Richard Paterson The Master Blender

AMERICA! I’m back! I hope Boston, New Orleans and Dallas have whisky

(This was sent later Tuesday by himself)

Apparently, some of you Americans were missing me, so here I am back again for some more whisky and cigar adventures (well, in places you’re allowed to smoke anyway…) and here’s what I’m up to – hopefully get to meet a few of you…

Monday July 19
A quick blogger meet-up and lunch with Kirsten Amann, Catherine Stanton Schiff and Kenneth Kansky at Post 390 and then I’ll be at Davio’s, 75 Arlington Street, Boston in the evening for a trade dinner. Should be fun (as long as the jetlag stays off!)

Tuesday July 20
Easy day until 4pm and then it’s tastings and masterclass galore at Federal W&S and at Omni Parker House. The Omni Parker House one should be good for those who get along as everyone is getting a copy of my book and a bottle of Dalmore 15.

Wednesday July 21
A fond farewell is bid to Boston as I get to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail (did they check who they had invited? Do they put ice in these cocktails?) and I’ll be doing events in and around the Hotel Monteleone. One of the events, starting at 4.30pm, will see me doing a classroom style event with the drinks being poured, the Dalmore 12, 15, 18, Gran Reserva and King Alexander.

Tales of the Cocktail has a huge online presence, I’ll send the details out later for those who can’t make it along.

Thursday July 22
I’m taking the day off. I wish! Starting off at 11am I’ll be doing a book signing in the Hotel Monteleone, then having a chat with Kevin Jenkins of The Chef & the Fat Man fame. But it won’t be too long a chat as I’ll have a plane to catch, getting into Dallas at around 9pm. Someone tell me a decent place to go for a late night drink and cigar!

Friday July 23
I can guarantee I’ll be sweltering from all the running about I’ll be doing as I’ve got a bunch of private events on before a cigar event at Javier’s, 4912 Cole Ave. Dallas.

Saturday July 24
Not much on apart from  a mad dash to the airport to catch another plane and get back to New Orleans (in case they are missing me) and get ready for the Spirited Awards at The Roosevelt Hotel that night.

Sunday, July 25
Sleep. Aye, maybe if you’re another Richard Paterson. More Tales of the Cocktail fun with a presentation on Scotland’s Whisky Legends and Pacult involving myself, F. Paul Pacult and Colin Scott from Chivas. This is actually going to be a cracker as we’re discussing some terrific points about whisky – I’ll do another blog post about it later – and then I’m a guest at an event called Ahead in an Online World which apparently is going to tell us about stuff called Twitter, Facebook, blogs and so on. Never heard of any of it. All I want to know is can I put my whisky glass on the old-fashioned CD tray?

Monday July 26
Travel back to Glasgow. Might sleep, might prepare some notes for an online whisky tasting I’m doing with some guys in Australia on the Wednesday.

Anyway, that’s what I’m officially up to. There’s some spare time in most of the cities, so let me know if there’s anywhere worth popping into. After all, the last time this suggested, I popped into a little company called Twitter…

EVAN WILLIAMS CHERRY RESERVE FLAVORED BOURBON TO BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER

New Cherry flavor closely follows the runaway success of Evan Williams Honey Reserve

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with natural cherry flavor.  Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at a suggested retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.

The launch of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve follows closely on the heels of the hugely successful introduction of Evan Williams Honey Reserve, which launched in the Fall of 2009. Since that time, it has had both great sales success and critical acclaim, including winning a Silver Medal at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both the Evan Williams Cherry and Honey Reserves take advantage of established trends in the distilled spirits industry in general and the American straight whiskey category in particular.  Among these is the ongoing success of flavored spirits, whose growth is more than double that of unflavored spirits; as well as the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams, which showed double digit sales percentage increases in both 2008 and 2009. Heaven Hill fully anticipates that infusing Evan Williams extra-aged Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon brand in the United States and the world and a “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” winner, with natural cherry will yield similar success as that achieved with Evan Williams Honey Reserve.

Like the Honey Reserve, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is packaged in the highly-recognizable square Evan Williams bottle, with a clear label carrying the Evan Williams logo and a stylized rendition of cherries. With a black and red capsule closure, the packaging draws on the equity of the Evan Williams brand franchise, but with a contemporary flair.  Bottled at an approachable 70 proof, and infused with natural cherry taste that complements its sweet, easy-to-drink Bourbon flavor, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve lives up to its tagline of “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.”

“We have seen remarkable success with Evan Williams Black Label and now Evan Williams Honey Reserve,” stated Heaven Hill brand manager Susan Wahl.  “Given the strength of the Evan Williams brand franchise and the proven success of the flavored Bourbon sub-category, we believe it is the perfect time in which to launch Evan Williams Cherry Reserve.  And with a very approachable price point and a full range of retail and on-premise marketing materials available, we are expecting our customers to do some real ‘cherry picking’!”

To help merchandise the brand, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is supported by an array of retail promotional materials—including a permanent wire rack and header card, shelf talkers, case cards, cold box clings and a 50ml counter unit—allowing off-premise operators to create impactful displays that will capture consumer attention.  In order to generate sampling in bars and restaurants, on-premise POS including T-shirts and shot glasses will also be made available.  A targeted trade advertising schedule will also help create awareness among the key retail and on-premise audiences.  All materials utilize striking visuals and the “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.” positioning, rendered in red and black graphics.  Support materials also emphasize that Evan Williams Cherry Reserve can be consumed as a shot or in a variety of delicious simple cocktails such as the Cherry Breeze, Cherry Twist Margarita and Cherry Cola.

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

CHIVAS REGAL 18 GOLD SIGNATURE LAUNCHES IMPRESSIVE NEW GLOBAL LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN

The No 1 ultra premium Scotch in the world, Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature, has unveiled new advertising to drive its continued international success. The brand is launching both new print and TVC advertising that will communicate its outstanding product quality and luxury credentials across its key markets.

A new TVC, created by Euro RSCG and directed by the Gold Lion-winning Eugenio Recuenco, is set in a surreal neo-baroque world.  It features a female muse as the embodiment of Chivas Regal 18 who brings life-energy and pleasure to the world as she passes through it.  Solid objects are turned to gold and living objects, including the three male protagonists, are re-animated by her.  The central theme is the pure pleasure that Chivas 18 brings whilst visually reflecting the brand’s full name, Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature.

The accompanying print campaign expresses the sophisticated and indulgent style of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old through luxurious visual cues.  The Master Blender Colin Scott can identify up to 85 different flavours within Chivas Regal 18 ranging from walnuts to dark cacao, and the new creative reflects this uniquely rich and multi-layered quality. In addition, beautiful and unexpected items such as diamonds spill out of some of the depicted flavours, such as cracked walnuts, to again amplify the product’s exceptional and rare qualities. 

Chivas Regal Global Brand Director Sophie Gallois explains: “This TV advertising is a real innovation in the world of luxury Scotch whisky. Like Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, the new advertising is both sophisticated and luxurious. It will enhance the message of product quality and uniqueness in a rich and creative way that will capture the imagination of consumers globally.”
 
The TVC will be shown in 30s and 60s versions and will carry the ‘Live With Chivalry’ logo marrying it to other Chivas Regal advertising globally.

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, created by Master Blender Colin Scott in 1997, is made from an indulgent blend of whiskies that are hand-picked for their exceptional richness. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old is the luxurious and successful extension of Chivas Regal, the flagship Scotch whisky of Chivas Brothers, and sells over 200,000 9l cases (over 2 million bottles) globally.

Notes:

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.

MOLINARI LEAVES AN IMPRESSION WITH BARCLAYS SCOTTISH OPEN VICTORY

A bottle of Ballantine’s 30 Year Old whisky was presented to Edoardo Molinari in recognition of his Barclays Scottish Open victory on Sunday 11 July.  The Italian champion left an impression by securing his first career European Tour crown, winning by three shots at Loch Lomond.

Molinari, who first hit the headlines by winning the US Amateur title five years ago, is now ranked 19th in the world after his 2010 Barclays Scottish Open win.

Ballantine’s was a sponsor of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held in China, which Edoardo Molinari won in 2009 alongside his brother, Francesco.

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whisky, is reinforcing its commitment to international golf with a three year extension of its official sponsorship of The Barclays Scottish Open.

Notes:

About Ballantine’s

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

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

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

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

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

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

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

This from the American Distilling Institute Newsletter

The Virgilina Distilling Company

by Sharon Whitt Burkholder

During the great migration to America in the 17th and 18th centuries,
settlers brought their meager belongings and diverse cultures with them. 

These migrants settled the American Frontier and they began to grow crops.  Money was scarce and these new settlers depended on trading for their survival.  They began to make value-added products from their crops. 

Distilled spirits were easily made from corn, fruits, and other grains and then exchanged for supplies and goods.  Thus, the great American spirits industry was born.

The Whitt family settled in the Virgilina area in the early 1700’s  when
Southern Virginia was a frontier.  Supporting this new nation, they fought in the Revolutionary War.  Some of the Whitts moved west, and many remained here.  They farmed, raised families, and were productive.

Copper and gold were discovered in the Virgilina area in the 1800s, and companies from Boston to England began to invest in this area’s mining industry.  Virgilina was a frontier town, a wild-west town that thrived from this industry. Located both in Virginia and North Carolina , irgilina’s rapid growth was due primarily to mining followed by the alcohol there. 

Being a wet town in a dry area,Virgilina’s distilling industry grew right
along with the town.  Our great-grandfather, General Lee Whitt, used to ride his horse to Virgilina to visit the saloons.

The railroad came to Virgilina in the 1880’s, providing a means to transport copper, gold, and alcohol. The town grew, and according to local lore, Virgilina was once the home to over 8,000 miners.  When minerals were found in the American West, the companies began to invest there, and they left along with their miners. The town began to decline, even though mining in Virgilina continued on a small scale until the 1950’s.  Prohibition effectively shut down the distilleries in Virgilina, further contributing to the town’ss decline.  With prohibition came the increase in moonshining and bootlegging in the area.

Our grandfather, LeeRoy Whitt, was a farmer and there were not many opportunities for a boy with a 9th grade education.  With a sense of sheer determination and a will to succeed, he made his living off the natural resources of the area.  In addition to farming, he was a bootlegger, and is quite a legend with the old-timers around these parts.

His largest moonshining operation was in the Virgilina area, on what we know as the Christie farm.  The natural springs, locally known by the old moonshiners as High Plains Northwest Blue, and were known to produce the best spirits in the area.  He was an expert driver, and his bootlegging cars were fast.  He used to tell us that his mechanic was Lee Petty,  the father of Richard Petty of NASCAR fame, and that he would race on the dirt tracks behind the Petty house back in the day.

Granddaddy quit bootlegging around 1960. The Feds arrested him during a sting in Person County , NC . During the chase, he was clocked going faster backwards than forward.  He used to tell us that he would have “outrun ’em” had he not ran over a railroad track which knocked his car out of gear.  He invested his money in over 800 acres of Southern Virginia land, and left it to us.

What the heck are we girls going to do with it?
_______________________________________________________

Legacy Artisan Distillers, Inc. DBA Virgilina Distilling Company is owned by four Whitt Sisters.  We are planning to distill corn liquor, and infuse with fruit, as well and brandies, etc.

We are making progress. We are working with Kothe, and are moving ahead!

Visit the American Distilling Institute at www.distilling.com
 

WHISKY LIVE PARIS 2010
September 25th, 26th et 27th
Palais de Tokyo

WHISKY LIVE
Spanning the planet from London to Tokyo, Paris to Glasgow and New York to Cape Town, Whisky Live is now a major event in more than twenty different cities every year.

Since 2003, Whisky Live Paris has brought together thousands of whisky lovers during the month of September for this special event. Whisky Live Paris will assemble some of the most prestigious distilleries, from all the whisky-producing countries: Scotland, Ireland, the United States and Japan but also from Wales, India, Sweden, Australia and France.

WHISKY LIVE PARIS 2010

For the first time, Whisky Live will open its doors to welcome other fine spirits. Cognac and rum will be the guests of honour will be taking the stage in dedicated areas all throughout this 7th edition. These will not be the only spirits attending, however. Numerous eaux-de-vie both aged and non-aged will find themselves at home in this latest edition of Whisky Live: Calvados, tequila, vodka, gin and liqueurs… All of these fine alcoholic beverages will enrich the creative and ever-changing universe of mixology, its experts and fans

THE SEVENTH EDITION

In a space of over 3,000 m2, Whisky Live Paris 2010 offers an olfactive and gustative journey, both human and sensory, through the universe of fine spirits.
Following the “Total Experience” in 2008, and “Multi Media” in 2009, Whisky Live Paris 2010 will adopt “Gourmet Mind & Fine Spirits” as its 2010 theme.
The theme will be expressed in the following way:

Tasting : New releases, established classics and collector’s pieces, not only in whisky but also in Cognac and rum will all be available in dedicated areas.

Pairings and experiences: The Classic Malts and Food Experience, teas, chocolate and spices… plus an entire area given over to cocktails and other spirits (tequila, cachaca, gin, vodka, liqueurs etc.).

Encounters, pause for thought and exchange: on different stands and through a programme of tasting-conferences, the greatest experts, pioneers and tasters from the universe of spirits and gastronomy will infuse this edition of Whisky Live with a spirit of exchange and open discussion on manufacturing techniques, history, flavours and smells.

The finest and most curious of palates will be both surprised and flattered by the exceptional richness of this Whisky Live, comparing different whiskies with each other and then with some of the other greatest aged spirits such as rum and Cognac. These can be tasted as they are, on their own, or in pairings with food, without of course forgetting expertly made cocktails.

As a responsible event, Whisky Live Paris wishes to remind the public that excessive alcohol consumption is hazardous to your health. Whisky Live encourages responsible drinking.

Practical Information

Date:   September 25th, 26th & 27th
Location:  Palais de Tokyo – 13 Avenue du Président Wilson – Paris 16ème 
Opening times: Saturday September 25th 2.00pm to 9.00pm
Sunday September 26th  noon to 7.00pm
Monday September 27th 10.00am to 5.00pm (by invitation only)
Standard rate:  40 euros per day – 70 euros for the WE (Palais de Tokyo)
VIP package:  60 euros per day – 100 euros for the WE (Palais de Tokyo & Tokyo Art Club)
Tickets:  www.whisky.fr, wine & spirit shops, La Maison du Whisky (0820 160 180)
   www.francebillet.com, France Billet network (Carrefour, Fnac, Géant)

Information & bookings: www.whiskylive.fr
Philippe Jugé: Tel. +33 1 47 30 71 93 – Fax +33 1 47 30 71 91 – contact@whiskylive.fr
 
PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 2010
WHISKY LIVE PARIS 2010
September 25th, 26th & 27th
Palais de Tokyo – 13 avenue du Président Wilson – Paris 16ème
Private customers : Saturday & Sunday (with ticket)
Trade customers : Monday (by invitation only)

THE ORGANIZERS

WHISKY MAGAZINE

Whisky Magazine, the leading magazine dedicated to whisky, covers all facets of the world of whisky: history, producing countries, distilleries, brands, economy, production, personalities, destinations, gastronomy and culture. There are 4 different editions: international, French, Japanese and Spanish.
www.whiskymag.com Whisky Magazine (French edition) is released every two months since 2004.
www.whiskymag.fr

LA MAISON DU WHISKY & FINE SPIRITS BY LMDW

Since 1956, La Maison du Whisky has selected and distributed over 1,000 whisky references (600 as exclusive dealer) in its boutiques (Singapore, Paris, Reunion Island), on www.whisky.sg and via a network of stockists, wine merchants and gastronomic restaurants.

This selection includes all the major whisky-producing countries—Scotland, Japan, Ireland and the United States—as well as those just emerging: India, France, Wales, Australia etc.

Already well-versed in the products of all these countries and others also, La Maison du Whisky continues to put together a portfolio of spirits with the very same degree of passion, exigency and originality. The fruit of encounters with the producers themselves, this selection represents not only all the major categories of serious spirits (rum, tequila, Calvados, Cognac etc.) but also a large number of un-aged alcohols highly favoured in the world of the bar and mixology.

THE VENUE

PALAIS DU TOKYO
Opened in 2002, the Palais de Tokyo exists to present contemporary art to as many people as possible. Since its beginning, the Palais has been host to 191 exhibitions and over 500 artists. In 2009, 200,000 visitors were welcomed, of whom more than 35% were foreigners.

The Palais de Tokyo, normally dedicated to modern art, is certainly the space which most eloquently symbolises the new era which has begun for whisky and all other fine spirits.

Whisky Live 2010 aims to be a true forum for discussion, a space in which fine spirits and personalities from that universe can truly express themselves.

“Masterpieces of taste” will be on presentation in different areas and in different forms, associated with different concepts and different personalities.

Information & bookings: www.whiskylive.fr
Philippe Jugé: Tel. +33 1 47 30 71 93 – Fax +33 1 47 30 71 91 – contact@whiskylive.fr

The Brewery

The Ultimate Tasting Experience

The Whisky Show is the UK’s most important whisky tasting event, showcasing the very finest examples of the distiller’s art. The inaugural event, held in 2009 at London’s Guildhall, was attended by an international audience of visitors from as far afield as Hong Kong, the USA, India and Japan, as well as passionate aficionados from all over Europe.

This year’s event will be taking place at a bigger venue – The Brewery in London’s Barbican at the heart of the City – to accommodate the increased demand generated by the rave reviews the inaugural Show received, which created a global buzz within the whisky industry. A dedicated Whisky & Food Matching area has been added – and once more all tasting samples, food pairings and a hearty two course meal will be included in the ticket price.

• The Whisky Show is a luxury whisky event that showcases the finest examples of the distiller’s art to city professionals and fine whisky consumers alike.
• After the roaring success of 2009’s inaugural event, this year’s expanded Show is taking place at The Brewery in London on 29th-30th October 2010.
• Focusing on premium whiskies above each brand’s standard expression (longer-aged whisky, new releases and special bottlings).
• Generous portions of luxury whisky-themed food in the Whisky Diner.
• Two bars serving delicious whisky cocktails.
• A range of delicious food-pairing suggestions, with the new addition this year of a dedicated Whisky and Food-Matching room at the event.
• Sensational Masterclass tastings, hosted by some of the most famous names in the industry and featuring some truly spectacular whiskies well above the standard fare offered at other whisky shows. Confirmed exhibitors at The Whisky Show 2010 include Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Springbank, Glenfiddich, Laphroaig and Johnnie Walker.

Full details of all exhibitors are available on the regularly-updated Show website www.thewhiskyshow.com.

Standard tickets for The Whisky Show are priced at £95 and include:

• Entry to the event and a free tasting glass.
• Free samples of any exhibited whisky – there is no voucher system at The Whisky Show.
• A hearty two-course meal at The Whisky Diner.
• Access to the Whisky and Food-Matching room and free samples of the featured pairings.
For more details on all aspects of The Whisky Show, please visit our website: www.thewhiskyshow.com.

Visitor testimonials

“Your event was fabulous. Very enjoyable, educational and the most civilised of shows.”

“Well I went to the show on the Friday with a friend and all I can say is WOW. I have been to many whisky events and that was far the best. It was in another league.”

Confirmed Exhibitors include:

A full list of sponsors and exhibitors at the Show is available at www.thewhiskyshow.com
______________________________________________________________________

NOTES

The Whisky Show is about helping whisky fans to develop an understanding and appreciation of this complex spirit – particularly useful for the enthusiastic amateur. Exhibitors fully understand that many visitors to the show are not aficionados and present their brands accordingly. The Whisky Show truly lives up to its tag as The Ultimate Tasting Event. In 2009, dozens of extraspecial ultra-premium whiskies – some with price tags in the thousands of pounds – were available for visitors to taste free of charge, with all samples included in the price of admission. The range
and quality of the whiskies at the Show was unprecedented, and was far superior to any previous whisky festival in the UK. The Whisky Show offers a fantastic opportunity to the knowledgeable connoisseur and potential investor, as well as the passionate whisky fan wanting to learn more. The aim of the Show is to create a superb atmosphere – a world away from the stressed, workaday nature of many other whisky festivals. The Whisky Show unequivocally promotes and encourages responsible drinking by all visitors to the Show. Perhaps uniquely for a whisky tasting event, the organisers have gone to great lengths to stress quality over quantity and consumption in moderation. The Whisky Show is all about appreciation of the world’s finest spirit. More details and a full list of sponsors and exhibitors at the Show are available at www.thewhiskyshow.com. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of The Whisky Show, please contact Graeme Wallace at Graeme@thewhiskyshow.com.

The Whisky Show is organised by whisky book publishers GW Publishing (www.gwpublishing.com) and The Whisky Exchange (www.thewhiskyexchange.com), the world’s leading whisky specialist. For further information please contact Graeme Wallace at Graeme@thewhiskyshow.com Visit The Whisky Show 2009 picture Gallery
www.thewhiskyshow.com/2009/picture-gallery

TheWhiskyShow.com – Tel: +44 (0)208 838 9388

Scottish Whisky Tour Specialists

MCLEANSCOTLAND recently undertook a huge Scottish tour for a client from Russia, shown below is the feedback after the tour from that same Russian guest;

“Paul, I think it was really the best vacation of mine – ever.  This was a VERY impressive tour – lots of great sightseeing places of Scotland, beautiful castles and the most important – wonderful 36 whisky distilleries (with 21 full-scale distillery tours – I have counted them all ! )!  Lots of fun, tasty meals (especially legendary haggis), magnificent drams of true scotch and a very lovely and friendly atmosphere.  The tour was truly fabulous – perfectly planned, greatly executed, every little detail was considered.  Oh, aye, I really enjoyed your birthday – slighly crazy restaurant party, but very nice!   Of cause, I liked very much Islay trip with Lamont, he was a very funny and very knowledgeable man who knew everything and everyone in Islay, and the tour around Scotland with you, Paul, was TRULY SUPERB – I think it was fantastic what I have seen and tried during those 6 days! This was a whisky tour of my dream – a trully marvelous experience for a true whisky lover like me !!! (remember the Dufftown distillery visit?!!)   And I very much apperciate your highly professional approach, your vast historical and folklore knowledge, your lovely sence of humour.  I would have no hesitations in recommending mcleanscotland as the best Scotland tour operator (esp. whisky tour!), with you and Liz !  I look forward to visiting Scotland with my wife next year again – and only on YOUR tour!  Slainte mhath !!!”

Could you place this message on your web-site, please?

Kind regards,
Timofei Prokopov
CFO, Vice President
Finance & Investments
OAO “Protek”
Russia”

MCLEANSCOTLAND are recognised as one of the best (if not the best) whisky tour companies in Scotland. With vast experience and untold knowledge of the whisky industry, they design whisky tours to suit the client and then add a wee bit more fun into the blend; special tastings, educational trips, whisky dinners and distillery tours, a blend of golf & whisky, sightseeing, historical sites, not only that, allow them to look after all your needs!

www.mcleanscotland.com

For Medicinal Purposes Only

…is an excuse dressed up as a joke that barely pauses to wink at the truth.

Clearly there are no obvious or demonstrable health benefits to be gained from drinking whisky but this hasn’t stopped generations of whisky drinkers pouring themselves a dram and with a wink, insisting that it is: “for medicinal purposes only, honest.”.

In this month’s Whisky Traditions we explore how this reputation as a curative has played a significant role in the history of whisky and invite you to share your own experiences of this popular myth at http://www.tastetheglenlivet.co.uk/

The single malt that started it all

CHIVAS BROTHERS GIVES ABERLOUR A PREMIUM POLISH

Aberlour, one of the world’s most popular malt whiskies, is to be given a more contemporary and luxe look by owners Chivas Brothers, in a move designed to better reflect the quality and richness of the whisky and clearly position the brand as a rightful player in the luxury spirits category. 

The new packaging, designed to enhance on-shelf stand out and recognition, develops a visual consistency across the range on the 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old, 18 Year Old and A’bunadh. It is currently being rolled out on a global basis.

As the leading single malt in France, the world’s biggest Scotch market, Aberlour is committed to excellence in all areas, from product quality to presentation.  The upgraded packaging captures the understated but premium essence of the brand and reflects the award-winning quality of the liquid itself.  The design is elegant and refined and allows the product to speak for itself.

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for malts at Chivas Brothers, explains: “ The new packaging for the Aberlour family of single malts strongly establishes the range’s prestige credentials and helps the whiskies to become more visible without being ostentatious, which would go against the grain of our fantastic whisky.

“The result is a perfect balance between tradition and modernity – the sobriety of the new pack adds an element of timelessness to the designs, which reflect the whisky itself.”

The enhanced design elements are as follows:

o The Aberlour logo has been given a more contemporary feel, changing from red to an embossed cream

o The visual of St Drostan’s Well (which symbolises the location of Aberlour, with a heritage stretching back over 1,500 years to an ancient Celtic settlement established by St Drostan) has been recreated in a contemporary visual manner, as opposed to the existing illustration

o The original ‘Let the Deed Show’ seal has been replaced with founder James Fleming’s signature.

Whisky connoisseurs’ favourite Aberlour A’bunadh has also seen its packaging refined to bring out the whisky’s natural characteristics and bring it further into the Aberlour family.  Naturally rough paper has been used for the canister and label, while the colour palette is made up of earthy colours that reflect the whisky’s name – A’bunadh means ‘of the origin’. 

A’bunadh’s overall design is now consistent with the rest of the range and is one of simplicity, perfectly in keeping with the personality of the product.  Acknowledging the desire for whisky knowledge among A’bunadh drinkers, additional technical information about the whisky’s production process has also been added.

Aberlour is the leading brand in France, the world’s biggest Scotch market.  Since 1995 it has grown strongly and is now the seventh-most popular malt whisky in the world.

Notes:

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.