Award-Winning BUSHMILLS® Single Malt Irish Whiskies Get Stunning New Pack

Today BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey unveiled new premium packaging for its 10, 16 and 21 Year Old Single Malts which is guaranteed to drive awareness of the multi-award winning Irish Whiskies.

The new packaging was unveiled to global media at a special event at London’s famous Irish bar, Waxy O’Connor’s. Hosted by Helen Mulholland, Master Blender for BUSHMILLS, the exclusive gathering had the opportunity to be the first to taste from bottle number one of the new look BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single Malt.

The bold redesign looks set to bring the BUSHMILLS range of Single Malt Irish Whiskies to the attention of a wider audience, at a time when Irish Whiskey is outperforming all other International spirits categories¹.

The new packaging features striking imagery of the Old Bushmills Distillery, embossing of the 1608 original licence to distil date and a prominent display of the trademark BUSHMILLS Pot Still – features which are testament to the heritage, authenticity and quality of the entire range of BUSHMILLS Single Malt Irish Whiskies.

In March this year, the BUSHMILLS 10, 16 and 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskies all won gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while, in February, BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single Malt was also named the World’s Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards in London.

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender for BUSHMILLS, said: “We’re immensely proud of our Single Malts and it’s great to see their quality recognised around the world this year. The new packaging builds on that sense of pride and helps us tell a unique story about the 400 years of local Malt distilling expertise which has led BUSHMILLS to be voted the world’s best Single Malt Irish Whiskies*.”

BUSHMILLS Global Brand Director, Sam Reader, added: “Irish Whiskey is outperforming the market growing at 7% year on year, faster than any other International spirits category¹. This is a great opportunity for both BUSHMILLS and the trade to drive sales of Single Malt Irish Whiskies in a growing and competitive market.

“We know that today’s consumer wants to know, more than ever before, that what they’re buying has real heritage and roots. When they buy BUSHMILLS they know that they are buying a whiskey with a unique history and provenance. As we designed our new packaging we wanted to create something that would tell that story and emphasise the authenticity of BUSHMILLS Single Malts. I believe it’s something we can all be very proud of.”

Helen Mulholland added: “Our Single Malts have a great taste and there’s something for everyone in the range – even for those who have never thought about drinking a Single Malt before. They’re triple distilled for extra smoothness and unlike Scotch Malts they have no smokiness, allowing you to get straight to the unparalleled taste of Malt.

“We’re delighted that the new Single Malt packaging continues to match the undoubted quality of our whiskey.”

The new packaging is available now in global travel and key Bushmills markets.

The new BUSHMILLS Single Malt Irish Whiskey packaging:
• Features the Old Bushmills Distillery on the outer case to reflect the brand’s heritage and authenticity
• Highlights the taste created by the fine casks used in the maturation process at the Old Bushmills Distillery
• Features 1608, the date of the original licence to distil granted to the area now known as Bushmills, embossed on the front of the glass bottle, making it more tactile
• Includes the original BUSHMILLS trademark Pot Still device, an indication of the quality of the brand.

About BUSHMILLS:
BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes six multi-award winning whiskeys: BUSHMILLS Original, BLACK BUSH, BUSHMILLS 10 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt and BUSHMILLS Malt 21 Year Old Single Malt. BUSHMILLS is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled Malt Whiskey. This is at the heart of all BUSHMILLS Whiskies and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness.

Far Flung Flavours show the Society’s pioneering side
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has always done things differently, from the dogged determination to uncover the most fascinating whiskies for its members to the curious and distinctive tasting notes that accompany each bottling. It’s adventurous, brave and, most of all, pioneering.
 
To reflect this pioneering spirit, the Society is making three outstanding single cask malts available for its members around the world to buy, each of which takes inspiration for its names and labels from particularly playful tasting notes. These rare and unusual bottlings are part of the Far Flung Flavours series, a celebration of the unique nature of the Society.
 
They’re still single malts and they’re still single casks but the Society feels that these are bottles that embody the enormous diversity of flavours that members can discover. So, this year the Society has created three wonderful bottles that are just a little more pioneering than all the rest; Clint Eastwood, Sweet Innocence Sacrificed on the Bonfire (Joan of Arc) and Hansel and Gretel.
 
Available for UK Society members to buy from November 5 this collection focuses on the pioneering characters hidden in the tasting notes. Clint, Joan and the witch-baiters – adventurous characters one and all, just like each whisky.
 
The bottles will only be sold as sets of three and stocks are limited. 209 full sets are available world-wide with only 30 of those destined for the UK. The trio of bottles will sell for £220. The three bottlings/casks come from distilleries in Islay (53.142 ‘Sweet innocence…’), Campbeltown (27.84 ‘Clint Eastwood’) and Speyside (76.77 ‘Hansel & Gretel’).
 
Paul Miles, Managing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We don’t release many Far Flung Flavours but when we do we know they’ll cause much debate with our members. We’ve put a few cats amongst the pigeons with Far Flung Flavours before but the cats have grown sharper claws and the pigeons should be looking worried.  Far Flung Flavours will provide whisky lovers the chance to sample something new, exciting and truly unique.  We can’t wait to hear feedback from our thrill seeking members.”

TASTING NOTES
 
Springbank 1997 (cask no. 733)
27.84 Clint Eastwood in the saddle
The nose was meaty (lamb with lemon and herbs) and medicinal, with tar, treacle, tobacco pouches and ropes on a boat. We also got some chocolate, heather and vanilla. The palate was fantastic – big, sweet, salty, citric, spicy and smoky, “like chewing a lit cigarette”, with pleasant brown sugar after-tastes. The reduced nose evoked figs, green grape, machair, honey, lanolin, leather – we imagined a meerschaum-smoking fisherman’s woollen jumper, after one inadequate wash. The reduced palate had enough masculine weight (leather, tobacco, wool) to guarantee interest; “Clint Eastwood in the saddle” someone said. This 1828 distillery is still in private hands.
 
Colour – deep honey gold
Cask – refill barrel
 
Drinking tip
An ideal Father’s Day dram
 
Bottle note
The nose is meaty and medicinal, with tar, treacle, tobacco, hints of vanilla and chocolate. Figs, honey and leather appear later. The palate is big, spicy, smoky and sweet, (chocolate, brown sugar) with enough weight (leather, tobacco) to command respect
 
Caol Ila 1989 (cask no. 5427)
53.142 Sweet innocence sacrificed on bonfires
The complex nose suggested seashores, smoked fish, bacon, space hoppers, mouthwash, Elastoplasts, pine-resin, lemon, herbs, barley sugar and toffee. The palate drew particularly positive comments; “A class act!” and “Scotland in a glass – the bottom line!” The balance, between nutty toffee sweetness and smoke, tar, ash and soot, was impressive, with touches of mint and spice rounding it off. The reduced nose was salty, lemony, floral and waxy (one panellist imagined a girl wearing a PVC coat, smoking in a bar). The reduced palate – honey, vanilla and ashes – sweet innocence sacrificed on bonfires. The distillery was built by Hector Henderson.
 
Colour – august sunset on corn fields
Cask – refill hogshead
 
Drinking tip
A sipping whisky for special moments
 
Bottle note
The nose is definitely complex – seashores, bacon, Elastoplasts, lemon, pine-resin, toffee and barley sugar; salty, floral and waxy with water. The palate impressively balances nutty toffee, honey and vanilla against smoke, tar, ashes and soot; sweet innocence sacrificed on bonfires.
 
Mortlach 1994 (cask no. 4848)
76.77 Hansel and Gretel
The panel enthused about autumn scents on the nose: an oak forest with wet leaves and mushrooms; yet there was sweetness throughout – orange marmalade and candy, Oddfellows dipped in butterscotch, spiced Madeira cake and dark chocolate.  The neat palate was rich with sweet and spicy combinations; Terry’s chocolate orange and clove oil, Nepalese tea and cinnamon, gingerbread and Demerara.  The reduced nose was of dried fruit (raisin and sultana), and there was a toasted aroma, perhaps cinnamon toast, a chocolate pop tart and burnt caramel.  The reduced taste reminded the Malt-meister of Mon Cherie chocolates (dark cherries dipped in chocolate). Cherry blossom brought a floral and elegant finish to the taste. The distillery was the first to be licensed in Dufftown in 1823, and was completely rebuilt in 1963.
 
Colour – amber jewel
Cask – 1st fill sherry butt
 
Drinking tip
One to savour in the late autumn sun – on a romantic walk in the woods.
 
Bottle note
The nose has deep oak and orange (marmalade and fudge), with candy, butterscotch and chocolate; more sherry-like with water (raisin and sultana, cinnamon toast). The palate is sweet and spicy (cloves and tea, gingerbread and Demerara); later, cherry blossom and chocolate.
 
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

Woodford Reserve Releases Limited Edition Maple Wood Finished Bourbon

Industry’s First Bourbon Finish Aged in Maple Wood Barrels Available November 1

November, 2010, Louisville, Ky. – Woodford Reserve announces the latest extension of its acclaimed Master’s Collection which will be released on November 1. Called ‘Maple Wood Finish,’ it is the fifth in the series of limited edition bottlings and continues Woodford Reserve’s tradition of crafting rare whiskeys that extend the category in bold new directions.

This whiskey is one of the most unique Master’s Collection’s to date as it is the industry’s first bourbon to be finish aged in barrels made from sugar maple wood. Barrels play a key role in producing bourbon, with approximately 70 percent of the spirit’s flavor and aroma and all of its color provided by the barrel. Woodford Reserve’s new offering features bourbon finish-aged in uniquely crafted barrels made of maple wood, something never before done in the industry.

“Sugar maple trees have a complex natural chemistry, rich in calcium, potassium and other minerals, but they are best known for their flavorful sap which contains as much as 3% sugar,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Though it was thought that whiskey barrels could not be crafted from sugar maple wood, our Brown-Forman Cooperage has done just that. Of all the distillers in our industry, we are the only bourbon company that crafts its own barrels, giving us unique knowledge and control of the process. The Master’s Collection Maple Wood Finish uniquely finish-ages Woodford Reserve in a toasted, not charred, maple wood barrel, resulting in a whiskey enhanced with hints of maple, honey and cinnamon.”

Ever year, one of the five sources of flavor is changed for the Master’s Collection expressions. These five sources – grain, water, fermentation, distillation, and wood-aging – are unique to bourbon whiskey, and altering just one of them creates a totally new flavor profile.

“Bourbon must be matured in new, charred oak barrels, and in our quest to fully understand the contribution oak wood makes to bourbon, we have studied other Kentucky hardwoods as well,” said Wayne Rose, brand director for Woodford Reserve. “This has led to some exciting discoveries and innovative barrel finish concepts. One of these – Maple Wood Finish – is a first for the spirits industry and has resulted in an amazing, elegant whiskey.”

Maple Wood Finish is the fifth in the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection series following the Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish, Sweet Mash and Seasoned Oak offerings. Released periodically at the master distiller’s discretion, the Master’s Collection whiskeys are extremely limited in quantity and bottled only once, in a proprietary package inspired by the copper pot stills of The Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The inspiration for the Master’s Collection is rooted in the rich history and tradition of what is today known as The Woodford Reserve Distillery. In the mid-1800s distillery owner Oscar Pepper and Master Distiller James Crow studied and recommended use of key processes like sour mashing and charred barrel maturation at the historic Woodford County distillery. These practices are still maintained in the bourbon industry, and today the distillery receives more than 100,000 visitors annually and is the only one in America to use bourbon triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills.”

Woodford Reserve Maple Wood Finish will be sold in 45 U.S. markets, and a limited quantity will be available in Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, New Zealand and Australia. Each bottle is individually hand-numbered and presented at 94.4 proof. Available in major metro markets, only 1,676 cases are available with a suggested retail price of $89.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Maple Wood Finish

Color:            Golden brown.

Aroma:         Rich and sweet with hints of brown sugar glazed baked apricots, milk chocolate and fresh toasted oak.

Taste:            Warm with cinnamon spice, faint hints of maple syrup, berry fruit and a touch of nuttiness.

Finish:          Crisp with delicate maple syrup notes lingering on with a touch of warm fruit.

Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Fetzer, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, and Bonterra. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2010.

STARS ON WHISKY TRAIL TO RAISE CASH FOR NEEDY CHILDREN AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH

50 BOTTLES FOR SPIRIT AID

Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on 17 November features 50 rather special bottles being sold on behalf of Spirit Aid, a charity which offers help and support to needy children in Britain and around the world.

The bottles have been collected by Scottish actor David Hayman, star of TV’s Trial and Retribution and three colleagues, Whisky Magazine Editor, Rob Allanson, comedian Vladimir McTavish and the writer Tom Morton.

They followed the trail of the Victorian eccentric Alfred Barnard who in 1875 set out on a three year journey to visit and write about each of the 162 distilleries in the United Kingdom.  Of the 106 distilleries still operating, David and his team have visited 50 ranging from Highland Park in Orkney to Bushmills in Northern Ireland, Penderyn in Wales and St George’s, England’s only distillery, in Norfolk.

The bottles are signed by the team and are estimated to raise over £2,500.  

Bonhams Whisky specialist, Martin Green, said, “This is a really imaginative idea and we’re very pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile cause.”

Spirit Aid was set up in 2001 by David Hayman who is also the charity’s operations director.  It is dedicated to relieving suffering to children caused by wars, genocide, poverty and abuse.

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/whisky

Notes

Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Sydney and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (February 2010).

THE JOHN WALKER BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY- A TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDING FATHER OF JOHNNIE WALKER.

To mark the start of a new decade, the House of Walker celebrates the life of its founder with the launch of The John Walker (RRP £2,000), an incredibly special blend of whisky that is the epitome of the Johnnie Walker Blue family of scotch whiskies.

Hand-crafted and made to order in single barrel batches with only 330 bottles available, The John Walker embodies rarity and exclusivity. Presented in a unique, individually numbered Baccarat crystal decanter that is hand blown, polished and engraved by one of only three Master-craftsmen in the world; The John Walker contains whisky blended from 9 hand selected casks. Building from the predecessors “Johnnie Walker Blue Label” and “King George V”, this blend takes the idea of hand selection of extraordinary casks, and takes that to new levels of rarity and craft. Every care has been made to recreate the authentic flavours of a 19th Century blend in John Walker’s original style and the whisky has been taken from a range of distilleries, some of which are now closed; making this whisky quite literally priceless. 

The John Walker is the ultimate luxury gift for any discerning gentleman. Encasing the gift is a hand crafted lacquer cabinet with over 60 hours of workmanship used to create the eleven layers of lacquer and luxurious cream leather interior. No detail is left to chance from the Baccarat cut crystal stopper to the 24 Carat Gold plated neck collar and travel stopper.

Inside, the taste of The John Walker whisky starts in sophisticated fashion with the richness of mature fruits slowly following from the more youthful aromas of fresh citrus. The initial burst of flavour is defined by a vanilla oak sweetness, with the Older Speyside whiskies contributing to the amazing smoothness. These casks are designed to give wonderful malty flavours, characteristic of classic 19th Century whiskies. Cambus grain whisky is the unifying force that binds the great Malt whiskies together in “The John Walker”, combining to make a stunning tasting experience.

The John Walker has a RRP of £2,000 and is available exclusively from Harrods.

Notes:

Tasting Notes:

Appearance –Rich and viscous in the glass – hints at the smoothness to follow.
Nosing – The taste of “The John Walker” starts in sophisticated fashion with the richness of mature fruits slowly following from the more youthful aromas of fresh citrus.
Palate –The initial burst of flavor is defined by a vanilla oak sweetness. Enormous body and elegant structure to the palate. Walker Speyside whiskies contribute to the amazing smoothness.  These casks are designed to give the wonderful malty flavours, characteristic of the 19th Century whiskies. The underlying sweetness is unusually soft. Cambus grain whisky is the unifying force that binds the great Malt whiskies together in “The John Walker”. The Marrying process, the second maturation in small cask, small batch production gives a chance for these great, giant whiskies to work together seamlessly.
Finish – Finally as the big, elegant flavours gradually evolve, there is a slowly emerging echo of smoke that finishes this unique blend of rarely seen whiskies. 

About Diageo:
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.  

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY TAKES WHISKY LOVERS ON A NEW JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Bunnahabhain 12 year old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, from the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the isolated north-eastern tip of the Island of Islay, has been re-introduced as an un-chillfiltered spirit, a move which has excited whisky lovers and experts from across the world.

Bunnahabhain is the flagship malt Scotch whisky from Burn Stewart Distillers and is exported to over 30 countries globally.  The superior quality of the whisky is widely recognized with the brand consistently winning awards in international competitions.  Unlike its neighbouring distilleries on the Island, Bunnahabhain embodies “the gentle taste of Islay”, as it is not a typically heavily peated smoke filled Islay malt.

The process of chill-filtering removes some of the oily-fatty compounds produced during distillation or extracted in the maturation period.  It prevents the whisky, when in the bottle at an alcohol level below 46% abv, or when served, from becoming hazy when chilled.  Some whisky experts believe that chill-filtration removes some of the flavour and body from the whisky.  When un-chillfiltered, the dram retains a depth of flavour the filtration process would otherwise rob it of.

In line with Burn Stewart Distillers’ Master Blender, Ian MacMillan’s vision for all of the company’s malts to move the spirit to un-chillfiltered, the whisky now has a high strength of 46.3% alc with no colour added.  The packaging has been revised to compliment the new expression, the whisky will be contained within a smoked oak glass, replacing the traditional emerald green glassware, dual labeling and is now presented in a quality gift carton.

Ian MacMillan, Master Blender commented “Enjoying the experience of un-chillfiltered whisky allows you to enjoy the whisky as near natural as possible, with all the original flavours and aromas contained”.

Katherine Crisp, Brand Manager for Bunnahabhain said: “This new journey for Bunnahabhain is very exciting and allows us to offer the consumer a much richer, fuller flavoured Bunnahabhain.”

Tasting Notes – Bunnahabhain 12yo
Bunnahabhain is not a typical, heavily peated, smoke filled Islay – it embodies the ‘gentle taste of Islay’ making it an approachable, welcoming dram.
Nose
Fresh and aromatic with a little smoke prevalence
Palate
Light with fruit and nuts leading to a malty sweetness
Finish
Beautifully rich and full bodied, lingering on the tongue for a few moments

Notes:
• Chill-filtration is a process in which the whisky is chilled to near 0°C (32°F) and passed through a fine filter. It prevents the whisky from becoming hazy when chilled or when water or ice is added.  It is believed by many whisky enthusiasts that chill-filtration removes some of the flavour and body from the whisky.
• Bunnahabhain Distillery sits on the North East coast of the island of Islay.  It is open for tours Monday to Friday.

• Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881.

• Bunnahabhain is known as ‘The Gentle Taste of Islay’

Visit Bunnahabhain Distillery at http://www.bunnahabhain.com/

JURA TOASTS 200th CELEBRATION WITH A DRAM OF NEWLY RELEASED 21YO

This year marks a special year for the Jura distillery as it is celebrating its 200th anniversary.  To commemorate this occasion, Jura is releasing a new limited edition 21yo which will be available to buy direct from the island or through specially selected whisky partners.
The distillery, which was founded in 1810, is the only distillery on the island and is home to the award winning range of single malts – 10, Superstition, 16 and Prophecy –  with the Jura 21 years old will now sitting alongside the  collection.
 
If its maturation in vintage sherry casks from 1963 isn’t enough to tempt the palate, as an added anniversary bonus, each pack will contain an exclusive invitational scroll from Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, to a special tasting of rare whiskies at the distillery.  There will also be 21 stays at the luxury Jura lodge up for grabs for purchasers of the commemorative malt.
 
Willie Cochrane, Distillery Manager commented:  ‘At the distillery we are all extremely proud of this 200th anniversary expression.  Not only is it an exceptional malt, it’s also an exceptionally rare malt with only a few thousand people being lucky enough to be able to enjoy this beautiful whisky that has been matured in a vintage Oloroso sherry cask. ‘
 
He continued: ‘Each and every bottle will also contain a personal invite from me to join me and my team at the distillery for a private tour and to indulge in some of our rarest malts, but consumers need to be quick off the mark as there are a limited number of bottles and tours available worldwide.’

Notes:

Tasting Notes:

The unique vintage 1963 Oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass have provided this noble spirit with a flawless finish of sot marzipan, crushed walnuts, fleshy pear and tangy orange peel. Whispers of succulent maraschino cherries, plums and soft liquorice complete this memorable masterpiece.

http://www.isleofjura.com

Amrut Distillery

Distillery scores top marks with Amrut 100

The innovative Indian malt whisky distiller Amrut has come up with another unique offering. Not only is the latest malt matured in unusually small handmade 100 litre casks, but it is bottled at 100 British proof and presented in 100cl bottles. In addition there will only be 100 individually-numbered bottles in each of five countries.

Unsurprisingly Amrut Distilleries Ltd has named this peated single malt whisky Amrut 100.

“We deliberately wanted to produce another expression within the peated single malt category,” explained Ashok Chokalingam of Amrut Distilleries, which has had great success with its Amrut Peated Single Malt Whisky which was first bottled in 2008.

“After the Amrut Peated Single Malt Whisky had been matured in ex-bourbon casks, the whisky was emptied into brand new 100 litre handmade virgin casks,” said Ashok.

The whisky was matured for a further year in the tropical climate of Bangalore. “As the new casks were almost half the size of a bourbon barrel, the extraction process is even faster and the aromas are concentrated in the form of heady vanilla and mocha chocolate integrated with subtle and enjoyable smoke.

“We tried the whisky at different strengths and found that at 100 British proof (57.1%), the balance was awesome. When we looked at the whole process, then the idea of Amrut 100 born. This whisky is bottled at the unusual size of 100cl. As the quantity is limited, we have just an individually-numbered country-specific bottling of 100 bottles per country.”

As the reviews have started to come in, Ashok is pretty sure this latest Amrut single malt will be another perfect collectors’ item.

Jim Murray in his new Whisky Bible 2011 has given 92 points to Amrut 100. He said: “Ironically, though one of the older whiskies to come from this distillery, the nose shows a little bit of youth. A quite different style from Amrut’s other peated offerings and it was obviously intended. Further proof that this distillery has grown not only in stature but confidence.”

Whisky writer, Dominic Roskrow, enjoys Amrut 100’s finish: “The fruit fights back but it’s a savoury whisky, with a spicy chilli conclusion, and utterly unforgettable and irresistible.”

Benny Ingman, President of Carlstad Whisky Connoisseurs, was also impressed by “a very good whisky and the best Amrut ever”. As was Gordon Homer, the creator of the Spirit of Islay website, who said: “This is possibly my favourite Amrut expression… so far… it hits the mark in all the right ways.”

Notes

Further information: Amrut 100

¨       Finished in 100 litre handmade virgin casks.

¨       Bottled at 100 British Proof (57.1%)

¨       Bottled in 100cl bottle

¨       Only 100 bottles per country (UK, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands).

Further information: Amrut Distilleries

Amrut Single Malt Whisky from India was launched officially in Glasgow in 2004. Since then its reputation has grown, with its range of innovative whiskies using Indian barley from the Punjab distilled in the tropical garden city of Bangalore at 3000ft.

The distillery is forging a reputation for creating innovative whiskies. In the recently published The Whisky Bible 2011, leading whisky expert, Jim Murray described  Amrut Intermediate Sherry Matured as another “truly outstanding and world class whisky”. Awarding it 96.5 points, he added: “The Intermediate is a whisky of sheer joy, I particularly loved the juxtaposition between the abundant spice and sherry character, another masterful example of distilling, maturation and blending at its very best.”     

In The Whisky Bible 2010,  Murray awarded Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky the title of World’s Third Best Whisky with 97 points. Fusion – which brings together two barleys: Indian and Scottish, with the latter being peated – was also named the Best Natural Cask Whisky in the Daily Drams Category at the Malt Maniacs Awards 2009. It picked up the award for the best whisky matured exclusively in “untreated”, regular cask(s) in the category for whiskies with an average street price of up to 50 euros. It was also awarded a silver medal.

This year Amrut has also released Kadhambam. This mixture of Amrut Single Malt Whisky and a small portion of Amrut Peated Single Malt Whisky was  matured  in a variety of casks (ex-Oloroso sherry butts, then ex-Bangalore Blue Brandy casks and finally ex-rum casks). Named after the Tamil word for “mixture”, Kadhambam’s maturation in each case was also a different  length of time. The resulting whisky has been described as having  “enormous complexity”  and  “the most adventurous single malt I have ever tasted”.

Amrut whiskies are now sold widely in Europe (UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Spain), Canada, South Africa, Australia and the United States.

Tasting notes

Gordon Homer
Like the finest orange marmalade in colour, the peat immediately hits you on the nose, very peaty! There’s quite a smokiness to it as well, spices, chocolate, malt and liquorice. There’s also a nice oakiness to it as well. On the palate the peat strikes first, then chocolate, and liquorice, a very nice spiciness to it as well. Very good balance across the palate. A Long and peaty finish, a touch of medicinalness in the peat, Mint humbugs and Fishermans Friends. Really chewy, boy does this finish go on and on and on… Wow! A fantastic Amrut. A peat head’s delight but with the distillery’s traits, I think this is the peatiest Amrut so far.
 
The 100 is certainly the peatiest Amrut I’ve tasted, the 100 litre virgin casks has added quite a bit of spiciness to the finished malt, very like the Ardbeg Toasted Oak releases. Amrut certainly aren’t sitting on their laurels, coming up with very interesting and very tasty new expressions! This is possibly my favourite Amrut expression… so far… it hits the mark in all the right ways!

Serge Valetin
Colour: amber. Nose: typical young peat from very active oak. Powerful but balanced, fresh, very ‘precise’. Damp ashes and sand, garden bonfire, cut grass, then more marzipan and roasted nuts as well as a little fudge. Quite some mint and a little eucalyptus in the background. Rather more aromatic than, say some peaty Islayers. With water: sweet peat and a lot of nutmeg. A little medicinal. Mouth (neat): very powerful but beautifully fruity and resinous beyond the peat, the pepper and the ginger. Also a little leather but just like the two previous ones, it’s very clean spirit. Gets finally a little more almondy and gingery. With water: perfect peat with a little fudge and always these gingery spices. Finish: long, clean, compact! Peat and sweet spices again. Comments: another perfect example of careful wood monitoring. Modern style but perfect. I mean ‘and’ perfect. SGP:457 – 88 points.

Bert Bruyneel
Nose: very phenolic and loads of medicine, orange, unlike any other peated Amrut I tasted before, could well be an Islay.
Palate: explosive and rather dry again, remains VERY phenolic and a medicine closet, again very a-typical, liquorice, a very pleasant sweetness.
Finish: finish is sweet, phenolic, everlasting, also getting some citrus notes.
Balance: first time I detect this on an Amrut, a really nice peat BOMB, great to end a nice meal.
Score: 86/100.

Dominic Roskrow
Nose: Trademark orange jelly but with raspberry and blackcurrant, some floral notes (violets?) and an undercarpet of dusty peat
Palate: A Goan curry of a taste, with clean rapier sharp chilli spice and bitter fruits, a big, big mouth feel but tingling rather than burning, and some sharp citrus berry fruits in the chilli mix.
Finish: The fruit fights back but it’s a savoury whisky, with a spicy chilli conclusion, and utterly unforgettable and irresistible.

Benny Ingman
Colour: amber/copper
Nose: sweet, quite mellow, peat smoke, some sherry, chocolate, smoked sausage, brown sugar, some similarities with good Japanese whisky
Mouth: sweet, smoky, fruity and especially like a mature red apple, some sherry, very mellow, a fantastic taste
Finish: as the mouth, very heavy and with a good length
Comments: a very good whisky and the best Amrut ever, for me it was much more peat smoke in the mouth than in the nose, a must buy!
Points: 90

The World’s Best Whiskies by Dominic Roskrow

Bookshops Whisky Tasting Tours

Aurum Press has published (as of October 18th, 2010) The World’s Best Whiskies by Dominic Roskrow, a collection of 750 drams that Dominic believes to be the best in the world.  Dominic will be doing a series of whisky tasting events in November, which might be of interest for the whisky drinkers in the areas he will be visiting (Norwich, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Guildford, and Abingdon). Visit Aurum Press at www.aurumpress.co.uk

Tuesday November 16th
7.00 pm
Waterstones Norwich
11-17 Castle Street
Norwich
NR2 1PB

Contact: Ben
Tel: 01603 767292
£5 tickets redeemable against the price of the book.

November 22nd
6.00 pm
Waterstones St. Andrews
101 – 103 Market Street
St. Andrews
KY16 9NX

Contact: Stuart
Tel: 0843 290 8603

November 23rd
6.00 pm
Waterstones Edinburgh West End
128 Princes Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4AD

Contact: Ian
Tel: 0843 290 8313

November 24th
7.00 pm
Waterstones Guildford North Street
35 – 39 North Street
Guildford
GU1 4TE

Contact: Cath
Tel: 0843 290 8359

November 30th
7.30pm
The Book Store
15 Bury Street
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3QT

Contact: Ian or Jane
Tel: 01235 539200

Oh boy!

Are you sitting comfortably? I would like you to be among the very first to find out about a landmark release from Highland Park.

Highland Park 50 Year Old is the distillery’s oldest and most prestigious release. Only 275 bottles of this remarkable Limited Edition are available. It is a vatting of five casks distilled in 1960. Like all Highland Park, the 50 year old has been cask-harmonised, that is to say, refilled into casks upon reaching maturity in order to ensure perfect balance and consistency.

Highland Park 50 Year Old has been bottled at 44.8% abv to ensure the full impact of the rich, complex flavours that come from a lifetime of maturation.

    
 
Inspired by the elemental forces of Orkney, each bottle is hand-crafted from sterling silver and designed by Maeve Gillies, an internationally-renowned designer of engagement rings and bridal jewellery based in New York. Maeve is also a Global Scot, a business ambassador for Scotland. Her design for Highland Park 50 Year Old celebrates Orkney; in particular the influence of the sea, wild weather and the passage of time.

If you have visited the distillery you will know that the Orkney Islands offer an unspoilt environment of breath-taking beauty and clarity. They are much influenced by their location; the sea, wind and rain all combine to create a unique micro-climate. The triumph of Highland Park 50 Year Old is that the design retains the purity of the original inspiration, that of Orkney itself. The beautiful, bespoke bottle with its hand-fitted sterling silver cage is a suitably stunning setting for such a venerable single malt.

Highland Park 50 Year Old is available at £10,000 per bottle and is limited to 275 bottles.

http://www.youtube.com/HighlandParkWhisky