Scottish Field, the premier lifestyle magazine in Scotland, is back with its 10th edition of the annual Scottish Field Whisky Challenge, the prestigious award for the world’s greatest whiskies.

For the past decade, we at Scottish Field have taken enormous pride in the success our yearly “blind tasting” challenge of the finest drams in the world. The impact of the awards has far outstripped our expectations, becoming somewhat of an institution for the whisky industry, fanatics and occasional drammers.

Every December issue of our magazine includes the renowned Scotch Whisky Challenge, defining the very best whisky in the world by the verdicts of our fabulous panel of world-renowned experts. This year, we have decided to share our Whisky Challenge on the world wide web, so that whisky lovers from around the world are able to enjoy the stellar awards with us, rather than just our magazine’s readers!

We would like to involve you in our annual challenge, by visiting our Whisky Challenge 2010 page, ( http://www.scottishfield.co.uk/statistic/w/ ) where you can find out everything you need to know, from a background of the judges to how the challenge works.

Also, be sure to check out our whisky news section.( http://www.scottishfield.co.uk/article/category/120-Whisky_News/ )

For our whisky reviews, click here. ( http://www.scottishfield.co.uk/review/3-Whisky/ )

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

Our Fall Single Malt Festival is less than 24 hours away and we have yet another sell out on our hands! If it was hard for any of us to believe we are already half way through November, the snows and cold of the last few days have certainly got us back on pace. Its whisky festival time again, and what a Festival do we have in store! More than 90 whiskies are on offer this year including the first Canadian tasting of the 4 new releases from Arran (14 Year, Amarone, Port and Sauternes), Port Ellen 29 and 30 year olds, Ardbeg Supernova, Highland Park Earl Magnus, Compass Box Hedonism Maxximus, Amrut Double Barrel, Bunnahabhain 25 Year, Cask Strength Rosebank 1991, Auchentoshan 1998, BenRiach Authenticus 21 Year and much, much more. The problem will be deciding what to sample!

Tradition has it that we now have a Friday whisky dinner the night after the festival to give a little extra incentive to those who are visiting us from out of town. This year’s Glenglassaugh Dinner is going to be extra special, not just because we are to sample 21, 29, 30 and 40 year old expressions. Stuart Nickerson, distillery manager has recorded a special message for those attending the dinner. We will have an audio/video presentation on the distillery to enjoy while we sample its whisky! As always the whiskies will be complemented by a three course meal prepared by the chef at Buchanan’s Chophouse, one of our city’s finest restaurants! I’ve more to tell you about the dinner below, which is undoubtedly one of the whisky tasting events of the year in Calgary.

In line with the Fall Single Malt Festival and the Glenglassaugh Dinner there are some incredible new whiskies in town. This information can’t wait until the next full Malt Messenger, so I’ll break it down for you below!

Also we have the 2011 Whisky Bible by Jim Murray and the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2011 now in stock. Just in time for the whisky festival…

One final note, Peat-Heads have reason to rejoice, the next edition in the Octomore series, Octomore 3 will be in next week  $149.99. Kensington Wine Market is getting at least 30 bottles, pre-order yours today!

As always I hope you’ve enjoyed this Malt Messenger Bulletin, stay tuned for the November Malt Messenger sometime next week!

Slainté!

Andrew Ferguson

The Glenglassaugh Dinner – Friday November 19th 7PM @ Buchanan’s Chop House – $170.00

Glenglassaugh distillery was founded two miles west of the town of Portsoy at the east end of Sandend Bay on the Moray Firth in 1875. The distillery was established by James Moir, a local business man, its quickly earned a reputation for making quality whisky and rapidly began to prosper. After James’s death the distillery changed hands a number of times before closing in 1907, a victim of the Pattison Whisky Crash. A new distillery building was installed in 1959 and production ran from 1960 through 1986 when it was closed by its owners Highland Distillers. Highland Distillers also owned Glenrothes, and through the 70’s and 80’s they tried to produce a Glenrothes like spirit at Glenglassaugh. In 1986 these efforts were ceased and the decision was made to close Glenglassaugh and expand production at Glenrothes. And so the distillery remained silent from 1986 until November of 2008 when the distillery was officially reopened by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond under new ownership. The still ran again for the first time of the 4th of December 2008.

Glenglassaugh is in the unenviable position of having a 22 year production gap. Because there was no spirit distilled between 1986 and late 2008, the distillery has to rely of limited stocks of rare older whisky while its waits for its newly filled casks to mature. This is why Glenglassaugh is the only distillery in Scotland with a core range that begins with a 21 year old! We’ll sample the full core range: 21 year old, 30 year old and 40 year old as well as a 29 year old bottled by A. D. Rattray. We’ll start things off with some examples of the new make Glenglassaugh: The Spirit Drink That Dare Not Speak Its Name and the Spirit Drink That Blushes to Speak Its Name. All in all this lineup of whiskies would set you back $4000.00 or more if you were to buy a bottle of each, making our dinner at $170 a bargain, especially when you look at the menu Buchanan’s has prepared for us:

1st Plate: Tuna Tartar with a Basil Creme Fresh and Wasabi Sauce

2nd Plate: Pan Roasted Bay Scallop Stuffed with Rock Shrimp with Key Lime Aioli

Main Course: AAA Alberta Filet of Beef Medallions with Belle Pepper Mushroom Whisky Sauce and Bacon Parsnip Mashed Potato

Desert: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Chantilly Cream

To register call the Kensington Wine Market at 403-283-8000 or visit our website www.kensingtonwinemarket.com..

New Single Malt Scotch Whiskies:

These are just a few of the new whiskies available at the Kensington Wine Market. I will have a full list in the next Malt Messenger!

1.       Edradour Cask Strength Decanter 1997 – New and exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market. 707 bottles from a single sherry cask at 56.4%, bottled at 12 years of age. Tasting note to come. – $129.99

2.       Edradour 24 Year PX Sherry Finish – Exclusive to KWM, this Pedro Ximenez finished Edradour is very elegant. Distilled in 1985 and bottled after 24 years it is fruity and chocolaty with gentle spices, sweet, sour and musty notes. – $166.99

3.       Edradour SFTC Chateauneuf du Pape Finish – This Edradour was matured in Bourbon casks before finishing in a Chateauneuf du Pape hogshead. 453 bottles have been released at a cask strength of 56.6% after ageing 12 years. Exclusive to KWM! – $99.49

4.       Arran 14 Year – This 14 year old replaces the 12 but is less sherried and more similar to the Peacock release we saw last year. It is getting rave reviews. Distillery Tasting Note: An initial burst of brine leads onto warming toffee apples and hazelnuts. This is followed by dates, chocolate orange and spiced tea cake. The mouthfeel is overwhelmingly rich and weighty.” – $76.49

5.       Arran Amarone Finish – Arran has consolidated and streamlined there cask finish line, I’m not sold on the packaging, but the price is good and rumour has it the quality is there. Try it for yourself! Distillery Tasting Notes: “Dark chocolate, cherry and Turkish delights are evident as are stewed fruits and toffee. Muscular notes of dark plum wrestle with bitter-sweet apricots and a hint of cinnamon.” – $76.99

6.       Arran Port Finish – Distillery Tasting Notes: “Layered fruits and spice combine, with cinnamon baked apple wrestling with raisin and plum pudding. The dram opens out to reveal warming barley and a hint of sweet pear.” – $76.99

7.       Arran Sauternes Cask Finish – Distillery Tasting Notes: “Richly honeyed and backed with a lifting zestiness which slides into spice and zingy salt. Once the dram opens out, vanilla and sultana stand out followed by notes of toasted oak. – $76.99

8.       Bruichladdich 18 Year Bourbon – I haven’t tried them yet, and its near impossible to find info on them on the web, but a trusted customer highly recommended the bourbon and cognac finished 18 year olds so I’ve taken a chance on all three including the rum finish. More details as they come. – $96.99

9.       Bruichladddich 18 Year Cognac Finish – See above.  – $96.99

10.   Bruichladdich 18 Year Rum Finish – See above. – $96.99

11.   Auchentoshan 1998 – This is a very limited edition sherry cask matured Auchentoshan bottled a natural cask strength of 54.6%. – $64.49

12.   Auchentoshan 1977 – Only 240 bottles of this sherry matured whisky are available in the world. 49%, only a dozen or so bottles are available in Canada. – $506.99

New American Whiskies – Buffalo Trace Antique Collection:

1.       Sazerac 18 Year – One of the most rare and hard to find whiskies in the world. This real American Rye Whiskey is rich, deep and full bodied. Usually scored in the high 90’s in the Whisky Bible. KWM received but 6 bottles! – $147.49

2.       Thomas Handy Rye – This whiskey is barrel proof, the American version of cask strength, and has a massive palate and body. 96.5pts Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2011. – $140.49

3.       Eagle Rare 17 Year – Old Boubons are far from common, mainly because the oak—which by law has to be new each and every time in the US—overwhelms the whiskey very quickly. The Eagle Rare 17 skirts the right side of this razor’s edge with notes of “molasses, leather, vanilla and toffee.” KWM only received 6 bottles. – $127.49

This is the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. KWM received all but the William Larue Weller. The George T. Stagg has sold out.

Whiskies Back In Stock:

1.       Edradour Caledonia – Exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market this special bottling of Edradour is a 12 year old finished in Oloroso sherry for at least 4 years. The whisky is chewy and very fruity with figs, sultanas and a hint of clove. 46% NCF and no colouring.- $93.99

2.       Bruichladdich Golder Still – Back and at a greatly reduced price… This is the 3rd bottling in a trilogy of whiskies that included the Blacker Still (2006) and Redder Still (2007). 4,900 very collectible bottles of this 23 year old have been released world-wide! – $212.99

Jim Murray’s 2011 Whisky Bible – $21.95 + GST

The Whisky Bible has a fresh new look for 2011 to go along with the more 900 new and revised reviews. The 2011 Whisky Bible has 3,850 reviews of whisky from the world over. While the bulk of the book is taken up by single malt Scotch whiskies, the book also reviews most of the major American, Canadian, Irish, Japanese and World Whiskies. You may not always agree with his scores, or the distilleries which seem to dominate year after year, but the tasting notes always come in handy when searching for your next dram!

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2011 – $29.99 + GST

Back for a 6th year the Malt Whisky Yearbook is the ideal resource for the whisky aficionado that likes to know every detail about his or her favourite distilleries. Every single malt distillery in Scotland, Ireland, Japan and most of the rest in the world are included with a detailed breakdown on their history and what’s happened in the last year.  The book includes tasting notes on one or two of the distillery’s most common bottlings, interesting articles on the world of whisky and detailed descriptions of the various processes involved in manufacturing malt whisky. No whisky bar or man’s bathroom is complete without one, and if you only buy one whisky book, this should be it.

­­If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com.. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change!

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

The (Very) Unofficial Royal Engagement Cocktail from Drambuie®

In an audacious display of commercial bandwaggonism, Jamie Stephenson, Brand Ambassador for Drambuie Liqueur has created the ‘Engaging Dram’ to celebrate the announcement of Prince William’s engagement to Miss Katherine Middleton.

Drambuie is renowned, not only for creating iconic cocktails, such as the world famous Rusty Nail, but for its Royal connections. The elixir at the heart of Drambuie was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745.

Jamie said of the cocktail: “The engagement is such big news I was keen to do something to celebrate, and what better way than with a special dram of Drambuie, an iconic drink with historic Royal links.

“The Engaging Dram’s ingredients represent the Royal heritage, perfectly paired with modern, stylish flavours and presented in an elegant and beautiful way – just like the couple themselves.

“You never know they may even serve it at the wedding – I’ll leave a message on the Queen’s Facebook wall and see what she thinks of it.”

To celebrate the Royal engagement the Drambuie way simply follow this recipe:

Engaging Dram

20ml Drambuie Royal Legacy 1745

5ml Lemon Juice

Dash Orange Bitters

100ml Rosé Champagne

Stir gently in a mixing glass and pour into a chilled flute. Garnish with a twist of orange

The cocktail uses Gold Award winning limited edition bottling THE ROYAL LEGACY OF 1745™, created to celebrate the centenary of the first commercial bottling of Drambuie in Edinburgh in 1909, The Royal Legacy of 1745 is a sublime interpretation of the original royal spirit enjoyed by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. At its heart remains the Prince’s legacy – his secret elixir of exotic herbs and spices sourced from around the globe and unchanged for 260 years.

For more information visit www.drambuie.com

Notes

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.  For more information visit www.drambuie.com

The Royal Legacy of 1745™, received a Gold Medal in the prestigious Drinks International Awards following its launch at TFWA Cannes in 2009.

The Royal Legacy of 1745™ is available exclusively through select international travel retail outlets (70cl & 75cl, 46% ABV, TR RSP of £125/€159/$229).

Balblair Releases Millennium Malt on to the Global Drinks Market

Multi award-winning Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled its latest vintage expression – Balblair 2000, another perfectly timed addition to the Balblair portfolio.

Distilled in the Millennium year, this unique spirit is the latest handpicked choice of Distillery Manager John MacDonald and is another example of the distillery’s unique approach to only ever releasing premium vintages which have matured to perfection.

Only limited quantities of this vintage will be made available to specialist whisky outlets throughout the UK this September and will be rolled out internationally to key focus markets including France, Spain and the travel retail channel.

Slowly matured in single American oak ex bourbon casks, Balblair 2000 vintage is bottled in its purest form at a strength of 43% abv. Bright golden in appearance, it is a superbly well-balanced, full-bodied malt with aromas of pears, pineapple and green apple. On the palate the sweet, honey, floral notes combined with hints of coconut and rich spices lead to a smooth, long lasting and warm finish.

Says Distillery Manager John MacDonald: “We are delighted to be introducing this new addition to our vintage range. We have spent a great deal of time and care in selecting this perfect malt and all the hard work, dedication and devotion has paid off.  We are confident that whisky enthusiasts worldwide will really enjoy this newest member of the Balblair family.”

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is ‘timed to perfection’ in every sense. At Balblair’s distillery, on the shores of the Dornoch Firth in Edderton, Tain, super-premium vintage expressions are specially selected after a complex tasting and nosing process. Only the finest whiskies – those that have reached the peak of their perfection – are chosen and named by the year that they were distilled and layed down in cask.

Following a highly successful US launch this May, Balblair has become established as ‘the’ quality choice for discerning malt whisky drinkers worldwide. Its contemporary design, sets it apart, and the celebrated taste reflects the time honoured and un-rushed methods of production that have remained virtually unchanged over the years

Balblair 2000 will retail in the UK at £31.50 per bottle.

Notes:

The Balblair Porfolio includes;
1979  –  46% (70cl) –  £84.99
1989  –  43% (70cl) – £39.95
1997   – 43% (70cl) – £27.99

Balblair 1979 is amber in appearance with radiant golden honey highlights. A superbly balanced malt with warm aromas of honey, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak barrels.  Cloves, oranges, bananas and pears can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage. Sweet, honey vanilla flavours combine with cloves and spices leading to a rich, full-bodied, long-lasting, finish.

Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon. The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance. On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness leading to a long, complex and ultimately smooth finish.

Balblair 1997 is subtly amber in appearance with rose-golden highlights. This full-bodied malt is fused with the aromas of pineapple, apricot and lemon to create a long-lasting sweet finish.  On the nose, the American oak barrels used in the distillate’s maturation, produce an inviting, spicy fragrance. Hints of oak, spice and raisin combine with the sweetness of vanilla to create a long-lingering, creamy smooth finish on the palate

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.

For several years, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited has been in the forefront of trying out new ideas and innovative in a number of fields, despite maybe not getting the acknowledgement that we deserve.
 
The Brilliant Idea

50 years ago Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited started laying down malts for long term maturation. Quite an investment when you consider it closely, few companies lock up an investment for no return within the lifetime of its management.

This investment and the quality of its whiskies provided a platform for many of the multinational whisky companies you see today to launch very old vintages. Yes, that’s right, whiskies sourced from Duncan Taylor. Many current multinational drinks groups didn’t even exist when Duncan Taylor was laying down its whiskies! They were still pastis companies, rum companies, venture capital groups, some were blenders not yet into malts.
 
Where We’ve Been

100 proof blends were first brought to market by Duncan Taylor back in the 1930’s via George Willsher & Co Ltd, their associate company.

In the ‘60s,  we created “Scotch’n Orange” when a certain new innovative blender was still in diapers.

Twenty years ago we were pioneering the vatting of malts from different distilleries and different regions, some worked and some didn’t, though we had loads of fun trying.

About eight years ago, we launched a range of grain whiskies, when grains were considered the poor cousin of malts and were shunned by the “cognoscenti”. I’m glad to see where we lead others are now following!
 
Our Newest Innovation, Now Available

For upwards of thirty years we have been occasionally maturing whiskies in smaller casks, predominantly octaves and quarters with great success. So much so that we created the Octave and Quarter range just over four years ago, this range has been growing and is now so unique to Duncan Taylor that we intend to roll it out to the masses, albeit, only to those that appreciate the finer things in life.

So where does the company go from here, watch this space, there’s exciting times ahead and rest assured, whoever comes along with us for the ride won’t be disappointed.

Select your cask today, contact our sales team on +44 (0)1466 794055 or email sales@quartercasks.com

Visit our Website www.DuncanTaylor.com

The O&Q Range

Our Octave and Quarter range has invigorated the Single Malts and Single Grains industry.

After a second maturation of three months, the octave casks has breathed new life into the whisky, quickly changing hue, taste, form and character of the spirit. The whisky is rejuvenated, a little more aggressive, with the commanding presence of a mature, well-balanced Scotch Whisky.

With fewer bottles from each cask, the spirit becomes all the more exclusive. There never has been, nor will there be anything exactly like it.
 
Available casks:

Aberlour 1993
Auchentoshan 1999, 2000
Auchroisk 1999, 1988
Aultmore 1989
Balblair 1991
Balmenach 2000
Ben Nevis 1995, 1998
Benriach 1990
Bowmore 1968, 1982, 1998, 2002
Bunnahabhain 1968, 1969, 1970, 1997
Cameronbridge 1978, 1979
Caol  Ila 1980, 1981,  1982, 1983, 1984
Caperdonich 1968,  1969, 1972 Carsebridge 1979
Cragganmore 1992
Craigellachie 1999
Dalmore 1990
Glenburgie 1988
Glen Elgin 1991
Glen Grant 1969, 1970,  1972,  1974, 1991
Glenlivet 1968, 1970
Glen Moray 1971, 1973, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988
Glengarioch 1991
Glenrothes 1968, 1969, 1970 Highland Park 1970
Imperial 1997
Isle of Arran 1996, 1999
Isle of Jura 1992
Invergordon 1965
Kinclaith 1969
Ladyburn 1973
Laphroaig 1997
Linkwood 1991
Macallan 1969, 1996, 1997
Macduff 1968, 1969
Mortlach 1993
North British 1978
Port Dundas 1973
Strathclyde 1973, 1980
Strathisla 1968
Tamdhu 1968
Tamnavulin 1989
Teaninich 1996
Tomatin 1965, 1976

Glenglassaugh Distillery, Portsoy.  10 November 2010.

• First Minister and Chinese Consul General celebrate new Scotch Whisky Status at Glenglassaugh Distillery
• Unique cask of whisky filled with future bottling for charity

First Minister and Consul General with the celebratory octave cask

A visit from a very special guest to a small distillery in the north-east of Scotland has produced the opportunity for whisky lovers the world over to toast a piece of history.

First Minister Alex Salmond chose to mark a momentous occasion for Scotch Whisky at Glenglassaugh Distillery on the Moray Firth this week.

To mark the signing of a document giving Scotch Whisky recognition and protection in China, Glenglassaugh Distillery has produced a special Octave – 50 litres -of the amber nectar to be auctioned off for charity in five years time. The first minister gave this cask his seal of approval this week on his visit to the distillery as he was helped to fill it by Madam Tan Xiutian, Consul General for the People’s Republic of China in Scotland.

Mr Salmond chose Glenglassaugh Distillery in Portsoy to celebrate Scotch Whisky being given Geographical Indication of Origin Status in China, which means copycat versions of the famous drink can no longer be legally sold in China.

It was a very exciting day for Glenglassaugh, which was previously mothballed and only re-opened two years ago.

Managing director of the distillery Stuart Nickerson said: “I am delighted that the first minister and Consul General are marking this important day at Glenglassaugh.”

Mr Salmond had helped celebrate the re-opening of the distillery in 2008 and was very happy to be back.

“I was delighted to visit Glenglassaugh once again. Almost two years since I re-opened the distillery it was good to meet Stuart and the rest of the staff and great to see that Glenglassaugh is going from strength to strength,” he said. He added: “This is a highly important day for the Scotch Whisky industry and this designation is enormously helpful for the industry.”

The distillery took the opportunity to ask Mr Salmond and Madam Tan to fill a one-off octave of whisky which will be in high demand by bidders when it is opened in five years. It is expected that this will yield 50 to 60 bottles which will give whisky connoisseurs a chance to purchase a piece of history.

Madam Tan and the first minister signed the small cask marking the agreement which will hopefully see sales of genuine Scotch Whisky rise in China.

Madam Tan said of the agreement: “This designation is very important for both the whisky creator and the consumer.”

Bidders for one of the octave bottles will be in for a treat as one of the Glenglassaugh whiskies was recently described as “one of the great world whiskies for 2010” by acclaimed whisky writer Jim Murray and the aged whiskies have won several awards and much praise.

Mr Nickerson said: “China is a key Market for Glenglassaugh and this announcement means we can re-focus our efforts with renewed confidence, knowing our products and customers are protected.”

Glenglassaugh has a range of whisky available from 26 years of age to a 43 year old and more information on these and how to purchase them as well as your own Octave cask can be found on the distillery web site www.glenglassaugh.com .

The company also has a range of Spirit Drinks and more information on these can be found on www.thespiritdrink.com .

W Hoboken Hotel will host an exclusive evening of Whisky and Music, as Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky presents special guest Heather Greene and her musical sounds of Argon 40 on December 1st in the hotel’s event space The Living Room.    

The event invites guests to an unforgettable experience, as the signature flavor of Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch whisky, is paired with the sultry musical sounds of Argon 40, a unique musical collaboration between the multi-talented musician Heather Greene and platinum recording artist Adam Williams.  The release, “Fair Lawn,” is set to drop in January 2011.

 In addition to being an internationally acclaimed singer with two records under her belt, Greene is one of the world’s only female Whisky experts and an internationally recognized Icon of Whisky.  As comfortable on stage as she is behind a bar, Greene will also be leading a Glenfiddich tasting for guests, unlocking the distinct notes and flavors of this range of whiskies.

 “This listening party, the first in a nationwide tour, combines my loves for whisky and music and allows me to present my music in totally new way,” Greene said.  “My project Argon 40 sets a backdrop to chill, offering an unexpected, new and compelling tasting experience as well.”  

Guests at this event may rub shoulders with an array of local television and sports personalities and will also enjoy an assortment of luxury cigars and fine passed hors d’oeuvres.  The event will take place on Wednesday, December 1st from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Press invitations are available at rsvp@thehipevent.com. Admission is free, contact rsvp@thehipevent.com to RSVP.

W Hotels Worldwide

W Hotels is an innovative, contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 36 hotels and retreats in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music and entertainment. W Hotels offers a holistic lifestyle experience that is integrated into the brand’s sensibility through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, stylish retail concepts and signature spas. With more than 10 years of proven success, W Hotels is on track to more than double its footprint by 2011. W Hotels and W Retreats have been announced for London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Bali, Vieques Island, Koh Samui, and Verbier, among other international destinations. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

IT’S GAME ON FOR THE NATION’S BAR GAMES STARS AS WHYTE & MACKAY ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR LOCAL CHAMPIONS

Does your pub darts team dream of making it to the regional finals but can’t quite afford the membership fees?  Are you the fastest speed pool player in your pub, but your local needs a new pool table for you to practise on?  Or is your local pub footie team climbing the league table but needs a new kit to look sharp on the pitch?

If you’re part of a bar games team – or play a bar game solo – and are struggling to fork out for a revamp, renovation, kit or equipment, then Whyte & Mackay, today (Monday, 8th November) announces a competition that may have the answer to all your financial woes.

As part of their recently launched Bar Games campaign , which heralds the return of traditional pub games, Whyte & Mackay are offering teams and individual players of bar games the chance to win a share of £3,000 to help get them to the top of their game.

Individuals and teams simply need to visit Whyte & Mackay’s Facebook page and upload their story with any photos or videos detailing why they deserve the cash.   Alternatively, they can e-mail info@whyteandmackay.com and say why they need a little help to boost them up their league.  The top prize winner will scoop £2,000, while three runners up will receive £500 and 2x £250.

Top TV psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie is a supporter of Whyte & Mackay’s Bar Games campaign as bar games are a great way of socialising.  He comments: “The psychological benefits of bar games are that they provide a joint focus of attention when people are out socialising.  They draw people together in joint activity where the emphasis is on fun and friendly competition.  People may take the competition seriously but they should not take it too seriously, as in many other types of sport, because that would defeat the essential object of the activity. 

“The core aspect of bar games is that the inherent competition must always be both friendly and enjoyable.  The reason therefore why bar games are inherently important, from a psychological perspective, is that they allow human beings to display their competitive side without any negative impact on the social relationship between the individuals concerned.  Competitive sport may often produce rifts between people, bar games should not.”

Richard Paterson, Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay said: “I’ve been disappointed as I’ve seen the demise of traditional pubs through the years. It’s a sad truth that many pubs have sacrificed space used for traditional games to make way for ipod docks, mixologists and wasabi peas. Whyte & Mackay have listened to their fans and are making a stance to bring games back to Britain’s pubs.”

Go to www.facebook.com/whyteandmackay or www.whyteandmackay.com for more info or to enter the competition which runs until Monday, 6th December.

Notes

Winners will be chosen by Whyte & Mackay and notified within 28 days of entry. The winning entry will recive £2,000, one runner up will receive £500, and another two runners up will receive £250 each.

About Whyte & Mackay
Whyte & Mackay was founded on the docks of Glasgow in 1844 by James Whyte and Charles Mackay. For over 160 years, the whisky has remained true itself and the pioneering spirit, and is a top choice for Scots who appreciate its rich, smooth flavour, achieved by maintaining the time-honoured double marriage blending process; a process  that all Scotch whisky distillers used to carry out but have since abandoned.

Whyte & Mackay expressions are the Special, the Thirteen, the Old Luxury (19 years old), the Supreme (22 years old), the 30 years old and the 40 years old.

A message from the Master Blender Richard Paterson;

Become a custodian of The Dalmore

Dear Connoisseur,

1263 is a highly significant year in the history of The Dalmore. And now so too is 2010. For it marks the launch of our new website www.thedalmore.com where you can view the entire Dalmore collection, read an irresistible insider’s guide to The Dalmore and learn many of the secrets of this magnificent malt.

But it is the opportunity to become a Custodian of The Dalmore that will surely lure you to its pages. As a Custodian you will gain unfettered access to exclusive bottlings, new expressions and Custodian only events. And should you be one of the first 1263 to join this very select group of connoisseurs, you will be granted access to a highly limited expression, bottled from casks laid down moments after the start of the new millennium.

No other whisky excites aficionados and collectors the world over quite like The Dalmore. And no other whisky website will either. To whet your appetite, just click here; http://www.thedalmore.com/

Yours sincerely,

Richard Paterson
Master Distiller

PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED FOR THE GROUSE ART INSTALLATION ON ROUNDABOUT

As a lasting legacy to mark Perth’s 800th anniversary, an iconic sculpture depicting a grouse taking flight, is soon to appear above the trees on Broxden roundabout on the outskirts of the city, after the project gained planning permission from Perth & Kinross Council.

The sculpture of the grouse has been chosen as a symbol of Perthshire and will be gifted to the people of Perth by the project funders, The Edrington Group.

Work has now begun in earnest on the sculpture which is being created by Ruaraig Maciver of Beltane Studios, who is most famous for the statue of Jean Armour at Mauchline.  The 6.25m high structure is being made from an open framework of galvanised steel and will be mounted on an eight metre high plinth sitting above the trees at one of the main entry points into Perth.

The dramatic artwork will be located on the Broxden roundabout as a gateway feature for the city.  The planning application was made following close consultation with Transport Scotland, the government agency responsible for the Scottish trunk road network, to ensure that the project was appropriate for the intended location and met all the necessary structural and safety requirements. The roundabout is a busy junction which brings together the A9 from Glasgow/Inverness and the M90 from Edinburgh.

John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and local MSP for North Tayside, said:

“I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for this striking sculpture at the gateway to Perth, providing a lasting legacy of the Perth 800 celebration with the symbol of Perthshire. The Scottish Government wholeheartedly supports Perth in its aim to restore its city status and is pleased that our transport agency, Transport Scotland, is playing an active part in supporting the Perth 800 anniversary, celebrating the work of the Royal Burgh.”

Perth & Kinross Provost, Dr John Hulbert, said: “Perth 800 has been a huge success and this gift from The Edrington Group to the city is a fantastic legacy to end our year long celebrations.  “I am sure this statue will become a key landmark for Perth and one which the residents of Perthshire will be very proud of. Perth has a great history and connection with the grouse – especially given its great importance to the local economy, so we felt this was a very fitting choice. We hope this sculpture will become our version of the ‘Angel of the North’.”

Gerry O’Donnell, director of The Famous Grouse at The Edrington Group, said: “We are delighted to make this gift to Perth to mark the finale of Perth 800. We hope that it will provide a spectacular landmark that symbolises Perth’s wonderful location as the gateway to the highlands.” 

NOTES

• ‘Perth 800 is a year long celebration in 2010 which marks the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion in 1210.’
• The structure is being created by Ruaraig Maciver from Beltane Studios, Peebles. Beltane Studios is one of the few remaining foundries which specialise in traditional bronze casting. As well as creating their own bronze sculptures including the Jean Armour Memorial, they have also worked closely with renowned sculptor Andy Scott on the Ibrox Disaster Memorial statue of John Greig, the Jim Baxter Memorial and the globe for the Thanksgiving Beacon in Belfast.
• This is a gift from The Edrington Group to the people of Perth therefore they are covering all costs – both the structure and any associated costs regarding installation and maintenance.
• The Edrington Group, is a private Scottish company controlled by The Robertson Trust. The Edrington Group owns some of the worlds leading whisky brands, The Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Highland Park and Cutty Sark along with Brugal, one of the largest international rum brands.