THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO OPEN EXPANSION AT THE GLENLIVET DISTILLERY
 
It was announced today that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (or The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are known in Scotland) will open a new expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery on Friday 4 June during a visit to Speyside, Scotland.
 
Completed earlier this year, the new facility will deliver a 75% increase in production capacity to satisfy future global demand in the buoyant market for single malt Scotch whisky.  
 
During the visit, Patrick Ricard Chairman of brand owner Pernod Ricard, and Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO, of Chivas Brothers, will invite Their Royal Highnesses to tour the distillery’s facilities, meet key members of staff and unveil a commemorative sculpture.
 
Local benefits
 
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, while the principle contractor was A.D. Walker of Banff. Sub-contractors included Simmers of Keith, which built the steel structure, specialist vat builder Joseph Brown of Dufftown, which installed 8 new traditional wooden washbacks, and coppersmith Forsyths of Rothes, which built 6 new stills exactly replicating the distillery’s famous tall, wide still shape.
 
The construction of the new building was also the first major duty of newly appointed Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years.
 
Alan commented: “The opening will be a momentous occasion in the long and proud history of The Glenlivet Distillery. It was a privilege to be involved with the new building and we are honoured to have such distinguished company to mark the occasion.”
 
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 with a portfolio that 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 LivetValley. 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 No1 single malt and the world’s No2, and one of only two malts ever to sell more than 600,000 nine litre cases.

Glenlivet Distillery Manager Hamish Proctor

May Top-up Tipplers:
Stop to Re-fuel with 1.153 & 27.80 
BUY the pair for £86 and save £10.40

1.153 A cornucopia of mellifluous sweetness
Speyside Spey
£42.20 inc. Free P&P
Chocolates, toffee, coconut, currant buns, millionaire shortbread, biscuit box and manuka honey. Hints of menthol, mint and smoke prevented it floating away like candy floss on a summer’s breeze
Age: 9 years            Cask:  First-fill ex-bourbon barrel

27.80 Old hemp ropes in a fishing boat
Campbeltown
£54.20 inc. Free P&P
We were sniffing and imagining all sorts – oilskin coats, lobster boxes, freshly dug soil and balls of wool; sage, heather, linseed oil and polish.
“National Geographic magazines in a bothy” and “old hemp ropes in a fishing boat” will give a flavour
Age: 13 years            Cask:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

May Outturn Recommendations: TOP-UP while you still can (selling fast)

Smoky Sherried Pair: Buy 10.71 & 93.38 for £85 (save £10.40)
Best Buy Pair: Buy 95.11 & 35.38 for £88.50 (save £11)

Case Offer: Buy all SIX for £287.70 (save £35)
10.71 Onions Spring Eternal                                 
9.49 It’s in the bag                                                           
35.38 “Fire in the hole!”                                               
125.35 Amontillado and Aubergine                 
39.75 Cuban Memories                                               
G1.7 Flamed Christmas Pudding

SIX June Outturn Previews

@ Aberdeen Mal & Birmingham & Brighton Hotel du Vin
Be amongst the first members to sample six preview drams from June Outturn. From Mon 31 May, SIX new June drams will preview behind the bar at Aberdeen Malmaison and Birmingham and Brighton Hotel du Vin. 

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events

Seafood & Society Dram Tasting – The Vaults, Mon 24 May
All things Japanese Night – The Vaults, Thu 27 May
Liverpool Preview Tasting -Malmaison, Thu 27 May
Aberdeen Preview Tasting – Thistle Hotel, Fri 28 May
Bristol Preview Tasting – Hotel Du Vin, Fri 28 May
Pan-Asian Curry Experience – London, Sat 29 May
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 5 June
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 6 June
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 7 June
Whisky & Gems with Nicholas James – London, Wed 9 June
Whisky & Diamonds with Eric Emms – London, Thu 10 June

For your chance to join the Society please visit them at www.smws.co.uk

FOUR NEW WHISKIES ANNOUNCED BY DIAGEO

Special Distillery-only Single Malt Scotch Whisky Bottlings

Diageo has announced four additions to their extensive range of single malt whiskies  –  but only for visitors to their Scottish distilleries.

Lagavulin, Oban, Glenkinchie and Blair Athol will shortly be selling a single malt Scotch whisky bottling that isn’t available anywhere else in the world.

Like other Diageo distillery-only bottlings sold at Talisker, Caol Ila, and Clynelish, these new expressions are bottled at natural cask strength and without an age statement.

Nick Morgan, spokesman for the Classic Malts Selection™ range of Diageo’s single malts, said:  “When visitors take the trouble to visit our distilleries, it’s nice to be able to give them the option of buying something that they couldn’t get anywhere else.

“Of course they will still be able to buy the more familiar and widely distributed expressions, but these distillery-only bottlings might be regarded as even more special.

“In fact, with three of these new ones – Lagavulin™, Glenkinchie™ and Oban™ – we have been able to take advantage of a number of special casks that had been intended for bottling as Distiller’s Editions over the past few years but were found to be surplus to requirements, and have been sitting in our warehouse ever since. These have undergone a second (or ‘double’) maturation in American Oak cask wood that has previously held a fortified wine  –  in this case, sherry treated American oak casks.

“But unlike our regular Distillers Edition bottlings, these are offered at natural cask strength, and carry no age statement.”

The Lagavulin™ distillery-only bottling is expected to be available for visitors to buy during the Islay Festival this year. The prices will be between £55 and £70 UK RRP.

Details of new distillery-only bottlings

Athol ABV 55.8%
Wood – European oak (first fill sherry cask)
Nose Unreduced, faint nose prickle, rather like inhaling Friar’s Balsam. Strong rancio, more subtle fruit and a hint of struck matches. With time, a touch of sultana sweetness. Adding water lowers the cask-derived notes and adding plenty brings up a gentle, fragrant leafiness.
Palate Immediately sweet (dried apricots) with a pepper-spiced edge that soon moves centre stage to mask the fruit. Quickly develops a bitter-sweet character. Medium bodied, quite well integrated and rich – needing only a little water to show its best. Adding a bigger splash (1:1) gives a soft, sweet and malty start, with the spicy notes taking longer to come through, and raises the underlying, balancing bitterness.
Finish Quite short, sharp and drying, with some sweetness coming through again in the aftertaste.
Overall “A balanced and straightforward bitter-sweet malt.”

Glenkinchie ABV 59.1%
Wood – Has undergone a second (or ‘double’) maturation in Amontillado-treated American oak casks.
Nose Unreduced, fruity, spicy, and dry. Subtle floral aromas develop but are far less obvious than in the Classic Malt expression. Adding water (not too much) softens and sweetens the nose.
Palate So sweet (acacia honey) with a surprising and luscious palate-coating texture. Medium bodied and unusually rich for Glenkinchie. Adding a splash of water softens things down into a sweet and spicy dram, with good grip, and a great balance of primary tastes.
Finish Medium length, crisp and sweetly drying.
Overall “The best Glenkinchie I’ve ever tasted, more all-rounder than apéritif. Even though in its new-found assertiveness it perhaps loses some of Glenkinchie’s signature floral notes, it is sweetly persuasive!”

Lagavulin 51.5%
Wood – Has undergone a second (or ‘double’) maturation in Pedro Ximenez-treated American oak casks.
Nose Unreduced, big and rounded. At first sweet (toffee) and smoke with restrained medicinal notes. Bigger than the 16 year old expression. Adding water (not too much) softens the nose and balances the smoke and sweetness.
Palate A delightfully sweet start, at natural strength soon overwhelmed by a whole ocean of hot smoke crashing over the tongue. Rich, with great structure and grip. Big and powerful, sweeter than the 16 year old and just lovely to drink straight. Adding a splash of water(not too much) rounds things, easing back the smoke to leave a firmly balanced sweet-smoky dram.
Finish Medium to long, rich and peppery. Fine smoky aftertaste.
Overall “A big, self-assured Lagavulin with all the certainty of age, uncomplicated, satisfying and so-o-o easy to enjoy!”

Oban 55.0%
Wood – Has undergone a second (or ‘double’) maturation in Pedro Montilla Fino-treated American oak casks.
Nose Unreduced, some nose prickle. Rich raisins and spicy wood. Adding a little water lowers the richness and brings up more subtle, fresh, fragrant notes.
Palate Unreduced, immediately sweet and powerful with a salty tang. Very warming with a good mouthfeel. Adding a good dash of water gives a honey-sweet, fruity start (ripe nectarine?) still with a hint of the sea behind it, then waves of light smokiness roll over the palate. Mouth-drying overall. Medium bodied, elegant.
Finish Quite long, smooth and sweetly drying, with more smoke coming through in the pleasing aftertaste.
Overall “Like Oban, only more so. A well-balanced and very more-ish dram that makes a fine all-rounder.”

The Classic Malts Selection, Blair Athol, Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Talisker and Distillers Edition words and the Quaich device and associated logos are trade marks. © 2010.

Upcoming Events

It’s an Eastern assaults as Euan, Lin & Mark are all off to various destinations in Asia. First up is Whisky Live Shanghai which Euan and Lin will be attending on the 21st – 22ndof May. Euan and Lin will then be off to the Vinexpo in Hong Kong. They hope to bump into old friends and to make new ones whilst on their travels.

 
It is all-systems-go as Mark prepares for Whisky Live Singapore on the 24th of May. This will be the first Whisky Live to be held in Singapore at the famous Raffles Hotel. Mark is looking forward to having a new show to go and tell his stories to new faces. Look out for Black Bull 12 and 40 year old as they make their debut in Singapore, although the 40yo may be hidden under the stand!

 
Recent Visitors

We were pleased to meet our American friends in Huntly on Friday and take them on a mystery tour around the North East.  Steve Fox and Ken Young from Preiss Imports were in town with Mark Monfery from Texas and Brent and his wife Rai from McScrooges in Knoxville so we thought we would show them the sites.  Following a few samples at Brewdog we headed for Pennan – the setting for Local Hero, a famous film from the 80’s.  After lunch in Portsoy we crossed country to the Speyside Cooperage where we met up with Brett from Binny’s in Chicago. We were then privileged to visit Forsyth’s Coppersmiths before returning to Huntly for a dram or two stopping by a few distilleries and snow damaged warehouses on the way.

Speyside Festival

Speyside Festival was upon us on the 29th April – 3rd May. It was a busy week all round with people from all around the world coming to tastes whiskies and tour distilleries. Mark had various tasting events throughout the weekend, one which included a game of Whisky bingo. All in all it was a successful weekend and all of us at Duncan Taylor look forward to next year’s festival
 
Doing Our Bit For The Environment

Green is the way forward! We have just introduced our first outer cases made from recycled  cardboard. They still look the same, but as everyone knows, every little bit helps in saving the planet.

This is just the beginning for Duncan Taylor in their way of becoming a more environmentally friendly  company.
 
New Bottlings

Port Ellen 1983 27yo Cask 672 49.4%
Colour: Bright Gold
Nose: Sweet, gooseberries, oily, shortbread, custard, grassy, soft smoke
Taste: Light wet ash, hints of chlorine, olive oil, smoked cheese, waxy, slightly farmyard like
Finish: Quite creamy, touch medicinal with burnt wood and orange sherbet
Comment: A fresh Port Ellen with a fruity ashiness – cracking!
 
Rare Auld Caol Ila 1981 Cask. 3491
Colour: Pale Amber
Nose: Very fruity, stewed apples, French fancy’s, lemon and toffee chews
Taste: Soft smoke, chilli oil, quite spicy aniseed and basil.
Finished: lots of creamy notes, wham bar’s, and oranges
Comment: Fruity Caol Ila with a touch of spice!

Peerless Caperdonich 1968 41 Year Old 52.6% Cask 2595
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rich toffee apples, cinnamon, spiced oak, cherries, blackberries, strawberry milkshake and orange flavoured jelly
Taste: Sweet, spice, brown sugar, treacle, red fruits, pomegranate and vanilla
Finish: Pickles and spices, cardamom and strawberries
Comment: A spicy Caperdonich!

Rare Auld Dallas Dhu 1981 29 Year Old 53% Cask 388
Colour: Straw
Nose: Lemon sherbet, milk chews, strawberry plants, lemon thyme
Taste: Syrupy, dry, vanilla, courgettes in butter, fennel and oranges
Finish: Soft, grassy and refreshing
Comment: A refreshing summer dram
 
To view more tasting notes, please follow this link:
http://www.duncantaylor.com/products/new_bottlings.html

Duncan Taylor & Co Ltd
Whisky Merchants and Brokers,
4 Upperkirkgate, Huntly,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 8JU
website: www.duncantaylor.com
email: info@duncantaylor.com
Phone: +44 (0) 1466 794055
Fax: +44 (0) 1466 794618

Purveyors of the worlds most exclusive range of Scotch Whiskies

Celebrating Our First Decade
 
We prefer to think of it as the beginning of our second decade rather than an anniversary celebration, but no matter how you look at it, Compass Box turns ten years old in 2010.

What are we doing this year to mark the milestone?  You’ll see at least two special, limited release whiskies, one a single grain whisky (you read that correctly) that is both an homage to the now-closed Cambus distillery and to our very first bottling; plus the return of Flaming Heart with a stunning new label that will further push the boundaries for Scotch whisky label design.

Also this year, we’re planning several special events, including retrospective tastings of some of our ‘greatest hits’ from the 39 whiskies we have created since we started out; some special ‘ultimate’ whisky dinners in select cities around the world; and a few other things we’re working at pulling off…

…all designed to remind everyone what our business has been about for these first ten years and, more importantly, what we will continue to do into our second decade:  sharing (in our own inimitable way) the joys of great Scotch whisky with more people.

Final Thought From John

“We recently had a wonderful, cheery email message from a new Compass Box fan who was delighted by her first experience of Hedonism.  It was the kind of feedback that reminds us of why we do what we do.  She described Hedonism as ‘better than breathing air and better than s*x.’ [ed. Note: we’re not being prudes here with this asterisk; blame the firewalls]. Now… such a comparison will obviously depend on the air quality where you live, (and other factors in your life), but I loved this message, nonetheless!”

At Compass Box we love to hear from you so feel free to contact us at hello@compassboxwhisky.com if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback.

Visit Compass Box at http://www.compassboxwhisky.com

At The Glenlivet we often hear stories from our consumers on their first experience of being introduced to The Glenlivet or single malt whisky. For many it is a revelation experience or takes place in particularly memorable circumstances.  
     
We would like to collect your stories of your personal introduction to single malt whisky and would love to hear from you if you have a tale to tell.   
     
  If you are willing to share your recollections please email stories@theglenlivet.com and we really look forward to hearing them.  
     
  We look forward to hearing from you,  
     
     
  Kindest Regards,  
  The Glenlivet

Scottish & Irish Whisky Tour Specialists

DALRIADA GROUP who have in their portfolio; MCLEANSCOTLAND, DALRIADA TRAVEL and DALEY IRISH TOURS, are away to Ireland very soon to chat with tourist board directors for the setting up of official Irish whiskey tour packages. Whiskey tours in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Any wishing to take one of their tours, contact Sean at whiskey@daleyirishtours.com

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!

http://www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/

World-Famous Treasure Hunt Resurrected

Canadians and Americans invited to join international search for missing case of Canadian Club® Whisky and vie for $100,000 in prize money

The 40-year-old international treasure hunt that motivated adventure-seekers from around the world to search for hidden Canadian Club Whisky cases in remote locales – from the North Pole to Mt. Kilimanjaro to the Great Barrier Reef – is back on, with a big new twist. The campaign will give four brave Canadians (and four Americans) the opportunity to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime in search of the lost Canadian Club treasure and compete for the chance to bring home US$100,000 in prize money.

“At least two dozen cases of Canadian Club Whisky were hidden around the world as part of the brand’s hugely popular Hide A Case Adventure, starting in 1967,” says Dorene Wharton, Marketing Director, Beam Global Canada Inc. “Not all of the cases have been found…and we’re thrilled to reactivate this exciting campaign by inviting those with a penchant for adventure to join the hunt for one of the undiscovered cases – and the chance to win $100,000.”

Well-known Canadian and international adventurer Kevin Brauch, popular the world over for his roles as TV’s Thirsty Traveler and floor reporter on Iron Chef America, has been chosen as lead adventurer for the new program. In his latest role, Brauch unveiled details of the 2010 Hide A Case Adventure at news conferences in Toronto and New York City and, in April 2011, he will lead eight lucky Canadian and American participants to a secret, exotic location where they will hunt for one of the missing cases.

“The CC Hide A Case Adventure grabbed international headlines and captured the imagination of people from around the world – all before the advent of the internet and reality style television,” says Brauch. “We expect the scope of the 2010 edition to generate plenty of buzz and participation…and even some friendly rivalry between Canadians and Americans.”

Adventurous types can register online now at www.hideacase.com to vie for one of the coveted eight spots on the expedition. Starting today, the web site will feature the first of six weekly challenges in which participants will use their creativity, brain power and speed to win points and discern clues as they try to advance through Round One. Those who receive 50 or more points will move into Round Two where they will be asked to post an online video to illustrate why they should get a chance to join the CC Hide A Case expedition. In July, the top 30 videos will be put before a panel of judges and an online vote to help narrow the playing field down to four Canadians and four Americans. In April 2011, these eight participants will join Brauch and head off to parts unknown – they will compete against each other in a series of Amazing Race-style challenges designed uncover the hidden location of the elusive hidden case of Canadian Club Whisky.*

From 1967 through 1991, the Canadian Club Hide A Case Adventure saw 25 cases of Canada’s famous whisky hidden in extraordinary locations across the United States and all over the world, including: Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; Angel Falls in Venezuela; the Swiss Alps; the reputed site of the lost Dutchman mine in Arizona; the Arctic Circle; California’s Death Valley; and even atop a skyscraper in Manhattan. To date, 16 of the hidden cases have been discovered – many of them found with the help of clues revealed in a series of Canadian Club print advertisements published in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

The original Canadian Club Hide A Case campaign goes down as one of most memorable adventures of all time and one of the longest-running promotional campaigns in history. Hide A Case made Canadian Club a household name all over the world and cemented its position as a brand revered by adventure-seekers everywhere. The 2010 edition takes the campaign to a penultimate level where the adventure is larger than life and the potential payoff is larger still.

“Whether your idea of adventure is an exotic international journey to track down hidden treasure, or just a night out with the guys, CC’s Hide A Case Adventure won’t disappoint,” says Brauch. “We’ll see you at the Finish Line!”

*No purchase necessary, must be 21 years of age or older to enter, void where prohibited, subject to complete rules available at hideacase.com.

Notes

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, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, and Knob Creek® Bourbon and distributor of Russian Standard vodka in Canada. 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

Canadian Club® Blended Canadian Whisky, 40% alc./vol. ©2010 Canadian Club Whisky Company, Walkerville, Ontario, Canada.

You may not know that the nice folk at Whisky Magazine also publish Scotland Magazine, a lovely publication about God’s own country. In a forthcoming issue the magazine will explore Orkney and they are inviting you to join them.

Each issue of Scotland Magazine delves into the history of Scotland; from the mysterious clans to the great political leaders, from the creative individuals to the history of Scotland’s greatest castles and houses. Published six times a year Scotland Magazine captures the spirit of this great nation, explores its heritage and recommends great places to visit.

You are entitled to claim your complimentary trial copy of Scotland Magazine and have them send a second copy as a gift to a person of your choice.

Visit www.scotlandmag.com/free/highlandpark to complete a form and the next issue with the Orkney coverage will be sent direct to your door. You will also receive an offer for a further six copies at just £20.95 (a 30% discount on the regular subscription price of £29.70). Obviously you have no obligation to take up the subscription offer and can just keep your complimentary copy.

Allow up to eight weeks for delivery; this offer closes at midnight on Sunday 27th June 2010.

We would never share your details with anyone else and the only way that Scotland Magazine can send you a complimentary copy is if you complete the form and opt in to their offer.

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
 

Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

The small print – One copy per household. Offer ends at midnight on Sunday 27th June 2010. Offer subject to availability. You will receive the next available edition of Scotland Magazine, which will be mailed by regular post.

EXCLUSIVE SINGLE MALT WHISKY BOTTLING SERIES CONCLUDES
Diageo completes single-cask bottling of all its malt whiskies

Following earlier batches launched in September, January and April, Diageo are now launching the fourth and final set of their highly exclusive single-cask collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Among the seven expressions that feature in this fourth release are some single malts familiar to many malt whisky drinkers  – notably Clynelish™, Knockando™,  and the iconic award-winning Islay malt,  Lagavulin™
But Auchroisk™, Benrinnes™, Blair Athol™ and Linkwood™ normally enjoy only very limited availability.

Each of the whiskies is drawn from one individual oak cask, picked after a careful examination of distillery stocks, and bottled at its natural cask strength.

So now for the first time ever, this ambitious collection encompasses all 27 of Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies  –  never before has Scotland’s biggest estate of Single Malt distilleries issued a comprehensive series of single-cask bottlings. Labelled The Managers’ Choice because of the way the whiskies were selected, each distillery is represented by a special bottling of its Single Malt Whisky.

The rare limited-edition series is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs who enjoy owning and exploring an unusual expression of their favourite Single Malt or even a whole anthology of highly individual Single Malts, chosen to represent a unique take on each of the 27 distilleries’ distinctive distillery character.

The releases have been staged in four batches over several months, starting in September 2009 and concluding with this final release in May 2010.
For each Single Malt, the cask was nosed, tasted, discussed and finally chosen as a highly distinctive expression of that distillery’s Single Malt by a judging panel of acknowledged experts, including leading maturation experts and the distillery managers themselves.

In many cases, unusual cask woods will have had their influence on the final result. Perfect maturation and spirit quality have been the criteria, resulting in a bottling that delights with original and sometimes unexpected flavours whilst allowing the distillery character to still shine through.

Depending on the size of the cask and the rate of evaporation over the years since it was filled, the volume of bottles obtained from the chosen casks can vary between approximately 640 and as little as 200. These are, consequently, extremely rare and distinctive whiskies.

Classic Malts Selection™ spokesperson Nick Morgan said: “ This unique series of bottlings has provoked a great deal of interest and favourable comment. This last selection of whiskies has been much anticipated because it includes a cask from the renowned Lagavulin distillery on Islay. But as before, each of the bottlings offers unexpected insights into the character of each distillery.

“Taken as a whole they offer an unrepeatable opportunity to explore some of Scotland’s finest whiskies, all of which intrigue and delight, and some of which are simply outstanding.”

Full details, including tasting notes, are displayed on the Classic Malts Selection™ website www.malts.com. The updated website content includes the story of The Managers’ Choice and the selection process, a “Meet the Managers” page where they talk about The Managers Choice collection & questions related to the world of whisky, whisky tasting notes & audio, Q&A with a Sensory Expert, and details of where to buy the whiskies. Whisky enthusiasts registered as Friends of the Classic Malts™ have been given early notice of the launch.

Bottling Details

Auchroisk  Cask 11323 Speyside 8th October 1999 622 @ 61.0%
 Bodega sherry European oak Butter scotch nose, with sweet, deep burnt flavours.

Benrinnes  Cask 8994 Speyside 26th August 1996 328 @ 59.7% Refill American oak Light Speyside flavours with a sweet, delicate yet fresh taste.

Clynelish Cask 4341 Northern Highland 10th April 1997 232 @ 58.8% First fill bourbon American oak Oily, nutty with a hint of vanilla.

Glendullan  Cask 12718 Speyside 13th December 1995 635 @ 59.2% European oak Rich and sweet with a gentle almond butter finish.

Glenlossie  Cask 14098 Speyside   15th December 1999 207 @59.3% abv First fill bourbon American oak Light and fresh with a lemon zest.

Knockando  Cask 800790 Speyside 11th July 1996 599 @ 58.6% Spanish sherry European oak Gentle and smooth  with honeyed fruit.

Lagavulin  Cask 4447 Islay 25th October 1993 597 @ 54.7% Bodega sherry European oak Smooth rich fruit aroma. Smoky with a gentle warm finish.

Prices The UK RRP are as follows:

Lagavulin £300
Clynelish  £250
Knockando £250
Auchroisk £200
Benrinnes £200
Glenlossie £200
Glendullan £200

Website

See www.malts.com for full details of the release, including interviews with many of those involved in the selection process.

Previous releases

September 2009 saw the first release of six malts: Cardhu™ (1997), Glen Elgin™ (1998), Linkwood™ (1996), Mortlach™ (1997), Oban™ (2000) and Teaninich™ (1996).

The second release in January 2010 comprised Blair Athol™ (1995), Cragganmore™ (1997), Dalwhinnie™ (1992), Dufftown™ (1997), Glen Spey™ (1996), Strathmill™ (1996), and Talisker™ (1994).

The third release in April 2010 comprised Caol Ila™ (1997), Dailuaine™ (1997), Glen Ord™ (1997), Glenkinchie™ (1992), Inchgower™ (1993), Mannochmore™ (1998) and Royal Lochnagar™ (1994).

Diageo’s distilleries

Diageo has 28 operational single malt whisky distilleries, but spirit distilled at Diageo’s new distillery at Roseisle is not available yet.

Craig Wallace

Full interview with Craig Wallace, and other details of the first Managers’ Choice releases, can be read and downloaded from: ResponseSource: http://tinyurl.com/lawdxf

Distribution

The Managers’ Choice bottlings are available from specialist retailers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Benelux only.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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