January 2011, will be personally trained by Jock in the lead-up to the expedition and will join the crew in August 2010 in their attempt to create history.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It is the most northerly distillery on the UK Mainland and was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom.  The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

Wick became known around the world for its precious barrels of silver and gold – silver being the herring and gold being the fine whisky – which left the port in vast numbers.

Old Pulteney Single Malt whisky has a long standing association with the sea and is also known as the ‘Genuine Maritime Malt’. Its carefully crafted taste carries the windswept and rugged character of the North, the salty and fresh air of the North Sea and the distillery’s rich maritime heritage runs through every drop of this fine malt.

As a strong supporter of Wick’s community, Old Pulteney is delighted to be continuously supporting the Wick RNLI Station, the Wick Pipe Band, Wick Football Club and Hockey Team and furthermore as the ‘Genuine Maritime Malt’, Old Pulteney is also involved with some of the most prestigious sailing events in the country including the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, the Round the Island Race at the Isle of Wight and the Old Pulteney IRC Scottish Championship.