Long John Packaging Refresh

Long John is a long – established brand predominately in the French market. Market feedback has indicated the need to refresh the packaging whilst maintaining the key features and values of the brand, in order to enhance quality.

Passport’s First Night Bottle Passport has created a limited edition night bottle in collaboration with Brazilian artist Flavio Samelo, renowned for his artistic collaboration with Nike and Adidas.

The result is Passport’s first night bottle with a geometric and dynamic design. In the dark, Passport night bottle reveals a new layer. The superposition of lines makes the bottle even more vibrant

To celebrate the launch of Passport Night Bottle in collaboration with Flavio Samelo, a road show of parties were held in art galleries across Brazil to reinforce the territory of art. Launch parties happened in the cities of Florianopolis, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Sao Paolo.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Second Round of  Single Oak Project Bourbon Quest for the World’s Perfect Bourbon Continues

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (August, 2011) – Round two of the critically acclaimed Single Oak Project is being released from Buffalo Trace Distillery this week, part of the Distillery’s “Holy Grail” project.

This release will explore three important variables that affect the taste of bourbon, recipe, grain size, and char level. Some of the bottles contain bourbon made with rye and others with wheat. The barrels themselves were made from different trees, each with varying degrees of thickness to their wood grain, from fine to very coarse. These barrels were charred at either a number three or number four char level to determine how the burn will alter the taste. All other variables in the experimental project, such as the entry proof, stave seasoning, tree cut, and warehouse location remain constant.

As with the first release, Buffalo Trace hopes consumers can rate each whiskey they taste online at www.singleoakproject.com. This feedback will help determine which type of bourbon connoisseurs prefer most. After reviewing a bottle online, consumers will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites. Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, help Buffalo Trace Distillery create the perfect bourbon!

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof. And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden ricks and one with concrete floors. In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon will be released in a series every three months over the next four years until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores at the end of May. This second release should show up in stores towards the end of August. Like the first release, the quantity is very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The second release is made up of barrel numbers 29, 31, 61, 63, 93, 95, 125, 127, 157, 159, 189, 191. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated barrel based on online consumer feedback, make more of that product and launch it under the Single Oak Project nameplate.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.

RANDY RAIN JOINS HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES SALES FORCE

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Randy R. Rain to its sales team as Southwest Regional Manager. He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

Rain has 15 years of management experience in the beverage alcohol industry with Glazer’s Texas and Southern Wine & Spirits Arizona. In addition, his experience includes restaurant, wine and financial management.

“Randy will be a valuable addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He delivers a rich understanding of the industry. His background and experience will serve the Heaven Hill portfolio of brands well.”

Rain graduated from McLennan Community College in Texas. He currently resides in Phoenix, AZ.

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 Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

Duke of Cambridge Leads Royal Salute Sponsored Team to Victory in Charity Polo on US Tour

The Duke of Cambridge led the Foundation Team sponsored by Royal Salute to victory at The Foundation Polo Challenge today, when he played in the charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, California.

The Foundation Team, sponsored by British luxury brand, Royal Salute Scotch whisky, performed with skill and grace in a thrilling match, which saw them triumph over the opposition, Team American Express Centurion, against the stunning backdrop of the Californian sun.

The Duke was watched by his wife, The Duchess of Cambridge, during the start of the couple’s first official tour of the US that commenced on the 8th July. Joining the Duchess were a host of VIPs including actors Rob Lowe and Billy Zane, actresses Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Nicolette Sheridan and model Molly Sims.

Also in attendance was His Grace, Torqhill Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, a patron within the Scotch whisky industry and representative for Royal Salute. He said, “Both polo and Royal Salute share values of honour, nobility and leadership, virtues we’ve definitely witnessed on and off the pitch today.

“As a long-time friend of Royal Salute, it has been a real honour to be here representing the luxury British brand at this exclusive polo event. Royal Salute is very proud to be associated with The Foundation Polo Challenge, especially as it provides the opportunity to support such a very worthwhile cause; The American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.”

Guests including actresses Rosario Dawson and Zoe Saldana were hosted by Royal Salute at an exclusive VIP bar while being treated to a three course lunch by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Here they were able to relax and enjoy the luxury Scotch whisky while soaking up the sun.

Following a day of sumptuous dining and revelry, guests were privy to a special viewing of Tribute to Honour, Royal Salute’s finest and rarest limited edition expression. Only 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been crafted from a blend so rare, so sumptuous that only one man in the world has tasted it, Master Blender Colin Scott.

The Foundation Polo Challenge support shown by Royal Salute further highlights the whisky brand’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events currently spanning China, India, Dubai, Brazil and the UK.

The Foundation Polo Challenge raised funds for the American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. For more information visit http://www.foundationpolochallenge.com/

Notes

Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
The Duke of Argyll is the Hereditary Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. He is also Chief of Clan Campbell and a Patron of the Scotch Whisky Industry.

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo
In addition to The Foundation Polo Challenge sponsored by Royal Salute, the Scotch whisky also supports some of the most luxurious polo tournaments in the world, staged in the grandest venues, including:
• Bernard Weatherhill Polo Club Charity Day, Gloucestershire, UK, previously titled The Chakravarty Cup
• The Sentebale Polo Cup, Coworth Park, UK
• The Foundation Polo Challenge, Santa Barbara, California, US
• Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing, China
• Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India
• The Nations Cup, Dubai, UAE
• Triple Crown Tournament, Helvetia Polo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Tribute to Honour
Royal Salute Tribute to Honour pays homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. Tribute to Honour marks a historical pinnacle in whisky making. The most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies used to create Tribute to Honour, have been carefully selected from the Royal Salute Vault at Strathisla. Expertly blended by Colin Scott, just 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been created priced at $200,000 and available on application. Contact Giaia.Rener@pernod-ricard.com for further information.

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com  

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY DOES SA PROUD

The proudly South African 100% single grain whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, has returned home for the second consecutive year with a gold medal from the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The judges praised the whisky for its “excellent, clean, lively entry into the mouth with sweet grain firmness and beautiful balance.”

Inspired by the Bain’s Kloof Pass and its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain. It is South Africa’s first single grain whisky and its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and distinctive whisky.

Crafted by master distiller Andy Watts, 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 mouthfeel with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, in the heart of the Boland. The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof Pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R180 per 750ml bottle.

Glenmorangie celebrates being ‘The Best of the Best’

Over the past five years Glenmorangie has achieved more prestigious accolades than any other single malt Scotch whisky at the International Wine and Spirits Competition

Glenmorangie is toasting a record run of gold medals at the 2011 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Glenmorangie whiskies have now won a remarkable total of eighteen ‘Gold Best in Class’ medals over the past five years at the IWSC – the most internationally-recognised awards body.

This is more than any other single malt Scotch whisky, making Glenmorangie the best of the best.

Beating off stiff competition, this consistent display of top class awards reflects the uncompromising commitment to the art of whisky creation at Glenmorangie. It also cements the Company’s reputation for being creators of ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’ single malt Scotch whiskies.

It does this by using the tallest stills in Scotland and the finest oak casks, and by pioneering the now widely used technique of extra maturation to provide additional rich and intriguing layers of flavours to the house style of Glenmorangie.

This year, after blind tasting and professional analysis, the independent judges awarded five of their ultimate prizes – the highly regarded ‘Gold Best in Class’ – to Glenmorangie Original, Nectar D’Or, 18 Years Old, Quarter Century and Signet.

Paul Skipworth, President & Managing Director, The Glenmorangie Company.said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these distinguished awards. Accolades from the IWSC are a credit to our Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team, which continually strives to create new, innovative single malt Scotch whiskies with an intriguing variety of tastes, textures and aromas.

“Using unique creation techniques they deliver the rounder, smoother taste that has set Glenmorangie apart.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Winning these awards is an honour in acknowledgement of all the work that goes in to crafting each Glenmorangie expression. I am thrilled that such a respected awards body as the IWSC have recognised this and have consistently bestowed on us their most prestigious awards.”

Notes:

About Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create Unnecessarily Well Made single malt whiskies.

About The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay malt. It also owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

About The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC):

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The IWSC Awards mark out of a possible 100, with Gold medals going to whiskies within the top ten percentile. Gold Best in Class is bestowed upon the top whisky within the top ten percentile. Silver medals are given to spirits ranging within 80 – 89.9 and bronze medals are appointed to products between 75 – 79.9 marks.

IWSC 2011 Gold Best in Class Wins
Glenmorangie Original – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie18 Years Old – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Quarter Century – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Signet – Gold Best in Class

Responsible Drinking
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

International Beverage Holdings Enjoy a Medal Streak at Major Global Competition

International Beverage Holdings are celebrating an extraordinary haul of honours in the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition. The Airdrie-based distiller won a phenomenal sixteen awards across their portfolio of Scotch whiskies, which includes Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Balblair and Speyburn single malts and Hankey Bannister, MacArthur’s and Catto’s blended Scotch whiskies.

In total, the company picked up three gold awards, all of which were ‘Best in Class’ and a further thirteen silver awards, of which two were ‘Best in Class’. International Beverage Holdings own five distilleries across Scotland (Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn, Knockdhu and Balmenach) and manage the production, distillation and maturation of a broad portfolio of drinks brands in markets across the globe.

This unprecedented array of results is significant for the forward thinking company whose brands continue to go from strength to strength both in the international and domestic markets. Old Pulteney Scotch Whisky is one of the fastest growing single malt brands in the UK off-trade, with sales increasing 62% in the twelve months to June. *

Karen Walker, Marketing Director at International Beverage Holdings says:

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our wins from this inaugural competition. Scooping sixteen awards is a great reflection of the quality and craftsmanship of our whiskies and the passion and enthusiasm of the team behind them.”

Each of these globally respected international awards follow a rigorous two-stage judging process of blind tastings and detailed technical analysis by a panel of industry experts. The awards received are a testament to the quality of the products and the great work of each of the distilleries

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. With entries from over 80 countries worldwide, it aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

-Notes

*Figures supplied by A C Neilson.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

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

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

The Full List of Awards Placed for International Beverage are:

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1978 GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 40 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 17 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Drummer Blended Scotch Whisky 5 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2000 SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Balblair Highland Single Malt 1989 Vintage (2nd Release) SILVER
Old Pulteney WK209 Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 16 YO SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky Original SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Catto’s Blended Scotch Whisky Rare Old Scottish SILVER
Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER

Cooley Continues IWSC Gold Run

Cooley Distillery claims 8 Gold Medals at 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Cooley Distillery, the multi-award winning Irish whiskey distiller, continued its phenomenal success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) by claiming a further 8 IWSC Gold medals in London yesterday.

Cooley’s medal haul included a record 4 Gold Medals for its Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey range including two Best in Class honours reaffirming its place as the most honoured Irish Single Malt of all time at International Spirits Competitions.

Other repeat winners for Cooley at the IWSC included the Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt and Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Madeira Finish Single Malt. Two recently launched products, the Kilbeggan 18 Yr Old Deluxe Blended Irish whiskey and the Greenore 18 Yr Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey also both claimed Gold medals in their maiden IWSC competition.

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, commented, ““The Irish whiskey industry is in rude health. There are opportunities in many markets around the world where Irish whiskey exports are benefitting from the industry’s collective success. The International awards we receive each year for the quality of our products will enable us to take advantage of this opportunity.

This latest success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff. It is a further ringing endorsement on the International stage of the quality and consistency of the whiskey being produced by Cooley”.

Founded in 1987, Cooley Distillery has won a total of 40 IWSC Gold medals over the last 5 years. This year on year success has resulted in Cooley Distillery being named European Distiller of the Year by the IWSC for the last three years running and is shortlisted for the 2011 European Distiller of the Year Award, the results of which will be announced at the 2011 IWSC Competition Banquet that will be held in the Guildhall in London on the 16th November 2011.

List of Gold Medals at the 2011 IWSC

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Turf Mór Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Finish Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt
Gold Medal, Connemara 18 Year Old Single Cask Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal, Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal, Kilbeggan 18 Year Old Blended Irish whiskey
Gold Medal, Greenore 18 Year Old Single Grain Irish whiskey

About the IWSC
IWSC medals are awarded on a strict points system by a panel of international judges. They are the most prestigious honours bestowed to the drinks industry as they are judged solely on the quality of the wine or spirit.
The 2011 IWSC Competition Banquet will be held in the Guildhall in London on the 16th November 2011 when specific product and producer trophies will be awarded.

About Cooley Distillery
Cooley Distillery is the only independent Irish whiskey distillery. Established in 1987, Cooley takes its name from the location of its distillery, situated at the foothills of the Cooley mountains, in Co. Louth. Cooley has an award winning portfolio of Irish whiskeys including Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Connemara Peated Single Malt and Greenore Single Grain Irish whiskey. To learn more about Cooley Distillery visit www.cooleywhiskey.com.

SUNTORY RELEASES REMARKABLE BOURBON BARREL EXPRESSIONS

London, August 1, 2011 – Two remarkable expressions of limited edition Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts, aged in Bourbon barrels, will be released in September. Only 3,000 bottles of each expression are available in Europe.

The Yamazaki and Hakushu share similar presentation, but differing flavour profiles. Both are non-aged (vatted 10-15 year malts) non-chill filtered and bottled at an ABV 48.2 %, priced at £69.50 per 70 cl bottle.

The meticulous attention to detail which characterises Suntory whisky is apparent at every stage of production from preparation of the spirit in the distilleries of Yamazaki and Hakushu to maturation in   different temperature zones.

When used to age Yamazaki and Hakushu, the 180-litre  white oak casks – smaller than most whisky barrels – impart elegant aromas and sweet vanilla flavours.

Yamazaki Bourbon barrel is stored in cellars in the Yamazaki and Oumi regions where nature is in rhythm with the seasons. The result is distinctively Japanese
whisky with an uncommon aroma and a smooth,lingering sweet flavour.

Hakushu is aged deep in the Hakushu forest, 700 metres above sea level in the shadow of Mt Kaikomagatake in the southern alps. The cool climate imparts a mild, refreshing taste and crisp, citrus aromas with a distinctive vanilla flavour.    

Art of whisky/4

Kazuyuki Takayama, Suntory Marketing Manager for Europe, says: “These single malts  express the art of Japanese whisky in ways which are intriguing and beguiling.  These 180-litre casks are most susceptible to the surrounding atmosphere and produce whiskies which are distinctive to the region where they are aged”.

The tasting profiles are:

Yamazaki single malt Bourbon barrel
Colour: dark amber. Aroma: vanilla, honey, caramel.
Taste: robust, woody
Finish: slightly sweet, pleasantly lingering

Hakushu single malt Bourbon barrel
Colour: gold. Aroma: tropical fruits, citrus, vanilla
Taste: light, smooth.
Finish: refreshing, clean

Suntory whiskies are distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact Cellar Trends, Tel: 01283 217703 www.cellartrends.co.uk