Global thirst for learning about Scotch whisky quenched

A course designed to give an understanding of Scotch whisky is being launched online today (Wednesday 8 June, 2011) in a bid to satisfy increasing global demand from students.

Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access.  It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing.  A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.

Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.

Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom.  Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course – making it even more accessible.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky.  By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.

“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”

Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky.  Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control.  Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.

Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:

“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.

“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression.  The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions.   New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”

Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:

“Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”

The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195.  It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries. 

Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk

Notes

[1] Over the last ten years enrolment for the CD Rom version of the Whisky Course has included people from the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

About Gordon & MacPhail:

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant who have been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres.  After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998.  The award winning range includes Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be certified by the Soil Association.

About Moray College UHI:

Moray College UHI is a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which has only recently become Scotland’s newest university. The college has its origins in Elgin Technical College, which was founded in 1971 and which changed its name to Moray College following the incorporation of Scotland’s Colleges in 1993.

With over 9,800 students, Moray College UHI provides a wide range of courses covering many subject areas at various levels of study which meet the needs of a diverse range of people. The rich landscape and energetic community of the surrounding area form a key component of many courses, through study tours and work placements.
 
The college has a commitment to bring out the very best from its students, at all the various levels of attainment, and some of its proudest moments are in following the subsequent careers of so many of them. It seeks to provide the skills and knowledge and ways of thinking to shape a new generation, and warmly welcomes students from all places and all age groups and all walks of life.

About The Scotch Whisky Association:

Scotch Whisky, which by law must be made in Scotland, is one of the UK’s leading export industries generating £3.45billion for the balance of trade. It is an icon for Scotland is almost 200 countries around the world.

The Scotch Whisky Association represents the interests of distillers, bottlers, blenders and brand owners at home and abroad.

Its objective is to facilitate long term growth worldwide by promoting Scotch Whisky as a spirit of the highest quality produced in Scotland from natural ingredients, encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol as part of a modern, healthy lifestyle, protecting the integrity of Scotch Whisky if necessary through the courts, and negotiating for the removal of trade barriers or disproportionate regulatory measures that undermine the competitiveness of the Scotch Whisky industry.

THERE’S NO TURNING BACK AS PIONEERING ARCTIC ROWERS CHRISTEN THEIR VESSEL

Arctic and maritime adventurer Jock Wishart and his crew have today christened their specially designed rowing boat, The Old Pulteney ahead of its pioneering voyage into the unknown. The  expedition team named the boat after their sponsors, Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky at a ceremony outside Boisdale’s at Canary Wharf, London.

Wishart will lead a six strong team on the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole expedition in a bespoke ice boat – today christened The Old Pulteney – which will set off from Canada’s Resolute Bay on the 1st of August on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage to the magnetic North Pole which, if successful, will make history as a world first.

The Old Pulteney has been constructed to accommodate a six-strong crew and their equipment during the four to six week voyage. The crew comprise of five experienced oarsmen, and one carefully selected novice, David Mans. Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer and Afghanistan veteran from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants of the Old Pulteney Pole Position Competition earlier this year, offering one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jock Wishart told the audience: “It is hard to imagine that in the 21st century there are still parts of our oceans that have never been explored. This is truly a voyage into the unknown – within 60 nautical miles of the start of our voyage; we will be taking The Old Pulteney through waters that have never been navigated by any surface vessel.”

The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition and has only now become possible due to the increase in seasonal sea ice melt and its deterioration because of climate changes. The final leg of the journey is only navigable for a few weeks of the year before refreezing, and Jock and his crew will be working with scientific research partners to deliver environmental data and insight from the journey.

David Mans, the crew’s oceanographer, said: “Last summer the ice melted to its third lowest extent. Already this year the ice is shrinking at a rate of 15,000 square kilometres a day and indicating that the conditions could well be right for us to make it all the way.”

Christening the boat at the launch, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: “Old Pulteney is a long standing supporter of maritime activity and we’ve been working with Jock and his team for over two years on building up to this day. It’s fantastic to christen the boat The Old Pulteney and we wish Jock and his crew the best of luck for the expedition.”

During their epic row, the crew will be sleeping on board their cramped boat and experiencing temperatures as low as minus 15 Centigrade and they will have to consume over 7,000 calories to survive.

“It’s daunting” comments oarsman Billy Gammon, “I’m taking time out from my job to do this, but I am sure there will be times it won’t seem like such a good idea!”

To help the crew navigate the journey safely and identify the route through the disintegrating ice, Jock Wishart will be studying detailed satellite photos taken by MDA Geospatial’s Radarsat 2: “The satellite images are our eye in the sky. Without them it would be much more difficult to navigate,  especially in the later stages of the expedition when we expect the amount of ice surrounding us will be greatest.”

www.rowtothepole.com

Notes

• The certified position of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.
• See Jock Wishart’s biography attached for more information on his previous feats as an oarsman, polar explorer and navigator.

‘The Old Pulteney’ Ice Boat

The Old Pulteney was designed by Dutchman Peter Bosgraaf of Peter Bosgraaf Yacht Design from Amsterdam in collaboration with Hugh Welbourne of Welbourne Yacht Design from East Allington, Devon, who advised on the laminates and under water construction. Roger Daynes of Snowsled Polar from Tetbury in Wiltshire advised on the design and construction of the “runners” on the bottom of the ice boat. The boat was built by Cris Rossiter of Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky is crafted at the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland in Wick. The distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom and it’s this maritime heritage that gives the whisky its name as the Maritime Malt. Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure.

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.

EARLY TIMES KENTUCKY WHISKY UNVEILS  “REEL IN A MILLION” CONTEST

Consumers Are Invited to Show Their “Fish Face” to Win a Chance to Fish with Professional Angler Kevin Wirth for One Million Dollars

Louisville, KY – Early Times Kentucky Whisky announces the popular Reel in a Million contest will return for 2011. The winner will receive a dream fishing trip to Lake Louise, Lake Butler and Lake Palmer in Orlando, Florida for a chance to catch a tagged bass worth one million dollars.

Early Times will lend the help of Team Early Times’ Kevin Wirth, one of the world’s top-ranked anglers, as his or her fishing partner for the day. Together they will try to reel in 50 tagged bass connected to great prizes including the “Big Cash Bass” worth one million dollars. 

“This year we’re bringing our winner to Florida for a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a fish that could be worth a million dollars,” said Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “Not only is there a million dollars on the line, but this is the only fishing promotion we know of where a consumer will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with a world class angler like Kevin Wirth.”

Starting June 1, 2011, consumers 21 years of age and older can enter the Early Times’ “Reel in a Million” contest on the Early Times Facebook page at www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky by submitting their best “fish face” photo. Entries must be received by July 31, 2011. Early Times will choose 20 finalists whose entries will be posted on the Early Times Facebook site. Early Times will then select a grand prize winner from among the 20 finalists in early August. The Reel in a Million event will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The winner and one guest will be provided with travel to Orlando, FL along with two nights accommodations.

In addition to the million-dollar tagged bass, the lucky angler is eligible to pull in other tagged bass worth $100,000, $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000. Whether it is Wirth who catches a tagged bass or the sweepstakes winner, Early Times will give all prizes to the winner of the sweepstakes. For full sweepstakes details visit www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky.

About Early Times

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, is enjoyed in 28 countries around the world and the Early Times Mint Julep is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby™.” For more information visit www.earlytimes.com. For over 140 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Woodford Reserve. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.

After eight generations of passing the tradition of bourbon distilling from father to son, the Samuels family understands that one of the best ways to show a father you care is a bottle of Maker’s Mark. It’s one of those things that fathers and their adult sons are likely to agree upon: the best things in life don’t need to change much. Like playing a game of catch in the evening or getting up early to go fishing, Maker’s Mark is a tradition that’s always easy to enjoy.

Maker’s 46 is sure to surprise and delight on Father’s Day. It is the first new expression offered by Maker’s Mark in over fifty years and they certainly took their time getting things just right. Maker’s 46 is created by aging mature Maker’s Mark with seared French Oak staves. This bold new offering holds a rich flavor profile with hints of vanilla and caramel.  It is still soft enough to hold on the palate but delivers complexity and depth.  Available at retailers nationwide. Price: $35 (varies state to state).

Forget the Hallmark card. The words, “World’s Best Dad,” will make a much bigger impression on a personalized Maker’s Mark barrel head from the Maker’s Mark online shop.

Personalized barrel head: $99.95 http://www.makersmarkshop.com.

A Bourbon Chocolate Cheesecake made with Maker’s Mark just may be the best cake ever. This delectable combination was created by Eileen’s Special Cheesecake, to celebrate Father’s Day. Her New York City bakery will ship cheesecakes anywhere in the country within 24 hours. Price:  $39 at the store; $68 via mail order.

Available at:

Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
17 Cleveland Place
New York, NY
Tel: 1-800-521-CAKE
http://www.eileenscheesecake.com.

For additional gift ideas, visit the Maker’s Mark online gift shop – www.makersmarkshop.com – which sells everything from playing cards and clothing to bourbon flavored cherries and bar ware.

A PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN THANK YOU TO DAD

Salute your dad this Father’s Day with the proudly South African, award-winning Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky. Distilled and matured at the James Sedgwick Distillery near the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first 100 % single-grain whisky.

Awarded gold and best-in-class at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Challenge, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is the perfect gift to show your dad just how much you value him. Inspired by the pioneering pass builder Andrew Geddes Bain who created the Bain’s Kloof Pass amidst its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain. The whisky is quite uniquely double-matured in specially selected first-fill oak casks. After the initial three years’ maturation the whisky is transferred to a second set of first-fill oak casks to age for a further two years. Its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in a smooth and distinctive whisky.

The whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones. The result is a warm and extended mouth-feel with a smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available, with or without a tin, from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R175 per 750 ml bottle.

VILLEROY & BOCH RAISES THE BAR WITH NEW FINE FLAVOUR COLLECTION 

Whisky aficionados and epicures everywhere will delight in the sensory experience now made possible by Villeroy & Boch’s new Fine Flavour collection with two distinct lines—American Bar and Scotch Whisky.

By embracing the complexity of origin, the elegant crystal glassware complements the distinct flavors of various whisky varieties and is destined to be applauded by both connoisseurs and the occasional enthusiast.

Each line boasts exclusive Villeroy & Boch quality and optimum design, which carefully considers the variations in ingredients, production process, storage and origin of the whisky to be enjoyed from the superior crystal glassware.

The American Bar line features seven elegant pieces in a variety of sizes and was created to serve whiskey (with an “e”) distilled in America or Ireland.  The simple design boasts a narrow mouth and thick base to keep ice cold and is the perfect accessory for serving whiskey cocktails straight or “on the rocks.”

The Scotch Whisky line has been specially created for more exclusive varieties. With four product groups, including Single Grain, Single Malt, Blended Scotch and Decanters, the classic contour and optimum shape enable the nose to fully absorb the aroma of the whisky.

Designed to complement the taste of any distinctive spirit, the Fine Flavour collection – available as a gift box set of two – will be available in stores and online in November.

Sazerac Offers Two Canadian Whisky Suggestions

For Father’s Day 

The “Comeback Category” has a Single Barrel and Small Batch Offering Fit for any Budget

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  – With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to get dear ol’ dad some amazing new whisky from a long forgotten category.

Until recently, Canadian whisky had deteriorated in prestige as consumer tastes moved to products like Bourbon and Scotch.  But that is changing and Canadian Whisky is now enjoying a renaissance of sorts as distillers like Sazerac have come out with premium offerings such as Caribou Crossing, the world’s first single barrel Canadian whisky, and Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian whisky. 

“We introduced Caribou Crossing and Royal Canadian Small Batch last Spring and both brands are really starting to gain traction,” said Kevin Richards, Canadian Whisky brand manager at Sazerac, “Consumers are starting to become interested again in the Canadian whisky segment and with both of these brands picking up some very nice awards and ratings in the last year, consumers are becoming curious about rediscovering this once very popular segment of the liquor store.” 

In the past year, Caribou Crossing has received a 93 rating from John Hansell at Malt Advocate; was named “2010 Canadian Whisky of the Year” by canadianwhisky.org; won a double gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; a gold medal and “90” rating from Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute); a gold medal and “90” rating at the 2010 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; a silver medal and best in class at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition; and a bronze medal at the 2010 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition. Whisky buffs can expect to taste radiantly-hued nectar with a nod to the tantalizing silky texture provided by the barrel. The rye grain cuts through the wood flavors making its spicy presence known without risking the creamy vanilla custard smoothness. The finish is oak with an orangey tang.

Not to be outdone, Royal Canadian Small Batch won a gold medal and “90” rating from Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute); a “90” rating from Wine Enthusiast; a silver medal in the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge; and a bronze medal at the 2011 World Spirits Competition. Royal Canadian is sweet and smoky like a Memphis BBQ. The initial sip is velvety smooth with huge flavors. There is a nutty praline sweetness that slides through the creamy rich sensations. The finish is a bold reminder that this is whiskey and the citrus-spicy conclusion just leaves you with the desire for the next notable sip.

“Both Caribou Crossing and Royal Canadian are leading the comeback for the Canadian whisky category. When you can offer something new and different such as a single barrel or small batch, consumers are starting to realize that the category has merit and has changed from what their parents used to drink,” said Drew Mayville, Sazerac’s master blender who created both Caribou Crossing and Royal Canadian Small Batch. “The whole Canadian whisky market has so much potential right now and it’s really an exciting time to be in on it.”

It was Mayville himself who hand-selected the barrels used for Caribou Crossing, choosing the most mature and flavor-rich samples available and overseeing the bottling of each individual barrel.

The Royal Canadian Small Batch underwent the same stringent selection process under Mayville’s watchful eye.

The two Canadian whiskies make ideal gifts for Father’s Day, and are at price points for discriminating budgets. The Caribou Crossing retails for $49.99 for a 750 ml and the Royal Canadian Small Batch is $24.99 for a 750 ml.

As an extra bonus, Caribou Crossing comes in an elegant gift box, taking care of the gift wrapping for you. But no matter which one you choose, dad will know you think he’s hip too with a gift of this fine Canadian whisky.

 
About The Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California and Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.sazerac.com.

GLEN GARIOCH UNVEILS ITS LATEST SMALL BATCH RELEASE

1994 expression offers one of the last chances to sample old Glen Garioch at its finest

Glen Garioch, Scotland’s most easterly distillery, has unveiled its latest small batch vintage expression, the Glen Garioch 1994.

The limited edition, only the third special addition to the Glen Garioch single malt range, was laid down just before the distillery was mothballed for two years in 1995, making this one of the last opportunities to sample old Glen Garioch’s smoky Highland essence.

With only 1000 8.4L cases available globally and just 75 in the UK, this exclusive dram is aimed fairly and squarely at discerning whisky connoisseurs and will be on shelf ahead of Father’s Day.

John Mullen, Glen Garioch brand manager, said: “Glen Garioch is an enduring spirit with more than 200 years of provenance.  This vintage is one of the last to capture the old Glen Garioch smoky peat notes and has been hand-picked at the peak of its perfection. 

“Our aim with all our limited edition expressions is to show the real quality of the liquid.  Glen Garioch may be a small artisan distillery but it produces some of the finest single malts which stand up well against the big guns. 

“With a feisty cask strength 53.9% ABV, this edition to the range holds true to the warmth and charm of our Highland heritage. It’s the epitome of Glen Garioch’s genuine, couthie spirit.”

The peated malt is old Glen Garioch at its finest, combining subtle smoke with fresh Highland floral aromas and toffee and Demerara sugar.

Patiently matured in North American Oak barrels and non chill filtered, this unique single malt is also one of the last Glen Gariochs to feature barley malted on site in their malt barns.  Glen Garioch stopped using peat and their own maltings when the distillery re-opened in 1997 making this a rare vintage for single malt fans.

With its proud Doric history, the Aberdeenshire malt captures the enduring and couthie spirit of the Highlands town of Oldmeldrum. 

The small batch limited edition releases incorporate the old style Glen Garioch to enhance the premium range.  Vintages are only selected when it is felt they have reached the peak of their perfection.

Mullen added: “With only 75 cases available in the UK, and based on the success of our two previous small batch releases, whisky enthusiasts will need to be quick out of the blocks.  Likewise anyone looking to wow their dad on June 19th.” 
 
At 53.9% ABV, Glen Garioch 1994 is available from specialist wine and spirit merchants, retailing circa £59.99.  It is distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK.

Notes

• Product images are available on request 
• Glen Garioch, pronounced Glen Geery, founded in 1797 is one of the oldest remaining distilleries in Scotland
• The distillery lies on rising ground at the picturesque town of Oldmeldrum, just 17 miles north-west of Aberdeen
• Glen Garioch was relaunched in October 2010 with a core range of two single malt whiskies – the Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve, a non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV and the Glen Garioch 12 Year Old, non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV after maturing in bourbon and sherry casks. 
• Glen Garioch is owned by the Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited who also produce Bowmore and Auchentoshan
• Glen Garioch is distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK, tel: 01283 217 703.

LIMITED EDITION BUNNAHABHAIN 30-YEAR OLD RELEASED

Whilst one of the most exciting decades in world history unfolded back in 1980, the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the Isle of Islay, off the west-coast of Scotland, gently prepared the casks for what today can be enjoyed as the Bunnahabhain 30-year old Islay single malt.

According to South African spokesperson for Bunnahabhain, Brian Glass, there are only 357 bottles, each hand-numbered, available world-wide. And only 17 South Africans will be able to purchase a bottle here locally. Quite uniquely this exceptionally rare whisky also bears the 1980 vintage year on the label, proudly acknowledging the whisky’s undisturbed maturation for 30 years at the Bunnahabhain distillery’s shore-side warehouse.

“This limited-edition single malt whisky is truly one of the finest examples of the craftsmanship and distilling traditions of the Bunnahabhain Distillery. It is a pity there are so few bottles available of this extraordinary whisky but then again, if it wasn’t the case, it wouldn’t have been such a rare find. This is the kind of whisky you keep, savour on special occasions and treat with the utmost love and admiration.”

The whisky is un-chillfiltered, with a natural cask strength of 45.4% alcohol by volume, and released in its most pure form, the way whisky would have been produced at the hands of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. According to master distiller Ian MacMillan by un-chillfiltering the whisky, nothing is taken away or added so whisky lovers can enjoy the whisky at its very best, giving them a better whisky experience. “The whisky retains its depth of flavour, allowing the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.”

Only a select few of the Bunnahabhain casks that reached the gracious age of 30 have been selected for this whisky.  After careful, ongoing selection over the years, and much deliberation, MacMillan selected two ex-sherry hogshead casks which reflect the finest qualities and superior characteristics one would associate with a vintage whisky from Bunnahabhain.

MacMillan says the whisky holds a rich, aromatic nose with a sophisticated balance of oak, gingerbread, moist fruit cake, prunes, old leather, roasted nuts and a hint of sea air. “The palate opens up to produce a creamy, silky taste with sweet oak, liquorice and nutmeg intertwined with citrus, vanilla, eucalyptus and a hint of coconut. The finish is long and elegant with flavours of digestive biscuits, soft vanilla, a tinge of ginger and sea salt coating your mouth.”

To celebrate its release, the whisky comes beautifully packaged in a natural un-dyed leather case and includes a pewter Quaich, a historic drinking vessel that is one of the most symbolic elements portraying friendship, sharing and trust. A small leather tag, embossed with the Bunnahabhain seafarer on the label and the bottle number, is attached to the handle of the case.  The set also includes a small glass tube containing a parchment scroll commemorating the release of this limited-release whisky.

Bunnahabhain, known for its single malts with a gentle taste profile due to the use of unpeated barley, is crafted by MacMillan, a master blender and distiller with over 40 years’ experience. The distillery produces a 12-, 18- and 25-year old, which are available in South Africa from leading liquor outlets.

There are only 17 bottles of the limited-edition Bunnahabhain 30-year old available in South Africa from selected liquor outlets and it is expected to retail for around R3 800 per bottle. If you are interested in finding out the nearest outlet stocking the Bunnahabhain 30 year old or would like to order a bottle, please send an email to AvanRooyen@distell.co.za.