BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY TURNS HEADS ABROAD

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, produced at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, recently made its debut in the international competitive arena and came back with an impressive list of awards. 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. 

Launched just over a year ago, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is made from 100% South African grain, making it the country’s first single grain whisky. Master distiller Andy Watts says these are the first international competitions in which the whisky has been entered, making the results all the more rewarding.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements! Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky shows South Africa’s ability to produce a premium, specialist whisky to the same high quality standards as any top-ranking international whisky but with a distinctive and uniquely South African taste profile.

“The grain, which is locally grown, provides the ideal source for the whisky, complemented by the sweet notes of the oak in which it is aged. With Scotland importing South African grain to produce its own grain whiskies until the mid-1980s it was only natural for us to make use of our own raw materials to produce such an exceptional whisky.”

Another unusual feature of the whisky is that it is double-matured in specially selected oak casks and after spending an initial three years maturing, it is released from the wood and then re-vatted for a further two years’ maturation to continue the distinctive extraction of flavours.

Watts says 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.

Bains Cape Mountain Whisky is named after Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s. Available from leading liquor outlets the whisky retails for around R155 per 750ml bottle.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, produced at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, recently made its debut in the international competitive arena and came back with an impressive list of awards. 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. 

Launched just over a year ago, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is made from 100% South African grain, making it the country’s first single grain whisky. Master distiller Andy Watts says these are the first international competitions in which the whisky has been entered, making the results all the more rewarding.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements! Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky shows South Africa’s ability to produce a premium, specialist whisky to the same high quality standards as any top-ranking international whisky but with a distinctive and uniquely South African taste profile.

“The grain, which is locally grown, provides the ideal source for the whisky, complemented by the sweet notes of the oak in which it is aged. With Scotland importing South African grain to produce its own grain whiskies until the mid-1980s it was only natural for us to make use of our own raw materials to produce such an exceptional whisky.”

Another unusual feature of the whisky is that it is double-matured in specially selected oak casks and after spending an initial three years maturing, it is released from the wood and then re-vatted for a further two years’ maturation to continue the distinctive extraction of flavours.

Watts says 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.

Bains Cape Mountain Whisky is named after Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s. Available from leading liquor outlets the whisky retails for around R155 per 750ml bottle.

WHYTE & MACKAY ‘TACHE MOB TAKES OVER WHISKY LIVE

Today (Saturday, 11th September) visitors at Glasgow’s Whisky Live were served up more than just a wee dram, as Whyte & Mackay superfans stormed the event in homage to the brand’s Master Blender, Richard Paterson.

Whisky Live was awash with fans dressed as their favourite Master Blender, who had only the day earlier been crowned whisky ambassador of the year by Whisky Magazine, complete with his trademark moustache, prominent nose and matching tie and pocket handkerchief, as buffs travelled from across the UK to pay tribute to Richard Paterson’s 40 years with the company.

The Whyte & Mackay fans have dubbed themselves a ‘Tache Mob’ named in reference to the popular flash mob events which are usually organised via viral e-mails or social media to assemble a large group of people in the same place at the same.

Whyte & Mackay, one of Scotland’s leading makers and distributors of Scotch whisky learnt of the plans early last week and decided to join in the moustached madness by  offering all ‘Tache Mobbers a free sample of their 40 year old whisky, the oldest Whyte & Mackay blend which scooped the Best Blended Scotch Whisky award at this year’s World Whisky Awards.  Dave Anderson from Dundee was crowned best doppelganger of the day by man of the moment, Richard Paterson, who presented him with a bottle of the 40 year old (worth approx £517). 

Fans who were unable to make it to the event are also taking part in their own online ‘Tache Mob by uploading pictures of their best Richard Paterson imitation onto Whyte & Mackay’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/quality.whisky

Richard Paterson comments: “This was my first experience of a ‘Tache mob, and it will certainly stand out as a highlight of my past 40 years with Whyte & Mackay. The effort that people went to was tremendous; some of them got me down to a tee! Dave was a deserving winner and hope everyone who came along had as much fun as I did.”

Dave said: “I’m a huge fan of Richard’s and have travelled from Dundee just to meet him. The ‘Tashe mob was a great idea and I was surprised at the effort people went to. Richard said it was my red pocket handkerchief that sealed the deal! This is my third time at Whisky Live, it’s an amazing event and winning a bottle of 40 year old is the cherry on top of the cake for me.”

Notes

About Whyte & Mackay

Whyte and Mackay was founded on the docks of Glasgow in 1844 by James Whyte and Charles Mackay. For over 160 years, the whisky has remained true itself and the pioneering spirit, and is a top choice for Scots who appreciate its rich, smooth flavour, achieved by maintaining the time-honoured double marriage blending process; a process  that all Scotch whisky distillers used to carry out but have since abandoned.

Whyte & Mackay expressions are the Special, the Thirteen, the Old Luxury (19 years old), the Supreme (22 years old), the 30 eyars old and the 40 years old.

About Richard Paterson

• Whyte & Mackay is blended by the Master Distiller Richard ‘The Nose’ Paterson
• This year (2010) marks Richard Paterson’s 40th year as Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay, after becoming Master Blender at the incredibly early age of 26
• Richard Paterson is a 3rd generation Master Blender who has followed in his father and grandfather’s footprints.  Richard began his career as a general production assistant at A. Giles & Company Whisky Blenders & Brokers where he learned the art of blending before joining Whyte & Mackay, one of Scotland’s leading makers and distributors of Scotch whisky
• Richard Paterson is one of the world’s best-known Master Blenders, having travelled the globe extensively as an ambassador not just for Whyte & Mackay, but for Scotland
• The Master Blender’s role is undeniably one of the most important and complex in the whisky making process. He is responsible for creating whiskies, watching them closely as they mature, maintaining quality and ensuring they are released when they are their best
• Richard is the author of ‘Goodness Nose’ thought to be one of the most informative and entertaining books on the art of whisky blending
• Richard’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/The_Nose) was nominated alongside Stephen Fry and Duncan Bannatyne for the best Twitter page at the Twitter awards 2009
• Richard’s (www.themasterblender.com) is one of the most followed whisky blogs
• He is also the author of the book ‘Goodness Nose’ and is believed to be the first Master Blender to appear in a Japanese manga comic!
• Richard was instrumental in Whyte & Mackay being named ‘Global Distiller of the Year’, and the 30 years old winning the title of ‘Best Blended Whisky in the World’, at last year’s IWSC. 
• Richard holds many figureheads roles and official posts, including: Diploma Lecturer in Scotch Whisky for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust; Scotch Whisky Lecturer for the Scotch Whisky Association; President of The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society (The BEN); Chairman of Spirits at the International Wine & Spirits Competition; President of the Institute of Wines & Spirits Scotland; President of the 49 Club Scotland.  He also recently won the Spirit of Scotland Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The Twins

Our Special selection …..

We have put together an unmissable package of 6 of our outstanding bottles..For the connoisseur of FINE & RARE Scotch Whisky.
 
Why not impress your friends with your choice of fine whiskies – this comes a close second to showing off your Porsche!!
 
Over 150 years of maturation for £250.00
 
Special Selection of six 70cl bottles of Malt Whisky

1. – Aultmore 28yo @ 53.1% RRP – £58.00

2. – Caol Ila 25yo @ 52.4% RRP – £65.00

3. – Cambus 24yo @ 52.7% (Single Grain) RRP – £50.00

4. – Bladnoch 20yo @ 52.4% RRP – £45.00

5. – Mannochmore 28yo @ 50.8% RRP – £55.00

6. – Teaninich 27yo @ 50.7% RRP – £58.00
 
That’s a huge saving of over £80…..
 
To order or find details on the individual bottles – check out 
http://www.bladnoch.co.uk/acatalog/bladnoch-forum-bottlings.html
 
Subject to availability.
No further discounts apply.
 
Sue Sellers
www.bladnoch.co.uk

It only takes a few moments to join the Bladnoch froum…

Did you know….

…The Irishman 70 Irish Whiskey has just won Gold at the coveted Whiskey Masters award (sponsored by The Spirits Business) as the overall winner in the “Irish Whiskey Category” beating Bushmills, Jameson, Cooley, Irish Distillers and Tullamore Dew?

…The Irishman Rare Cask 2010 won the Gold Medal in the Premium Irish Whiskey Category beating other great whiskeys  from the Bushmills and Midleton stables?

You can taste this award winning whiskey at Whisky Live Paris. Bernard Walsh will be there himself so why not stop by and say hello (Oh oh, does he have a tache? – WI).

Sláinte!

www.thehotirishman.com

join us on at facebook/the Irishman Irish whiskey

It’s time for a brand new guide to the finest whisky in the world…

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton

£12.99 HB / 2 Sept 2010 (UK) / $19.95 / 1 Nov 2010 (USA & Canada)
 224 colour illustrated pp / 9780755360833

‘Buxton’s selection introduced me to some unexpected delights. Taste them all and you’ll live for ever!’
Charles MacLean, Master of the Quaich.

‘Brilliant! Every whisky lover can learn something from this irreverent and stimulating read’
Jason Craig, Brand Controller, Cutty Sark

’I just couldn’t put it down…one of the best whisky books in recent years’
Ingvar Ronde, Editor, The Malt Whisky Yearbook

• With annual business in excess of £2billion, whisky is one of the UK’s leading exports.
• This book has been written with international whisky lover in mind and is as relevant in the US, India or New Zealand as it is in Ian’s native Scotland.
• Contemporary design and package gives this book a broader and younger appeal than other whisky titles currently on the market.
• Ian Buxton has been working in the whisky industry for more than 20 years.
• He lives in a discontinued distillery in Perthshire.
• This is his desert island list of whiskies.

For more information or to interview Ian – contact:

Bob McDevitt / bob.mcdevitt@hachettescotland.co.uk / 07876 508 716

Sláinte!

Discover The Lost Blend on Tour…

THE TWEEDDALE BLEND hits the road this week on it first of three outings over the next three months. You will be able to enjoy a Tweeddale dram at the following tasting events.

 
Whisky Live Glasgow at the Thistle Hotel Saturday 11th September 12pm to 5pm. http://www.whiskylive.com

The Whisky Show 2010 29th-30th October in The Brewery, London EC1Y 4SD www.thewhiskyshow.com

 
Glasgow Whisky Festival Saturday 14th November 13th at The Arches in Glasgow from 1-5pm. www.glasgowswhiskyfestival.com

Discover the lost blend…
THE TWEEDDALE BLEND.

www.stonedean.co.uk

Balblair Launches Stylish Jazz Campaign as Global Vintages Showcase

“Jazz was born in a whisky barrel” Artie Shaw

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has collaborated with internationally acclaimed Jazz and Blues singer Niki King for the launch of The Balblair Vintage Lounge – a new event that will match Balblair Vintage expressions with classic jazz performances in an evocative lounge setting.

The Balblair Vintage Lounge promises both jazz and whisky enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, and plans are currently in place to stage events at luxury venues in Paris and New York, following the official campaign launch in Edinburgh during the festival season this month.

The Edinburgh event saw an exclusive range of media and guests attend the prestigious National Museum of Scotland venue on Thursday 26th August to enjoy an hour-long intimate performance by Nikki King and her three piece band. Hosted by Distillery Manager John Macdonald, guests sampled a selection of Balblair Vintage single malts in a specially created bespoke lounge, which recreated a classic vintage style and atmosphere.

Balblair is the only distillery to solely produce vintage expression whiskies which are handpicked by the Distillery Manager after a complex tasting and nosing process. Only the finest whiskies – those that have reached the peak of their perfection – are chosen and named by the year that they were laid down in cask. Like Balblair whiskies, jazz is all about perfect timing and this new creative partnership provides the ideal platform to showcase classic vintages which are timed to perfection.

Scottish born singer Niki King was a natural choice to launch the first of the Balblair Vintage Lounge events. Catapulted into the international spotlight in 2001, when she won the prestigious Perrier Jazz Vocalist of the Year award, she has since released four critically acclaimed albums.  Hailed by reviewers for her beautiful reworking of Jazz classics, Niki’s enthusiasm for vintage jazz sees her perfectly placed to launch the first of Balblair’s unique experiences.

With further events to be scheduled globally over the next two years fronted by a selection of leading jazz artists, the initiative aims to introduce Balblair’s award-winning whiskies to new international audiences.

Andy Hannah, Brand Manager, Balblair Highland Single Malt Whisky says: The Balblair Vintage Lounge provides a real opportunity to introduce our multi award-winning malts to whisky enthusiasts worldwide. In Jazz and at Balblair distillery timing is everything, and it is this link that provides the perfect platform to host events which combine style, class and vintage luxury.

Balblair has become established as the quality choice for discerning malt whisky drinkers worldwide. Its contemporary design and celebrated taste reflects the time-honoured and un-rushed methods of production that have remained virtually unchanged over the years.

Niki King performing in the lounge

Notes:

The Balblair Porfolio includes;
1979  –  46% (70cl) –  £84.99
1989  –  43% (70cl) – £45
1997   – 43% (70cl) – £28.99

Balblair 1979 is amber in appearance with radiant golden honey highlights. A superbly balanced malt with warm aromas of honey, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak barrels.  Cloves, oranges, bananas and pears can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage. Sweet, honey vanilla flavours combine with cloves and spices leading to a rich, full-bodied, long-lasting, finish.

Balblair 1989 is mid-amber in appearance with honey-gold highlights. A full-bodied malt with aromas of raisin, green apple and hints of banana and lemon. The American oak barrels, used in the distillate’s maturation, lend a warm toffee, vanilla fragrance. On the palate there are raisins and fruits with a rich spiciness leading to a long, complex and ultimately smooth finish.

Balblair 1997 is subtly amber in appearance with rose-golden highlights. This full-bodied malt is fused with the aromas of pineapple, apricot and lemon to create a long-lasting sweet finish.  On the nose, the American oak barrels used in the distillate’s maturation, produce an inviting, spicy fragrance. Hints of oak, spice and raisin combine with the sweetness of vanilla to create a long-lingering, creamy smooth finish on the palate

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Nikki King
Niki won the prestigious Perrier Jazz Vocalist of the Year award at the Café De Paris in London in 2001. She has since released four critically acclaimed albums, as well as toured throughout Britain, Asia and Europe and headlined at the Blue Note in Tokyo and London’s Ronnie Scott’s. 

King prodigious talent meant she has been asked to open for Al Green and The Average White Band, as well as to collaborate with other great musicians, including revered writer/producer Bluey Maunick of Incognito.

Balblair Brand Manager Andy Hannah, Niki King and Balblair Distillery Manager John MacDonald.

THREE SHIPS FAVOURED INTERNATIONALLY

The Three Ships Select and Three Ships Premium Select 5-year old have raised their international reputation by earning gold and best in class awards at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) held in Surrey, United Kingdom.

This follows hot on the heels of the impressive medals garnered at the 2010 International Spirits Challenge held in London and announced last week, where the Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish received gold, the Three Ships Premium Select 5-year old silver and the Three Ships Select earned a bronze medal.

Andy Watts, master distiller of the Three Ships range, produced at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, says the international recognition for the brand in the space of two weeks is a remarkable achievement.

The James Sedgwick Distillery was established in 1886 and has been making Three Ships for over two decades.

“The world is open to South African whiskies these days and by competing against the best in the world, it shows our ability to produce exceptional whisky.  With the style of a whisky becoming increasingly important as perceptions change and whisky lovers begin to value style rather than age alone, Three Ships is regularly seen on the world stage. “

The Three Ships website is currently under construction and will be done shortly.

A note from John Campbell at Laphroaig Distillery

Thank you all for your many letters on our next live internet broadcast from Jerez in Spain on the 23rd September, I will try to answer all your correspondence as soon as I can. In the meantime, I have added a page on the website with all the show details: http://www.laphroaig.com/live. We have some very exciting news about the event. As you will have read in my last email, one of the panellists is a Friend of Laphroaig but is also a singer and songwriter. Well, Diego has kindly agreed to sing live for us at the event. With special Laphroaig expressions, Sherry, tapas and now live music this really is set to be our best ever online show.
 
I must apologise for my last email about our next Laphroaig Live event. I had put the time as 8pm Eastern Central Time by mistake, it should have been 8pm Central European Time. If you go to http://www.laphroaig.com/live I have put up full details, including a link to a site which will allow you to work out the time of the event in your own country.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in actually attending the event in Jerez in person. We have been inundated with emails. Please rest assured, if you have emailed already we will be contacting you shortly – we were just waiting to determine numbers. If you haven’t emailed yet and are still interested in attending the event in Spain, please email info@laphroaig.com by Wednesday 8th September 2010.

Slàinte,

John

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Taiwan stages the biggest two day whisky festival in the world

The city of Taipei has just staged the best attended whisky festival in the world, confirming that Scotch whisky is by far the most popular premium spirit sold in Taiwan.

Whisky Live & Fine Spirits Taipei, held on August 28 and 29, at Taipei World Trade Centre, saw 12,400 people, passionate to learn more about the water of life, came through the door. Sixty Scotch whisky brands were showcased offering consumers a range of over 300 styles of whisky to taste. The festival included its trademark whisky tastings, master classes and live entertainment.

Asked why the East Asian island would have such an affinity with whisky, importing £85.1 million worth of Scotch last year, Stephen Notman, show director, said: “I think it’s about whisky’s perceived status as a luxury product and people’s desire to discover the fascinating world of single malts.

“The Taiwan Single Malt market emerged approximately 10 years ago when it was comparatively unknown. Brands like Macallan set this market up and from there it’s gone from strength to strength” said Notman.

“The taste profile of Malt has certainly caught the imagination of the Taiwanese people. It was fantastic to see so many young Malt drinkers at the festival, and also women, something you would rarely see in established Western markets. The genuine passion, enthusiasm and appreciation reverberated around the festival,” Notman added.

It is only the second year the event has been held in Taipei. Taiwan is the 10th largest export market for Scotch whisky by value, worth about £102 million in 2009.

Exhibitors heaped praise on the event.

David Pattison, Marketing Director for Asia from Morrison Bowmore, said: “This is arguably the most exciting and dynamic market in the world with a festival of stature to match. It was great to see whisky being seen as fun and enjoyable by so many young people.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Master Distiller of Glenmorangie, said: “The show has been outrageously successful- we went like a train.”

Ronnie Cox: Global Brand Ambassador for Berry Brothers & Rudd added “The Taipei event was undoubtedly the greatest international Whisky Live and indeed whisky event that I have ever experienced. It overflowed with boundless energy, innovative dynamism and the attendees with joyful exuberance. That it should have had a world record record number of attendees, surprised me not in the least ~a  real credit to the magnetism of Scotch

Notes:

-Taiwan’s rapid growth during the latter half of the 20th century, has been called the Taiwan Miracle. As Taiwan developed alongside Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, they are collectively known as the Four Asian Tigers. It is categorized as an advanced economy by the International Monetary Fund.

-Whisky Live is the world’s premier whisky tasting and sampling show, taking place in 15 countries worldwide, from London to Tokyo, Shanghai to New York. In 2010 it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
-Kuala Lumpur Whisky & Fine Spirits will be held on October 30 at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

Insert website address here…not supplied