http://www.canadianwhisky.org/

Hey, Whisky World, CanadianWhisky.Org says THANK YOU!

August 11, 2010

CanadianWhisky.org went public on Tuesday July 20 to an overwhelming welcome from the whisky community.  The new website, focuses on Canadian Whisky, providing visitors with news reviews, opinions, and most important, an opportunity to contribute their own commentary.

The top post so far include:

Introducing WhistlePig Rye

“Dave Pickerell is a true icon of the American whisky industry so when he declares Canada as the source of the world’s very best rye whisky, that’s news to be shouted from the rooftops.”

http://www.canadianwhisky.org/news-views/whistlepig-10-year-old-straight-100-rye-whiskey.html

Introducing Wiser’s Legacy

“John Philip Wiser, distiller. Born October 4, 1825, Trenton, New York; died April 30, 1911, Prescott, Ontario. Legacy: Wiser’s family of great Canadian whiskeys and now a brand new one.”

http://www.canadianwhisky.org/news-views/introducing-the-new-wiser’s-legacy-canadian-rye-whisky-45-alc-vol.html

Crown Royal Extra Rare Review

“A rich, weighty, hugely complex and skillfully structured whisky displaying ripe red fruit, fresh-cut oak, hot spices, dry grain, and violets. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★☆”

http://www.canadianwhisky.org/reviews/crown-royal-xr-extra-rare-40-alc-vol.html

Forty Creek Barrel Select Review

“Creamy, sweet corn whisky with dusty, earthy rye, ripe red fruits, sherry, sweet-and-sour sauce, floral perfume, ginger, cinnamon, hot pepper, and hints of citric peels. Fruity & Spicy. ★★★★”

http://www.canadianwhisky.org/reviews/forty-creek-barrel-select-40-alc-vol.html

Gibson’s Finest 18 year old Review

“Sweet, spicy oak and pine sawdust, rich in toffee, vanilla, and hot spicy pepper. Biscuits, with typical rye dustiness, spice, fruit, and just a drop of pickle juice. Rich & Oaky. ★★★★☆”

http://www.canadianwhisky.org/reviews/gibson’s-finest-rare-18-years-old-40-alc-vol.html

A huge canadianwhisky.org thank you to Whisky Intelligence, (Hey! That’s us!) Whisky Fun, Whisky Cast, Rob Allanson, Whisky Magazine, Dr. Whisky, Quebec Whisky Club, Chuck Cowdery, John Hansell, Malt Advocate, Straight Bourbon, Sku’s Recent Eats, Ralfy, Bourbon Enthusiast, Whisky Whisky Whisky, Het Whisky, The Ardbeg Project, Whisky Emporium, Bourbon Enthusiast, Glasgow Whisky, and so many others for your kind support.

iMalts HD is Now Available for the iPad

Copenhagen, Denmark – August, 2010

iStolz today announced a new edition of its popular single malt app for the iPhone and iPod Touch available on the Apple App Store. This version of iMalts, called iMalts HD, is developed specifically for the iPad.

iMalts has since its launch in June last year been a favorite among single malt lovers because of its detailed information about Scotch single malt distilleries and more than 400 of their whiskies. Also the possibility of adding new single malts and keeping track of their tasting notes, collections and wish lists has played a big role.

“This new release brings iMalts to the iPad. Over the past year I have had a great dialog with the iMalts users who both are whisky novices and connoisseurs. What they want is great flexibility and a high level of detail. I have managed to fit this into iMalts on the iPhone but with the larger screen size of the iPad you get a much better overview of each whisky.” said Lasse Stolz, iMalts Developer. “It also gives the possibility to show larger sized photos of the whiskies so you can see the details of the labels”.

The core iMalts application enables the user to keep a detailed log of the bottles of single malts that he or she owns. Details like place and date of purchase, cost, current market value, the date the bottle was opened and how much is remaining are all possible to track. iMalts also has a unique and easy-to-use framework which makes it fun for both newcommers and connoisseurs to detail those tasting experiences.

Lasse Stolz said: “Because of the way you interact with the iPhone or the iPad or any mobile device for that matter I had to come up with a different way of tracking tasting notes. You really want to keep typing to a minimum so where others would use text fields only I also use sliders and pickers. If you for example want to specify the nose of a whisky you will just have to score eight basic smells from 0-5 using sliders. This approach also makes it a lot easier for whisky novices to start tracking their tasting notes because they have something to choose from.”

In iMalts you will find a detailed guide on how to determine the color, the nose, the body, the taste and the finish of a whisky. Furthermore iMalts comes with a whisky glossary of almost 300 terms and phrases so when other whisky enthusiasts talk about angel’s share you will know that it refers to the evaporation and loss of alcoholic vapor through the porous wooden casks.

Both iMalts HD for the iPad and iMalts for the iPhone and iPod Touch includes the following key features:

– Database with more than 400 single malt whiskies and almost 100 distilleries
– Add single malts and distilleries
– Keep track of single malt and distillery details
– Easy-to-use framework for tracking tasting notes
– Order single malts by distillery, region, classification, rating, tasting event, those you own, those you have emptied and those you want
– Glossary with almost 300 whisky terms and phrases

CHIVAS LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION GIFT TIN BY ALEX TROCHUT

Chivas Regal, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, has teamed up with award- winning graphic designer and illustrator Alex Trochut, to launch a limited edition gift tin for its 12 Year Old expression.

The gift tin, which will be available globally, was inspired by the Chivas Regal heraldry and label crest, and incorporates a contemporary, bold monogram based on the twists and movements of a steel ribbon.  The tin, which has a dramatic metallic finish, is simple, elegant, contemporary and masculine – the qualities that perfectly match those of the multi-award-winning Chivas Regal 12 Year Old.

Lisa Woodward, International Marketing Manager for Chivas Regal, comments: “Chivas Regal 12 Year Old embraces luxury and creativity in everything it does, so teaming up with Alex, who has a reputation for exuberant and unexpected designs, was a perfect fit.  The heraldic symbolism reflects the brand’s commitment to chivalry; exhorting its predominantly male aficionados around the world to Live with Chivalry by being more and not just aspiring to have more. Reflecting the brand’s chivalrous values such gallantry, brotherhood, honour and courage, the striking gift tin is a piece of graphic design that will grace any home bar.”

Trochut adds: “Chivalry to me is something you trust, something you respect, a good relationship like you would have with your brother…it’s a good rhythm of living.  With this project, it was important for me to capture this feeling in a modern image that could then be applied to a 3D object.  The ribbon swirling into the abstract heraldic shapes, along with the letters C and R knotting with each other form the perfect monogram.”

Trochut’s belief in the power of a strong aesthetic, and that “more is more” makes him the ideal partner for this exuberant Scotch whisky.  Chivas Regal is the original luxury Scotch, first launched in 1909, and like all iconic brands, carefully maintains a blend of heritage and contemporary relevance.

Chivas Regal has long embraced the design community and has previously partnered with high profile names such as Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen and Evan Douglis.

Notes:

Chivas Regal, the world’s leading Scotch whisky and the flagship brand within the Chivas Brothers portfolio, is available in over 200 countries. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity.

Alex Trochut:

Alex Trochut is a multi-award winning graphic designer, renowned for his technically exquisite type creations and designs. He is a graduate of Barcelona’s ELISAVA Escola Superior de Disseny and his education was enriched by an Erasmus placement in Berlin, where he also undertook internships with Moniteurs and Xplicit. His designs and typography challenge the very notion of minimalism with a work philosophy of “more is more”. Today based in Barcelona, he is on the very top rung of the illustration ladder.
 
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.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL EDITION OF “PARKER’S HERITAGE COLLECTION” AMERICAN WHISKEY SERIES

Cask strength, wheated 10-year-old Bourbon promises to be worthy next entrant in highly decorated whiskey series

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the September release of the fourth edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.  The fourth release is a cask-strength, non-chill filtered wheated Bourbon, meaning it uses soft winter wheat instead of rye as the “small grain” to produce a less spicy, rounder Bourbon.

This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection follows last year’s “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon edition, which captured the “American Whiskey of the Year” award from Malt Advocate Magazine, in addition to being named “World’s Best New Release” in Whisky Magazine’s annual 2010 World Whiskey Awards. The 2009 release, a 27-year-old Bourbon, was the first American Whiskey to ever win “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The new release marks the first in the Parker’s Heritage Collection to depart from the traditional Heaven Hill rye-based Bourbon mashbill.  Instead of the more commonly used corn/malted barley/rye recipe, the newest edition uses corn, malted barley and Kentucky winter wheat.  This recipe was first used at Heaven Hill in the spring of 1999, after the company acquired the wheated Old Fitzgerald line of Bourbons.  This new bottling of Parker’s Heritage Collection will mark the first release of Heaven Hill made, extra-aged wheated Bourbon.  And it will delight whiskey connoisseurs because not only is it non-chill filtered, but it also is being released in two very small batch dumps at barrel proof.  And like the previous three editions, it is being released in very limited quantities—only 52 barrels, kept in high storage in open rick warehouses, were dumped for this edition, yielding approximately 4,800 bottles for the United States and limited international distribution.

And in what will be welcome news in still-unsettled economic times, the fourth release, at $79.99, is priced considerably lower than previous releases, which carried an average national retail price of $150 for last year’s “Golden Anniversary” bottling and$200 for the 27-year-old Bourbon released two years ago.  Whiskey aficionados will also appreciate that the natural esters and fatty acids, which are by-products of whiskey distillation and aging, are not stripped away from the Bourbon in a process known as chill filtering, but are left in the whiskey to provide a fuller taste profile and richer mouthfeel.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous three editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheated Bourbon is available in a three bottle case that should start hitting retail shelves during September, nationally recognized as the start of the Bourbon season.

“I am genuinely excited to introduce a nicely aged, cask-strength wheated Bourbon for this next version of my Parker’s Heritage Collection,” noted Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam.  “At this age and barrel-proof, is how a wheated Bourbon shows best…it has the caramel and smoke notes that only ten years in the top floors of our rickhouses can produce.  And it has the long, smooth finish that I always look for in a Bourbon, with that softness that wheat brings to the recipe. I am very pleased that we now have wheated Bourbon that I feel has aged long enough to wear my name on the label.”

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and over 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring such rare and aged whiskeys to market.  Parker Beam, along with his son Craig, oversees one of the world’s most highly esteemed distilling operations, where renowned brands such as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, and Evan Williams, the world’s second largest selling Bourbon, are produced according to Parker and Craig’s seven-generation-old family recipe and yeast strain.

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

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

Whisky and the Silver Screen

The movies and whisky go hand in hand; Richard Burton, Humphrey Bogart and Sam Peckinpah were all dedicated drinkers of Scotch. They were also all men’s men – hard boiled and charismatic rather than foppish thespians.

Whisky is an essential part of this alluring image and this goes some way to explain its appearance, more often than not, in the hands of many of the silver screen’s most legendary heroes and notorious villains.

This month we explore whisky’s role in cinema,  both on and off screen and we want to hear about your favourite whisky-related celluloid moments too.

Visit the Glenlivet Whisky & the Silver Screen at  http://tinyurl.com/369fg63

EDRINGTON MALT PORTFOLIO CELEBRATES IWSC SUCCESS

The Edrington Group, producers of The Macallan and Highland Park, are celebrating an impressive haul of four Gold Best in Class awards for its premium single malt brands, at this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Highland Park picked up three Gold Best in Class awards for its 18 year old, 25 year old and Earl Magnus 15 year old expressions whilst The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 year old brought the top honours at the world renowned competition to four.

Both brands achieved further recognition across their product ranges with three Gold awards for the travel retail exclusives Highland Park 1994 and 1990 Vintages plus The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old. 

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington said: “Once again we have made a real mark at the IWSC with an impressive 15 gold and silver medals.  This demonstrates that our single malt whiskies continue to be world class and showcases the commitment of our people to strive for the very best within our premium authentic portfolio.  This is a highly competitive and rigorous competition and I’m delighted that we’ve maintained strong results and presence in 2010.”

A panel of judges from consumer and trade organisations sampled a large range of Scotch whisky products. The whiskies, like all of the spirits and wines in the event, were blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage and awarded points accordingly.

Judges credited the Highland Park 18 year old with a ‘rich, deep flavoured mouth where creamy caramel and toffee work well with the peat and sweet malt’, whilst their praise for the Highland Park 25 year was expressed as, ‘the nose has just about everything! Excellent structure, beautiful whisky. An absolute class act’.  The 15 year old Earl Magnus was described as ‘rich and full in the mouth with layers of flavour and hints of caramel, smoke and peat joining all the nose had to offer.’

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 year old captured the judges’ imagination and palate, describing it as; ‘a very complex and satisfying dram, a complete joy.’

Full results:

Gold Best in Class

Highland Park 18 year old

Highland Park 25 year old

Highland Park Earl Magnus 15 year old

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 year old

Gold

Highland Park 1994 Vintage

Highland Park 1990 Vintage

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old

Silver Best in Class

Highland Park Hjarta 12 year old

Silver

Highland Park 1998 Vintage

Highland Park 12 year old

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 year old

The Macallan Fine Oak 10 year old

The Macallan Fine Oak 21 year old

The Macallan 1824 Collection Select Oak

The Macallan 1824 Collection Whisky Maker’s Edition

Please enjoy our brands responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

NOTES

HIGHLAND PARK:

Highland Park distillery was established on Orkney in 1798.  With its windswept moors, craggy outcrops and ancient religious sites, Orkney is a land full of mystery.  At the heart of the single malt is its remote island location and exposure to the elements, with additional influences from barley malting at the distillery and the use of peat, which combine to create a highly distinctive taste.

For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection and produce a single malt range that is consistently lauded by connoisseurs and experts. 

THE MACALLAN:

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.  The secrets to The Macallan’s precious spirit comes from the curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills which help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.  The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland, typically just 16% goes forward to fill our casks and mature into The Macallan. 

An unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.  In addition, natural colour is something we insist on. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone, which delivers the rich variety of colour.

Scottish Whisky Tour Specialists have over 1,000 bottles for sale in a huge private whisky collection.

MCLEANSCOTLAND recently purchased a complete whisky collection from a Scottish collector. It contains over a thousand miniatures, some of which are rare and some very collectable bottles here. Also many full size Bell’s decanters, novelty items and full size bottles. A very special 60 year old miniature, a still decanter in presentation box and many other collectable items.

All are unopened and many in the original condition, some have had the angels take a few drams from them!   For the collector just starting out on the journey, to the serious collector, there is something here for everyone!  OFFERS ARE INVITED FOR EVERY ITEM.

See; www.mcleanscotland.com  go to the whisky pages, stop press.

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!

AMERICAN HONEY™ GIVES FANS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN THE WORLD A COVER MODEL

Vote to Select the Face of the 2011 American Honey Calendar and Enter to Win a Trip to the Actual Calendar Photo Shoot in Los Angeles

NEW YORK CITY (August 2010) – Wild Turkey American Honey®, America’s number-one selling honey liqueur, is pleased to announce a new level of collaboration with its dedicated fans by allowing them to select the cover model for the much-anticipated American Honey 2011 Calendar. The voting will take place online at the American Honey website.

The American Honey calendar, which debuted last year, features stylish photographs of twelve of the most beautiful women in the world in seasonal backgrounds, along with American Honey cocktail recipes. The models were chosen to embody the sweet, sassy and All-American character of American Honey. 2011 marks the first year the cover model will be chosen by the public.

“American Honey drinkers are men and women of taste who really know what they want,” said Maura McGinn, Vodka and Cordials Group Director, Skyy Spirits. “So we wanted to give them the opportunity to decide who would get to be on the calendar cover as the face of the brand. After fans see how beautiful each of these girls is, it is sure to be a very tough decision.”

Legal drinking age consumers will be able to vote at http://www.americanhoney.com through August 15th. Qualified voters will be entered to win an all expenses paid trip for themselves and a friend to the actual calendar photo shoot in Los Angeles, California. While everyone around the world can vote, the contest is restricted to those voters in the United States, where legal. See website for full rules and details.

About American Honey

Produced using real honey and Wild Turkey Bourbon, American Honey is the original and only real bourbon based liqueur. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has matched the natural essence of American honey with the bold flavors of Wild Turkey Bourbon to deliver a deliciously smooth sweetness with a bite. Bottled at 71 proof and served best chilled, the brand has received numerous awards including the title of “World’s Best Whiskey Liqueur” from the World Whiskey Awards for 2008, 2009, and 2010.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón™ Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari

Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the USA and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, X-Rated, Zedda Piras and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

New presentation for Glenfarclas 105 launched

Speyside, – More than 40 years after the first bottling of Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength, family owned and managed J. & G. Grant are proud to release the new presentation for the distillery’s legendary expression in the 700ml bottle format. The new presentation incorporates a bespoke bottle and contemporary repeat 105 pattern.

In 1968 George S. Grant, fourth generation of the owning family, bottled a single cask straight from the warehouse, and sent the bottles to family and friends as Christmas gifts. By chance the strength of the cask George S. Grant selected was ‘105’ British Proof, and along with the name of the distillery, this was all the information he detailed on the hand written label. By the end of January the recipients of the gifts requested further bottles, hence Glenfarclas ‘105’, the first commercially available cask strength whisky of the modern age was born. The name refers to the strength in the British Proof system, equivalent to 60% alcohol by volume.

The new packaging builds on the 105’s cult status, by giving the expression a stronger identity of its own. Whilst the presentation has given the 105 a contemporary twist, the company continue to produce Glenfarclas 105 in the same traditional manner, by selecting some of the finest casks from the distillery’s warehouses, and vatting them together to give a constant 60% vol., without adding water. George Grant, Director of Sales and sixth generation, added, ‘The 105 has a great history, and this new presentation gives the 105 a great future’.

Notes

Cask Strength Whisky:

The vast majority of whiskies are ‘reduced’, water is added at the point of bottling to take the strength down to 40% or 43% Vol. Glenfarclas 105 is not reduced, instead casks are vatted together to obtain a constant strength of 60% Vol. Most whiskies would be deemed too over powering served at 60% Vol., however with a heavily sherried house style, Glenfarclas 105 is surprisingly smooth for its strength.

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Tasting notes

Colour: Deep peaty-gold.

Nose: Complex, oaky, apples and pears, and a tempting dark toffee sweetness.

Flavour: Dry and assertive, develops quickly to reveal a rich spiciness, combined with a hint of oak and sherried fruit.

Finish: Amazingly smooth for the strength; wonderfully warming and with a lingering smokiness, yet very rounded.

Comment: A great whisky holding all the flavours of all the Glenfarclas in one glass. Being so warming, this is the perfect Hogmanay dram. The smoothness makes the 105 drinkable at cask strength, but we suggest adding a little water to fully explore its great depth. Glenfarclas 105 was originally bottled as an 8 Years Old, however since 1989, it has been bottled as a 10 Years Old.

Cult status

• Entry in the Guinness Book of records in the 1970s for the strongest commercially available whisky.

• For a while stronger than the maximum permitted strength in the USA, hence the distillery bottled Glenfarclas 104 specifically for the US market, until US regulations changed.

• In the 1990s Glenfarclas ran a promotion including a hydrometer with each bottle of 105. Consumers were encouraged to reduce the whisky themselves, and try 105 at different strengths.

• 2004 ‘Bang for your Buck’ Award from the Malt Maniacs sums up the 105’s price to performance ratio.

• In November 2008 J. & G. Grant released a limited edition Glenfarclas 105 Aged 40 Years. With only a couple of casks of a suitable age, strength and style, the bottling was limited to just 893 bottles.

• 2-10 – the Speyside cocktail, simply a double 105.

• The story of the origins of the British Proof system adds to the 105’s cult status; It is well known that most distilleries evolved from what were originally illicit stills, so the early distillers had a track record of not always been completely honest. One trick was to sell watered down whisky to inn keepers. Hence prior to the invention of the hydrometer the innkeepers devised a method to check the strength. They would add gun powder to the whisky and try to light the whisky, if it did not light, water had been added. If it lit, the whisky was ‘proved’. 105 stands for 5 over proof. 

www.glenfarclas.co.uk

CANADIAN MIST BLACK DIAMOND SET TO LAUNCH IN UNITED STATES

Premium Line Extension Promises a More Robust Expression of Canadian Mist Whisky

Louisville, Ky. (August 5, 2010) – Canadian Mist Whisky is proud to announce the release of “Canadian Mist Black Diamond”, a premium line extension which is set to hit shelves in late August.

This richer, more robust expression of Gold Medal-winning Canadian Mist is the creation of Canadian Mist Master Blender Steve Hughes, whose signature will adorn each bottle. Canadian Mist Black Diamond is blended at 86 proof and has a higher sherry and rye content to give it a more enhanced flavor and deliver the smooth profile for which Canadian Mist is known.

“Our consumers told us they wanted a premium offering from their favorite brand for those special occasions and every day celebrations,” said Hughes. “We wanted to enhance two main flavor attributes that are the key contributors to our gold medal winning formula.”

Distilled in Collingwood, Ontario, Canadian Mist Black Diamond is crafted using select grains and crisp, clear water from the pristine Georgian Bay, North America’s largest pure water source. It is rich in rye and sherry for a full-bodied flavor that can be savored straight or enjoyed in your favorite cocktail.

“Canadian Mist Black Diamond delivers the exceptional quality and taste our current consumers have come to expect from Canadian Mist,” added Alan George, Canadian Mist Brand Director. “It is truly a premium whisky experience that is ideal for celebrating life’s special occasions, or any occasion at all.”

Canadian Mist Black Diamond, a Brown-Forman product, has a suggested retail price of $14.99 for a 750ml. It will launch in six markets in August – Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. More markets will follow in early 2011.

About Canadian Mist

Canadian Mist is an award-winning whisky distilled in Collingwood, Ontario with water from the pristine Georgian Bay, North America’s largest pure water source. Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Early Times Whisky, Old Forester Bourbon, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes. For more information, visit www.canadianmist.com.