Oh boy!

Are you sitting comfortably? I would like you to be among the very first to find out about a landmark release from Highland Park.

Highland Park 50 Year Old is the distillery’s oldest and most prestigious release. Only 275 bottles of this remarkable Limited Edition are available. It is a vatting of five casks distilled in 1960. Like all Highland Park, the 50 year old has been cask-harmonised, that is to say, refilled into casks upon reaching maturity in order to ensure perfect balance and consistency.

Highland Park 50 Year Old has been bottled at 44.8% abv to ensure the full impact of the rich, complex flavours that come from a lifetime of maturation.

    
 
Inspired by the elemental forces of Orkney, each bottle is hand-crafted from sterling silver and designed by Maeve Gillies, an internationally-renowned designer of engagement rings and bridal jewellery based in New York. Maeve is also a Global Scot, a business ambassador for Scotland. Her design for Highland Park 50 Year Old celebrates Orkney; in particular the influence of the sea, wild weather and the passage of time.

If you have visited the distillery you will know that the Orkney Islands offer an unspoilt environment of breath-taking beauty and clarity. They are much influenced by their location; the sea, wind and rain all combine to create a unique micro-climate. The triumph of Highland Park 50 Year Old is that the design retains the purity of the original inspiration, that of Orkney itself. The beautiful, bespoke bottle with its hand-fitted sterling silver cage is a suitably stunning setting for such a venerable single malt.

Highland Park 50 Year Old is available at £10,000 per bottle and is limited to 275 bottles.

http://www.youtube.com/HighlandParkWhisky 

BUNNAHABHAIN LAUNCHES A 30 YEAR OLD LIMITED EDITION

BUNNAHABHAIN 1980 VINTAGE

The Bunnahabhain Distillery, which lies on the isolated north-eastern tip of the Hebridean Island of Islay has recently released a very special 30 year old limited edition. Only 357 bottles have been filled, each hand-numbered with pride.

This exclusive 1980 vintage Bunnahabhain Islay single malt Scotch whisky has quietly matured in the distillery’s shore-side warehouses for more than 30 years.  One of the finest examples of the famous Bunnahabhain “gentle taste”, every un-chillfiltered golden drop – of natural cask strength and colour – remains true to our celebrated distilling traditions.
 
The pack consists of oak glassware which has been dressed in dual labelling with uncoated cream stock with gold foil and dark chocolate brown foot label.  The bottle sits within an un-dyed leather case – natural in colour, just like our whisky, with branded quaich and parchment contained within a small glass bottle.  A small leather tag embossed with the Bunnahabhain Seafarer and hand printed with the bottle number is attached to the handle.  This fine leather case will darken in colour over time when exposed to the natural elements.

The liquid within has a natural strength of 45.4%, with a creamy, silky, sweet oak, liquorice and nutmeg taste with citrus notes, vanilla, eucalyptus and a hint of coconut.  The finish is long and elegant with digestive biscuits, lightly spicy with a tingle of ginger and sea salt.

Katherine Crisp, Brand Manager for Bunnahabhain commented “I am sure Bunnahabhain enthusiasts and newcomers alike will enjoy the creamy sweet oak taste profile of this exclusive 1980 vintage”.

Notes

• Bunnahabhain Distillery sits on the North East coast of the island of Islay. 

• Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881.

• Bunnahabhain, means ‘mouth of the river’ from Scots Gaelic

• The distillery looks out to the Sound of Islay, a vast stretch of sea travelled by many a seafarer, as illustrated by the helmsman on the pack

• This wonderfully remote location, with sea influence and free flowing mountain spring water, makes it an idyllic place for whisky distillation 

• It is the only single malt from Islay to use a natural spring water source.

Visit Bunnahabhain Distillery at http://www.bunnahabhain.com/

Glenglassaugh Distillery, Portsoy. October 2010.

·       New “Manager’s Legacy” range released

·       Four single cask releases celebrating the contribution of previous managers at Glenglassaugh Distillery

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company today announces the release of a limited edition range of single cask malt scotch whiskies.

During the period from 1962 until 1986, when the previous owners mothballed the distillery, Glenglassaugh was managed by only 4 people.

·        Walter Grant – March 1962 to August 1967

·        Bert Forsyth – September 1967 to July 1972

·        Jim Cryle – August 1972 to August 1974

·        Dod Cameron – September 1974 to December 1986

One cask from each manager’s time in charge has been carefully selected as a testament to the individual’s contribution in the development of Glenglassaugh whisky.

The distillery’s MD, Stuart Nickerson, said: “The Manager’s Legacy range is the first range of whiskies that recognises the contribution of the managers who produced the original spirit that was filled into cask at the start of maturation.”

“Each of the 4 casks selected was carefully chosen from all of the casks available from each managers time in charge and as with our other single cask bottling all are non-chill filtered, hand-bottled on site at cask strength, and without the addition of colouring .”

“With each release being an individual cask filling they are all limited edition with the number of bottles per cask varying between 200 and 500 dependent upon the cask selected. Each bottle in each release is individually numbered, as all our single cask bottling are.”

The first release in the range, celebrating the contribution of Jim Cryle, only had 200 bottles available of which only a handful remain unsold. The second release in the range, the “Dod Cameron” bottling will be available from early November and the final two releases will be available in early 2011.

The Manager’s Legacy range is available from good independent retailers; from the distillery shop and via some of Glenglassaugh’s international distributors.

UK RRP is £250 per 700 ml bottle for the Jim Cryle release which is limited to 200 bottles.

UK RRP is £130 per 700 ml bottle for the Dod Cameron release which is limited to 500 bottles.

UK RRP is £350 per 700 ml bottle for the Bert Forsyth release which is limited to 300 bottles.

UK RRP is £450 per 700 ml bottle for the Walter Grant release which is limited to 200 bottles.

Notes;

About Glenglassaugh

The Glenglassaugh Distillery is situated on the Banffshire coast in the North-East of Scotland, close to the small village of Portsoy. The distillery was built in 1875 by local businessmen to satisfy the growing global demand for Scotch Malt Whisky and the site was chosen due to its close proximity to a high quality water supply and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

After a visit in the late 1880s, the highly-regarded Victorian commentator Alfred Barnard described Glenglassaugh as “too well known to need any praise.”

More recently, spirit from Glenglassaugh was used primarily in blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse. In 1986 the then owners mothballed Glenglassaugh as part of wider cutbacks in production and the distillery has remained silent thereafter. In 2008 The Scaent Group of Amsterdam purchased the distillery and have invested more than £1m to recommence operations and to reintroduce to discerning customers the distinctive and high quality attributes of The Glenglassaugh Single Malt Scotch Whisky. For more information, please visit www.glenglassaugh.com

Redevelopment

The refurbishment and reopening of the Glenglassaugh Distillery have been managed by Stuart Nickerson, a renowned whisky expert, who was the sole consultant during the acquisition. Nickerson has worked in the Scotch Whisky industry since 1981 with a significant part of his career being with William Grants, where he was Distilleries Director. Previously, he managed Highland Park Distillery, Glenrothes and Glenfiddich Distilleries in succession. He was appointed the new Managing Director of the Glenglassaugh Distillery Company in February 2008.

One of Stuart Nickerson’s first actions was the appointment of Graham Eunson as Distillery Manager, effective from 1st April 2008. Graham joined the Distillery from Glenmorangie where he was Manager of the world famous distillery for the last 12 years. Graham has also worked at Glendronach and Scapa distilleries.

Production at Glenglassaugh was restarted on 24th November 2008 by Rt Hon Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister and the distillery’s MP. Distilling was thus commenced under the guidance of Stuart Nickerson and Graham Eunson, the new management team, who have now released a number of innovative new products.

The World’s Best Whiskies by Dominic Roskrow is published by Jacqui Small on 25th October 2010 at £30

Celebrated whisky expert Dominic Roskrow presents a bespoke collection of the world’s best and most exciting whiskies, covering countries as diverse as India, Sweden, Australia, Germany, France and Wales as well as the whiskey homelands of Scotland, Ireland, America, Japan and Canada.

His personal selection of the finest drams includes those from heavyweight distilleries such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Macallan and Talisker and lesser known gems like Mortlach, Brora and Glendronach. And that’s just for Scotland!

This comprehensive and engaging collection covers all parts of the world, classic distilleries and maverick newcomers, detailing a diverse range of whiskies from Australia’s Sullivan’s Cove and Sweden’s Mackmyra to American boutique outfit Woodford Reserve.

Accompanying this intoxicating selection are explanations of global whisky styles and how the drink is produced, maps, tasting notes and symbols sure to delight both the whisky traveller and the armchair connoisseur.

What’s more, stories and legends of the world’s best-loved distilleries sit alongside top tips for food matching, and details of the tastiest whisky cocktails and liqueurs. This is a book no whisky lover will want to be without.

Dominic Roskrow is the author of Need To Know Whiskies: From Confused to Connoisseur (2008) and Collins Gems: Whiskies (2009), both published by Harper Collins. He has recently completely revised and updated the world’s best selling whisky book, the Michael Jackson Malt Whisky Companion

World’s Best Whiskies 750 Unmissable Drams from Tain to Tokyo

Dominic Roskrow

• In 2010 Dominic was appointed Kentucky Colonel – the highest possible accolade awarded by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers. In 2007 he received the Scotch Whisky industry’s highest honour when he was made Keeper of the Quaich.

• Dominic Roskrow is the former editor of internationally acclaimed Whisky magazine, and current editor of Whiskeria magazine.

• World’s Best Whiskies delves into the stories and legends behind the world’s best-loved distilleries, many of which Roskrow has personally visited.

• Includes an overview of global whisky producers from classic distilleries to controversial and experimental new microbreweries.

• Maps show the location of key distilleries, ideal for whisky travellers.

• Included are tasting notes for 750 whiskies.

• A section on whisky and dining includes food matches, cocktails, whisky aged beers and whisky liqueurs.

PRIVATE TASTINGS OF BUNNAHABHAIN, BLACK BOTTLE AND SCOTTISH LEADER AT WHISKY LIVE

Join Ian MacMillan, master distiller and blender of Bunnahabhain, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader, for a private tasting at the FNB Whisky Live Festival from 3 to 5 November 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town. The Festival will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily.

MacMillan, who has over 35 years’ experience in whisky distilling and blending, will cover the rich history and unique characteristics of each of the three Bunnahabhain single malts produced on the Isle of Islay, of Scottish Leader, a combination of malt and grain whiskies, and of Black Bottle, a blend of all the renowned single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies. Bookings for the private tastings need to be made on the evening at the entrance of the tasting area adjacent to the Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle stands during Whisky Live.

Scottish Leader has recently seen a pack upgrade with a new bottle and label which now, in recognition of master blender Ian MacMillan, carries his signature. Visitors to Whisky Live will have the opportunity to meet the man behind Scottish Leader as he shares his passion for this blend. Created in the 1800s by the Ross Brothers, Scottish Leader is today one of the fastest growing whisky brands internationally with its new label reflecting the premium quality and heritage of the brand.

MacMillan will also lead visitors in a tasting of the rare Bunnahabhain 12-, 18- and 25-year-olds which recently received a halo of golden awards at the 2010 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). The Bunnahabhain 25-year-old received gold and best in class while the 12- and 18-year-olds both received gold awards. Earlier this year the Bunnahabhain 18- and 25-year-olds were highlighted at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition both earning gold while the 12-year-old and 18-year-old both achieved gold status in the Islay category at the Spirits Business 2010 Spirit Masters.

The whiskies are all known for their gentle taste profiles and unique character. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows there freely underground, untainted by the peaty moorlands. Consumers that are either new to single malts or prefer the slightly fruitier offerings from Islay will select Bunnahabhain as their whisky of choice.

Black Bottle with its bold taste has been praised by critics and whisky-lovers across the world, and over the years it has secured a cult following for its unique history and profile. Few if any whiskies come close in terms of style that matches this exceptional blend consisting of the renowned seven single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies.

The whisky boasts a proud and fascinating heritage, with its origins in late 19th century Aberdeen where the tea merchant Gordon Graham’s ability to blend tea, soon moved to the blending of whiskies. This particular blend, which he marketed in opaque black bottles, in time, became the whisky of choice of the locals of Aberdeen.

The Johannesburg festival runs from 10 to 12 November and MacMillan will only be available for one evening (10 November) where after whisky connoisseur and Master of the Quaich, Pierre Meintjes, will conduct the private tastings.

Notes

1.     Master distiller and blender Ian MacMillan will be available for interviews in Cape Town (3 to 5 November) and Johannesburg (10 to 11 November). Contact Linda Christensen, De Kock Communications, at (021) 873 2199 or at linda@dkc.co.za

2.     Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle belong to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are equal partners in a joint venture which owns and markets this selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.

RARE WHISKY FROM DISTILLERY WHICH CLOSED IN 1937 FOR SALE AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH

Rare and unusual bottles from two distilleries which have long since ceased production are the star items in Bonhams next whisky sale in Edinburgh on 17 November.

A Glamis-10 year old-20th century distilled and bottled by The Glenfyne Distillery Co. Ltd., Ardrishaig is estimated at between £8,000 – 10,000. 
Glenfyne closed in 1937 after more than 100 years of production.   The bottle for sale was imported into the USA by Greig, Lawrence & Hoyt Limited, New York.  In addition to the Glenfyne Distillery Company crest embossed on top, it also bears an American tax strip and carries the words Federal Law Forbids Sale or Re-use of This Bottle on the shoulder.  The Glamis is an unblended Pot Still Malt (more commonly referred to as a single malt).

An early 20th century bottle of MacKie’s Ancient Scotch from the Malt Mill Distillery, Isle of Islay and blended and bottled by White Horse Distillers Ltd  is estimated at between £3,500-4,000.  Malt Mill was founded in 1908 by Sir Peter Mackie.  It was always a small scale operation and in 1962 was merged with Lagavulin. 

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

Notes
 
Bonhams

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

TOBERMORY 10yo AND LEDAIG 10yo SINGLE MALTS EVOLVE WITH A NEW LOOK AND MOVE TO UN-CHILLFILTERED

Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland has announced the evolution of its two single malts.  Tobermory 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Ledaig 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky will no longer be chillfiltered, giving the whiskies a purer taste, nose and appearance and the changes have been accompanied by a bold change in design for the bottles and packaging.

Although the two malts are now clearly from the same family, they are distinctively different when it comes to taste.  Tobermory 10yo is a gentle island malt which has become more delicate and floral, with citrus and honey notes.  In contrast, Ledaig is a sharper, smokier taste and is comparable to some of the premium Islay malts.

Tobermory and Ledaig will now be bottled at 46.3% abv, a transformation which will delight whisky drinkers as un-chillfiltration leaves in nuances of flavour providing depth and complexity to the malts. 

The new look and move to un-chillfiltered reinforce the premium quality and heritage of the brands.    The malts now have bespoke, embossed glassware to reflect the Tobermory family, emerald green glassware for Tobermory and clear flint for Ledaig with new labelling and etching of the bay on the capsule.  The bottles are presented within a quality gift carton

The move to un-chillfiltered is part of a vision from Ian MacMillan, Master Blender at Burn Stewart Distillers, owner of these award winning malts. Ian comments:  “The un-chillfiltered process allows people to enjoy whisky as natural as it can be –  just as it should be.

Katherine Crisp, Brand Manager for Tobermory said: “This evolution for Tobermory and Ledaig is a particularly exciting move for the brands, and with the lack of chill-filtration we are able offer a richer, fuller flavoured whisky.”

Tobermory 10yo – Tasting Notes
Colour:  
Bright Lemony Gold
Nose: 
Rich Island character with tantalising hints of grass, malt, gingerbread, stewed fruit syrup and finely polished oak
Palate: 
Smooth velvety, with fruity tangs and exquisitely spiced gingerbread and aniseed for a medium sweetness to treasure
Finish
Ginger and spicy oak matched with bitter chocolate and  almond that gently fades with a tail of sweet salty seas

Ledaig 10yo Single Malt – Tasting Notes
Colour
Bright lemony gold
Nose
Sweet briny smokiness, mildly antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate, floral seaside aromas
Palate
Sweet and medicinal, spicy smokiness, vanilla malty creaminess
Finish
Spicy white pepper, sweet and vibrant, hints of liquorice, and cloves, warm and salty, lingering

Notes:
• Chill-filtration is a process in which the whisky is chilled to near 0°C (32°F) and passed through a fine filter. It prevents the whisky from becoming hazy when chilled, or when water or ice is added.  It is believed by many whisky enthusiasts that chill-filtration removes some of the flavour and body from the whisky
• Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull.   Built in 1798 it is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland.

• One Distillery, two distinct single malts.  Production is split 50/50 between the Tobermory whisky for half the year, and the heavily peated Ledaig the other half.

• Tobermory Distillery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm.  Tours can be booked on 0044 (0)168 8302647 

Visit Tobermory Distillery at http://www.tobermorymalt.com/

THREE TIMES A WINNER FOR ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERY WITH 2011 WHISKY BIBLE AWARD

Scottish whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillery, has won its third Whisky Bible Award for the Arran Peacock malt.

The world’s leading whisky guide named the 1996 whisky the ‘Best Single Malt Scotch’ in the 11-15 years category.

Jim Murray, influential whisky writer and judge of the awards, said: “The Peacock stood out head and shoulders above others in its category.

“I particularly enjoyed the complexity of this malt and will undoubtedly be going back to discover more.

“Arran at its best; outstanding!”

The Peacock, the first in a new series from the distiller called ‘Icons of Arran’, was named after the resident peacock which roams the grounds of the distillery. It was made available in a limited edition of 6,000 bottles.

James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at the Isle of Arran who created the malt, said: “We are very pleased with the success The Peacock has enjoyed amongst whisky drinkers.

“To get this kind of recognition for the malt from a renowned whisky enthusiast such as Jim Murray is a great compliment.”

MacTaggart used 13 ex-bourbon barrels and 7 ex-sherry hogsheads for the 1996 distillation, which was aged for 12 years. This resulted in a drink with an aroma of sweet oak and honey as well as hints of coconut and candy.

To the taste, Arran Peacock is crisp and malty with a slight nuttiness and a creamy sweetness to the finish.

This year, the distiller released the second edition of the Icons of Arran series, the Arran Malt Rowan Tree – a decadent tipple named after the equally flamboyant Scottish Rowan Trees which surround the distillery.

Previous Whisky Bible winners from the Isle of Arran distillery include ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 in the 2010 awards and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ in 2008 for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish.

The Peacock and other winners will be featured in the 2011 Whisky Bible, published on the 12^th October. The winners were chosen after a tasting of over 1,000 whiskies from around the world.

Notes:

 Jim Murray tasting note:

The Arran Malt 1996 ‘The Peacock’ Icons of Arran bott 2009 (96) n24.5 oh my word: what a shame I have only three or four months to write this book: the degree of complexity will take that time to unravel. Both floral and fruity in almost perfect doses, the white pepper perfectly balances the light saltiness. The big weight is deceptive as the delicate sultana and perry sub plot appears to give more air and space to the overall picture. Outstanding…; t24.5 what a delicate creature this is: the juicy grape appears to be apparent on a couple of levels, sandwiching the honey and hickory bourbon notes between them; f23 long, now with that hint of pear on the nose re-surfacing as the finish nestles somewhere between butterscotch tart and buttered toast; b24 yet again this outstanding distillery delivers the goods: one of the most outstanding malts of the year and certainly one of the most complex. I would not be surprised if this was overlooked by some of you new to whisky: if you have not already discovered the faultless beauty on offer (not a single off note or hint of discord to be had from first to last!!) go back and try again with your palate as clean and unsullied as this magnificent malt demands and deserves. I’ve not yet spoken to the Arran guys about this, but would happily bet my house that this is a sublime mix of top bourbon cask and faultless sherry. As fabulous as this distillery unquestionably is, they will be hard pressed to keep this standard going… 46%^© Jim Murray

Now in its 8^th year, the 2011 Whisky Bible is the biggest edition yet with over 4,500 whiskies tasted, rated and evaluated. This year’s bible features over 1,050 new entries. For further information and/or to purchase the book go to www.whiskybible.com 

October 2010, Edinburgh: DRAMBUIE® is celebrating winning two Gold Medals in the prestigious Drinks International Travel Retail Excellence Awards at TFWA Cannes for its new innovative addition to its Travel Retail range – DRAMBUIE® 15. 

Revealed at the world’s largest travel retail exhibition, Drambuie 15 was awarded Gold Medals in two of the most sought after categories, Best Drinks Launch at TFWA Cannes 2010 and Best Drinks Launch of the Year.

Exclusively for drink products, the Drinks International Awards is one of the most established awards in the travel retail sector, recognising the best launches, marketing, packaging and retailers in the world of travel retail.  Success in the high-status awards follows last year’s Gold Medal, also in the Best Drinks Launch at TFWA category, for Drambuie’s  premium  Travel Retail exclusive The Royal Legacy of 1745™.  

Will Birkin, Senior Brand Manager for Drambuie Liqueur Co. commented: “To be awarded two Gold Medals in these influential awards is a fantastic achievement.  That Drambuie has won Best Drinks Launch Gold Medals for the last two years in a row is unprecedented, and a real credit to Drambuie’s new innovative and forward thinking attitude.”

In addition, Drambuie 15 received Silver Medal recognition from both The Spirits Business Travel Retail Awards and Travel Retail Masters Awards, winning medals in the Best Travel Retail Liqueur and Best Liqueur categories 2010 respectively.

Designed to appeal to Malt Whisky drinkers, Drambuie 15 is a connoisseur expression of Drambuie, drawn from the company’s finest selection of 15 Year Old Speyside Malts. Selected for their soft, complex fragrance and flavour, the rare Speyside Malts ideally complement and balance the herbs and spicy aromas of Drambuie’s famed secret recipe.

With a price position above Drambuie original, Drambuie 15 will appeal directly to existing Drambuie customers trading up and new Malt Whisky experimenters.  Drambuie 15 will be available exclusively through select international travel retail outlets (1 litre, 43% ABV).

The Drambuie Liqueur Co. Ltd is an independent, family owned business that has been producing the world-renowned Drambuie Liqueur since 1909. Drambuie is regarded as one of the Top 5 Liqueurs ever produced (Paul Pacult, Spirit’s Journal, 2008) and remains a Top 50 global spirit in volume (IWSR, 2008).

A full list of winners for the 2010 Drinks International Awards can be found on the website www.drinksint.com

The Drambuie Liqueur Company stand at Cannes TWFA 17-22 October 2010

Riviera Village, Stand RF9

For more information visit www.drambuie.com

AUTUMN AT BLADNOCH

Compiled by Sue (Sue writes the BEST newsletter – WI)

It was that time of year again and time for the Autumn visit to my favourite distillery. (Actually, I have to confess – it’s the only distillery I’ve ever visited!!) We were glad to leave a very wet Ulverston behind with Raymond promising the usual tropical weather in Galloway. What he didn’t admit was that he meant it was the monsoon season. The rain clouds started when we turned the corner at Gretna and stretched the full length of the A75 and down to Bladnoch.

The boys had towed the caravan out of the shed and it was perfectly placed to watch the River Bladnoch in full spate – No fishing for Kevin this trip! Although Hugh did take off once or twice in his waders to try his luck. At this point Raymond was quite concerned as a few weeks previously Hugh had missed his footing and ended up in the river!! Was he worried about Hugh, the fish or the water quality?? Hugh of course – John’s day off and a load of casks expected!! Well, Hugh turned up dry, fish-free and ready to sink a pint of Ulverston Brewing Company ale with Kevin.

Early morning walks around the distillery with my camera are always an essential part of my visits. No matter how many times you wander around there’s always something new – or old – to catch the imagination. My favourite shot from this visit was a couple of aged chairs outside the bottom door of the still-house. You’d think that after more than seven years and thousands of photos there’d be nothing left to photograph – how many different views can you get of one pagoda tower? Believe me – there’s no limit………..

As always Hazel & Sammy were beavering away in the office, new guide Mandy was touring until dizzy, and Yolanda took the rare opportunity to have a few days off – although she was working evenings in the function hall. John & Hugh were working full stretch in the warehouses with a delivery wagon that drew more than a few admiring glances – and there’s that pagoda tower again….

They alternate between stowing barrels in the traditional way on rails and stacking palletised casks with the fork-lift – both impressive in their own way. But I’ve got to say – I prefer to see the casks sleeping peacefully on their sides rather than in towering regimented rows.

The weather reverted again to torrential rain – another opportunity for pagoda-pics….  but it also meant that people visiting the area would head to us thinking that a tour of Bladnoch would be a warm,  dry way to spend an hour or more. Of course the theory is sound but the practice is quite different and involves a number of sprints through puddles to get to the next building, which always adds to the Bladnoch Experience – especially when Raymond shows off his cunning plan to keep the workforce warm and dry….

Some of you may already know – Bladnoch now has a Facebook page and a growing following. You can visit us on http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bladnoch-Distillery-The-Spirit-of-the-Lowlands/137407822965995 “like” us and you’ll get regular posts from your favourite distillery. We’ll update you with news, photos and events.

Like the recent charity auction of Inchgower that raised almost £400 for the local “Wigtown Players”

I look forward to seeing you there….

And don’t forget to look out for the Special Christmas Edition of Bladnoch. This year’s label features a photograph of a festive fir tree in the courtyard – not the pagoda!! – taken by Yolanda during last Winter’s snowfalls.

It was Wigtown Book Festival the whole time we were there and the Distillery was again a very popular venue for a number of events – not least was the Wigtown’s Got Talent competition which prompted Raymond to write on our Forum:

We’ve had a busy week with various events relating to the Wigtown Book Festival taking place here at Bladnoch, finishing on Saturday night with a ceilidh.
The previous Saturday I was given the enjoyable task of being one of the judges of “Wigtown’s Got Talent” which was held in front of a packed crowd here in the distillery. The winner was a superb young piper but a humourous version of “Ten Green Bottles,” one of which was Bladnoch, was performed enthusiastically and under the influence of former guide Janice (now retired) and others. She had not forgotten how to make whisky and the gusty rendition compared favourable with Robbie Burns “John Barleycorn”

Our student guides have all returned to University or have taken up their new careers … however it’s great to see that they still drop in regularly, one of the most recent was Tony Woods who was a guide about 8 or 9 years ago and is once again living locally and working as an engineer for Siemens and involved in one of the many wind farms that have been built in the area.

Sian now a Chartered Surveyor (and one of “Raymond’s Angels”) also dropped in on Saturday. Having met Charlie McClean somewhere and indicated that she was coming across to Bladnoch, he kindly gave her a little booklet on the origins of Irish whiskey to give to me … if you read this, thankyou Charlie .. it stretches the imagination a little bit, but if it’s in a book it must be all true.

I had a meal a few nights ago in the Galloway Arms Hotel in Newton Stewart run very well by our former guide Craig and owned by his dad. Excellent food and by far the best line-up of whiskies on optics in our area. It was also pleasing to see a nice display of Bladnoch whisky.

It’s great to see how well everyone has done. We try to pick our guides because of their personality and character and this and a good education obviously carries them through to better careers, but it’s nice that they remember work at the distillery as a fond memory.

As a word of warning, it’s not wise to visit the distillery for any longer than a few hours. Sue and Kevin had planned a weeks holiday having come across from the Lake District. Sue worked all week and Kevin with his language skills once again got roped into taking the French Tours. Everybody including myself have gone home for a rest.

Raymond said, “home for a rest” and as always, we left Bladnoch with regret, fond memories and promises to return.

To our many friends all over the world we would like to say “Thank You” for your continued support of The Spirit of the Lowlands

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY
BLADNOCH
WIGTOWN
DG8 9AB
01988 402605

www.bladnoch.co.uk

bladnoch@talktalk.net