Single Malts Newsletter
New Website Launch
June 2010
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Greetings!

Welcome to the Single Malts Direct newsletter.

I am delighted to bring you some exciting news. Our newly designed, all singing all dancing website is live now!

We have been working on this for the last few months so please have a visit and let us have your comments.

There are a lot of new functions and a great new account facility. Please read on to discover these fantastic new additions.
 
So Whats New??
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Live Chat –

You can now talk to us live and our helpful staff will help you with choosing a whisky or with any queries. We are available to chat between the hours of 9am to 5pm UK time and will soon be extending this to 24 hours.

New Improved Account Facility –

With our new account function you now have the ability to view you order history, manage your product reviews and wish list, review saved items in your cart, check your gift card balance. You now have much more control over your personal account.

The Malt Blog –

Check out our new blog for tasting notes, new product releases and industry news. The blog is updated weekly with fresh content and news hot from the press.

Product Alerts –

Every product has an Rss alert feed so you can sign up to be notified of price changes, special offers and stock availability.
Coming Soon!!
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Whisky Wizard –

Are you looking for a whisky but there are so many to choose from? Well our in-house experts will advise you with our Whisky Wizard function we will be categorising whiskies in terms of flavour and region, how they match with food, whiskies to use for mixing and cocktails and how they match to your favourite malt.

Design Your Own Label –

Looking to add a personal touch to your whisky? Soon you will be able to do so with our label designer where you can choose from a number of templates and create your own custom label which will then be applied to a whisky from our own special bottlings. A great idea for birthdays, anniversaries or for any occasion.

Tartan Drinks –

With every known Tartan available we can offer your own clan tartan on a special label. You can personalise the label to have any text you wish. Choose from the selection of exceptional whiskies we have available. A fantastic gift for clan (family) gatherings!

Corporate Drinks –

We offer a corporate personal label service where you can create a label or have us create a label for you. Perfect for company anniversaries, celebrations and other major corporate events. We bottle from one label to thousands of cases. There is no order too large or small!

Look out for the next newsletter which will contain more details.
 
Introductory Offer!!
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Exclusive to newsletter subscribers only!

This week get a 29% discount off our very own Whiskies of Scotland Macallan 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Add the product to the shopping cart and enter the discount code SMD17YO in the discount code section.

 
Contact Information
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phone: 0845 6066145
email: info@singlemaltsdirect.com

website http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com/

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According to new research commissioned by Chivas Brothers, 94% of consumers believe the age statement serves as an indicator of quality, 93% believe that older whiskies are better quality and 89% actively look for an age statement when making a decision to purchase.

However, there is a global lack of knowledge about what the age statement actually means: only 10% understand that it refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle, nearly half (48%) believe an age statement refers to the average age and 35% believe it signifies the oldest whisky present. The Scotch Whisky Regulations (2009) make clear what an age statement means – the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle.

Chivas Brothers, Distiller of the Year 2009, is responding with a campaign called The Age Matters, which will manifest itself through stand-alone activity as well as through integration across the company’s aged whisky portfolio, which includes Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Royal Salute brands.

The aim of the campaign is to enable consumers to understand fully the age statement and to appreciate the value of the premium product they are purchasing.

One of the greatest influences on the flavour of whisky comes from maturation. Much of the complexity of Scotch whisky comes mainly from its time in oak casks in Scotland; with outstanding spirit and excellent wood management, it follows that the longer the maturation period, the more complex the whisky.

From 1 July 2010, consumers will be encouraged to look for age statements on Scotch whisky, via point-of-sale materials, advertising and public relations. A logo using the language Guaranteed Age Whisky has been created for use in retail, and will be visible in the environment of Chivas Brothers brands that carry an age statement.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited, said: “The revelation that so many existing whisky drinkers do not understand that the age statement refers to the youngest age of the whisky shows that there is an opportunity for us to inform them.

“In an age when consumers of luxury goods increasingly demand transparency and authenticity from brands, it is vital that we empower consumers with knowledge, so that they fully understand the value of what they are buying.”

Notes:Details of further consumer engagement activity will be released in due course.

With more than 85% of the market share of Scotch whisky aged 21 years old and over, Chivas Brothers has a long history of expertise in producing award-winning, high aged whisky brands.

The research was commissioned by Chivas Brothers Limited and conducted by an independent market research agency, Buzzback, between 3 June 2010 and 9 June 2010.

The sample consisted of more than 2,000 respondents in nine countries each evaluating a set of statements. All respondents were male and aged 21+ (or 25+ in India). All have purchased whisky in the past month. Countries: France, the UK, the US, India, Korea, Russia, Mexico, China, Brazil. Additional findings included:

• 94% of consumers believe that age is an important indicator of quality

• 93% believe that older whiskies are better quality

• 92% prefer to buy whisky with a clear age statement

• 97% agreed that whiskies that claim to be aged should clearly state the age on the bottle

• 89% look for an age statement when buying whisky

• 86% expect to pay a price premium for whiskies with an age statement

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.

Maltstock – Newsflash

Camping  
 
For those of you who prefer to camp close to Maltstock, instead of staying at the venue in small dorms, we now are able to offer you that possibility. Opposite of the Maltstock venue is a campsite, “Dennenbos”. There’s no discount for camping instead of staying at the Maltstock venue. If you would like to camp we need to know well in advance. There’s a limited number of camping spots available.

When you book you Maltstock tickets, just mention in the reamrks field that you would like to camp. If you already have bought your Maltstock tickets, just send us an e-mail.

The campsite is not part of the Maltstock venue. The Maltstock venue will close it’s gates between 01.00 and 09.00. There are facilities near the campsite. There will be no Maltstock crew present on the campsite.

Hope to see you all in September. If you haven’t bought your Maltstock tickets yet, just go to our online webshop, register first and than get your tickets. We already have people coming from Holland, Belgium, Germany, UK, Czech republic and Slovenia. For the full program and the free tastings please check our website.

See you in September, see you at Maltstock!

Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier & Teun
info@maltstock.com

www.maltstock.com
the relaxed whiskyweekend

GoLite Utopia 2 Person Tent

Following the successful launch of our unique, distinctive and stylish Whisky Kilt in November 2009, Whisky Kilt is now pleased to announce the launch of:-

Whisky Tartan Home Furnishing products. Made from the same finest quality 13oz tartan – woven from new Scottish wool by one of Scotland’s oldest weaving companies, and now made into home styling accessories – a perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gifts.

Our square and bolster cushions will enhance many room decors and bring a lively comment from friends and visitors, particularly those who are whisky aficionados’ !! Whisky Tartan incorporates the names of some of Scotland’s finest distilleries woven into the pattern. The eye catching tartan is in a background of jacquard brown and oatmeal, woven with colours of sage and burgundy.

Whisky Tartan Fabric Alongside our Home Furnishing Products we are also now making the fabric available. You too can then enjoy ‘accent’ furnishing, or re-upholstering a favourite chair or bench cushion.

Whisky Kilt Our first product quite naturally was our Whisky Kilt and is made from the finest quality 13oz Whisky Tartan. Using new Scottish wool and Made in Scotland, this is a creation that combines two of Scotland’s greatest icons – its national drink and its national dress! We use 8 yards of material and all our seams are hand finished.

“Very occasionally you see something new, innovative and unique. The Whisky Kilt was one of those rare occasions!” Quote by Iain Weir, Director of Marketing Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd.

Visit http://www.whiskykilt.com/section.php?xSec=2&xPage=1 to order your Whisky Kilt

The World’s Most Luxurious Single Malt Whisky Samples at Master of Malt

Glenmorangie and Ardbeg now available as 3cl samples from Master of Malt

One of the world’s largest luxury goods companies, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy), has joined Master of Malt’s whisky sample service, Drinks by the Dram. Whisky drinkers can now order 3cl samples from the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg range of single malts, including very rare, hard to find expressions.

Master of Malt, a UK online whisky retailer, launched its whisky sample service in May and, since then, connoisseurs and beginners alike have flocked to the site to try out all sorts of spirits at just a fraction of the price of full-sized bottles.

For many whisky drinkers, Ardbeg is the pinnacle of single malt Scotch whisky. Its whisky is the peatiest in Scotland, and it offers exceptional balance and complexity. Because of this, and its inherent collector’s value, the rarer Ardbeg editions command very high prices.

Now, though, anyone can afford to sample any whisky from the Ardbeg collection. You can try anything from the 2009 Whisky of the Year, Ardbeg Uigeadail, (a sample of which is available for £3.35) to the ultra rare Ardbeg 1977 – a whisky described by top critic Jim Murray as “simply one of the greatest experiences”. A 3cl sample of the 1977 costs £16.25, which is considerably cheaper than the £299.95 bottle price.

This also means that you can now taste the year’s most talked about single malt, Ardbeg Supernova 2010, for just £4.95. Supernova is one of the peatiest whiskies in the world with over 100 phenol parts per million (four times more peaty than Ardbeg 10 Year old).

Glenmorangie, on the other hand, is known for its creamy, fruity style of single malt. Since LVMH acquired the distillery in 2004, it has been positioned as a high-end, luxury brand; the packaging has become far more lavish and the marketing flaunts the whisky as being decadent and chic – a strategy which thoroughly suits the sumptuous style of Glenmorangie whisky.

Anyone wishing to buy the recently released Sonnalta PX, a Pedro Ximenez dessert sherry finished single malt, can try a 3cl sample before they buy for just £3.95. For £4.85 you can sample the stunning Glenmorangie 18 Year old – highly rated by whisky critics and drinkers, or for £10.75, Glenmorangie 25 Year Old – a whisky redolent of creamy tropical fruit, fruitcake and stewed plums.

A full range of Ardbeg single malt is available at Master of Malt: http://www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/ardbeg-whisky-distillery/

A full range of Glenmorangie single malt is available at Master of Malt: http://www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/glenmorangie-whisky-distillery/

About Drinks by the Dram

– Hundreds of inexpensive 3cl (30ml) samples to try before you buy
– Revolutionary new concept in online drinks retail
– See a list of drams at: http://www.masterofmalt.com/drinks-by-the-dram/

About Master of Malt

– Established in 1985
– One of the UK’s leading online whisky and spirits retailers (www.masterofmalt.com)
– A highly rated independent bottler, all of whose single cask whiskies scored over 90 points in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2009.
For further information please visit www.masterofmalt.com
Read the Master of Malt blog: www.masterofmalt.com/blog
Or follow Master of Malt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/masterofmalt

Stronachie – Lost in time, not in spirit…

Stronachie is “The Lost Distillery” no more – we have found it!  We are delighted to disclose that Stronachie is distilled at Benrinnes Distillery in the heart of Speyside.  The ex-Mystery Malt has an avid following and many had already guessed correctly the whisky source.  So it was time for A.D.Rattray to remove the ambiguity with clear labelling that complies with the SWA regulations.  And at the same time introduce a new Stronachie 18 Year Old as a permanent addition to the portfolio.

New Whisky Source

Benrinnes distillery was chosen after sampling many single malts across Speyside and Highland Distilleries.  The flavour and profile of Benrinnes was the closest match to the original Stronachie whisky sampled from our bottle distilled in 1904.  Only four bottles of the original Stronachie from the actual distillery still exist.

Benrinnes was also chosen because it is a hidden gem in the multitude of Speyside distilleries mostly used for blending.  It is categorized as a First Class Malt on a Masterblender’s secret list of malts for blending.  On this list all Speyside and Highland malts are ranked into 1st Class (16 distilleries), 2nd Class (13 distilleries) or 3rd Class (46 distilleries).  As Jim Murray says in the Benrinnes section of the Whisky Bible 2010, “It’s great to see this distillery coming out of the shadows at last.” And “great whisky is made there day in day out by its very talented team.”

Small Batch

Stronachie is produced from a vatting (blending under new terminology!) of a small batch of 6-10 Benrinnes casks.  Each batch is numbered to identify the particular vatting and the batch number is shown on the tube.  The first 18 Year Old batch was a vatting of 8 selected casks:  6 x 18 year old hogsheads (bourbon casks) + 2 x 19 yr old butts (sherry casks).  The result is a unique, rich and complex whisky.

The 2009 batches for the Stronachie 12 yr old included the award winning Benrinnes 1996 sherry hogsheads (Malt Maniacs Best Sherry Cask Award 2009-Daily Dram category).

Stronachie is a new style of whisky:  very small batch production with specially selected casks that vary for each batch.   This results in a varied flavour journey that represents the individuality of casks while still representing the distillery character at its best.  So it is not about consistency of taste or product but all about maximising the flavour in each batch (the opposite of standard distillery offerings).

Awards

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010:  Double Gold

International Wine & Sprits Competition 2006, 2007, 2009:  Silver Medal

Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2008:  Gold-Winner for Bottling of the Year <£30

Visit Stronachie at http://www.stronachie.com/ourwhisky.asp

MEDIA RELEASE
June 2010

CAOL ILA  – NEW, BUT OLDER

A new member of the Caol Ila™ family of single malt Scotch whiskies has been announced by Diageo.

A 25 year old single malt Scotch Whisky is now joining this highly popular and award-winning collection. Caol Ila has been distilled on the eastern shore of Islay since 1846.

Tasters have described the 25-year-old Caol Ila (bottled at 43% ABV) as majestic, sweet, smooth, slow-burning  –  and with an elegant, lightly smoky profile that brings to mind the faint yet resolute outline of the distillery itself, silhouetted in the soft moonlight of a still winter’s night. Yet it is welcome as an authentic example of that Caol Ila character first seen in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. Here are all those spicy sea-air aromas and sweet smoky-dry flavours, but with the subtlety of expression that comes only with age.

It will be the most mature member of the dynasty, standing alongside a 12 year old, an 18 year old, a natural cask strength bottling, a Distillers Edition™, and some limited edition younger expressions.

The new bottling is presented in a strengthened version of  the same striking black and grey cartons as the regular series, but with a pull-off  front-facing lid. The distillery looks to the east: the evening darkness falls early here at Caol Ila. So the pack image for the 25 year old hints at the vestiges of daylight fading behind Cnoc Dubh, the Black Hill behind the distillery.

Notes

Distribution

The Caol Ila 25 year old will initially be available in the UK, the Nordic markets, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan and in travel retail channels in Europe.

The UK Recommended Retail Price is £135.

Caol Ila, Islay.

Built in 1846, the distillery sits locked away on a small hidden cove near Port Askaig  on the eastern shore of Islay overlooking the fast-moving Straits of Islay and the Paps of Jura beyond. It uses its own supply of water from nearby Loch Nam Ban.

International awards for Caol Ila

Caol Ila 12 year old has been awarded numerous medals at international competitions, including IWSC Gold Medals, 2004, 2005; IWSC Gold – Best in Class 2008; IWSC Silver Medal 2006, San Francisco Double Gold 2006 and 2010, Silver 2007, Gold 2008, 2009; The Scotch Whisky Masters 2010 – Master.

Caol Ila 18 year old has won IWSC Gold Medals 2004, 2005, Silver 2007, Gold – Best in Class 2008; San Francisco Double Gold 2006.

The Caol Ila Cask Strength expressions won IWSC Silver Medal, 2005, 2007, 2008; Silver-Best in Class 2006. San Francisco Double Gold 2006.

Caol Ila Distillers Edition™ (Moscatel Cask Wood Finish) won IWSC Silver – Best in Class 2007, 2008; San Francisco – Gold Medal 2010; The Scotch Whisky Masters 2010 – Gold.

The range grows

It was back in 2002 that the core Caol Ila range (12 year old, 18 year old  and cask strength) was relaunched in the current livery at that year’s Islay Festival. Although Caol Ila was a notable 19th century distillery, its malts, despite their classic provenance and great ancestry, had not been widely available before then.

The Distillers Edition expression joined them in 2006.

There have also been younger and unpeated versions of Caol Ila, issued annually as part of the Classic Malt Selections™ Special Releases series.
In 2004 and 2005, limited editions (6000 bottles) of 25-year-old Caol Ila were released in the same series, but none have been available since then.

The Classic Malts Selection, Caol Ila, and Distillers Edition words and associated logos are trade marks. © 2010

I always say consistency is a wonderful thing. Especially in whisky; you want to be sure every time you buy a bottle of Highland Park that it was just as delightful as the last one. We go to extreme lengths to make sure that happens; it is one of the reasons we are the world’s most respected single malt. Another reason is that we make single malt as traditionally as possible. Discerning consumers (that’s you) and the drinks press seem to appreciate that.

Take F. Paul Pacult for example, the world respected US-based spirits and wine journalist behind the independent, subscription-only quarterly Spirit Journal. Paul famously published a list of his top spirits in 2005 and Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World. He repeated the exercise in 2009 with the same result.

In the June 2010 issue, rather than publishing a simple list as before, Paul has divided the spirits into sub-categories: the best Scotch whisky was Highland Park 18 year old. For the third time running…
 

          
  
According to Paul: “This classic continues to be a stupendous work of distilling art that, I believe, is one of the greatest beverage alcohol liquids ever produced and is assuredly the finest of the last 20 years. Graceful on the one hand; might and fathomless on the other. Delectably salty/peaty/maritime on the one hand; intensely malty on the other. If I could only select but one Scotch whisky, Highland Park 18 year old would remain that very special singular choice. A masterpiece to savour many times before one dies.”

Paul also published a list of the five spirits he and his partner Sue couldn’t survive without if trapped on a desert island. Number one is Highland Park 18 year old. You see; consistent.

Click on the link below to watch me taste Highland Park 18 year old; http://www.youtube.com/user/HighlandParkWhisky#p/u/25/InM4xZdCJns

For further information and to subscribe to Spirit Journal visit www.spiritjournal.com

For information on The Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

Yours sincerely
Gerry Tosh
Head of Brand Education Whisky Ambassador of the Year

Summer Arrives and Some Special Birthdays.

June  2010

Great weather this afternoon after a cloudy start with the temperature still at 22 degrees Celsius when I left around 6pm. Forecast is for a few more days like this and we are hoping that it will extend into the weekend as it is the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, an annual event held in Portsoy.

Last year at this event we launched “The Spirit Drink that blushes to speak its name” and this year we will be selling pre-launch 200ml bottles of the extended Spirit Drink range including “Peated” and Fledgling XB” as well as “Clearac” and “Blushes” We will also be taking orders for the new book which will be here week commencing the 5th July (after a couple of delays) and which can be ordered through the website.

Unfortunately we also had a production problem this week with our condenser supply water pipe bursting underneath the still-house floor. This will result in a new supply line being installed across the still-house tomorrow and as we have two washbacks fermenting then we need this urgently.

Today is also the first birthday of the first 17 octaves which we sold. These casks were sampled today  and the samples will be sent to the cask owners. As the owner of cask number 1 I can tell you that 12 months maturation has resulted in a very fine drink, light straw in colour; nose of grass, pears and some grapes;  very sweet taste with buttery notes and spices in the after taste. It is good now and will, I am sure, improve even more.

If you have any questions or comments on any of the above or anything else then please let me know.

Slange

Stuart

Visit Glenglassaugh Distillery at www.glenglassaugh.com

BALLANTINE’S BRAND AMBASSADOR MCDOWELL CELEBRATES FIRST MAJOR WIN IN STYLE WITH RARE, LIMITED EDITION SCOTCH

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, is raising a toast to golfer Graeme McDowell today following his impressive win at the US Open at Pebble Beach this weekend.  McDowell, who also won his fifth European Tour title at Celtic Manor in Wales earlier this month, held off some of the sport’s biggest names including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and Ernie Els.

A global brand ambassador for Ballantine’s 17, 21 and 30 year old whiskies, McDowell left an impression on the golfing world by becoming Europe’s first US Open champion for 40 years.  He will now be celebrating his success in style by opening a very rare bottle of Ballantine’s Championship Blend, which he co-created with Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop.

Reacting to his win McDowell said, “Ballantine’s has always been a lucky charm for me and since my 2008 Ballantine’s Championship win in Korea I’ve played some of the best golf of my life.  I said I would open my very special bottle of The Ballantine’s Championship Blend either on the birth of my first child, or my first major win – Pebble Beach came first!”

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s said, “On behalf of everyone at Ballantine’s I’d like to express our warmest congratulations to Graeme and look forward to celebrating with him over a glass of Ballantine’s.  Graeme is an extremely talented player who we are proud to support and he thoroughly deserves all of his success.”

While McDowell wears the Ballantine’s logo on his left sleeve, he has also represented Ballantine’s at numerous events since winning The Ballantine’s Championship title in Korea in 2008.  These include becoming the first person ever to collaborate with a Ballantine’s Master Blender on the creation of the 2009 Championship Blend and the launch of the 2010 Championship Blend, which celebrated 50 years since Ballantine’s was first involved with international golf.

McDowell won the US Open by one shot from France’s Gregory Havret with Ernie Els two behind in third and Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods tied fourth.  He is now almost certain to secure a Ryder Cup place this October.

Notes:

The Ballantine’s Championship

The Ballantine’s Championship is Asia’s fourth biggest golf tournament and the largest sporting event in Korea. It is now an established platform which drives Ballantine’s long-term relationship with the iconic sport.  The 2010 Ballantine’s Championship was won by Australia’s Marcus Fraser.

The Ballantine’s Championship Blend 2010

The creation of an exclusive, limited edition blend has become an annual tradition of the Ballantine’s Championship.  The 2010 Championship Blend is a limited edition Scotch whisky combining extremely rare grains and malts taken from the time of the first Ballantine’s golf tournament fifty years ago. The inaugural tournament, held at Wentworth Club in 1960, introduced the ‘big ball’ to the game and attracted some of the most well respected players of the day.

The Ballantine’s Championship Blend 2009

This unique 35 Year Old Scotch represented the first time in history that anyone outside the company’s expert team collaborated with a Master Blender. Only 15 limited edition bottles were been made due to the scarcity of the whiskies within the blend and following tradition, one precious bottle was presented to the winner of the tournament.

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s is the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whisky and has won over 60 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013

• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

• Ballantine’s was also sponsor of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held in China in 2009

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

About Chivas Brothers:

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.