Just 69 chances left to win an Irish whiskey getaway for two!

This fantastic prize includes:

2 Nights at the Bridge House Hotel
A personal tour and tasting at the Cooley distillery
A signed bottle of a very special whiskey to take away
An evening at the races
Followed by dinner at the distillery’s own restaurant
Flights to and from the UK
To enter, simply buy any full-sized (70cl) bottle of Greenore, Tyrconnell, Connemara or Locke’s from our site…

We’ve even knocked £5 off each bottle! Visit the link below browse the eligible Cooley whiskies;

http://tinyurl.com/6cgn2qn

Kentucky Festivals & Events Association Spring Conference is March 25th in Lebanon, Ky.

Event directors will have a unique opportunity to learn skills to sustain their projects

LEBANON, Ky. (March 11, 2011) – Learn how to improve your event’s chance for success, or maybe even survival, in this economy during the Kentucky Festival & Events Association Spring Conference Friday, March 25, in the Convention Complex at Centre Square in historic downtown Lebanon, Ky.

With a tough economy, travelers are more selective about which events they attend and marketing strategies are changing every day. This conference will feature topics such as social media and other promotional opportunities and fund-raising.

There will also be a field trip to tour Kentucky Cooperage, a bourbon barrel-making factory, and a tour of the Fine Arts Building at Centre Square. Registration is $25 in advance and $35 on-site, which includes lunch from one of Lebanon’s wonderful restaurants, Ragetti’s Italian Food. The field trip begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp and the conference ends at 4:30 p.m. Door prizes will be given away at the conclusion. For more information or to get a registration form, contact the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission at 270.692.0021 or e-mail VisitLebanonKy@windstream.net. For more information about Lebanon, the true Heart of Kentucky, go to www.VisitLebanonKy.com. The purpose of the KFEA is to promote and market the members of the organization, to provide a network for the exchange of ideas and leadership management and to act as a liaison to encourage and assist cooperative efforts among all festivals, state government and other tourism-related organizations.

Notes

The mission of the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission is to develop, increase and promote tourism in Lebanon and surrounding areas by featuring its history, culture, products and recreation/convention facilities. Our goal is to become a choice destination for group travel, conventions and individual leisure/recreation travel. Through these efforts, the commission seeks to increase visitor spending, local revenue and job development, thereby enhancing the area’s quality of life.

Cooley’s Greenore claims World’s Best Single Grain Whiskey Award for third consecutive year

Cooley Distillery’s 15 Year Old Single Grain Whiskey Greenore has been named World Best Single Grain Whiskey for the third consecutive year at the World Whiskies Awards in London.

Over 300 whiskies battled it out over three tasting rounds for the coveted titles of the 2011 Best Whiskies in the World.  The World Whiskies Awards are adjudicated by an illustrious panel of whisky experts brought together by the industry bible The Whisky Magazine. 

Originally launched as a limited batch of just 5,000 bottles in 2008 the Greenore 15 Year Old claimed its first World Best Single Grain Whiskey award in 2009 and has continued to dominate the Single Grain whiskey field with repeat wins in 2010 and now 2011.

To date the Greenore 15 Year Old has won two Gold medals and two Best in Class commendations at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and three World Whiskies Awards World Best Single Grain Whiskey titles.

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, commented: “Greenore is a very special whiskey and one that we are immensely proud of.  Named after a local town in the area in which it is produced the success of this unique whiskey can be attributed to the skill and dedication of our workforce who ensure that every drop bottled is of a world class standard.

Greenore is the only Irish Single Grain Whiskey in existence and it’s success is proof positive of Ireland’s ability to produce world class products which are marketable at home and overseas.”

This award coincides with the launch of the latest expression in the Greenore range – the small batch bottling of 18 Year Old Single Grain. Greenore 18 Year old continues a journey of taste and discovery showcasing how extra years in American oak casks impart further depth and flavour to Cooley’s award winning Single Grain whiskey. This small batch bottling has been limited to only 4000 bottles.

Master of Malt are first to stock 70 Year Old Whisky

Online Retailer Master of Malt (http://www.masterofmalt.com/) are first to stock Glenlivet 70 year old, an extraordinary single malt that was launched in March 2011. The Scotch, with a price tag of £13,000 a bottle, has been described by critics as “stupendous”, and is one of just two 70 year old single malt whiskies ever released.

Distilled at the Glenlivet distillery on the 4th February 1940 during the height of the Battle of Britain, the spirit was filled into a Sherry cask, where it rested for the last seventy years. During the ageing process, whisky actually evaporates out of the cask, a phenomenon known in the industry as “the angel’s share”. Because of this, there was only enough liquid for 100 full-sized decanter bottles – adding to its rarity.

The 700ml decanters are on sale at Master of Malt with a price tag of £13,000, and there are also smaller, 20cl-sized bottles with a price of £3,200 each. The whisky was bottled in 2011 by the renowned Scotch whisky brand Gordon and MacPhail, and it is the second part of their “Generations” series, the first of which was the world’s oldest whisky, a 70 year old single malt from the Mortlach distillery.

The bottles are presented in hand-blown crystal decanters, with British hallmarked sterling silver stoppers, and silver bases. The wooden boxes are handmade out of Scottish Elm. Famed critic Charlie MacLean describes the whisky: “Although it resonates with aged character – and, indeed, characteristics from another era – it retains vitality, both on the nose and in the mouth.”

You can purchase a bottle of Glenlivet 70 Year Old 1940 from Master of Malt for £13,000: http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenlivet-70-year-old-1940-whisky/

About Glenlivet 70 Year Old 1940

– Distilled in Speyside, Scotland on the 4th February 1940
– Aged in a First Fill American White Oak Sherry Butt
– Bottled with at a strength of 45.9% abv
– 100 x 70cl decanters released, 175 x 20cl decanters released
– Tasting notes and review can be found here: http://www.masterofmalt.com/Blog/post/The-Glenlivet-70-Year-Old-e28093-The-Worlde28099s-Oldest-Whisky-(Mk-2).aspx

About Master of Malt

– Established in 1985
– Master of Malt – http://www.masterofmalt.com/ 
– One of the UK’s leading Online Spirits Merchants
– Highly rated independent bottler, all of whose single cask whiskies scored over 90 points in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible

Follow Master of Malt
– On their blog – http://www.masterofmalt.com/blog
– On Twitter @MasterOfMalt
– On Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/masterofmalt

NEW ARRAN WHISKY SET TO BECOME MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Award-winning* Scotch whisky producer Isle of Arran Distillers, has launched a limited edition of 6,000 bottles; The Westie. The bottling will be released in the UK and worldwide at the beginning of April.

This single malt Scotch whisky was drawn from 22 ex-Sherry Hogsheads specially selected by Master Distiller James MacTaggart from the 1998 distillation.

The result is a golden-coloured, full-bodied malt which has, over the 12 years of maturation, developed rich and warming notes of toasted oak, treacle toffee and orange zest with hints of vanilla, cocoa powder and cardamom seeds that leaves a malty and smooth finish with voluptuous spice.

The Westie is the third edition of the Icons of Arran Series.  The inspiration for the new ‘Icon’ was James MacTaggart’s West Highland Terrier, Ruaraidh (pronounced Roo-Ree) – a fully fledged member of the distillery and a favourite amongst visitors.

The first Icons edition, ‘The Peacock’, was named after the distillery’s very own live-in peacock and the second, ‘The Rowan Tree’, was named after the several species of the flamboyant tree that are unique to the Isle of Arran.

Euan Mitchell, Managing Director at Arran Whisky comments: “We are very proud of the newest addition to the Icons of Arran Series.

“Ruaraidh is an integral part of the distillery so a whisky dedicated to him has been long overdue. The last two had a great reception and we expect the same out of The Westie in the UK and worldwide.”

The limited edition dram comes in its own pack featuring a picture of Ruaraidh on-pack and in the bottle’s label to provide stand-out.

The Arran Westie, RRP £39.99, is available from The Arran Malt Shop (www.arranwhisky.com) and specialist shops across the UK and worldwide.

Glengoyne, in partnership with whisky social networking site www.connosr.com, is hosting a special member tasting event at Glengoyne Distillery on Friday 1st April 2011.

The event is free to Connosr members and includes a VIP tour of the distillery followed by a tutored tasting (with light bites) of the core Glengoyne range plus two VERY special, once in a lifetime, whiskies.

In addition to all of this, there will be a special discount in the Glengoyne shop for the evening.

Connosr will also be bringing their WhiskyPod whisky video review booth so that guests can record their thoughts about the whiskies.

For more information and to register for the event visit www.connosr.com/invites/vip-glengoyne-tasting/

Notes:

Award-winning Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. The Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 12 Years Old at 43%, 17 Years Old , 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as other limited edition special bottlings. 

Following a recent 25% increase in case sales Glengoyne recently announced a new long-term marketing initiative based on the concept “SLOW”, and is to invest upwards of £1m in the campaign drive over the next two years.

The campaign is centred on Glengoyne’s distillation speed, which is SLOWER than any other Scotch Whisky. Glengoyne attributes its high quality, smooth tasting malt to its slow distillation, which is about one third the normal rate.
 
SLOWLY distilling the spirit allows more contact with the copper stills, removing unwanted sulphur which can result in bitterness and encouraging the formation of esters creating Glengoyne’s distinctive apple fruitiness. The increased copper interaction also helps draw more flavour from the slowly handcrafted Spanish Sherry oak casks during maturation.

DirectRooms.com – Scottish festival presents the finest whiskies from Speyside

DirectRooms.com announces that people with an appreciation for fine whisky should head to Speyside in late April to take part in the region’s annual festival that offers six days of whisky filled activities.

For over ten years The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has been educating visitors in the art of whisky drinking and explaining the complex processes that go into developing the best quality drams. In depth tours of local distilleries will take place each day and there’ll be plenty of drinks to sample along the way to make sure visitors are not left feeling thirsty.

The festival looks to educate people into the finer points of what to expect from different malts and as well as the liquor, events will also offer dinners and tasting courses where visitors can sample local foods such as freshly caught Scottish salmon. Live music and dance is set to feature on many of the nightly entertainment evenings where there’s sure to be a few renditions on the bagpipes and songs from local bands.

People using Aberdeen hotels can also sign up for classes in woodcarving, whisky and chocolate tasting as well as arts and crafts exhibitions. The festival takes place from 28th April to 2nd May 2011 and activities run on each day and most evenings.

Lek Boonlert, marketing head at DirectRooms.com commented: “The festival is well known and attracts many whisky enthusiasts even those from overseas.
Hotels in the area will be close to full occupancy so prebookings are highly advised for anyone attending.”

About DirectRooms

DirectRooms is an independent discount hotel reservations company based in Asia. Established and online since 2000 with over 55,000 hotels worldwide.

For further information please contact Lek Boonlert:

Email: lek@directrooms.com
Tel: + 66 (0)76 241 145

Amrut Distilleries takes World title at Icons of Whisky

AMRUT DISTILLERIES’ success on the global stage continues. It was named a Distiller of the Year in the Icons of Whisky 2011 on 3 March in London. Amrut was crowned in the Rest of the World category by the independent judges of the prestigious awards, which are organised by Whisky Magazine. The award was made to Amrut “for raising the profile of Indian whisky across the globe and its innovations in the production process”. The Rest of the World title meant the Bangalore distillery was also one of the four contenders for the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year title.

The Icons are designed to celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world. Chairman of the judges, Whisky Mag editor, Rob Allanson, added: “This year, in some cases we have seen smaller companies punching well above their weight to top their bigger rivals in the polls. The results also reflect the global nature of the whisky world.”

Amrut’s International Sales Manager, Ashok Chokalingam, was presented the award at a glittering dinner at the Waldorf Hotel in London. “This is an honour indeed. Amrut Distilleries has achieved a great deal in terms in the past few years and it is really satisfying to be recognised on the world stage. We hope we will continue to delight whisky drinkers the world over with our malts. We also hope we will continue to excite malt drinkers with our innovative approach to distilling and maturation.”

This latest recognition for Amrut Distilleries comes hard on the heels of Amrut Fusion being named World Whisky of the Year at the Malt Advocate Whisky Awards in February 2011. In a new category created to recognise “the wonderful whiskies” being produced in countries like Japan, India, Sweden, England, outside the major distilling nations, John Hansell, editor of Malt Advocate magazine, explained the choice of winner. “India’s Amrut distillery changed the way many think of Indian whisky. … Amrut is making whisky, and it’s very good.”

Hansell continued: “Amrut finally began exporting their whisky to the US in 2010. We’ve tasted our way through the various expressions (peated, sherried, cask strength, etc.) and we enjoyed them all, but the one that really impressed us was Amrut Fusion. Fusion shows balance, complexity, and surprising maturity for its age – these are the defining characteristics for what is the best Indian whisky we have ever tasted. Combining Indian malt and peated Scottish malt, this whisky shows a sweet side, but is never cloying, with rich caramel, vanilla custard, and fruit cocktail in light syrup, balanced by vibrant – almost floral – dried peat smoke, delicate white pepper, and a hint of tropical fruit. We look forward to more great whiskies from Amrut.”

Amrut Fusion has been won many fans across the world and was named third best whisky of the year in the 2010 edition of Jim Murray’s The Whisky Bible. Fusion and Amrut’s other innovative malts like Intermediate Sherry Matured and Kadhambam have won many other awards, including several from the Malt Maniacs.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd, The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3PF, UK. Tel + 44 (0) 7838 229914 or + 44 (0) 191 233 6316. Email ashok@amrutdistilleries.com

JAPANESE whisky – and specifically that made by SUNTORY – was the big winner in this year’s World Whisky Awards organised by Whisky Magazine. The two major categories, Best Single Malt in the World and Best Blend in the World were both won by the Japanese whisky maker with Yamazaki 1984 and Hibiki 21yo respectively, the first time in the history of the competition that a single distiller has taken both of the top prizes.

A team of international judges of writers, retailers, distillers and blenders from UK, US, Canada, France, Germany and Japan tasted whiskies ‘blind’ over two rounds to first discern sub-category, then category winners.

Yamazaki 1984, for example, first had to triumph in its age category within Japanese single malts and then against all other Japanese single malt sub-category winners to become the best Japanese single malt winner.

In the final round, it was pitched against all the other single malt sub-category winners: Springbank 12yo, Auchentoshan 1998, Glenmorangie Signet, Glenfarclas 40yo, Bowmore Tempest, Highland Park 25yo, Redbreast 15yo, Bushmills 16yo and Kavalan Solist.

“Undoubtedly this was the highest quality final round we have seen yet in the WWA,” said Dave Broom, chairman of the judges. “All the whiskies there were superb examples of their region and style and to take the top prize was a major achievement. For one distiller to take both prizes is a phenomenal achievement and shows the world the quality which exists within Japanese whisky. This achievement will send a clear message around the world – Japanese whisky is a force to be reckoned with.”

In the blended malt category, Glenmorangie’s James Martin’s 30yo beat the incumbent champion Takesturu 21yo, while the best overall North American whisky was Parker’s Heritage. The top Canadian was Wiser’s Legacy and Greenore 15yo retained its title as the World’s Best grain.

Exclusive, 70 Year Old Malt and the ‘Lifetime’ of one of Scotland’s Most Iconic Whiskies Revealed

‘Sequel’ to world’s oldest whisky unveiled

From today, whisky lovers will get the chance to own the ‘lifetime’ of one of Scotland’s most iconic whiskies, with the jewel in the crown being a £13,000 bottle of 70 year old Scotch.

Family-owned whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, will unveil one cask of The Glenlivet 70 Years Old, one of the world’s oldest whiskies, at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle. Described as a “stupendous”, “smooth” and “voluptuous” single malt, and released under G&M’s Generations label, only 100 full-size bottles of this exclusive whisky will be available to buy in 2011.

To make these exclusive purchase extra-special, enthusiasts will also be able to buy a limited edition set, the “Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades.” This set contains a bottle from every decade from the 1950s to 1990s – giving collectors the rare opportunity to own the ‘liquid lifetime’ of the malt.

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.

David and Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“Following on from the phenomenal success last year of Mortlach 70 Years Old, we decided to release this ‘sister’ Generations cask as there is clearly an enormous demand for greatly aged Scotch Malt Whiskies.

“This cask of The Glenlivet was laid down on 3rd February 1940, on the instruction of our grand-father, John Urquhart. Since then, successive generations of the Urquhart family have been waiting for today – the day it would be ready to share with fellow whisky lovers.

“Throughout the 115 years since we were founded, we have made it our business to nurture and mature some of the finest whiskies Scotland has to offer. The ‘Glenlivet Decades’ collection revisits this special malt throughout the years, allowing whisky enthusiasts to get a real sense of how the cask and the maturation process change the character of a whisky.

“Altogether, these six whiskies represent the ‘liquid lifetime’ of The Glenlivet, and six decades of experience, dedication and passion on the part of our family. We’re confident that this investment has resulted in a suite of whiskies of unparalleled quality: a realcollector’s piece.”

The whiskies will be revealed to an audience of invited guests at a 1940s-themed ceremony at the historic location of Edinburgh Castle.

Well-known whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean described the launch:

“Made at the height of the Battle of Britain, The Glenlivet 1940 opens a door into a different time, another country. To smell and taste this exquisite whisky is to experience the past in a unique way – layer upon layer of flavour, profound and evocative. Its companions from the succeeding five decades provide an unrepeatable opportunity to explore subtle differences in the flavour of this Prince of Whiskies over half a century – as well as being a Blue Chip investment!”.

Each bottle will be beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Elm.

The Glenlivet 70 Years Old was matured in a First Fill Sherry Butt, and bottled at cask strength (45.9% ABV). Only 100 70cl bottles and 175 20cl bottles will be released in 2011. The 70cl decanter has a recommended retail price in the UK of £13,000 and the 20cl version has a recommended retail price in the UK of £3,200. It is the second in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon & MacPhail under its ‘Generations’ brand.

Fifty limited edition collector’s packs are also available, containing all five Private Collection whiskies, priced at £2,850 per pack. The packs contain one bottle of each of the following whiskies: Glenlivet 1954 50.6%; Glenlivet 1963 40.6%; Glenlivet 1974 50.1%; Glenlivet 1980 48.5%; and Glenlivet 1991 54.4%.

The Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades bottlings are also available individually, with recommended retail prices in the UK ranging from £95 to £1,250.

Prices may vary in different countries due to different excise and sales taxes and currency fluctuations.

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Notes:

About Gordon & MacPhail

GORDON & MACPHAIL GENERATIONS GLENLIVET 1940 – 70 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

100 x 70cl and 175 x 20cl decanters available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail price in the UK is £13,000 for 70cl decanter and £3,200 for 20cl decanter. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep amber, with tawny lights.

Aroma: A mild nose-feel. The first aroma is of an old cocktail cabinet, with Sherry notes predominating: polished wood, soft leather and a trace of candlewax. Behind this are fruity notes, lightly baked apples (even Tarte Tatin), but also fresh orange juice, and just a thread of smoke or ash in the distance. Adding a drop of water suppresses the fruity notes and slightly enhances the sweetness (now tablet) and smokiness.

Taste: A waxy, teeth-coating, mouthfeel; smooth and voluptuous. The taste is sweetish to start, then savoury, with a trace of salt – might this be a rare example of ‘umami’ in whisky, the elusive fifth primary taste? The finish is long, with a faint smokiness in the aftertaste. Drinks well at natural strength. With a drop of water the flavours remain intact.

About others:

Gordon & MacPhail used a number of Scottish companies in the creation of Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old. Details of which follow below:

Navyblue design (www.navyblue.com) – original design
Glencairn Crystal (www.glencairn.co.uk) – decanter supply
Scottish Silver (www.scottishsilver.com) – silverware
Samson’s Joinery, a member of the Scottish Furniture Makers Association (www.samsonsjoinery.co.uk) – Scottish Elm box
Blue Box Design Ltd & Dewar Brothers Ltd – transit packaging
Gavin Watson & Reid Printers (www.gavinwatson.co.uk) – certificates and seals