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

From Ludo at Grant’s

Best blended Scotch whisky, 19 years and over

Hi All,

I usually buy a copy of Jim Murray’s whisky bible when it comes out but it looks like I definitely need to get hold of one this year as Jim named Grant’s 25 Year Old  ‘Best Blended Scotch Whisky, 19 Years and Over’.

An internationally recognised whisky commentator, Murray spent 4 months during, tasting and rating over 1,000 whiskies from all around the world. (Yes, life can be tough!)

In giving the award, he said Grant’s 25 Year Old “stood head and shoulders above others in its category. I was particularly impressed by this blend’s quality and complexity; this is the work of a Master Blender at his very best.”

High praise indeed, and congratulations to all those involved in the making of this whisky, especially to Brian Kinsman, our new Master Blender.

Grant’s 25 Year Old was created to celebrate five generations of the Grant’s family and to mark 100 years since Charles Gordon, the son of our founder, William Grant, set off on an epic 12-month voyage to take Grant’s to a world-wide audience. You can read more about Charles Gordon here and here .

Just over 2,000 bottles have been produced, and they are currently available at leading airports around the world.

Jim’s 2011 Whisky Bible is available from many book stores, including of course Amazon.

If you’ve had the opportunity to try our 25 Years Old, I’d love to hear what you think. Do you agree with Jim?

Regards

Ludo

CHIVAS REGAL AND CHRISTIAN LACROIX EXTEND LUXURY PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW LIMITED EDITION 18 YEAR OLD

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, the world’s No 1 ultra premium Scotch whisky, is extending its partnership with iconic French luxury fashion house Christian Lacroix, with the launch of a new limited edition bottle.

The strikingly exuberant Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Christian Lacroix will offer high visibility in top end outlets around the world, following the success of the award-winning* Chivas Regal 12 Year Old magnum last year. The stunning bottle encapsulates the flamboyant creativity and innovation of Christian Lacroix while celebrating the luxury and refined quality of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old.

Inspired by the history of Chivas Regal, Lacroix’s bottle is presented in a mirrored treasure box, wrapped in embroidered jacquard fabric, maintaining the haute couture style of the fashion house. Through the use of an innovative laser metallisation technique, Lacroix delivers a lavish and sophisticated design.

Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, James Slack says: “A crafted collector’s piece, Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Christian Lacroix perfectly represents the fusion of two celebrated luxury brands. Both Chivas Regal and Christian Lacroix share values of creativity and exuberance which are perfectly represented in this dramatic new bottle. We are honoured to include such an extraordinary piece of art in the Chivas Regal limited edition range.”

Sacha Walckhoff, Creative Director, House of Christian Lacroix, says “By creating this gold stamped and embroidered Chivas Regal 18 Year Old bottle, nestled in a precious brocade box, we believe we have, once again, conveyed the spirit of chivalry that is dear to both our brands, whilst maintaining the quintessence of luxury and exuberance inherent to the House of Christian Lacroix.”

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old is a unique blend of whiskies hand-selected by Master Blender Colin Scott for their exceptional richness, to create a sophisticated, luxurious Scotch whisky for the ultra premium market.

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Christian Lacroix will be released as a limited edition with only 3,000 bottles available internationally and will be available at the travel retail price of US$495.00.

Notes

* The Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Magnum by Christian Lacroix won the Jury Prize at the Monaco Formes de Luxe 2009 Awards

About Chivas Regal

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.

INTRODUCING WHITE OWL WHISKY Ultra Premium CLEAR Canadian Rye Whisky

Highwood Distillers Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta has introduced “White Owl Whisky” to the Canadian Market.  This new Clear Rye Whisky will be sold in the premium segment through the Century Distillers Family of brands.  This is a new concept to the alcohol beverages industry.  The initial response from all liquor boards in Canada has been excellent.  White Owl Whisky will create a new sense of enthusiasm and excitement to the Canadian Whisky category, which has been lacking in recent years.Canadian Whisky must be aged a minimum of 3 years and must contain no more than 9.09% of further flavor additives.  White Owl Whisky exceeds these standards and offers all of the traditional Rye Whisky flavor and a Clear appearance. Clear spirits have been a growth category for many years based on the ability to form part of many fashionable cocktails.  White Owl Whisky will offer the same benefit.  It is also hoped the demographics of Whisky consumers will change with the smoothness White Owl offers. Be creative in using this new whisky in your favorite cocktail including our Caesar which we appropriately call “Clam WOW” (White Owl Whisky), or WOW & Energy drink – The Night Owl.For additional information on the WOW please contact us or visit our website at www.highwood-distisillers.com Highwood Distillers was established in 1974 and is privately owned. Please Enjoy!

There is a review posted at http://www.canadianwhisky.org/reviews/white-owl-whisky-40-alc-vol.html

This month

Finally, a quick news letter for you all. We promised we wouldn’t bombard you, but I am beginning to feel that if we sent any less, you may have us up for dereliction of duty.

As you have requested, I am giving you a heads up that Chapter 7 and 10 are now in our shop and on the website. Both Chapter 7 & 10 will come in our lovely ibisco decanters once again and will be limited in numbers for the 2010 release.

New Launches

Chapter 7 has been finished in rum casks. Below are the professional tasting notes done by David , our head distiller. My own amateur notes are: Imagine eating Rum & Raisin Ice cream whilst having a glass of whisky. We are selling these for £49.99

Nose: Sweet, soft & slightly spicy. A mixture of vanilla and rum and raisin ice cream, fresh and citrusy with a hint of tropical fruits. Slightly nutty with a hint of marzipan.

Taste: Very soft again with citrus notes. Slight peppery spice with a hint of raisins. Malty with a hint of fresh wood. Salty and dry on the finish. Slightly nutty.

Chapter 10 this is our whisky that has been fully matured in Olorossa casks. It has an amazingly deep colour and such a traditional rich taste. If you are a traditionalist and struggle to find a decent sherry whisky these days – then this is the one for you. We are selling these for £49.99

Nose: Quite heavy with raisins and dried fruit. Rich fruit cake, Christmas pudding with wine gums, dates with a hint of marzipan. A delicate waft of aniseed breezes in after a while.

Taste: Again very fruity, rosehip syrup. Citrus fruits. Full bodied and quite chewy with a long, fruity finish. Very dry.

Other news:

 Some of you may be aware and others won’t be that when we bottle a limited run, we have to guess the amount of liquid in a cask, then print the labels accordingly ready for bottling. Invariably we have a little left over. This applies to Chapter 5 & Chapter 8. Obviously there will be no more numbered decanters but we have decided to put these last few drops into 200ml bottles as I am aware that some of you have missed out on the odd chapter and would like to complete your collections. Therefore if any of you need a small bottle of CH5 or CH8 please let us know. This is limited to one bottle per person, and only to those of you who didn’t manage to get a full bottle in the first place. These will be £20 each and won’t be on our website until you have all had a chance to respond.

 We have started delivering our baby 30ltr casks full of 3yr old whisky at 59.2% approx to those of you who have purchased. We have quite a few of these, so if anyone else feels having their own cask of whisky at home would be fun, please give us a ring or email and we will let you know any details. These are £1200 all in. Come and collect one or we can get it to you.

 Finally we have launched a new wooden gift box, that holds a 20cl bottle and 2 glasses, or 2 bottles and 2 glasses or even 3 bottles. Lots of options and different prices. If you are stuck for Christmas presents – look no further!

Some technical info:

For those of you that participate we have a new Facebook page. Could I ask existing English Whisky Society members to sign up to the new page, so we can get the old one shut down. We would be delighted if the remainder of you signed up as well as this is a great way to keep you informed of what we are up to. The new link is English Whisky Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roudham-United-Kingdom/English-Whisky-Co/160291333996827?ref=search

As usual, if you are bored by my ramblings please email Sarah on office@englishwhisky.co.uk and tell her you don’t want to receive any more emails from us. Alternatively you could always email her and tell her who else would like to hear from us.

Kind Regards

Andrew

Visit the English Whisky Company at www.englishwhisky.co.uk
 
 

DIAGEO LAUNCHES JOHNNIE WALKER® DOUBLE BLACK™  BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Diageo is today announcing that following a successful test, Johnnie Walker® Double Black™ will be launched in global travel retail outlets.

Johnnie Walker Double Black is a new deluxe variant of Johnnie Walker® Black Label™ Blended Scotch Whisky and was launched as an exclusive test in global travel retail in January of this year at six key airport locations (New York JFK, Dubai, Beirut, Sydney, Singapore and Bangkok). The product is an extension to the existing brands in the Johnnie Walker® range of Scotch Whiskies, and it is aimed at drinkers who already appreciate the character of Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskies and are keen to explore that character in more depth. The blend is created using peaty West Coast whiskies to particularly emphasise the smoky elements that have made Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskies famous.

With roll–out from 1 July 2010 onwards, Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky will be on shelf in the majority of Travel Retail outlets before the end of November.

Kenton Elliot, Diageo GTME Marketing Manager Scotch, Reserve Brands & Single Malts, said: “We are delighted to be launching Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky in travel retail outlets. The blend has already achieved the highly coveted Masters award in the ‘Best Super Premium Blends’ category of the 2010 World Whisky Masters Awards, delivered exceptionally strong sales performance and achieved great feedback from whisky consumers.

Throughout the test period, Johnnie Walker Double Black went through extensive consumer testing. Taste sampling of the liquid drove high levels of purchase and shopper interest and the research also confirmed that Johnnie Walker Double Black performs extremely well as a gifting option, with almost half (47 per cent) of purchases being for this purpose. Nine out of 10 shoppers had a ‘very positive’ or ‘quite positive’ overall opinion of the whisky, and three quarters of those (74 per cent) said that the taste of the liquid actually exceeded their expectations.

As ever with Johnnie Walker, both the brand equity and packaging of the whisky rated extremely highly within the category.

Douglas Taylor, GTME Innovation Manager, said: “We’ve been tracking Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky on every step of its first journey and we’ve been delighted by our findings. The Master Blender has delivered a great whisky and with our partners in travel retail, we have given the shopper an extraordinary new experience.”

Additional shopper insights revealed that 89 per cent intended to make a repeat purchase of Johnnie Walker Double Black , the whisky scored particularly high across a range of criteria, including ‘proud to gift’, ‘better quality’ and ‘intense taste’. The design of the bottle and carton were rated particularly strongly too. Johnnie Walker Double Black is not only delivering a strong shopper proposition and realising significant sales but is also contributing an overwhelmingly positive effect on the Johnnie Walker Brand equity.

Notes:

The JOHNNIE WALKER, BLACK LABEL and DOUBLE BLACK words and all associated logos are trade marks.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business. With its global vision, and local marketing focus, Diageo brings to consumers an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across the spirits, wine and beer categories including Smirnoff, Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys®, J&B, Cuervo, Captain Morgan and Tanqueray, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.    

Diageo trades in some 180 countries around the world and is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).  For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.

Diageo is committed to responsible drinking through: setting world-class standards in responsible marketing, promotion and innovation; promoting a shared understanding of what responsible drinking means, and working with others to combat alcohol misuse.

Lebanon Offers Runners A Unique Kentucky Bourbon Experience

The Bourbon Chase relay passes through the Heart of Kentucky Oct. 22

LEBANON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2010) – Runners from across the country will pass through Lebanon, Ky. for Legs 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the The Bourbon Chase Fri., Oct. 22. This 200-mile overnight adventure features 3,000 participants from 44 states and covers scenic roads along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail through Sat., Oct. 23.

Just 7 miles from world-famous Maker’s Mark Distillery and home to Kentucky Cooperage (a bourbon-barrel-making factory), Lebanon is nestled in the Heart of Bourbon Country, making it one of the most significant stops on the Chase.

Runners will begin passing through Lebanon around 1 p.m. where they can enjoy a true bourbon experience. There are quaint shops, mom ‘n’ pop restaurants, grab-and-go delis and plenty of entertainment for runners and spectators to enjoy.

The Leg 8 exchange features the local farmers market, live cooper (bourbon-barrel-making) demonstrations, live entertainment, plenty of eclectic dining opportunities and an opportunity to enter a free drawing for rare Maker’s Mark collector bottles and other prizes.

Kentucky Cooperage is also giving free tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to demonstrate how the oak barrels critical for the production of bourbon are charred and made leak proof without manmade sealers. No open-toed shoes are allowed.

The relay concludes at the finish line in downtown Lexington, Ky. at Triangle Park.

Heart of Kentucky Bourbon & Barrels Getaway packages are available for a true The Bourbon Chase experience. They include lodging, meals, Maker’s Mark rocks glasses and mementos.

For more information about The Bourbon Chase and Lebanon or to book a getaway package online, go to www.VisitLebanonKy.com.

RARE SINGLE MALT WHISKIES FROM DIAGEO
October 2010
——————————————————————————–
The time has come. Every autumn, Diageo, proud owner of 28 Scottish single malt whisky distilleries, unveils a small and highly desirable collection of limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies destined for the world’s top bars and the collections of single malt whisky connoisseurs.

Nine such single malt whiskies, all at natural cask strength, are being released this year.

Two of them have once again been drawn from the lovingly preserved but sadly diminishing stocks of distilleries long since closed.
Others are unusual bottlings from distilleries still in very vibrant production: generally older (thus rarer) than the widely distributed expressions, but sometimes younger.

Liquid History

Brora distillery, on Scotland’s north-east coast, opened in 1819 and closed in 1983. The iconic status of its peated, Islay-style single malts has matured as stocks dwindle. This year’s distinguished and memorable release, at 30 years old, delivers all the key characteristics of the classic Brora™: exquisite sweetness, rich fruitiness and magnificently appetising savoury smoke. But the quantities are tiny: a mere 2,958 individually numbered bottles.

Across Scotland on Islay, Port Ellen distillery also closed in 1983, so its stocks, too, are irreplaceable, and fading out as the years go by. In 2009, a 29 year old Port Ellen™ won the supreme Scotch whisky award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, being awarded a Double Gold Medal and named Best Single Malt Scotch. This year’s example – a venerable, dignified Port Ellen of great complexity and depth, according to those who have tasted it – is 31 years old, and comes in an edition of fewer than 3,000 individually numbered bottles. The many devotees of this highly prized single malt generally ensure that stocks sell out within weeks.

Unexpected Speysides

Two Speyside whiskies in this release seldom become available at any age, still less at 20 years plus. The rare Auchroisk™ has been released after 20 years in a mix of American and European Oak Casks, making it a “poised, sweet and astonishingly sophisticated dessert whisky”, say tasters. A 21 year old Glen Spey™ joins it, with an unusual background: it has matured in new American Oak casks that had also held sherry, which gives the finish some “drying oak checked by subtle, creamy vanilla and note of powdered chocolate”.

A third Speyside single malt whisky is familiar at 12 years old – but rarely seen at 21. This Cragganmore™, with fewer than 6,000 individually numbered bottles, has emerged from refill American Oak casks filled in 1989. It is judged to be “fully mature, yet retaining all of Cragganmore’s complex character; worthy of long contemplation”.
Lowland star

Founded in 1837 and one of the few surviving Lowland whisky distilleries, Glenkinchie, in the Lammermuir hills south of Edinburgh, makes a aromatic and flowery dram when tasted in its 12 year old personality; here, at 20 years old, Glenkinchie™ still delivers its scented and floral promise on the nose, a lightly sweet, then crisp acidity with delicate fruits on the palate, and a cleansing and slightly drying finish – for some, the perfect aperitif.

Hebridean big hitters

Finally from the islands in the west come three famous and much acclaimed single malts. Talisker™, the award-laden single malt from the Isle of Skye, arrives this year in a 30 year old release of 3,000 individually numbered bottles available world-wide – the fifteenth and equal oldest limited release to be offered by the distillery. At this great age, some of the pepper has faded: this is judged to be “a more mature, reserved Talisker which is also confident, consistent and clearly in its prime. … An interesting and complex whisky, with aromas that change constantly and a lively taste, followed by a long finish, with roasted malt, the ghost of black pepper, and some nutmeg in the smoky and savoury aftertaste.”

On Islay, the ever-popular and relatively youthful 12 year old Lagavulin™, from refill American Oak casks filled in 1998, is the ninth of a series of special 12 year old releases at natural cask strength. Lagavulin fans will not be surprised by one taster’s description: “Unpredictable and energetic; among the most appetising and savoury of all whiskies. A fine, punchy expression of Lagavulin”.

From the Sound of Islay, Caol Ila™ in its unpeated style is a familiar player in the annual Special Releases. This year it comes with 12 years in 1st fill Bourbon oak casks. Here’s an opportunity for an interesting comparison with its more familiar 12 year old peated twin brother, which this year took the much sought-after IWSC Trophy for the best single malt scotch whisky at 15 years and under. Tasters enjoyed its “smooth sweetness, refreshing acidity, peppery spiciness”.

DIAGEO CLASSIC MALTS SELECTION™ SPECIAL RELEASES 2010
DETAILED DATA

DISTILLERY MATURATION YEARS ABV % QUANTITY RRP
Auchroisk™ Mix of American & European Oak casks 20 58.1 < 6000 £115
Brora™ A mixture of American & European Oak refill casks 30 54.3 2958 £280
Caol Ila™ First fill Bourbon oak casks 12 57.6 < 6000  £52
Cragganmore™ Refill American Oak casks 21 56.0 < 6000 £135
Glen Spey™ New American Oak casks that had also held sherry 21 50.4 < 6000 £120
Glenkinchie™ Refill American Oak casks 20 55.1 < 6000 £125
Lagavulin™ Refill American Oak casks 12 56.5 limited quantities  £59
Port Ellen™ Refill American & European Oak casks 31 54.6 < 3000 £250
Talisker™ Refill American & European Oak casks 30 57.3 < 3000 £230

The Classic Malts, The Classic Malts Selection, Auchroisk, Brora, Caol Ila, Cragganmore, Glenkinchie, Glen Spey, Lagavulin, Port Ellen and Talisker words, the Quaich device and associated logos are trade marks. © 2010

QUOTE FROM DIAGEO’S NICK MORGAN

Diageo spokesman Dr Nick Morgan said of the 2010 Special Releases: “Some of these single malts are priced accessibly. Others, inevitably given their age and rarity, are very expensive. We know some people buy them as investments. But all are engaging, distinctive single malts made for enjoyment now, and of course in the case of Brora and Port Ellen, they will never be made again. As before, we’ve combined some familiar bottlings with some unpredictable ones.

“It’s also worth mentioning that some exceptionally elegant packaging can be found on the rarer Special Releases. This year’s original Glen Spey and Auchroisk designs continue that tradition.”

GLOBAL AVAILABILITY

On sale in most markets in Europe, but not all markets take all 9 products. Also available in selected global duty free outlets.

In the US market, the following will be available: Lagavulin 12 year old, Caol Ila 12 year old, Talisker 30 year old, Glenkinchie 20 year old, Cragganmore 21 year old, Glen Spey 21 year old, and Auchroisk 20 year old.