£10 MILLION DISTILLERY EXPANSION SIGNALS THE GLENLIVET’S BID FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Chivas Brothers today revealed a new £10 million expansion at The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside, supporting its long term ambition to become the World’s No 1 single malt and guaranteeing supply for the future.

The distillery extension, which houses a new mash tun, eight traditional oregon pine washbacks and six expertly crafted copper stills, represents a 75% increase in production capacity allowing the brand to capitalise on buoyant international markets.

Earlier this year, the Scotch Whisky Association reported that an impressive performance in the second half of 2009 had contributed to record-breaking levels of global exports for Scotch whisky at the end of 2009. Exports have risen by £977 million in shipment value over the last ten years, representing a 45% increase.*

Christian Porta, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, reiterated the importance of this investment to the future success of The Glenlivet: “Today’s opening represents the latest milestone in a period of sustained investment and strong growth in The Glenlivet. Since 2002, we have taken the brand from No 3 to No 2 globally with investment in packaging, marketing and new product development.

“The stunning new extension not only gives us the production potential to meet the buoyant demands of global markets and, one day take the No 1 spot, it is also a sympathetic and aesthetically enduring legacy for generations to come to admire.

“We are already leading from the front in the US, the world’s most valuable Scotch whisky market and No1 single malt market, and we are now well-positioned to replicate this success internationally.”

The investment has already brought real benefits to the local business community with a team of local contractors involved in the expansion. Overall design was by architects LDN of Forres whilst the principle contractor was A.D. Walker of Banff. Subcontractors included Simmers of Keith who built the steel structure, specialist vat builders Joseph Brown of Dufftown who installed 8 new traditional wooden washbacks, and coppersmiths Forsyths of Rothes who built 6 new stills exactly replicating the distillery’s famous tall, wide still shape.

The new building was designed to sit sympathetically alongside other Grade II* listed distillery buildings whilst also delivering a first class modern production facility that incorporates the latest heat recovery technology to aid efficiency. The open plan design will also enhance the distillery’s visitor experience which already holds 5 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board. The distillery’s 45,000 annual visitors will be able to see most of the production process in one building and also connect with the surrounding landscape via the expansive use of glass in the building.

This year’s opening coincides with the recent appointment of new Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years.

Alan commented: “Scotch whisky is the beating heart of Speyside and The Glenlivet has been at the heart of the industry since 1824. This is an historic occasion that leaves a profound legacy for tomorrow’s distillers and future guardians of this Scotch whisky legend. It has been a privilege to be involved.”

To celebrate the opening, a specially created bottling, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, will be released in a limited quantity of 1824 bottles to reflect the year of the distillery’s foundation. Selected from some of The Glenlivet’s most precious casks, the exceptional 21 year old non-chill filtered Scotch whisky will be available from the The Glenlivet Visitor Centre while stocks last.

*HM Revenue and Customs data

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.

The Glenlivet is ‘the single malt that started it all’. It was the first licensed distillery in the remote Livet Valley. Created by George Smith, The Glenlivet in turn defined the Speyside style of whisky which became the heartland of Scotch malt whisky production.

From its pioneering Scottish roots, The Glenlivet was the first malt to be promoted in the US, as soon as Prohibition was lifted. Today, it is the USA’s No 1 single malt and the world’s No 2, and one of only two malts ever to sell more than 600,000 nine litre cases per year.

The new stills installed in The Glenlivet are traditionally hand-built in copper and have been fitted with advanced heat-recovery technology (used to pre-heat liquids elsewhere in the distillery) thus reducing overall energy use. The Glenlivet’s tradition of wooden washbacks (fermenters) was maintained, assembled on-site by hand. By-products of the distilling process (spent draff, grain and pot ale) will be recycled in the form of animal feed for the local farming community.

Following The Macallan’s announcement a couple of weeks ago (see below) of the second instalment of the Masters of Photography series featuring the legendary Albert Watson, art and whisky lovers can now track the shoot by visiting www.blog.themacallan.com.

The Macallan Director of Malts, Ken Grier, is currently on the road with Albert Watson, in Spanish and Scottish locations, doing interviews and gathering exclusive behind the scenes content from the shoot.

Ken is using Audio boo, a GPS aware audio blogging iPhone application that enables on-the-spot recordings and map-tracking.  Followers can listen to the interviews and view images on The Macallan blog and by commenting on the blog posts, they can ask the legendary photographer their own questions.

The Macallan Masters of Photography II will be in an entirely different style to the first edition in the series, shot by Rankin.  The subject of the project must be kept under wraps, for the moment, until shooting is complete but the key ingredients include: a dramatic and yet romantic ‘art noir’ voyage; a stylish couple and the key secret behind The Macallan. The final result will be revealed by The Macallan at a series of events later in the year.  Further details will be revealed in the months to come.

Please enjoy The Macallan responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk.

ANNOUNCING MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY II INTRODUCING ALBERT WATSON

Today, The Macallan single malt whisky announced that the next photography partnership in their Masters of Photography series is going to be with the legendary Albert Watson.

Scots born, Watson is famous worldwide for his celebrity, fashion and art photography. Photo District News named him one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time. He has shot posters for major Hollywood movies such as ‘Kill Bill’, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, ‘The Da Vinci Code’, as well as shooting over 200 covers for Vogue and Rolling Stone magazine. In fact, in 2007 one large-format print of his sold for $108,000 at auction. He is also an acclaimed director with over 500 TV commercials to his name.

The Macallan Masters of Photography II will be in an entirely different style to the first edition in the series, shot by Rankin.

The subject of the project must be kept under wraps, for the moment, until shooting is complete but the key ingredients include: a dramatic and yet romantic ‘art noir’ voyage; a stylish couple and the key secret behind The Macallan.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, The Edrington Group, said: “I am extremely excited about working with the hugely talented and influential Albert Watson. His creativity is fabulous, but not only that, he exudes an aura of charm and quiet confidence that is very much in keeping with The Macallan  

“As part of this unique project, art and whisky lovers alike can follow The Macallan shoot with Albert Watson by following my daily blog.  The blog posts will start from 31st May at www.blog.themacallan.com.

Albert Watson, added: “I am looking forward to working with The Macallan on such a prestigious project. The partnership with a premium, Scottish iconic brand will give me a once in a lifetime photographic opportunity to create a lasting legacy as part of The Macallan Masters of Photography series.”

The final result will be revealed by The Macallan at a series of glittering events later in the year.  Further details will be revealed in the months to come.

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

Notes to editors

1. The first Macallan Masters of Photography was launched in 2008 with Scots photographer Rankin.  Rankin produced 1,000 individual black and white images captured on Polaroid.  Each limited edition bottle of rare 30 year old Macallan Fine Oak single malt displayed a bespoke label featuring one of Rankin’s images, accompanied by the original Polaroid.

The array of images featured artistic nude studies of Tuuli, Rankin’s muse and wife, contrasted by shots of the dedicated craftspeople of the distillery, and still life images of the surrounding flora and fauna at Easter Elchies Estate.

2. The Macallan is ranked number two by value* among the world’s top selling single malts and is recognised as being a leader within the Scotch Whisky industry when it comes to innovation.
*IWSR figures ending December 2006

Albert Watson portrait by Gloria Rodriguez

Make this Father’s Day one to remember

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, the hunt begins for the ideal gift for the deserving Dad. The Ultimate Single Malt Whisky Experience could just be what you’re looking for.

This year help is at hand, for the first time, The Classic Malts Selection is offering the perfect solution. Buy a bottle of either THE SINGLETON® OF DUFFTOWN 12 year old single malt scotch whisky, TALISKER® 10 year old single malt scotch whisky or DALWHINNIE® 15 year old single malt scotch whisky, and receive two complimentary V.I.P invitations to a whisky master class. The Classic Malts team of whisky ambassadors will be hosting masterclasses in 17 major cities nationwide.
 
Research shows that over a third of alcohol gifts bought for Father’s Day are single malt whiskies. So why not take it a step further this year, at no extra cost, present your dad with two tickets to a malt masterclass where he will try four different Scotch malt whiskies in the company of an experienced ambassador, who knows, he might just invite you to go with him!

The complimentary whisky master class, hosted by a single malt whisky
ambassador, will guide you through the world of single malt whisky using THE SINGLE MALT WHISKY FLAVOUR MAP™. With so many ages, regions and distilleries out there, there’s a diverse and exciting world of flavour for your father to explore. With the aid of the Single Malt Whisky Flavour Map, which has been created by experts, you/he can pin-point each flavour and identify what type of whisky suits your taste.

Your whisky ambassador will provide a selection of four Single Malt Scotch
Whiskies for you to experience and savour, after the tasting they will leave
you with your very own flavour map and some serving suggestions to inspire your newly acquired whisky knowledge.

For the perfect original gift this Father’s Day, choose either the ‘Perfectly balanced, naturally rich and smooth’ The Singleton of Dufftown 12 year old, the ‘characterful and smoky’ Talisker 10 year old, or the ‘mellow, soft and fruity’ Dalwhinnie®  15 year old, available at all major retailers. Don’t forget you’ll also receive two invitations to this exclusive whisky master class.

Notes

THE SINGLETON and TALISKER words and associated logos are trade marks.

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. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and our global resource www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking. In Great Britain, Diageo is a member of The Portman Group and supports The Drinkaware Trust.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

Whisky tasting locations:

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham,
Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Norwich, Oxford, Cardiff, Bristol, South London,
North London, Chichester, Exeter

Terms & Conditions

1. Offer open to all Great Britain residents aged 18 and over, except
employees and their families, the Promoter and its affiliate companies and
anyone professionally connected with the promotion.
2. Buy a 70cl bottle of TALISKER®, THE SINGLETON OF DUFFTOWN® or
DALWHINNE® Single Malt Whisky from participating outlets (Tesco,
Morrison’s & Oddbins) starting June 1st 2010, while stocks last, and
receive attendance for two people to a complimentary whisky tasting session. Attendance to one tasting session can be claimed per purchase, limited to one per person(including guests)
3. All those who participate in the tasting session must be aged 18 years
and over.
4. To register for your free tasting session log onto
www.fathersdaytasting.co.uk enter the barcode from your bottle of TALISKER® or THE SINGLETON OF DUFFTOWN®, or DALWHINNE® Single Malt Whisky and choose a location nearest to you on a date that’s most convenient.  The tastings will be held between July – October. All tasting sessions which are arranged by the Promoter will not be held before midday (12pm) or after 10pm.
5. The promoter and their agents accept no responsibility for difficulties
experienced in submitting an entry to this promotion.
6. Tastings are available at a 17 locations on a number of dates please
visit www.fathersdaytasting.co.uk for exact locations, dates and times.
Whilst the promoter will endeavour to cater for all those wishing to attend
a tasting it is not possible to host a tasting in every part of the country.
If the consumer is not prepared to travel to one of the 17 chosen cities,
the promoter reserves the right not to redeem the offer to that consumer.
7. Participants attending the tasting will be given the chance to try 4
malt whiskies and will be introduced to the malt whisky flavour map by a
Diageo malt whisky ambassador .
8. The Diageo/Ambassador reserves the right to refuse alcohol to either the
entrants or guests who appear to be intoxicated. Each participant will be
limited to a maximum of three units of alcohol for the entire tasting
session.
9. The promoter encourages all attendees of the tasting session to think
about how you’re going to get home – if you are drinking alcohol order a
cab or designate a driver.
10. Should you have any queries regarding the tasting sessions please email
info@fathersdaytasting.co.uk or call TRO on +44 (0) 161 484 2473. .
11. The tasting session will be held in accordance with Diageo Great
Britain Marketing Code principles, these can be found at www.Diageo.com.
12. The tasting sessions are non-transferable and there is no cash
alternative.
13. Tasting sessions are subject to availability, on a first come first
serve basis.
14. The Promoter reserves the right to exclude any claims that it
reasonably believes to be fraudulent or based on misconduct.
15. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw, amend or temporarily
suspend this promotion, in its absolute discretion, provided that it shall
not exercise this right unreasonably.  
16. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Diageo shall not be liable for
any loss and/or personal injury suffered by or to those participating in a
tasting session.
17. This promotion and these terms are governed by English law and subject
to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
18. A participants personal data will only be held for the purpose of this
promotion and shall not be used for any other purpose whatsoever without
their prior consent.
19. Participants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions by
participating in this promotion.
 Promoter: Diageo Great Britain Limited, Lakeside Drive, Park Royal, London
NW10 7HQ.

BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE BEGINS EXPANSION OF
PLANT IN FRANKFORT, KY.

Initiative to Increase Operations, Add 120 New Jobs in Kentucky
 
Frankfort, Ky. –  Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) and maker of the world’s number one-selling Bourbon whiskey Jim Beam®, today unveiled plans for its continued growth in Kentucky, including a comprehensive expansion of its Frankfort facility. When completed in the fall of 2011, the expansion will double the facility’s production size and capacity and bring 120 new jobs to the area.
 
Governor Steven L. Beshear joined Beam Global President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew J. Shattock in getting the project officially underway today in a ceremony themed “Growing for the Future.” The expansion project further builds on the company’s heritage and long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth.
 
“Beam Global is one of our signature companies in Kentucky that has shown its commitment to our state time and time again,” said Governor Beshear. “The expansion of the Beam Global plant in Frankfort will provide a lasting, positive economic impact in the community. Seeing such growth in our Commonwealth is very rewarding.”
 
Under the expansion plans, the Frankfort plant will produce 160 products at this plant and have an annual capacity of 10 million cases, representing an increase from 24 percent to 32 percent of Beam Global’s total worldwide case volume. The project, which includes the addition of four new bottling lines and approximately 65 new tanks, will assume production and bottling of DeKuyper® cordials from Beam Global’s existing facility in Cincinnati. Additional brands bottled at the facility include Sauza®, the world’s number two-selling Tequila, and Canadian Club®, one of the world’s leading Canadian whiskies.

 
“Our roots in our home state of Kentucky run deep starting with the founding of Jim Beam, dating back more than two centuries,” Shattock said. “As our business and brands have grown over the years, so too has our commitment here in our home state. We thank Governor Beshear, the Economic Development Cabinet and KEDFA board for their valued support of our expansion in Frankfort and look forward to continuing to grow for the future.”
 
Construction of the expansion is scheduled to begin immediately. When completed, a total of 365 employees are expected to be employed at the facility and nearly 3 million additional cases will be produced. Products bottled at the Frankfort facility are shipped throughout the United States and 43 countries globally.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

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

MCLEANSCOTLAND the number one whisky tour operator in Scotland, have just returned from Northern Ireland, taking time to visit Bushmills.  As guests of the Irish Tourist Board, MCLEANSCOTLAND enjoyed a travel workshop in Belfast on the Thursday, followed by a civic reception and wee party! Friday saw them travelling north along the coast of Antrim in company with other travel agents from Europe and Australia.  As a special visit  Paul and Liz enjoyed their time at Bushmills guide by Niall, who was excellent.  Leaving with a much better understanding of Bushmills, a shirt and two bottles of the famous 1608 – distilled to commemorate 400 years of whiskey at the site!

 And ooo, what a dram it is, special indeed.

Notes of almond, saddle leather. Rich flavors of caramel cocoa and malted barley, honey and cream. Finish; malty butter and absolutely nice.”  Its a blend of three different whiskies – malt, grain whiskey and a third said to be a malt produced from crystal malt. 46% ABV  I am keeping the bottle for myself, sorry!  While at the distillery, they chatted to staff about tours coming in and what special treats and special tours could be arranged. So if you are looking for an Irish whiskey tour that includes the Bushmills range, with a special tasting, then contact Paul at info@mcleanscotland.com

Taste of Gold for Smokehead

Edinburgh, 02 June 2010: SMOKEHEAD, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has been awarded an International Review of Spirits’ Gold Medal by the highly respected Beverage Testing Institute (BTI).

Judged by an expert panel from BTI in the institution’s Chicago Tasting Room, Smokehead was awarded an ‘Exceptional’ rating of 91/100 for its explosive, peaty flavours. With the appearance of ‘bright old gold’, the panel commented on the Single Malt’s ‘aromas of honeyed raisin scone, dried peaches and medical tinctures with a hint of cedar and mesquite-like smokiness’. The BTI also enjoyed Smokehead’s ‘good depth and lingering body’ with ‘subtly complex and earthy smoked wood, leather and a prairie grass driven finish’.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented; “We are delighted that Smokehead’s boisterous and peaty taste has been recognised by such an internationally respected institution as the BTI. Combining its high quality and unique flavours with the product’s standout designer packaging, Smokehead has proved a great success, especially in attracting the discerning and adventurous ‘modern drinker’.” 

The International Review of Spirits’ Gold Medal for Smokehead’s rich and complex flavours, follows two Gold Medals from BTI in the 2009 International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition. These recognised the brand’s innovative, bold and modern packaging in the Creativity and Graphic Design categories. 

Since launching in 2006, Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has won a number of awards for both its eye-catching packaging and balanced, seaweedy flavours, including the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Gold Medal and Wine & Spirits Design Awards for Best Dark Spirit and the overall Trophy for Design of the Year.

Other products in the range include the Smokehead Extra Rare 1 litre bottle (Travel Retail Exclusive) and the premium 18 Years Old Smokehead Extra Black.

Founded in 1981, the BTI is one of the world’s foremost authorities on alcoholic beverages, independently reviewing thousands of wines, beers and spirits every year. With a mission to create fair and reliable reviews for consumers, its buying guides have appeared in many publications including The New Yorker Magazine, Wine & Spirits International, CNBC, BBC Radio International and The Chicago Tribune. 

Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive combination of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. The single malt flavour is described as fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt.  The taste hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, before exploding with peppery spice and more earthy peat.

Smokehead is available in the USA, Canada and worldwide. Details of some global stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.co.uk

 Curious to discover more, visit www.smokehead.co.uk or visit www.tastings.com

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
www.impexbev.com  for inquiries in the U.S

Notes
 
Tasting notes:

Nose:
Heavy smoke and peat.   Amazing richness.   Lemon, fresh ginger, plum jam.   Salty and spicy.  
 
Body:
Like a cannonball – hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness then explodes with peppery spice and more earthy peat.   Spreads to all the areas of your mouth with more peat and light sweetness.
 
Finish:
Even more peat, spice, mandarin – then dries up.   When you think it’s all over the peat comes back to hit you again.
 
Impression:
A rollercoaster of peat and spice with some delicate sweetness.

HIGHLAND PARK HAILED AS NUMBER ONE SCOTCH

For the third consecutive time, Orcadian Highland Park single malt has been awarded top marks by leading US independent whisky expert Paul Pacult in his coveted list of best spirits in the Spirits Journal 2010.

Following its Best Spirit in the World accolades in 2005 and 2009*, Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranks as the number one Scotch this year, while Highland Park 25 year old comes in at number 14.  Highland Park 18 year old was also included in Pacult’s listing of “5 ‘Trapped-on-an-Island’ Spirits That Sue and I Could Not Live Without.” 

Paul Pacult commented on Highland Park’s number one rating: “This classic continues to be a stupendous work of distilling art that, I believe, is one of the greatest beverage alcohol liquids ever produced and is assuredly the finest of the last 20 years.  Graceful on the one hand; might and fathomless on the other. Delectably salty/peaty/maritime on the one hand; intensely malty on the other. If I could only select but one Scotch whisky, Highland Park 18 year old would remain that very special singular choice. A masterpiece to savour many times before one dies.”

Commenting on hitting the number one spot, Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education, said: “Paul Pacult’s continuous support is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team at the distillery. Highland Park 18 year old is the whisky we are most proud of and it has received the most plaudits from experts and enthusiasts alike. 

“The reason, we believe, it wins more awards than any of our other whiskies is down to the perfect balance of sweet and smoke. We use 45% first-filled sherry casks, predominantly European, which gives that rich sweetness and aromatic Orcadian peat and a subtle, gentle smoky aftertaste.

“When you nose Highland Park 18 year old, you will find big toffee notes, almonds and sherry and dark skinned fruit but more importantly when you drink it, you are rewarded with a unique dryness followed by a water sensation that leaves you with rich full flavour, hints of honey and peat with a soft, long rounded finish.” 

Highland Park 18 year old is available in Tesco, Oddbins, and specialist retailers or online at www.highlandpark.co.uk and at an RRP of £63.

*F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, 2005 & 2009

NOTES

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries. More important than age though, is the combination of traditional whisky-making techniques with obsessive attention to detail that has made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

·        Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

·        Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

 Awards and accolades

2010 Global Whisky Ambassador of the Year – Gerry Tosh, Icons of Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2009 World’s Best New Release – Highland Park 40 year old, World Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2009 Single Malt of the Year – Highland Park 21 year old, World Whisky Awards, Whisky Magazine

2005 & 2009 Best Spirit in the World – Highland Park 18 year old, F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal

2007 Distiller of the Year, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Amsterdam, June 1, 2010  

Dear reader of these ‘broadcasted’ words,

I’m happy to report that the Malt Maniacs Awards are ‘ON’ again this year. Most producers, bottlers and traders that have participated in the Malt Maniacs Awards in the past will receive a personal invitation in the weeks to come. However, with the number of spirits competitions growing and growing, we wanted to make sure that potential participants would be aware of the fact that we will be organising the eighth edition of the Malt Maniacs Awards this year. As far as we know, our competition is still the only FREE international whisky competition that’s really 100% independent and non-commercial – and therefore widely respected by tens of thousands of (malt) whisky lovers around the world.

That’s it for now – expect more details about the Malt Maniacs Awards 2010 in the weeks to come…

Sweet drams,

Johannes van den Heuvel
Editor Malt Madness / Malt Maniacs
www.maltmadness.com
www.maltmaniacs.org

Highlander Inn Scottish Breakfast at Maltstock!   
  
Fellow whisky enthusiasts,

It is our great pleasure to announce that Duncan Elphick and his chef from the Highlander Inn will be coming to Maltstock to prepare a Scottish breakfast. All ingredients will be brought from Scotland so you can enjoy a real taste of Scotland at Maltstock!

The Highlander Inn

Many of you probably already know the Highlander Inn. Or perhaps have met Duncan and Tatsuya at one of the whisky fairs. Those of you who have visited the Highlander Inn know what a great little place it is. We are very proud that Duncan and his chef will travel from Craigellachie to Overasselt to prepare a great Scottish breakfast for us at Maltstock. It will be a perfect start of the day.

The Highlander Inn is a very well known and respected place in the heart of Speyside, Craigellachie. It is a place every whisky enthusiast should visit when visiting Speyside. It is perfect place to discover Speyside. There are only five bedrooms, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
In the bar you are very likely to meet fellow whisky enthusiasts and is also popular with the locals. You won’t be disappointed by the tremendous selection of whiskies. There are over 200 whiskies to choose from (amongst them some great Japanese whiskies!).

It is also possible to enjoy a meal, either in the bar or in the restaurant. From own experience I can tell you the food is also excellent, both in the bar and in their à la carte restaurant. They serve one of the best Haggis you will ever try.

Plenty of excellent reasons to stop in Craigellachie at the Highlander Inn on your travels through Scotland.

More information about the Highlander Inn and for bookings please visit www.whiskyinn.com.

Or come to Maltstock and talk to Duncan in person.

Free masterclasses at Maltstock

We know many of you are eagerly awaiting the free masterclasses at Maltstock. It will be possible to book tickets for these free tastings around mid June. We will inform you by e-mail as soon as they can be booked online. Remember, the free tastings are only for people who already have bought their Maltstock tickets. So get your Maltstock tickets now. Click here to go to the Maltstock shop.

See you in September, see you at Maltstock!

Slainte!

Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier & Teun
www.maltstock.com

Sample the World’s Most Expensive Whiskies (on a Budget)

Online retailer and independent bottler, Master of Malt, have launched a revolutionary whisky sample service called ‘Drinks by the Dram’
For the first time ever, whisky lovers and drinks connoisseurs will be able to purchase inexpensive 3cl (30ml) samples of a rapidly growing range of Scotch whisky and other spirits from across the globe.

The inability to sample high-end drinks like Scotch whisky before making a purchase has been a clear stumbling block for online off-licenses since their emergence in the late 1990s. “Drinks by the Dram” neatly solves this problem allowing by connoisseurs and beginners alike to ‘try before they buy’ on a huge range of whiskies and other spirits.

Master of Malt’s Sales Director, Ben Ellefsen, explains that the idea originally grew out of an informal sample service for friends and staff:

“As pretty serious whisky fans ourselves, we wanted a way that we could sample new releases from our favourite distilleries and bottlers without the expense of committing to a whole bottle of each before we’d even tried it.

Drinks by the Dram started life as a way of allowing our staff and friends to compare and contrast a range of whiskies safe in the knowledge that the investment required was not one that was likely to land them in the dog-house on a semi-regular basis.”

He continues “We soon found the friends we gave samples to often came back and bought the rest of the bottle! When we showed the idea to the distilleries and brand owners, the reaction was so unequivocally positive we decided make the service available to our customers as well.

A few months down the line, and we’re starting to see excellent results, grateful customers, and slightly more haggard-looking employees… We hope to have several hundred drams available soon, and are currently working tirelessly to offer an even bigger selection for whisky fans everywhere.”

Try before you buy

One of the most exciting parts of the service is the wide range of samples available. The selection is vast, and numerous styles of spirits and whiskies are available; from 10 year old Bourbon, to 40 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

The range isn’t just high end malts though; there are samples of “everyday” whiskies, with prices starting from only GBP 1.95.

The drams are labeled with handmade paper, and each bottle individually wax dipped to seal it.

The initial range includes samples from many world famous brands including Glenfarclas, Bruichladdich and Edradour whisky distilleries, and several outstanding independent bottlers, including Murray McDavid; Renegade Rum; Alchemist; Signatory and The Vintage Malt Whisky Company.

The range is expanding rapidly, and there will be several hundred more samples available by the end of May, with over a thousand expected by Christmas. A full list of samples is available at: http://www.masterofmalt.com/drinks-by-the-dram

About Drinks by the Dram

• Inexpensive 3cl (30ml) samples to try before you buy
• Revolutionary new concept in online drinks retail
• 100 drinks currently available as “drams” with over 200 expected by the end of May
• See a list of available drams at: http://www.masterofmalt.com/about-drinks-by-the-dram

About Master of Malt

• Award winning Independent Bottler
• Online Whisky and Spirits retailer with over 25 years of experience.
• Website: http://www.masterofmalt.com

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Keep up to date with whisky and spirits news on the Master of Malt blog: http://www.masterofmalt.com/blog
Contact Ben Ellefsen, +44(0)1892-888-376, contactus@masterofmalt.com