MORE THAN 300 ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR THE 2011 WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS
 
More than 300 *proprietary whiskies from all over the world have been delivered to the international judges’ offices in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan for the 2011 World Whiskies Awards.  The World Whiskies Awards is the annual selection of the very best whiskies internationally. This year entries have been received from; Canada, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, USA and Wales.  Categories are based upon the commonly held whisky groupings which define both the style and the process of whisky and whisky production: single malt, blended, blended malt, grain, American and whisky liqueurs.  Organised by **Whisky Magazine this annual competition selects, awards and promotes to consumers and trade the ‘Best Whiskies in the World’.
 
The international panel of judges is chaired by Dave Broom, contributing editor of Whisky Magazine and editor of Whisky Magazine Japan.  The chairman is supported by the highly respected panel of ***nineteen judges made up of leading journalists, specialist whisky retailers, whisky bar owners and independent bottlers.
 
Entrants’ whiskies will be tasted blind and marked to an agreed and strictly enforced scoring system.  As well as nose, palate and finish the judges will look for whiskies with: balance, character complexity and quality.
 
The judging began in November 2010 and is held in four stages.  The ‘Best Whiskies’ in each category will be announced at a dinner held at London’s Waldorf Hotel on the 3rd March 2011 where the ‘World’s Best’ Trophies will be announced.   The next day, for the first time, the ‘World’s ‘Best’ will be sampled at a consumer tasting to be held at Whisky Live to establish ‘The People’s Choice’.  Whisky Live will be held at The Honourable Artillery Company, near Moorgate on the 4th and 5th March 2011.

Whisky lovers will be able to purchase the ‘Best Whiskies In The World 2011’ book – from June 2011-  which will include all results with tasting notes, features on winners and an index on the World’s Best Whiskies.  For further information on this and previous year’s awards visit http://www.whiskymag.com/ 

Notes:
 
*Proprietary Whiskies – owned by the distiller and brand owner
 
Whisky Magazine

Whisky Magazine is published 8 times a year and is the leading publication in this sector. Every issue brings you articles on the art, science and romance of the ‘water of life’, plus pages of informative tasting notes.
 
**About the Judges
 
CHAIRMAN OF JUDGES
Dave Broom
Contributing editor, Whisky Magazine UK.  Editor of Whisky Magazine Japan.  Whisky expert
 
EUROPE
Rob Allanson
Editor of Whisky Magazine
 
Charles MacLean
Former Whisky Magazine editor. Whisky expert
 
Tom Morton
BBC journalist. Whisky writer
 
Martine Nouet
Former editor of Whisky Magazine France. Whisky chef
 
Neil Ridley
Whisky Blogger (caskstrength.net)
 
Dominic Roskrow
Former editor of Whisky Magazine. Whisky expert
 
Bernard Schafer
Whisky retailer
 
Annabelle Meikle
Industry Expert
 
Ed Bates
Industry Expert
 
Sukhinder Singh
Owner Whisky Exchange
 
Serge Valentin
Whisky Blogger and self-confessed Malt Maniac
 
USA
Charles Cowdery
Bourbon expert . Whisky writer
 
Mark Gillespie
Whisky Podcaster. Whisky expert
 
Tonya LeNell
Whisky retailer. Bourbon expert
 
Mike Miller,
Bar owner of Delilah’s. Whisky expert
 
Liza Weisstuch
Whisky Magazine contributor
 
CANADA
Davin de Kergommeaux
Malt Maniac. Canadian whisky expert
 
JAPAN
David Croll
Publisher of Whisky Magazine Japan. Whisky retailer

Pipes & Drams!  a “must” for all lovers of bagpipes and whisky!

SCOTLAND; August 2011. Over 250 pipe bands! 3 nights accommodation, 3 fully cooked breakfasts, one evening meal (local pub with excellent food) ticket for the World Pipeband Championships. Meet the bands, share drinks with the bands, we know many of them ourselves, most of all, it will be fun and exciting!

For Angels whisky club members we will also be visiting Auchentoshan and Glengoyne, please apply for costs, the online cost shown via the link does not include distillery visits.

We can add on days/nights for you too! For whisky lovers we aim to add a few dates on to this and visit more distilleries! Being based in Perthshire, we have 5 distilleries here to visit plus one very special onne not yet open!

Limited number of rooms and places available – our advice; Book Now!

www.mcleanscotland.com

www.angelswhiskyclub.com

JAMESON SETS THE PACE WITH 3 MILLION CASES SOLD WORLDWIDE

Jameson further strengthened its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey, with the announcement today of three million nine litre case sales (MAT)* globally. Growth in the US, Jameson’s largest export market, contributed to the brand’s milestone success, with an impressive one million cases sold.

The announcement reflects recent sales figures which show that Jameson is a consistently strong brand in the global marketplace. Despite the recent economic downturn, sales volume has increased by 9% while value grew by 12%, for year ending June 2010. While US sales grew by 24%, with 49 states in double-digit growth, key markets such as Russia (+8%), South Africa (+7%) and France (+7%) also enjoyed success.

Consumer advocacy has played a significant role in the growth of the brand, due to Jameson’s unrivalled smooth taste as a result of triple distillation and rich authentic heritage. A consistent commercial marketing strategy to build an iconic global spirit brand has reinforced consumer loyalty, with distinctive activity across many markets including two major TV campaigns, a long standing association with film and an integrated digital strategy.

Alex Ricard, CEO, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, commented: “We are delighted with the progress of Jameson globally. Almost 230 years since the Jameson Distillery was founded, this is a huge achievement for the brand, one I am sure John Jameson would have been proud of. As well as our increasingly valuable consumer connection, it is the passion of the people behind the Jameson brand that is one of the greatest reasons for our success. Combine this with the global reach of Pernod Ricard and you have a recipe for global success.”

Notes

* Moving annual total w/e 31st Oct 2010

Irish Distillers
2009/2010 was another highly successful year for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard internationally, with the continued and very positive global development of Jameson. This performance in fiscal year 09/10 confirmed its status as one of the most dynamic whiskey brands in the world, and as one of Pernod Ricard’s fastest growing brands. This sustained progress was achieved despite the challenging economic conditions for many of Jameson’s key markets.

Achievements & Accolades:

Jameson is one of the most consistent and fastest growing international spirit brands in the market

World’s No 1 Irish whiskey in over 100 markets globally in 2009 – IWSR
Listed as No 33 on Impact’s Top 100 Premium Spirit Brands List, February 2010. ‘[Jameson] has been incredibly successful in transcending both category and international boundaries’. 
Listed as one of Impact’s Hot Brands nine years in a row
Impact Blue Chip Brand
IWSR Elite Brands ‘One of the hottest brands in the US market’- IWSR Spirits Review, July 2009
Gold medals for Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at the 2010 International Spirits Challenge
A Gold medal for Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2010
The Power 100 – Intangible Business Ranking May 2010
– 9th Most Powerful Whiskey Brand
– 7th Most Powerful Future Growth Spirit Brand
– 23rd Most Powerful Spirit Brand
 Advertising Age: One of America’s 20 Hottest Brands, across all FMCG categories Nov 2009

In 2010, Jameson was named “Spirits Brand of the Year” in US publication “Market Watch” (Shanken Communications), as voted for by the top 200 retailers in the US.

38-YEAR-OLD GLENDRONACH WINS 2010 MALT MANIACS TOP AWARD

 
A 38-year-old GlenDronach has become the highest-scoring whisky out of 262 entries in the 2010 “Malt Maniacs” Awards.
 
The GlenDronach 1972, at 49.5% from cask no. 700, an oloroso sherry butt, and a Taiwan exclusive, achieved a gold medal, 90 points and was also the winner of the “Non Plus Ultra” Award 2010 – which means it was the overall top scoring ultra premium whisky out of all the entries.
 
Malt Maniacs say theirs is “probably the world’s most independent whisky competition. And perhaps the most gruelling!”
 
Other GlenDronach expressions did well in the competition. The 31-year-old Grandeur won a silver medal and 88 points while the 18-year-old Allardice won a bronze medal and 83 points.
 
BenRiach also excelled in the awards. The 30-year-old achieved a silver medal and 85 points and the BenRiach 17-year-old Rioja Finish and the 20-year-old also won bronze.
 
Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker was delighted: “To be awarded first place ahead of another 261 fine whiskies is a wonderful achievement. The 38-year-old is an astonishing malt with a very special and intriguing character, and is testament to the skill of our craftsmen at the distillery. 1972 was clearly an extraordinary year.”
 
The “Malt Maniacs” award is the latest accolade for the company in the last eight years. Top awards include BenRiach becoming Whisky Magazine’s World Distiller of the Year 2009 while the GlenDronach 15-year-old won the Gold Medal and was Best in Class in the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Knockdhu in Snow

Scottish malt whisky distillers at Knockdhu, Balblair and Pulteney keep calm and carry on. Some sleep over at work!

Snowy conditions are often referred to as ‘whisky weather’ in Scotland. A dram of your favourite Scotch in a hot toddy, with a mug of hot chocolate or just on its own is sure to keep you warm during those long December nights. But harsh weather may affect production and maturation of whisky in Scotland as experienced last winter season by Knockdhu Distillery in Knock near Huntley, Aberdeenshire. The producer of award-winning anCnoc single malt suffered from parts of roofs on 2 out of its 5 on-site warehouses falling in under the sheer weight of snow, forcing the distiller to move some of the precious stock to another location.

What about this year? We asked Gordon Bruce, Knockdhu Distillery Manager.

‘Not the best possible whisky making weather’ – he jokes. ‘It’s -19C here today and we have about 2 ½ ft of snow. It is a wee bit difficult getting raw materials in and ready product out but we’re managing. One of the boys slept in the still room on Monday night to make it to work on Tuesday, that’s dedication for you!’

And what about the warehouses? ‘When I have my collapsed warehouses rebuilt they will be very strong and we won’t have to worry. My remaining warehouses have slightly different roof types to ones damaged last year and they don’t seem to be affected by the weight of snow.’

Gordon seems to be able to see positives in this situation: ‘Lots of snow means we won’t have any problems with water supply next year. It’s good news.’

At Balblair Distillery in Edderton near Tain the morale is equally high. Distillery Manager John MacDonald, when asked about the effects of recent heavy snowfall on his operations, comments with confidence: ‘We’ve survived. Made of strong stuff up here. We are in full production, we have enough malt, yeast and oil to keep us going.’ Earlier John wrote on his Twitter (@balblairwhisky): ‘Snow clearing 2day, all hands on deck. Keeping going with production… Phones very quiet, not a bad thing.’

When asked about collapsing warehouse roofs John gets more serious: We never had this problem here so touch wood!

Further north, in Wick, Caithness, Malcolm Waring – Pulteney Distillery Manager – has more reasons to worry but shows remarkable composure: ‘It’s pretty tight here but we’ve kept going. Roads are just passable and north of Brora it’s quite bad. But we managed to get malt delivered from Inverness and luckily we have a good stock of dried yeast. The biggest problem is getting heavy spirit tankers out. Also, production water is freezing in some places. But we are managing, everybody is working hard to make it happen.’

Malcolm calmly dismisses suggestions that snow may be putting too much pressure on his roofs. ‘Not here. Not a problem’ – he says.

Balblair in Snow

Amrut named Young World Whisky Distillery by Malt Maniacs

Amrut Distilleries has been given a specially created award by a prestigious group of malt whisky lovers. It also picked up four Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals in the annual awards announced on 1 December, 2010. The Indian malt whisky distiller was given the Young World Whisky Distillery Award in the Malt Maniacs Awards 2010. This special award was created to recognise Amrut’s impressive performance this year. Johannes van den Heuvel, one of the awards’ founders and Editor of Malt Madness/Malt Maniacs notes that although the Amrut distillery has not been active long enough to have built up sufficient old stocks to compete with the Scots and Japanese in the ultra premium bracket, its younger releases were among the big winners this year. “As far as I’m concerned the biggest surprises were young whiskies from Taiwan and India,” he said.

The Malt Maniacs are an international on-line collective of malt whisky lovers which have been spreading the gospel of single malt whisky since 1997. Each year members form a jury to sample – completely blind – hundreds of whiskies, in what is probably the only consumer-driven whisky competition. This year they evaluated 262 samples.

Amrut’s 2010 Silver Medals:

87 Amrut 2004/2009 (52%, OB for Huis Crombé Kortrijk, Bourbon C#2930, 221 Bts.)
86 Amrut ‘Special Reserve’ (63%, OB for TWE 10th Anniversary,Bottled +/- 2010)
86 Amrut ‘Port Morant Rum Finish’ (62.3%, Blackadder, BA 9/2010, Bottled 6/2010, 278 Bts.)
85 Amrut ‘Intermediate Sherry Matured’ Batch #1 (57.1%, OB, Bottled June 2010)

Amrut’s 2010 Bronze Medals:

84 Amrut ‘Kadhambam’ Batch #1 (50%, OB, Bottled June 2010)
84 Amrut NAS ‘Bowmore Finish’ (62%, Blackadder SC, BA 10/2010, Bottled 6/2010, 288 Bts.)

Ashok Chokalingam, Amrut’s International sales manager, said: “We are delighted that such passionate whisky enthusiasts recognise our efforts. This year we have launched some really innovative limited editions and it is great to see the Malt Maniacs give one of our most recent releases, Intermediate Sherry Matured, a silver medal.”T his year’s success for follows Amrut’s impressive showing in the 2009 awards. Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky was named the Malt Maniacs’ Best Natural Cask whisky in the Daily Drams Category. It also picked up the award for the best whisky matured exclusively in “untreated”, regular cask(s) in the category for whiskies with an average price of up to 50 euros. It was awarded a Silver medal. Fusion gets its name from the fact that it uses two barleys: Indian and Scottish – with the latter being peated. Leading whisky expert, Jim Murray also named it as the third best malt in the world in his Whisky Bible 2010.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd, The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3PF, UK. Tel + 44 (0) 7838 229914 or + 44 (0) 191 233 6316. Email ashok@amrutdistilleries.com

TALISKER & LAGAVULIN WINNING STREAK CONTINUES

Lagavulin 16 year old has won the IWSC Trophy, 1993; IWSC Gold Medals, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 IWSC Gold – Best in Class 2008. ISC Gold Medal 2004, 2005, 2007. IWSC Silver Medal 2006. San Francisco Double Gold 2006, 2007, 2008, Gold 2009. Scotch Whisky Masters – Master 2008, 2009.

In the last 6 years, Lagavulin 16 year old has earned itself 21 Gold Medals or higher in major international competitions. In 2010 alone, this iconic and much adored Islay malt took

• a Gold Medal at San Francisco
• a Master at the Scotch Whisky Masters
• a Gold – Best in Class at the IWSC
• a Gold at the International Spirits Challenge

and now the Non Plus Ultra Award 2010 in the Malt Maniacs 2010 Whisky Awards ‘Daily Drams’ category.

Talisker 10 year old has won IWSC Trophy and Gold Medal, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004; IWSC Gold Medals 1998, 2003; IWSC Gold – Best in Class 2006, 2007, 2008. IWSC Silver – Best in Class 2005. ISC Gold Medals 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008; San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal 2006, Silver 2007, Double Gold 2009, Gold 2010. Scotch Whisky Masters – Master 2008, 2009, 2010.

In 2010 Talisker 10 year old won Golds or higher at San Francisco, the Scotch Whisky Masters (London), and at the IWSC (Gold – Best in Class). In the last six years, Talisker has won 18 Gold medals for its 10 year old expression alone.

And now the “Best Natural Cask Award 2010” (i.e. whisky matured exclusively in regular casks) in the Malt Maniacs 2010 Whisky Awards ‘Daily Drams’ category.

Malt Maniacs Silver Medals (scores of 85-89) were awarded to Lagavulin™ Distillers Edition™ 1991/2008, Talisker™ 1994/2009 The Manager’s Choice, Lagavulin™ No Age Statement – Distillery Only Bottling 2010, Talisker™ 57° North™, Oban™ 2000/2009 The Manager’s Choice, and Lagavulin™ 16 year old.

DIAGEO WELCOMES MALT MANIACS WHISKY AWARDS 2010

The resolutely independent judges for the Malt Maniacs 2010 Whisky Awards, announced on 1 December, have given Lagavulin™ 16 year old their top award (“the Non Plus Ultra Award 2010”) and Talisker™ 10 year old their “Best Natural Cask Award 2010” in the ‘Daily Drams’ category.

The ‘Daily Drams’ category focuses on whiskies that are widely available at attainable prices (under €50), whereas many winners in other categories are esoteric expressions or offered at much higher price points (€50-150+).

“These non-professional but highly dedicated and discerning enthusiasts devote a vast amount of time and painstaking effort to reaching their decisions and deserve every whisky lover’s respect and thanks”, Dr Nick Morgan, a Diageo spokesman, said.

He added: “What is illuminating – and comforting – is that in granting these high awards to Lagavulin and Talisker, the Malt Maniacs are confirming the track record of the major professionally-run international competitions such as the IWSC, which have also regularly awarded their highest medals to Lagavulin and Talisker – single malt whiskies that have attracted such consistent praise yet remain eminently affordable.”

http://www.maltmaniacs.org/2010-whisky-competition.html

December 6, 2010, Ottawa, ON. – Canada’s top whiskies of 2010 were honoured today in the first annual Canadian Whisky Awards. The winning whiskies were announced on the World’s foremost Canadian whisky website: www.canadianwhisky.org. There are six awards in all. The winners of three awards were decided following extensive tastings, while the others were selected based special contributions that individual whiskies make to expanding consumer interest in Canadian whisky.

“Canadian whisky is one of Canada’s greatest ambassadors,” said canadianwhisky.org publisher, Davin de Kergommeaux. “Every year, millions and millions of whisky lovers around the globe buy more than half a billion dollars worth of Canadian whisky.” But, as de Kergommeaux explains, the awards celebrate more than successful sales figures. “Canadians appreciate the contribution Canadian whisky makes to our economy, but we never stop to recognize the excellent quality of these whiskies. All of that now changes with these awards.”

The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best tasting new Canadian whiskies released in 2010, along with special contributions of highly successful individual whiskies that have garnered favourable attention to Canadian whisky in 2010.

Virtually every Canadian whisky introduced in Canada or the U.S. in 2010 was tasted. The best was chosen in one of three categories: the Canadian market, the export market, and multiple markets. Awards of Excellence were also conferred for accomplishments in innovation, brand extension, and notable success in raising the profile of Canadian whisky in general.

The Connoisseur Whiskies:

Best Canadian Whisky – Domestic Market: Wiser’s Legacy

Wiser’s Legacy is a new, ultra-premium rye whisky from Corby Distillers. This rich, complex, and flavourful whisky has been compared favourably to high-end single malts. Although demand has become strong to release it in other markets, Wiser’s Legacy was initially available in the Canadian market only.

Best Canadian Whisky – Export Market: Caribou Crossing

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel whisky was released early in 2010 to high acclaim from whisky writers and connoisseurs. They were all impressed with this complex and richly flavoured new whisky. As a single barrel whisky, Caribou Crossing introduces a new Canadian whisky in a style much admired by connoisseurs.

Best Canadian Whisky – Multiple Markets: Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve

This is an iconic Canadian whisky matured in Canadian oak barrels made from trees that sprouted at the time of Canadian Confederation. Made in a winemaker’s fashion, by John Hall, Forty Creek Confederation Oak Reserve earns this award for its creamy, rich and robust flavours. Confederation Oak is available in Canada and selected U.S. markets.

The Awards of Excellence:

Innovation of the Year: Highwood Distillery, White Owl Whisky

White Owl Whisky has no peer in Canada or anywhere else in the world for that matter. The first ever fully oak-matured white whisky, White Owl retains the flavours of Canadian rye whisky, while adding the cocktail-mixability of white spirits. In so doing, it successfully introduces the flavours of Canadian whisky to a whole new demographic.

Award of Excellence – Brand Extension: Crown Royal Black

When a distiller can’t keep up with demand everyone takes note. This new, more robust version of Canada’s best selling whisky, Crown Royal Black was welcomed so enthusiastically by American whisky drinkers that Diageo was faced with the challenge of having a truly runaway success on its hands.  To the average American whisky drinker, Crown Royal Black was THE big whisky news of 2010.

Award of Excellence – Canadian Whisky Profile: Canadian Club

Viewers of AMC’s Emmy and Golden Globe-winning television series, Mad Men, will not be surprised by the winner in this category. As Don Draper’s whisky of choice, Canadian Club was featured prominently throughout the series, attracting the attention of a new generation of Canadian whisky consumers. Canadian Club reached yet another new audience in 2010 with its featured role in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

The Canadian Whisky Awards are presented annually to the best Canadian whiskies by the publisher of Canadian whisky website: www.canadianwhisky.org. The Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry and operate on a not-for-profit basis.

About the canadianwhisky.org website

Canadianwhisky.org is an independent, Canada-based website that features news, commentary, and in-depth reviews of Canadian whiskies.

About Davin de Kergommeaux

From his base in Canada, de Kergommeaux is a much sought after whisky judge internationally. His professional training as a sommelier, and his independence from the industry, make him a popular and authoritative presenter at whisky festivals across the country.

Legendary Scots Photographer Albert Watson captures stunning JOURNEY to heart of The Macallan

– The Macallan Masters of Photography Albert Watson Edition –

One of the world’s leading photographers, Edinburgh-born Albert Watson, will today (Wednesday 1 December) unveil his latest works of art, undertaken in partnership with The Macallan single malt whisky.

Following the brand’s debut partnership with Scots-born photographer Rankin, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Albert Watson Edition continues the celebration of two very different but highly revered art processes, photography and whisky-making.

Interpreting the story of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, Watson has visually documented his journey which began in the forests of Spain and ended at The Macallan’s spiritual home in Speyside.

From 1 December 2010, the limited collection of 1,000 unique The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old bottles will be 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. To mark the launch, Watson’s photographic prints will be unveiled in London, kicking off a global exhibition tour.

This unique collaboration with Albert Watson, winner of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society’s 2010 Centenary Medal, involves a bottle of The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old with a hand-signed portfolio and The Macallan’s exceptional 1946 whisky with a one off platinum print. The partnership began when Watson was invited by The Macallan to weave a visual narrative of the long journey made from acorn to glass to eventually produce a rich and complex Single Malt.

Albert Watson commented: “The Macallan came to me with the incredible story of the sherry oak casks from Spain and how they are used to make their Single Malt whisky and asked me to think of how I could interpret this as a photographic art project. The freedom and encouragement given to me during this shoot allowed the creation of a series of images expanding on this journey and finally platinum exhibition prints – the ultimate in fine art – demanding complete artistic integrity.” 

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.

Hand printed by one of the world’s leading fine art printers, platinum prints when compared to black and white silver prints, exhibit an expanded tonal range, three-dimensionality, and a uniquely luminous quality. They are also among the most permanent objects produced by man. The platinum metals are more stable than gold, and a platinum image, properly preserved, can last thousands of years.

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.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, The Edrington Group said: “This project shows further development of the highly successful Masters of Photography franchise and brings us together with one of the greatest photographers of our time.

“Albert Watson is an inspiration and a complete joy to work with.  His extraordinary eye for creating truly great photography and his unparalleled skills in the art of lighting, combine with a peerless appreciation of what it takes to make the highest quality of fine art prints.  We are delighted that he has delivered an outstanding collection of images for The Macallan.”

The exceptional oak casks are at the heart of The Macallan’s fame, providing 60% of the distinctive flavour of The Macallan. They are the leading users of these sherry seasoned oak casks which are the most expensive and highly prized in the Scotch whisky industry. The casks are made from the rich timber grown in the forests of Northern Spain which are then hand-crafted at the cooperage in Jerez, before being seasoned with dry Oloroso sherry and shipped to Scotland to be filled with new make spirit at the Macallan Distillery on Speyside.

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 register interest visit The Macallan website: www.themacallan.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 Macallan Masterclass

To celebrate the launch of the Albert Watson edition of The Masters of Photography, The Macallan are proud to present the first Macallan Masterclass.  

Inspired by the latest Masters of Photography project, The Macallan will be inviting the public to upload their finest photographs that celebrate the theme of “great journeys”. The top ten photographs as voted for by the public will then be judged by Albert Watson, who will choose a first, second, third and a highly commended entry.

To enter the competition go to www.themastersofphotography.com. Prizes will include an all expenses paid trip of a lifetime to Scotland, a digital camera pack, a tripod and camera case and a 12 month subscription to Digital Camera magazine.

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.

Although this was very much a Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders) happening it may be nice to share.

Starting in February 2010 forum members where asked to submit their nominee with the best designed Whisk(e)y bottle and optionally packaging . On November 24, a poll was placed on the forum containing the twenty selected contestants for the  “Het Whisky forum Design Award 2010” (the, Dutch=het).

Forum members where allowed to vote for only one. Soon 4 finalists came to the surface: Bruichladdich, Highand Park Earl Magnus, Glenmorangie Signet, Ardbeg: Lord of the Isles.

Long time we saw a head to head strugle between Ardbeg: Lord of the Isles and Highand Park Earl Magnus but at the end surprise, surprise, the Glenmorangie Signet jumped up to win this years Design Award.

1 – Glenmorangie Signet
2 and 3 – Ardbeg: Lord of the Isles and Highand Park Earl Magnus
4 – Bruichladdich

An interesting observation is the fact that two of the four finalists, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg ar owned by Moet Hennessy.

For photo’s, details and the full background see the “Het Whisky forum” http://www.hetwhiskyforum.nl/ post http://www.hetwhiskyforum.nl/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1419