NEW VENUE BOOST FOR BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Blackstone Golf Club Course

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, will further benefit from its ongoing commitment to golf with the announcement that Korea’s largest golf event, the Ballantine’s Championship, is to move from Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, where the tournament has been held since 2008, to newly built Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, South Korea.

The Ballantine’s Championship is set to prosper in the new setting, with the proximity to capital city Seoul due to attract more star players and generate an increase in visitor numbers. With Ballantine’s recently extending its sponsorship of the tournament for a further three years, the European Tour event will remain at Blackstone until 2013, at least.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Moore, Global Brand Director, Ballantine’s said: “Ballantine’s and golf share a long history and are enjoyed together throughout the world. In Korea, there are five million golfers, many of whom are whisky drinkers making it a very important market for Ballantine’s. With this move, we are confident that the Ballantine’s Championship will go from strength-to-strength by attracting new players and visitors, and subsequently offer us the opportunity to continue to build our heritage and credibility in the world of golf.”

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour added: “Over the last three years the Ballantine’s Championship has become firmly established as one of the premier events in Asia and this move to Blackstone Golf & Resort, will further enhance the Championship’s credentials. We thank Ballantine’s for their vision and continued commitment to developing the Championship, the Korean PGA and the event promoter PMG for their support.”

Ballantine’s offers the most extensive range of aged Scotch whiskies in the world, with Ballantine’s 30 Year Old at its pinnacle. In South Korea, Ballantine’s is the undisputed No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky.

Notes

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky inEurope, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 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

•           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.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

Ballantine's Aged Range

Sep 16, 2010 11:06 ET Laphroaig® Invites Whisky Fans to Experience a Taste of Scotland With a Flavor of Spain Award-Winning Laphroaig® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Hosts Its Fourth Annual Online Tasting “Distillery LIVE 2010”

DEERFIELD, IL–(Marketwire – September 16, 2010) –  Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch, the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies, invites consumers of legal purchase age to discover what Southwestern Spain and the remote Scottish island of Islay have in common during its fourth annual LIVE Webcast on Thursday, September 23. Hosted by Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell, Laphroaig U.S. Brand Ambassador Simon Brooking and Harveys Bristol Cream General Manager Jose Antonio Sauto, “Distillery LIVE 2010” will broadcast live from the Harveys’ Bodegas in Jerez, Spain to celebrate the distinctive taste of Laphroaig expressions that have been matured in Sherry casks.

“I am delighted to host ‘Distillery LIVE 2010’ in Spain with our friends at Harveys,” said Campbell. “This year’s tasting is one that Scotch and Sherry lovers alike can truly appreciate. Online tasting participants will be taken on a tasting journey they will find to be insightful and entertaining.”

By introducing Laphroaig to Sherry casks for maturation, a uniquely rich flavor and hue is added to the whisky, delivering the unmistakable taste of Laphroaig with characteristics of the Sherry. A relatively rare process, industry estimates suggests that less than seven percent of whisky is matured in Sherry casks compared to Bourbon casks.

On September 23 (2:00 p.m. EDT), Campbell, Brooking and Sauto will conduct a 45-minute tasting from Harveys’ Bodegas. International singer/songwriter and Friend of Laphroaig Diego Sandrin will also make a special appearance. The online tasting and educational seminar will provide a closer look into the ‘marriage’ between the Sherried oaky flavors derived from the Oloroso Sherry casks and the sweet flavors from oak bourbon barrels, comparing the flavors of each expression through its maturation process. Featured expressions will include Laphroaig Quarter Cask, newly released Laphroaig Triple Wood, Laphroaig 25 Year Old and a special exclusively Oloroso-matured expression that will also be tasted during the program. Harveys Fino and Oloroso Sherries will also be showcased during the live tasting.

Featured Expressions

Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Double-cask matured in American Oak barrels and newly created quarter casks, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is deep, complex and smoky with a surprising gentle sweetness.

Laphroaig Triple Wood
Enjoying a third maturation in Spanish Oak, Laphroaig Triple Wood brings a gentle mixture of sweet raisins and creamy apricots to the palate with just a trace of the dry peat smoke; the smoother nutty flavors combine all these flavors into one smooth, syrupy whole.

Laphroaig 25 Year Old
Matured in both Fino and Oloroso Sherry Butts during its maturation, Laphroaig 25 Year Old offers a rare combination of bold peat flavor spiced with sweet sherry notes and rich oaky undertones.

Harveys Fino
Matured in very seasoned American Oak Butts, Harveys Fino is a full-bodied dry sherry that features a subtle almond aroma and provides a balanced and round taste to the palate.

Harveys Oloroso
Deep and amber in color, Harveys Oloroso provides a round and velvety finish with an elegant after taste that’s sure to please the palate.

Participants of legal purchase age can download tasting notes and guides and submit their questions in advance at Laphroaig.com. For more information, visit Laphroaig.com/live.

Program Viewing Information

To view “Distillery LIVE 2010” log onto http://live.laphroaig.tv.

About Friends of Laphroaig

The Friends of Laphroaig began in 1994 as a way to communicate news about the distiller and connect with other Laphroaig lovers around the world. Today it has grown to more than 400,000 members from more than 150 countries. Each fan receives a lifetime lease on a square foot of land next to the distillery that they can visit, view online and collect a dram of ‘rent’ for, should they ever visit the island. The members-only section of Laphroaig.com boasts contests, e-cards, chat boards, photo albums, printable personalized business cards and more. Membership is free with proof of purchase of 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old, Quarter Cask or Cask Strength Laphroaig. New members can register at www.laphroaig.com/friends.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 48% and 55.7% alc./vol.
©2010 Laphroaig Import Company, Deerfield, IL

GLENFIDDICH UNVEILS 1978 VINTAGE RESERVE

– – – Pioneering process sees whisky selected via Twitter – – –

Dufftown, 20 September 2010: Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, today announced the release of the Glenfiddich 1978 Vintage Reserve, an exceptional single malt with classic Glenfiddich characteristics. This year’s Vintage Reserve is not only the first released under the stewardship of Glenfiddich’s recently appointed Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, but also the first Vintage Reserve selected via Twitter.

On 9th June 2010, Brian Kinsman was joined online by a global panel of eight influential whisky bloggers and journalists.  The group nosed and tasted four single malts and compared tasting notes via the microblogging site.

Their thoughts and impressions on each sample were tweeted and followed live on http://www.glenfiddichvintagereserve.com, before the panel came to a conclusion and selected cask number 28152 as their favourite.

Cask number 28152, which has a strength of 50.7% ABV, will produce 184 70cl cask-strength bottles which will retail at a RRP of £480.
 
Brian Kinsman, the sixth Malt Master in Glenfiddich’s long and distinguished history, commented: “Selecting this year’s Vintage Reserve was hugely exciting for me. Not only was it my inaugural Vintage Reserve selection, but to use Twitter was truly pioneering. It was fantastic to be able to lead a panel of experts from around the world and select such a wonderful whisky.

“For two hours, we nosed and tasted samples from four pre-selected casks, all of which were filled from the same batch on the same day – 25th September 1978. Despite being filled with identical spirit, each American oak hogshead cask imbued its contents with a distinctive personality and characteristic – producing a truly unique whisky. I’m delighted with the panel’s final decision and it’s great to see cask number 28152 released globally.”

The panel agreed that cask number 28152 has a beautifully balanced nose with the hallmark Glenfiddich single malt pear and fruity character. Summer grass, hints of orange marmalade, green bananas, herbs – thyme and bay leaf – and delicate toffee oak notes shine through. It is velvety smooth to the taste, with rich vanilla oak flavours intriguingly punctuated with a vibrant fruitiness. The addition of a little water accentuates the fruit aspect with distinct citrus and red summer berries notes. Over time the spicy character comes through without ever dominating.  Its finish is long and rich with the signature fruity distillery character leaving a lasting impression.

The full conversation can be viewed on Twitter at http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23vintagereserve or at http://www.glenfiddichvintagereserve.com.

The 1978 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve will join the award-winning range of Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whiskies, which also includes Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old, 30 Year Old, 40 Year Old, and 50 Year Old.

Notes
 
The Vintage Reserve selection process took place between midday and 2pm (GMT + 1), on Wednesday 9th June 2010
The 2010 panel was made up of eight whisky bloggers from Sweden, Taiwan, UK, USA, Canada, Russia, Denmark and India
Ho-Cheng Yao, Taiwan. Twitter: @kingfishertw Blog: Single Malt Lover!
Lucas Dynowiak, UK. Twitter: @EdinburghWhisky Blog: Edinburgh Whisky Blog
Noah Rothbaum, USA. Twitter: @liquordotcom Blog: Liquor.com
Rick McGinnis, Canada. Twitter: @rickmcginnis Blog: Rick McGinnis
Hans-Henrik Hansen, Denmark. Twitter: @hhhglenfiddich
Anish Trivedi, India. Twitter: @anish_trivedi Blog: Raw Spirit
Jerry Lindahl, Sweden. Twitter: @avecprovning Blog: blog.livetsgoda.se &
Herr J. Lindahls avecprovning
Ilya Krasilshchik, Russia. Twitter: @maliar Blog: twitter.com/maliar
Prior to the Vintage Reserve selection process, the panel were sent samples of whisky from four American oak hogshead casks, all filled from the same batch on 25th September 1978.

William Grant & Sons Ltd:

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family.  The Company distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and one of the world’s best loved blended Scotches, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey® 
 
Visit www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands

NEW 50ML FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY

Following the successful launch of South Africa’s first single grain whisky late last year,  Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will now be available in accessible 50ml packs.

Made from recyclable PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) the bottle is light and moulded in the distinctive square shape synonymous with the larger 750ml design.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky recently made its debut in the international competitive arena and in the space of just two weeks it received a gold and best-in-class at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and a silver award at the 2010 International Spirits Competition, both held in the United Kingdom. 

According to brand manager Liezl Dippenaar, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is the only South African produced whisky available in a 50ml at this stage.

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is a uniquely South African product and immensely popular, which is why we wanted to extend its reach to more people and by doing so increase the usage occasion for consumers. The handy 50ml format is perfect for hotel and lodge rooms and to serve aboard airplanes.  In-store, it is also an ideal single size for someone looking to try the brand or for a more convenient serving.”

Created by master distiller Andy Watts at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the whisky is made from the finest quality South African grain. Double-matured in specially selected oak casks, the whisky spends an initial three years maturing before being released from wood and then re-vatted for a further two years’ maturation to continue the distinctive extraction of flavours.

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

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky takes its name from the Bain’s Kloof Pass, opened in 1853, and according to Watts the pass harmonises seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

“At its base the road cuts into the mountain slopes and winds its way through pine forests and fynbos where many protea species grow on the higher mountain slopes. The whisky pays tribute not only to one of the most picturesque and magnificent passes in South Africa but also honours Andrew Geddes Bain, the creative mind behind its construction.”

The leopards on the crest represent the Cape Mountain leopards which have lived in and roamed the area of Bain’s Kloof Pass for hundreds of years. Regal and agile, these reclusive predators keep to the steep, inaccessible slopes of the rugged mountains. Today, the numbers of these endangered cats have been dramatically reduced but rare sightings are reported from time to time.

ONLINE WHISKY GIZMO TO TICKLE TASTEBUDS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has launched The Spirit Cellars, the world’s first bespoke whisky selection engine which gives users a unique and quirky way to discover the wealth of exclusive Society bottlings. 

A magical world of discovery located deep within the dark vaults of the SMWS’ website (www.smws.com/the-spirit-cellars) The Spirit Cellars combines advanced algorithms with colourful tasting notes to help customers identify their perfect SMWS malt whisky whatever the mood, place or occasion.

With an ever-changing range of single cask, single malt bottlings on offer the Society recognised that both experts and emerging enthusiasts would enjoy a new way of discovering the right choice for them.

Using technology developed for the computer dating industry, a range of engaging widgets such as MoodBot, Palate Equaliser and the Phrenology Lab assess frame of mind, personality, palate preferences and favoured flavours to introduce Society members to their ideal dram. 

Single cask malts to suit specific occasions are also recommended.  With tasting notes to complement fish and chips to an evening of tapas with friends, The Spirit Cellars whisky selection engine aims to pick out the perfect whisky for any occasion.

By providing feedback on how they choose whisky, users will have the chance to develop their own signature online gadget and win an exclusive bottle from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s wide range of single cask malts.

Kai Ivalo, Sales & Marketing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society commented on the Society’s latest development: “Choosing the right whisky is a personal experience, with a myriad of factors affecting the final decision.  The Spirit Cellars whisky selection engine offers a guiding pathway through a minefield of choice, enabling us to pair whisky fans with the right single cask malt and ultimately ensure they get the most from their membership.” 

Notes

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began 26 years ago when a group of discerning friends shared the price of a single cask of fine malt whisky.

The Society has over 26,000 members around the world with branches in 14 countries. It bottles over 300 single casks a year for its members from a range of more than 125 distilleries.

Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.

Exclusive Members’ Rooms are located in Edinburgh and London for tastings, dinners, meeting and presentations.
www.smws.com

Tasting in the Sky

Good afternoon,

Did I ever mention I believe nosing whisky in the great outdoor is more enjoyable? As a matter of fact, I often take samples of whisky away from my desk and into the open countryside. Many of the tasting notes I have written for this blog were jotted on a notepad outside our restaurant in Dufftown.

I don’t know if there is a scientific reason why the aroma of a whisky should be different outside but I do know I get a lot more out of subtle whiskies when I am not at my desk or at home. Perhaps, those of you who have enjoyed a whisky miniature half way around a golf course will know what I am talking about?

I must have mentioned this to some of my colleagues as I got a unique opportunity to test my theory last week when I was invited to host a tasting in the sky.

The idea came from our PR agency in the UK and as you’ll see on the pictures below, they chose a stunning location to host the event.

I must admit I’m not fond of heights but here I was, 131 feet up in the sky, enjoying a selection of our blends and taking in the scenery. Ale Cask’s nose was even more stunning than usual and celebrity chef Nick Nairn even joined us on one of the lifts.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! Tamara, when can we do it again?

Best regards,

Ludo

Visit http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2010/09/tasting-in-the-sky/ to view all the sky high photos…

WILD TURKEY® ASSOCIATE DISTILLER EDDIE RUSSELL TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME

Fourth Generation Russell Recognized for Crafting America’s Spirit

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (September 14, 2010) – After 29 years in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey® Bourbon Associate Distiller, will be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, the highest honor given by the legendary Kentucky Bourbon industry. The ceremony will take place on September 17, 2010.

As the son of renowned Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, and the fourth generation Russell to work at the Austin Nichols distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Eddie Russell is of an unmatched pedigree in the bourbon industry. Before being promoted to the position of Associate Distiller in 2007, Russell collaborated with his father to create “Russell’s Reserve,” the award-winning, 10-year old small-batch bourbon that serves as a testimony to the family’s heritage of distilling craftsmanship and tradition. Eddie’s experience in and knowledge of the bourbon business makes him a prime candidate for this honor.

Russell’s honor comes nine years after his father’s induction at the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame ceremony in 2001. The father and son team has spent a combined 85 years crafting the iconic Wild Turkey Bourbon. “We are very pleased to hear of Eddie’s well-deserved honor,” said Andrea Conzonato, Chief Operating Officer of Skyy Spirits. “Passing down Wild Turkey’s traditions from generation to generation ensures that the brand’s integrity is kept alive through timeless processes and an uncompromising focus on quality.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame induction is one of many events that comprise the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which takes place this year from September 14 to 19 in historic Bardstown, KY. Candidates are nominated each year by the bourbon distilleries as well as by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival itself, and are finally selected by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. In order to be selected for induction, candidates must have spent numerous years working in distillery operations or bourbon promotions, and contributed significantly to bourbon’s stature and awareness worldwide.

Notes

For further information on Wild Turkey history visit: http://www.camparigroup.com/en/press_media/history_communication/wild_turkey_html.jsp

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and is the eighth-largest spirits company in the US.  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.

(The full release with expert tasting notes will be released next week)

Amrut Single Malt Releases New Limited Edition Expression

Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky – 57.1% abv

Amrut Distillery and Purple Valley Imports USA announce the US launch of Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky.

This is a truly unique expression. As a small family owned distillery Amrut is able to test new ideas and to continue to create world class Single Malt whisky.
 
Process behind this whisky

As a first step in the production of this expression Amrut Distillery wanted to make sure that there was no sulfur present in the casks. Secondly, shipping the sherry butts from Spain to Bangalore was going to be difficult. From Spain, the barrels would go through huge temperature changes and by the time it reached the port of Chennai (Madras) it would be 30 + degree Celsius. A marvelous idea came to Amrut. They instructed the supplier NOT to add any sulfur and also to drain any residual sherry in the cask completely. A few cases of Amrut Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky were shipped to the cooperage in Spain and they were filled in each of the Sherry Butts. The casks  were then sealed and rolled a few times. The logic behind this idea was cask strength whisky at 61.9% would more likely act as a kind of ‘bacteria killer’. Amazingly it worked! The Casks came through intact.

Once the Sherry Butts were filled Amrut wanted to create something other than the sherry finishes in the market today. Amrut wanted to avoid the sherry’s influence suppressing the ‘Amrut Characters’ in the whisky. The Butts were emptied back into Bourbon Casks for approximatley one year. The master distiller drew samples and was impressed with this “essay in elegance” – there was no trace of sulfur what so ever. It was like a sherry ‘Sandwich’ and fused well with Bourbon notes. ‘Amrut Intermediate Sherry’ has born. We are not aware if any other distiller has coined a phrase like this before, however it is exactly how the whisky was produced.

Purple Valley Imports will be sampling Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt during the VIP hour at Whisky Fest San Francisco on October 8th, 2010

Facts:

Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt – 57.1% alc by vol.

Total Bottling: 275 cases

US Availability: 85 Cases (6 x 750 ml)

Worldwide Availability: European Union, Canada and United States

US Release Date: October 15th, 2010
US Availability: November 1st, 2010

Anticipated US Retail Price:  $134.99

“A.D.Rattray goes for the Regional Grand Slam in the Whisky Magazine Independent Bottlers’ Challenge…..
 
Following the Best Independent Bottler of the Year Award for Speyside in 2006 and Islay in 2009 we have now won the Highland region in 2010. ”

Visit A.D.Dewar Rattray at www.dewarrattray.com/

GOLD PILES UP FOR DIAGEO’S SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

The IWSC’s judges wrote about Caol Ila 12 year old, which won this year’s Trophy for single malt whiskies under 15 years old: “Peat fires, lemon, lime, smoky bacon, lapsang souchong tea are all on the gorgeous nose. All delivered in a bowl of crème brûlée with a light menthol breeze blowing from behind. Rich, malty sweetness in the mouth with citrus, dark berries and delicate twist of wood smoke. Invigorating yet gentle. Magic !”

Caol Ila™ 12 year old is Best Single Malt under 15 years old at the IWSC

With the 2010 results now announced by the major spirits competitions, Diageo is celebrating the 34 Gold Medals won for its Classic Malts Selection Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in 2010.

Talisker and Lagavulin, in their several expressions, once again feature prominently, maintaining their long-standing record for supreme malt whisky quality, recognised consistently in blind tastings by independent experts across the cycle of competitions.

But this year also saw major rewards for Caol Ila, Clynelish and other stars.
‘Magic’ Caol Ila™

Billy Stitchell and his small team on the shores of the Sound of Islay learned in July that Caol Ila 12 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky had won the International Wine & Spirit Competition Trophy  –  the competition’s top award  –  for the Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky under 15 Years Old.

Earlier in the year, Caol Ila 12 year old had set the scene for this supreme achievement by walking away with a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition as well as a Master at the Scotch Whisky Masters.
The IWSC’s judges wrote about Caol Ila:

“Peat fires, lemon, lime, smoky bacon, lapsang souchong tea are all on the gorgeous nose. All delivered in a bowl of crème brûlée with a light menthol breeze blowing from behind. Rich, malty sweetness in the mouth with citrus, dark berries and delicate twist of wood smoke. Invigorating yet gentle. Magic !”

“Stunning dram” – Lagavulin™

From the other end of Islay, Lagavulin 16 year old and Lagavulin Distillers Edition, as so often before, won a Gold or higher award in every competition they entered.

In the last 6 years, Lagavulin 16 year old has earned itself 21 Gold Medals or higher in major international competitions. In 2010 alone, this iconic and much adored Islay malt took

• a Gold Medal at San Francisco
• a Master at the Scotch Whisky Masters
• a Gold – Best in Class at the IWSC
• a Gold at the International Spirits Challenge

The IWSC judges spoke of  “A stunning dram in its best condition”.

More honours for Talisker™

Repeating its 2009 performance, Talisker 10 year old won Golds or higher at San Francisco, the Scotch Whisky Masters (London), and at the IWSC (Gold – Best in Class). Talisker Distillers Edition took Golds at the Scotch Whisky Masters and the IWSC.

In the last six years, Talisker has won 18 Gold medals for its 10 year old expression alone.

In awarding the Gold – Best in Class medal, the IWSC judges said of the Talisker 10 year old:

“Full, rich and positive nose with hints of sea air, honey, smoke and malt. Full in the mouth with good deep flavours repeating what the nose promised. Marmalade, chocolate and orange peel add to the complexity with some cocoa right at the end. Beautiful harmony. Long flawless finish.”

‘Objective benchmarks’

Commenting on the 2010 awards, Diageo’s Dr Nicholas Morgan said:
“These results reflect a  consistent pattern of achievement over many years, and across all major competitions.” 

“This must confirm that these malt whiskies are delivering  –  and being independently recognised for  – a high and consistent quality.   We are immensely proud to see the excellence of our single malt whiskies, particularly Talisker and Lagavulin, now often joined by Caol Ila and Clynelish, acknowledged and rewarded at these international events.”

“When there’s such an overwhelming   –  and ever-growing  –  number of single malts on the market, we know that it must be helpful for many consumers to have an objective benchmark to guide them in their choices. Success in these well managed competitions has to be one of the best signposts to enjoyable whiskies.”

NOTES

California: four Double Golds

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the spring awarded Double Golds to Caol Ila 12 year old, Clynelish 14 year old, Dalwhinnie 15 year old Oban 14 year old.

Clynelish  has won a  stupendous Double Gold at San Francisco every year in the last 5 years!

http://www.sfspiritscomp.com

Scotch Whisky Masters: five Masters, eight Golds

Before the summer the Scotch Whisky Masters, a London-based competition, awarded their top ‘Master’ commendations to Talisker 10 year old,  Lagavulin 16 year old  and Lagavulin Distillers Edition  –  as in 2009  –  but also to Caol Ila 12 year old and Talisker 57° North.

Gold medals were awarded to Caol Ila Distillers Edition, Clynelish 14 year old, Clynelish Distillers Edition, Cragganmore 12 year old, Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition, Glenkinchie 12 year old, The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old and Talisker Distillers Edition.

International Spirits Challenge – three Golds

In July, the International Spirits Challenge confirmed the award of three Gold medals for Caol Ila Distillers Edition, Lagavulin 16 year old and Lagavulin Distillers Edition.

http://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/

International Wine & Spirit Competition  – a Trophy, six Gold-Best in Class
The IWSC’s highly qualified panels of fiercely independent international judges declared Caol Ila 12 year old worthy of the prestigious Trophy for the best Single Malt under 15 Years.

On top of that there were six other Gold Best in Class awards for the Classic Malts Selection, given to Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition, Lagavulin 16 year old, Oban Distillers Edition, Royal Lochnagar 12 year old, Talisker 10 year old and Talisker Distillers Edition.

http://www.iwsc.net

The Classic Malts Selection, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Glen Ord, Lagavulin, Oban, Royal Lochnagar, Talisker, The Singleton and Distillers Edition words and associated logos are trade marks. © 2010