AMERICAN HONEY™ GIVES FANS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN THE WORLD A COVER MODEL

Vote to Select the Face of the 2011 American Honey Calendar and Enter to Win a Trip to the Actual Calendar Photo Shoot in Los Angeles

NEW YORK CITY (August 2010) – Wild Turkey American Honey®, America’s number-one selling honey liqueur, is pleased to announce a new level of collaboration with its dedicated fans by allowing them to select the cover model for the much-anticipated American Honey 2011 Calendar. The voting will take place online at the American Honey website.

The American Honey calendar, which debuted last year, features stylish photographs of twelve of the most beautiful women in the world in seasonal backgrounds, along with American Honey cocktail recipes. The models were chosen to embody the sweet, sassy and All-American character of American Honey. 2011 marks the first year the cover model will be chosen by the public.

“American Honey drinkers are men and women of taste who really know what they want,” said Maura McGinn, Vodka and Cordials Group Director, Skyy Spirits. “So we wanted to give them the opportunity to decide who would get to be on the calendar cover as the face of the brand. After fans see how beautiful each of these girls is, it is sure to be a very tough decision.”

Legal drinking age consumers will be able to vote at http://www.americanhoney.com through August 15th. Qualified voters will be entered to win an all expenses paid trip for themselves and a friend to the actual calendar photo shoot in Los Angeles, California. While everyone around the world can vote, the contest is restricted to those voters in the United States, where legal. See website for full rules and details.

About American Honey

Produced using real honey and Wild Turkey Bourbon, American Honey is the original and only real bourbon based liqueur. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has matched the natural essence of American honey with the bold flavors of Wild Turkey Bourbon to deliver a deliciously smooth sweetness with a bite. Bottled at 71 proof and served best chilled, the brand has received numerous awards including the title of “World’s Best Whiskey Liqueur” from the World Whiskey Awards for 2008, 2009, and 2010.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón™ Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari

Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the USA and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated, Zedda Piras and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

New presentation for Glenfarclas 105 launched

Speyside, – More than 40 years after the first bottling of Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength, family owned and managed J. & G. Grant are proud to release the new presentation for the distillery’s legendary expression in the 700ml bottle format. The new presentation incorporates a bespoke bottle and contemporary repeat 105 pattern.

In 1968 George S. Grant, fourth generation of the owning family, bottled a single cask straight from the warehouse, and sent the bottles to family and friends as Christmas gifts. By chance the strength of the cask George S. Grant selected was ‘105’ British Proof, and along with the name of the distillery, this was all the information he detailed on the hand written label. By the end of January the recipients of the gifts requested further bottles, hence Glenfarclas ‘105’, the first commercially available cask strength whisky of the modern age was born. The name refers to the strength in the British Proof system, equivalent to 60% alcohol by volume.

The new packaging builds on the 105’s cult status, by giving the expression a stronger identity of its own. Whilst the presentation has given the 105 a contemporary twist, the company continue to produce Glenfarclas 105 in the same traditional manner, by selecting some of the finest casks from the distillery’s warehouses, and vatting them together to give a constant 60% vol., without adding water. George Grant, Director of Sales and sixth generation, added, ‘The 105 has a great history, and this new presentation gives the 105 a great future’.

Notes

Cask Strength Whisky:

The vast majority of whiskies are ‘reduced’, water is added at the point of bottling to take the strength down to 40% or 43% Vol. Glenfarclas 105 is not reduced, instead casks are vatted together to obtain a constant strength of 60% Vol. Most whiskies would be deemed too over powering served at 60% Vol., however with a heavily sherried house style, Glenfarclas 105 is surprisingly smooth for its strength.

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Tasting notes

Colour: Deep peaty-gold.

Nose: Complex, oaky, apples and pears, and a tempting dark toffee sweetness.

Flavour: Dry and assertive, develops quickly to reveal a rich spiciness, combined with a hint of oak and sherried fruit.

Finish: Amazingly smooth for the strength; wonderfully warming and with a lingering smokiness, yet very rounded.

Comment: A great whisky holding all the flavours of all the Glenfarclas in one glass. Being so warming, this is the perfect Hogmanay dram. The smoothness makes the 105 drinkable at cask strength, but we suggest adding a little water to fully explore its great depth. Glenfarclas 105 was originally bottled as an 8 Years Old, however since 1989, it has been bottled as a 10 Years Old.

Cult status

• Entry in the Guinness Book of records in the 1970s for the strongest commercially available whisky.

• For a while stronger than the maximum permitted strength in the USA, hence the distillery bottled Glenfarclas 104 specifically for the US market, until US regulations changed.

• In the 1990s Glenfarclas ran a promotion including a hydrometer with each bottle of 105. Consumers were encouraged to reduce the whisky themselves, and try 105 at different strengths.

• 2004 ‘Bang for your Buck’ Award from the Malt Maniacs sums up the 105’s price to performance ratio.

• In November 2008 J. & G. Grant released a limited edition Glenfarclas 105 Aged 40 Years. With only a couple of casks of a suitable age, strength and style, the bottling was limited to just 893 bottles.

• 2-10 – the Speyside cocktail, simply a double 105.

• The story of the origins of the British Proof system adds to the 105’s cult status; It is well known that most distilleries evolved from what were originally illicit stills, so the early distillers had a track record of not always been completely honest. One trick was to sell watered down whisky to inn keepers. Hence prior to the invention of the hydrometer the innkeepers devised a method to check the strength. They would add gun powder to the whisky and try to light the whisky, if it did not light, water had been added. If it lit, the whisky was ‘proved’. 105 stands for 5 over proof. 

www.glenfarclas.co.uk

CANADIAN MIST BLACK DIAMOND SET TO LAUNCH IN UNITED STATES

Premium Line Extension Promises a More Robust Expression of Canadian Mist Whisky

Louisville, Ky. (August 5, 2010) – Canadian Mist Whisky is proud to announce the release of “Canadian Mist Black Diamond”, a premium line extension which is set to hit shelves in late August.

This richer, more robust expression of Gold Medal-winning Canadian Mist is the creation of Canadian Mist Master Blender Steve Hughes, whose signature will adorn each bottle. Canadian Mist Black Diamond is blended at 86 proof and has a higher sherry and rye content to give it a more enhanced flavor and deliver the smooth profile for which Canadian Mist is known.

“Our consumers told us they wanted a premium offering from their favorite brand for those special occasions and every day celebrations,” said Hughes. “We wanted to enhance two main flavor attributes that are the key contributors to our gold medal winning formula.”

Distilled in Collingwood, Ontario, Canadian Mist Black Diamond is crafted using select grains and crisp, clear water from the pristine Georgian Bay, North America’s largest pure water source. It is rich in rye and sherry for a full-bodied flavor that can be savored straight or enjoyed in your favorite cocktail.

“Canadian Mist Black Diamond delivers the exceptional quality and taste our current consumers have come to expect from Canadian Mist,” added Alan George, Canadian Mist Brand Director. “It is truly a premium whisky experience that is ideal for celebrating life’s special occasions, or any occasion at all.”

Canadian Mist Black Diamond, a Brown-Forman product, has a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a 750ml. It will launch in six markets in August – Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. More markets will follow in early 2011.

About Canadian Mist

Canadian Mist is an award-winning whisky distilled in Collingwood, Ontario with water from the pristine Georgian Bay, North America’s largest pure water source. Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Early Times Whisky, Old Forester Bourbon, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes. For more information, visit www.canadianmist.com.

The Whisky Exchange RSS Feeds

Just a reminder that The Whisky Exchange has a handy facility for whisky fans to receive alerts every time a new whisky is uploaded onto the website’s New Products page.

By subscribing to TWE’s New Products RSS feed, you will receive updates containing a photo and product description for each new item that appears on the page – and there’s also a ‘Buy Now’ button in each update to take you to the TWE site and instantly add the product to your shopping cart. 

This feed is especially helpful for aficionados who are eagerly awaiting a limited-release product and don’t want to miss out.  By subscribing to the RSS feed, you know that your feed-reader will be updated within minutes of products becoming active on the New Products page, so you don’t need to keep checking the page regularly yourself.

New Products feed: http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ProductNewsRss.aspx

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Bonus:  Two other feeds are also available to give whisky fans easy access to updates from The Whisky Exchange Blog and The Whisky Show, the UK’s premier tasting event, which is co-hosted by TWE.

TWE Blog feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheWhiskyExchangeBlog

The Whisky Show feed: http://www.thewhiskyshow.com/2010/feed/

The last of the worlds major stock of Loch Dhu Whisky, is up for grabs.

A private collector in England has put her collection of this unique black whisky on the internet for sale.

Although the collector is selling the bottles individually on her website, offers for the whole stock of several hundred bottles are being considered.

Prices including shipping to the US are around $300 per bottle.

Offers for the full stock or larger quantities are only being considered at about the same price level or higher, because of the potential for prices to rise markedly as the world stock dwindles.

Several large US hotel and entertainment corporations are already buying up stock from the site, with prices in Vegas hotels nudging $100 a shot.

Prices of Loch Dhu have more than doubled in the past year.

The site with contact details can be found at

www.loch-dhu.com

Launch of The Arran Malt 14 Years Old

Be the first to taste The Arran Malt 14 Years Old FOR FREE!

The world launch of the first ever 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Arran Distillery will take place in the whisky bar of the renowned Òran Mór in Glasgow’s West End on Wednesday 11th August 2010. But this is no ordinary whisky tasting………………

The Isle of Arran has a long history of whisky production, both legal and illicit, and in the past casks of the famous ‘Arran waters’ were smuggled to the mainland under the noses of the customs men. In the spirit of days gone by the first cask of The Arran Malt 14 Years Old will be brought directly from the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza by boat to Glasgow Quay where a horse and cart will be waiting to transport it to Òran Mór. Accompanied by Arran’s Master Distiller, James MacTaggart,  the cask will be piped into the whisky bar at approximately 6.30pm and the first 100 samples will be poured straight from the cask absolutely free of charge – no catch, honest! Expect a great evening with delicious canapés supplied using food sourced from the Isle of Arran and music provided by Arran’s very own Robyn & Amie (“The Safe Words”).

Come and have a chat with James MacTaggart, enjoy the food, music, banter and above all be the first in the world to sample this fantastic new single malt from the Isle of Arran Distillery.

But the great drams don’t end there…..The Arran Malt 10 Years Old is Malt of the Month in Òran Mór throughout August! Make a date for your diary…..

Visit the Òran Mór  http://www.oran-mor.co.uk/page/The_Whisky_Bar_152.html

and Isle of Arran Distillery at http://www.arranwhisky.com/

ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS TO DOUBLE PRODUCTION FOLLOWING 2009 RESULTS*

Award winning distillery Isle of Arran is to double production to meet rising demand.

Managing Director, Euan Mitchell, said: “Our confidence is based on the quality and provenance of our unique whiskies.

“Having delivered improved financial results, we are looking to grow significantly by doubling our production.

“We are a small but dynamic player in the Scotch whisky market and we believe our range of award-winning quality malts are able to compete with the finest whiskies available.”

Despite 2009 being a difficult financial year for the distillery due to difficult trading conditions and the collapse of drinks distributor Malcolm Cowen, Arran increased turnover to over £2 million for 2009; a 3.3% increase from the previous year.

The whisky producers also reported an operating profit of £38,223 and bottom line improvement of £120,747 over 2008. An increase in people opting for holidays in the UK also meant a record number of visits to the distillery’s visitor centre on the Isle of Arran. Dubbed by many as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, Arran is an attractive destination and the visitor centre has seen a 13% increase in turnover with net profit growing by 60% compared to 2008. 

Managing Director, Euan Mitchell, said: “We are delighted with the results for 2009. Trading was unquestionably tough but through close control of costs and maximising the sales opportunities available we have made tremendous progress.

“With new appointments, new products being rolled out and a plan to enter and expand in new markets we have great scope for growth.”

The appointments include a new agency agreement in the UK with Blavod Drinks Limited. In addition, at least five new whiskies are being launched into the market by the end of this year; one of which includes an exclusive 600 bottling being rolled out in July for the 15th anniversary of Arran distillery.

Overseas, the whisky brand is also performing extremely well, especially in the USA, where malt sales grew by 53% and Norway where the distillers, currently the second top selling malt by volume in the country, have gained three new listings. This year, the brand’s focus overseas will continue, highlighted by the appointment of regional sales manager Andy Hogan whose aim will be to grow The Arran Malt brand in North America. 

Euan Mitchell

*This was released officially some time ago

Survey kicks off Jura 200th anniversary campaign to entice tourists over to the island

Staycationers Outnumber Sun-Seekers as Brits Opt for Beauty of Britain

More than half of Brits (55%) are holidaying at home this Summer as increasing numbers are choosing Britain for its beauty rather than affordability, according to new research by leading malt whisky brand Jura.

The research has been conducted as part of the distillery’s 200th anniversary campaign which will focus on driving more visitors to one of Scotland’s smallest and most remote islands. Jura was famously referred to as being “completely ungettable” by George Orwell who wrote his best selling novel 1984 whilst on the island. But the community’s largest employer is investing a six figure sum in marketing the island to prove otherwise and to make it “more gettable”.

Highlights from the comprehensive survey, which has prompted the malt whisky company to become the “unofficial tourist board for Jura”, include:

Most popular staycation destinations

The South West is by far and away the most popular holiday destination for staycationers, with three in ten (28%) taking their holidays here. Nearly one in five (18%) have taken or are planning to take a holiday in the South East, whilst one in seven (14%) have or will be holidaying in Scotland. The least travelled destinations are Northern Ireland and the East and West Midlands. (Table 1, Notes)

The beauty of Britain is the most attractive draw for staycationers

The research suggests that the growth of the staycation is partly a result of our changing attitudes towards UK holidays. Whilst easy access and affordability are still factors, they are by no means the most attractive qualities of a staycation. More than six in ten (63%) regard the UK’s beautiful scenery as the most attractive aspect of a holiday at home, followed by nearly the same number (57%) who regard the local history and culture as a major draw. The third most attractive aspect is the quality of local food and drink on offer (50%). (Table 2)

More to offer than seaside holidays

Of those holidaying in the UK this year, seaside resorts are the destination for four in ten (40%). However, the research also shows that increasing numbers of us are heading elsewhere. Around four in ten (38%) are taking a countryside or rural holiday, one in five (20%) are taking a city break, and one in seven (14%) are either camping or caravanning. Special interest holidays are also gaining in popularity amongst specific age groups. Nearly one in seven (14%) over 55s are taking a walking holiday whilst more than one in nine (11%) under 35s are opting for a festival holiday. (Table 3)

Stereotypes still ring true

Despite a greater recognition of the number of different holidaying options on offer within the UK, many people still associate a typical domestic holiday with good old British stereotypes. When respondents were asked to name those aspects that they associate with a typical holiday in the UK, two thirds (66%) said fish and chips, six in ten (58%) mentioned bad weather (58%) and half (49%) said ice cream. (Table 4)

The research also shows that, while domestic holidaying remains popular, Scotland still remains well down on the list as a holiday destination for those in England and Wales. Only 10% of those South of the Border will be holidaying in Scotland this year, compared to 57% of Scots holidaying at home. 

The research coincides with news this week that the Jura ferry to the mainland is under serious threat. Unless £12,500 can be found immediately, the first direct service to the mainland in almost 40 years will close – in three weeks. In response to this news, the distillery is looking at ways to help make the ferry a sustainable, profitable and permanent service to benefit both locals and tourists alike.

Distillery manager Willie Cochrane said: “As our research shows, more people are staying in this country for their holidays. And if you plan to stay in the UK, then Jura is the place to come. It’s an adventure in itself just trying to get here.

“Obviously the imminent closure of the direct ferry service compounds the problem of trying to get here. That’s why we’re currently looking at ways we can help. But we only found out about this a few days ago, so it will take time to land on the right solution.

“We have something for everyone here. It’s like being abroad. Beautiful rugged landscapes. Palm trees. Yup, you heard me right, palm trees in Scotland! Secluded beaches.  Stunning gardens with rare flowers. A tropical climate……..kind of…….maybe a little bit wetter. Loads to see and do, and of course great whisky.”

Cochrane continued: “To mark our 200th anniversary, we are trying to get as many people as possible to taste island life and experience unrivalled Diurach hospitality. Essentially we are the unofficial tourist board for Jura. 

“We thought long and hard about how best to celebrate this once in a lifetime event. And we decided that the people of the island, and the island itself, are so integral to the whisky that we should do something which has wider, longer lasting benefits than say a one off party or some self congratulatory advertising.”

Jura is offering visitors discounts on accommodation at the Jura Hotel, discounted ferry travel over to the island and, more importantly, a free dram for life! People wanting to find out more about these benefits should register at www.isleofjura.com.

Notes

About the Research
The research was carried out by Opinion Matters between 15-19 July 2010 amongst a sample of 1217 adults across the UK.

An Open Letter to WhiskyCast Listeners
 
As we all know, the word “whisky” comes from the Gaelic “uisge beatha,” loosely translated from the Latin “aqua vitae” or “water of life.”  To people living in poverty in an African (South American, Asian, and yes, even North American, European, and Australian) village, “water of life” has a different meaning. Millions of people struggle every day just to find enough drinking water to satisfy their thirst, let alone water their animals or irrigate their crops. It’s estimated that one in six people lacks access to clean, safe drinking water. Wars are fought over water, and the editors of Geographical (published by the Royal Geographical Society) devoted an entire issue to the subject in April. The “Parched Planet” coverage called water scarcity “one of the defining issues of this century.”
 
Earlier this year, The Macallan started a campaign in conjunction with Charity: Water to raise money to help provide safe drinking water in villages around the world. November 15th, a single “Cire Perdue” Lalique crystal decanter of 64-year-old Macallan will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York City, and samples of the whisky are being auctioned off in cities around the world as this rare bottle goes on tour. Needless to say, this project will raise thousands of dollars for Charity: Water.
 
I’ve set a smaller goal, with the same result in mind. I’d like to help just one village, but I need your help to do it. Charity: Water can supply a village of 250 people with the equipment to provide clean, safe drinking water for up to 20 years…for just $5,000.

By visiting http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycast, you can make a small donation to help make this happen. I know times are tough, but even a $10 donation will help us reach this goal. If every WhiskyCast listener were to donate $10 (or your local equivalent), we could easily help several villages.
 
I’d like you to join this fight. Without water, we would have no whisky. Without water, millions of people are suffering every day. We can help, and we must help. 
 
$10. It’s the cost of a dram or two at your local bar.
 
Please visit http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycastand make a donation today.
 
Someone’s thirsty. Please answer their call.
 
Thanks for your support!
Mark Gillespie
www.whiskycast.com
http://www.mycharitywater.org/whiskycast

GLENDRONACH RELEASES FOUR NEW WOOD FINISHES
 
More good news from GlenDronach. On top of the news that its sales have soared since the launch of its 12, 15 and 18YO core range last year, the Aberdeenshire distillery has announced the forthcoming release of four new wood finishes – the first of their kind ever to be released by the distillery in its one hundred and eighty-year history.
 
This month they’ll launch the much-anticipated Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel and Tawny Port Wood finishes.
 
Each unique expression was initially matured in European oak and thereafter finished its maturation in a very small batch of the respective wine barrels (or in one case, virgin oak), which have given the whisky its own unique flavours and aromas.
 
All are non-chill filtered and of natural colour and are bottled at 46%abv.
 
GlenDronach 14YO Sauternes Finish
 
Appearance – bright lemon straw   
Nose – juicy and fresh. A blanket of creamed soda and wild strawberries backed up lush late harvest dessert wine. Hints of sherbet and ripe cherries. Very fruity.
Palate – apples and rhubarb drenched in home-made custard. Sweet dessert wine influences emerge with ripe sultanas and a lovely creamy heart.   
Conclusions – sweet fresh and fragrant with balanced acidity. Lots of finesse and elegance, whilst still maintaining the lively youthful elements.
 
GlenDronach 14YO Virgin Oak Finish
 
Appearance – light gold. Freshly harvested straw.           
Nose – toasted oak elements which are so intense that smoky attributes emerge. Sweet and lush tropical fruits rise with prominence. Banana and cacao, with roasted coconut.             
Palate – spiced ginger and cinnamon cake with a beautiful smoky twist. Creamed dessicated coconut and fresh buttered toast with a handful of hazelnuts on the side.       
Conclusion – a glorious nut feast with superb depth.
 
GlenDronach 15YO Moscatel Finish
 
Appearance – light gold.      
Nose – golden syrup and nutmeg. Poached peaches and apricot flavours with fresh figs and dates. Subtle marzipan on the tail intensifies the aromatics.      
Palate – sweet summer fruits of melon and pineapple intertwined with sweet ripe raisins and alcohol infused figs. Subtle marzipan adds a smooth round nutty edge.  
Conclusion – a warming mix of fruit, nuts. Lovely length and balance.
 
GlenDronach 20YO Tawny Port Finish
 
Appearance – bright amber with a subtle tawny edge.    
Nose – lashings of fine fortified wine elements and a generous portion of Mediterranean fruits including figs and dates.     
Palate – stewed fruits of prunes, pears and apples. The stewed fruit is balanced with an injection of liquorice and subtle aniseed flavours. Massive power and definition.       
Conclusion – a complex dram with a fantastic fortified backbone.
 
The release of a series of non-sherry wood finishes is certainly quite a departure from the norm for GlenDronach, where the tradition is to mature the whisky in big, rich sherry casks such as Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez.
 
As MD Billy Walker explained: “We’re not looking to change the style of GlenDronach. Our focus will continue to be on richly sherried malts, but we were interested to see how the whisky would react to different types of wood. It was important that the whiskies we selected for ‘finishing’ were not typical GlenDronach (richly sherried); instead we opted for whisky that had been maturing in lighter casks – this meant we could experience in full the impact of the second cask, be it Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel or Tawny Port.
 
“Each of these ‘finishes’ has been bottled in relatively small quantities, ranging from 340 cases of the Tawny Port Finish to 860 cases of the Virgin Oak Finish.”
 
The wood finishes will available in over twenty export markets, and in the UK through independent specialist whisky retailers, as well as at the distillery shop.
 
UK RRPs are as follows (70cl / 46%):
 
14YO Sauternes Finish – £41.99
14YO Virgin Oak Finish – £41.99
15YO Moscatel Finish – £44.99
20YO Tawny Port Finish – £64.99

Visit GlenDronach Distillery at www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk