Create Your Own Whisky with Master of Malt

Master of Malt have teamed up with whisky blenders Compass Box to launch a competition in which two lucky winners will undergo a blending session with master blender John Glaser. At the end of the session they will create their own whisky, which they can take away with them.

The prize also includes dinner at Hix Restaurant, an award-winning London eatery which was voted Best New Restaurant 2010 by Time Out Magazine, followed by a night’s stay at the High Road House hotel, an exclusive hotel and private member’s club.

You can enter the competition by purchasing any bottle of Compass Box whisky from Master of Malt (www.masterofmalt.com) and there are 250 chances to enter.

Winners will be treated to a Champagne reception at the Compass Box offices, followed by a tasting of rare limited edition whisky from the Compass Box range. The tasting will be followed by the blending master-class with John Glaser, at the end of which the winners will create their own unique whisky which they will take home with them. Later in the evening there will be cocktails at Mark’s Bar in Soho (voted London’s Best Bar 2010 by Time Out Magazine). The winners will then be taken to dinner at the Hix Restaurant, before finally retiring to the High Road House hotel for some well-earned rest.

You can read more about the competition here: http://www.masterofmalt.com/compass-box-competition/

Click here to browse the range of eligible Compass Box whiskies: http://www.masterofmalt.com/distilleries/compass-box-branded-whisky/

About Master of Malt

• Established in 1985
• One of the UK’s leading online whisky and spirits retailers
• A highly rated independent bottler, all of whose single cask whiskies scored over 90 points in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2009

http://www.masterofmalt.com

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SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 2011 – TICKETS ON SALE IN JANUARY

Whisky connoisseurs and fans of Scotland’s national drink will be noting Friday, 14th January, 2011 as a key date in next year’s diary.  Tickets for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 go on sale online at www.spiritofspeyside.com, and there’s likely to be a rush for some of the Festival’s most exclusive and prestigious events.

Next year’s Festival runs from Thursday, 28th April – Monday, 2nd May, and distilleries, shops, bars, pubs and villages throughout Speyside will be welcoming visitors from around the world with quality malt whiskies, special tastings, outdoor activities, music and many other entertaining events.

There are only 16 places available at the respected Spirit of Speyside Whisky School, aimed at whisky connoisseurs, whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals who want to learn more about the process of whisky making.  The Whisky School features three days of undiluted and informative malt whisky education of the highest standard and includes seven expert-led technical lectures and seven top level technical site visits conducted by distillery managers.

However, many more whisky fans can enjoy a rare peek behind the scenes at other well-known distilleries around Speyside which are usually closed to the public but which offer unique events and experiences during the Festival, including Benrinnes, Glenrothes and Mortlach.

Another highlight of the Festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards, where the final Award winners are judged by Festival visitors.  And to launch the 2011 Festival, the magnificent Opening Dinner will be held at Cardhu Distillery on Thursday, 28th April. 

Festival goers can also learn about Speyside whisky’s heritage, about using whisky as a culinary ingredient or how to choose the best drams for a dinner party, and even how to pair it with chocolate, sausages and cheese.

To find out more and book tickets (on sale from 14th January, 2011) go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up to date with the Festival on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com
– Easy access by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2001 EDITION OF EVAN WILLIAMS SINGLE BARREL VINTAGE BOURBON

The 16th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon to Begin Shipping After Holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the release of the 2001 edition of its highly acclaimed Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 16th annual release of the series.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill—the grain recipe—is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who along with his son Craig produces and selects each vintage from among Heaven Hill’s 900,000 barrels of aging Bourbon.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”
 
Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned and operated, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the latest vintage in the landmark series for 500 members of its Bardstown Whiskey Society in an elegant setting at Louisville’s famed Derby Museum at Churchill Downs back in November.
   
As with the previous 15 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2001 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  This new edition features the traditional corn, malted barley and rye mashbill, and stringent selection of barrels from the top three floors of the rickhouse, that are the hallmarks of all of Parker and Craig Beam’s Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons.  The 2001 edition will be available nationally beginning in January 2011 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, which is why it has also been named a “Best Buy” award winner by Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazines, among others.    

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

BUNNAHABHAIN IN ELITE TOP 4% OF WORLD’S FINEST WHISKIES

Bunnahabhain, crafted on the Isle of Islay, is basking in the glory of receiving Liquid Gold status for its 18-year old single malt in the 2011 Jim Murray Whisky Bible Liquid Gold Awards.  Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, the definitive guide to whiskies across the globe, covers over 4 500 offerings with  Liquid Gold conferred on an elite 4% of those earning a score of at least 94/100.

Over a four-month period, Murray tasted more than 1 000 whiskies to reach his final selection. In his book he salutes distillers for “maintaining and furthering the finest traditions of whisky making and taking the craft to the very highest levels.”

Bunnahabhain is known for its gentle taste profile and unique character across the portfolio of 12-, 18- and 25-year old single malts. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows freely underground, with no impact from the peaty moorlands. The name, meaning “mouth of the river” in Scottish Gaelic, is pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn and refers to the Margadale River which flows close by. 

According to the brand’s spokesperson in Africa, Brian Glass, the award is an exceptional honour not only for the whisky but also for master distiller Ian MacMillan who has over 35 years’ experience of whisky distilling and blending.

“The Bunnahabhain distillery, located on the north-eastern tip of Islay, has been known for producing outstanding whiskies since its inception in 1881.  It holds a proud heritage of maintaining quality and a unique taste profile. MacMillan has an extraordinary ability to continue that tradition.  All his single malts consistently receive top accolades at international whisky and spirit competitions.

“The new Liquid Gold accolade enhances the standing and distinctiveness of Bunnahabhain and is an important affirmation for whisky connoisseurs.”

Enjoy the Bunnahabhain 18-year old neat or with a splash of water to reveal its fragrant nose of honeyed nuts, subtle sea-induced salty tang and wafts of toffee and leather, balanced by sweet oak spice and sherry on the palate. 

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R725. For more information please visit www.bunnahabhain.com

Notes to Editors

Bunnahabhain belongs to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands, including Black Bottle and Scottish Leader. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are involved in a joint venture as equal partners, owning and marketing the selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Old Pulteney ‘Ice Boat’ is Unveiled Ahead of Record Breaking Arctic Adventure

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky and explorer Jock Wishart, yesterday unveiled a specially designed ‘ice boat’ which will be rowed in a pioneering arctic expedition – The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole. The bespoke boat has been constructed to withstand some of the harshest conditions on earth and enable Jock and his crew to conquer one of the world’s last true firsts – the first ever attempt to row to a pole, possibly the greatest ocean row ever.

The vessel and some of its crew were revealed for the first time today at the Natural History Museum’s outdoor ice rink in central London, where the boats unique arctic attributes were put to the test.

In July/August 2011, internationally acclaimed adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart will lead a six strong team on the pioneering Row to the Pole expedition.  In the bespoke ice boat, they will set off from Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage to the magnetic North Pole which if successful, will make history. 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.

The unique rowing boat, known as “The Old Pulteney”, was designed by yacht designer Peter Bosgraaf from Amsterdam in collaboration with Devon-based Hugh Welbourne and Roger Daynes, a leading British sledge designer. This vessel is the first rowing boat in the world to have a “cathedral hull” with sledge runners fitted underneath. This unique feature, combined with attachment points for harnesses, will enable the crew to drag the boat over the ice to” leads” they could row on to complete the final leg of their journey. This gruelling feat was last attempted by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1916 who was forced to drag his boats to safety over the ice during his Imperial Trans Antarctic expedition.

The vessel, which was built in Christchurch, Dorset by Rossiter Yachts, is sheathed in carbon fibre and kevlar to withstand extreme arctic conditions yet remain light enough for the crew to pull. With a planned weight of 900 kilos, its 9.2 m by 1.82 m dimensions were dictated by the size of the plane in Canada which will fly the boat in from Yellowknife to Resolute Bay, Canada (the starting off point for the expedition),on the final stage of its journey from the UK. The Old Pulteney has been constructed to accommodate six crew and their equipment during the four to six week voyage. The colouring of the boat incorporates Old Pulteney whisky’s dark blue in its top sides to help absorb heat during the expedition and its golden underside was selected for visibility should it capsize.

To reach the magnetic North Pole, Jock, who is a descendant of Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns, will row for hours on end in challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance for rest or shelter. Joining him will be 36 years old Billy Gammon a British born ex advertising executive who took part in the Indian Ocean race in 2009, South African born Rob Sleep who worked for ten years on a variety of yachts circumnavigating the world and has walked to the Pole on several occasions,36 year old climber, rower and “super yacht” captain Mark Delstanche, a Row to the Pole cameraman and the winner of Old Pulteney’s international competition Pole Position, who will be announced at the London Boat Show in January.

Margaret Mary Clarke, Brand Manager, Old Pulteney says: “We are delighted to unveil such a truly magnificent boat. The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole has been planned for three years and we are confident that the crew will be toasting their success next Summer in the Pole with a dram of Old Pulteney.”

Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure. The whisky is distilled in the historic harbour town of Wick, the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland and the windswept and rugged landscape that surrounds it has given the malt its legacy as the Maritime Malt.

Notes to Editors

• 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.

Pole Position

The Old Pulteney Pole Position Challenge was created to offer one determined individual the chance to do something almost beyond extraordinary – become the 6th member of Jock’s Row to the Pole crew. Entrants were asked to apply online stating why they had what it takes to join the expedition.

Forty eight shortlisted entrants were invited to showcase their fitness, team building and mental abilities by competing head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day at Eton Rowing Club on 19th November. The winner, who will be announced at the London Boat Show on the 7th January 2011, will be personally trained by Jock in the lead-up to the expedition and will join the crew in August 2010 in their attempt to create history.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It is the most northerly distillery on the UK Mainland and was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom.  The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

Wick became known around the world for its precious barrels of silver and gold – silver being the herring and gold being the fine whisky – which left the port in vast numbers.

Old Pulteney Single Malt whisky has a long standing association with the sea and is also known as the ‘Genuine Maritime Malt’. Its carefully crafted taste carries the windswept and rugged character of the North, the salty and fresh air of the North Sea and the distillery’s rich maritime heritage runs through every drop of this fine malt.

As a strong supporter of Wick’s community, Old Pulteney is delighted to be continuously supporting the Wick RNLI Station, the Wick Pipe Band, Wick Football Club and Hockey Team and furthermore as the ‘Genuine Maritime Malt’, Old Pulteney is also involved with some of the most prestigious sailing events in the country including the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, the Round the Island Race at the Isle of Wight and the Old Pulteney IRC Scottish Championship.

MORE THAN 300 ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR THE 2011 WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS
 
More than 300 *proprietary whiskies from all over the world have been delivered to the international judges’ offices in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan for the 2011 World Whiskies Awards.  The World Whiskies Awards is the annual selection of the very best whiskies internationally. This year entries have been received from; Canada, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, USA and Wales.  Categories are based upon the commonly held whisky groupings which define both the style and the process of whisky and whisky production: single malt, blended, blended malt, grain, American and whisky liqueurs.  Organised by **Whisky Magazine this annual competition selects, awards and promotes to consumers and trade the ‘Best Whiskies in the World’.
 
The international panel of judges is chaired by Dave Broom, contributing editor of Whisky Magazine and editor of Whisky Magazine Japan.  The chairman is supported by the highly respected panel of ***nineteen judges made up of leading journalists, specialist whisky retailers, whisky bar owners and independent bottlers.
 
Entrants’ whiskies will be tasted blind and marked to an agreed and strictly enforced scoring system.  As well as nose, palate and finish the judges will look for whiskies with: balance, character complexity and quality.
 
The judging began in November 2010 and is held in four stages.  The ‘Best Whiskies’ in each category will be announced at a dinner held at London’s Waldorf Hotel on the 3rd March 2011 where the ‘World’s Best’ Trophies will be announced.   The next day, for the first time, the ‘World’s ‘Best’ will be sampled at a consumer tasting to be held at Whisky Live to establish ‘The People’s Choice’.  Whisky Live will be held at The Honourable Artillery Company, near Moorgate on the 4th and 5th March 2011.

Whisky lovers will be able to purchase the ‘Best Whiskies In The World 2011’ book – from June 2011-  which will include all results with tasting notes, features on winners and an index on the World’s Best Whiskies.  For further information on this and previous year’s awards visit http://www.whiskymag.com/ 

Notes:
 
*Proprietary Whiskies – owned by the distiller and brand owner
 
Whisky Magazine

Whisky Magazine is published 8 times a year and is the leading publication in this sector. Every issue brings you articles on the art, science and romance of the ‘water of life’, plus pages of informative tasting notes.
 
**About the Judges
 
CHAIRMAN OF JUDGES
Dave Broom
Contributing editor, Whisky Magazine UK.  Editor of Whisky Magazine Japan.  Whisky expert
 
EUROPE
Rob Allanson
Editor of Whisky Magazine
 
Charles MacLean
Former Whisky Magazine editor. Whisky expert
 
Tom Morton
BBC journalist. Whisky writer
 
Martine Nouet
Former editor of Whisky Magazine France. Whisky chef
 
Neil Ridley
Whisky Blogger (caskstrength.net)
 
Dominic Roskrow
Former editor of Whisky Magazine. Whisky expert
 
Bernard Schafer
Whisky retailer
 
Annabelle Meikle
Industry Expert
 
Ed Bates
Industry Expert
 
Sukhinder Singh
Owner Whisky Exchange
 
Serge Valentin
Whisky Blogger and self-confessed Malt Maniac
 
USA
Charles Cowdery
Bourbon expert . Whisky writer
 
Mark Gillespie
Whisky Podcaster. Whisky expert
 
Tonya LeNell
Whisky retailer. Bourbon expert
 
Mike Miller,
Bar owner of Delilah’s. Whisky expert
 
Liza Weisstuch
Whisky Magazine contributor
 
CANADA
Davin de Kergommeaux
Malt Maniac. Canadian whisky expert
 
JAPAN
David Croll
Publisher of Whisky Magazine Japan. Whisky retailer

Pipes & Drams!  a “must” for all lovers of bagpipes and whisky!

SCOTLAND; August 2011. Over 250 pipe bands! 3 nights accommodation, 3 fully cooked breakfasts, one evening meal (local pub with excellent food) ticket for the World Pipeband Championships. Meet the bands, share drinks with the bands, we know many of them ourselves, most of all, it will be fun and exciting!

For Angels whisky club members we will also be visiting Auchentoshan and Glengoyne, please apply for costs, the online cost shown via the link does not include distillery visits.

We can add on days/nights for you too! For whisky lovers we aim to add a few dates on to this and visit more distilleries! Being based in Perthshire, we have 5 distilleries here to visit plus one very special onne not yet open!

Limited number of rooms and places available – our advice; Book Now!

www.mcleanscotland.com

www.angelswhiskyclub.com

JAMESON SETS THE PACE WITH 3 MILLION CASES SOLD WORLDWIDE

Jameson further strengthened its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey, with the announcement today of three million nine litre case sales (MAT)* globally. Growth in the US, Jameson’s largest export market, contributed to the brand’s milestone success, with an impressive one million cases sold.

The announcement reflects recent sales figures which show that Jameson is a consistently strong brand in the global marketplace. Despite the recent economic downturn, sales volume has increased by 9% while value grew by 12%, for year ending June 2010. While US sales grew by 24%, with 49 states in double-digit growth, key markets such as Russia (+8%), South Africa (+7%) and France (+7%) also enjoyed success.

Consumer advocacy has played a significant role in the growth of the brand, due to Jameson’s unrivalled smooth taste as a result of triple distillation and rich authentic heritage. A consistent commercial marketing strategy to build an iconic global spirit brand has reinforced consumer loyalty, with distinctive activity across many markets including two major TV campaigns, a long standing association with film and an integrated digital strategy.

Alex Ricard, CEO, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, commented: “We are delighted with the progress of Jameson globally. Almost 230 years since the Jameson Distillery was founded, this is a huge achievement for the brand, one I am sure John Jameson would have been proud of. As well as our increasingly valuable consumer connection, it is the passion of the people behind the Jameson brand that is one of the greatest reasons for our success. Combine this with the global reach of Pernod Ricard and you have a recipe for global success.”

Notes

* Moving annual total w/e 31st Oct 2010

Irish Distillers
2009/2010 was another highly successful year for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard internationally, with the continued and very positive global development of Jameson. This performance in fiscal year 09/10 confirmed its status as one of the most dynamic whiskey brands in the world, and as one of Pernod Ricard’s fastest growing brands. This sustained progress was achieved despite the challenging economic conditions for many of Jameson’s key markets.

Achievements & Accolades:

Jameson is one of the most consistent and fastest growing international spirit brands in the market

World’s No 1 Irish whiskey in over 100 markets globally in 2009 – IWSR
Listed as No 33 on Impact’s Top 100 Premium Spirit Brands List, February 2010. ‘[Jameson] has been incredibly successful in transcending both category and international boundaries’. 
Listed as one of Impact’s Hot Brands nine years in a row
Impact Blue Chip Brand
IWSR Elite Brands ‘One of the hottest brands in the US market’- IWSR Spirits Review, July 2009
Gold medals for Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at the 2010 International Spirits Challenge
A Gold medal for Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve at San Francisco Worlds Spirits Competition 2010
The Power 100 – Intangible Business Ranking May 2010
– 9th Most Powerful Whiskey Brand
– 7th Most Powerful Future Growth Spirit Brand
– 23rd Most Powerful Spirit Brand
 Advertising Age: One of America’s 20 Hottest Brands, across all FMCG categories Nov 2009

In 2010, Jameson was named “Spirits Brand of the Year” in US publication “Market Watch” (Shanken Communications), as voted for by the top 200 retailers in the US.

38-YEAR-OLD GLENDRONACH WINS 2010 MALT MANIACS TOP AWARD

 
A 38-year-old GlenDronach has become the highest-scoring whisky out of 262 entries in the 2010 “Malt Maniacs” Awards.
 
The GlenDronach 1972, at 49.5% from cask no. 700, an oloroso sherry butt, and a Taiwan exclusive, achieved a gold medal, 90 points and was also the winner of the “Non Plus Ultra” Award 2010 – which means it was the overall top scoring ultra premium whisky out of all the entries.
 
Malt Maniacs say theirs is “probably the world’s most independent whisky competition. And perhaps the most gruelling!”
 
Other GlenDronach expressions did well in the competition. The 31-year-old Grandeur won a silver medal and 88 points while the 18-year-old Allardice won a bronze medal and 83 points.
 
BenRiach also excelled in the awards. The 30-year-old achieved a silver medal and 85 points and the BenRiach 17-year-old Rioja Finish and the 20-year-old also won bronze.
 
Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker was delighted: “To be awarded first place ahead of another 261 fine whiskies is a wonderful achievement. The 38-year-old is an astonishing malt with a very special and intriguing character, and is testament to the skill of our craftsmen at the distillery. 1972 was clearly an extraordinary year.”
 
The “Malt Maniacs” award is the latest accolade for the company in the last eight years. Top awards include BenRiach becoming Whisky Magazine’s World Distiller of the Year 2009 while the GlenDronach 15-year-old won the Gold Medal and was Best in Class in the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Knockdhu in Snow

Scottish malt whisky distillers at Knockdhu, Balblair and Pulteney keep calm and carry on. Some sleep over at work!

Snowy conditions are often referred to as ‘whisky weather’ in Scotland. A dram of your favourite Scotch in a hot toddy, with a mug of hot chocolate or just on its own is sure to keep you warm during those long December nights. But harsh weather may affect production and maturation of whisky in Scotland as experienced last winter season by Knockdhu Distillery in Knock near Huntley, Aberdeenshire. The producer of award-winning anCnoc single malt suffered from parts of roofs on 2 out of its 5 on-site warehouses falling in under the sheer weight of snow, forcing the distiller to move some of the precious stock to another location.

What about this year? We asked Gordon Bruce, Knockdhu Distillery Manager.

‘Not the best possible whisky making weather’ – he jokes. ‘It’s -19C here today and we have about 2 ½ ft of snow. It is a wee bit difficult getting raw materials in and ready product out but we’re managing. One of the boys slept in the still room on Monday night to make it to work on Tuesday, that’s dedication for you!’

And what about the warehouses? ‘When I have my collapsed warehouses rebuilt they will be very strong and we won’t have to worry. My remaining warehouses have slightly different roof types to ones damaged last year and they don’t seem to be affected by the weight of snow.’

Gordon seems to be able to see positives in this situation: ‘Lots of snow means we won’t have any problems with water supply next year. It’s good news.’

At Balblair Distillery in Edderton near Tain the morale is equally high. Distillery Manager John MacDonald, when asked about the effects of recent heavy snowfall on his operations, comments with confidence: ‘We’ve survived. Made of strong stuff up here. We are in full production, we have enough malt, yeast and oil to keep us going.’ Earlier John wrote on his Twitter (@balblairwhisky): ‘Snow clearing 2day, all hands on deck. Keeping going with production… Phones very quiet, not a bad thing.’

When asked about collapsing warehouse roofs John gets more serious: We never had this problem here so touch wood!

Further north, in Wick, Caithness, Malcolm Waring – Pulteney Distillery Manager – has more reasons to worry but shows remarkable composure: ‘It’s pretty tight here but we’ve kept going. Roads are just passable and north of Brora it’s quite bad. But we managed to get malt delivered from Inverness and luckily we have a good stock of dried yeast. The biggest problem is getting heavy spirit tankers out. Also, production water is freezing in some places. But we are managing, everybody is working hard to make it happen.’

Malcolm calmly dismisses suggestions that snow may be putting too much pressure on his roofs. ‘Not here. Not a problem’ – he says.

Balblair in Snow