Amrut Fusion named Best Natural Cask whisky by Malt Maniacs

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky has picked up an award from a prestigious group of malt whisky lovers. Fusion was named the Best Natural Cask whisky in the Daily Drams Category at the Malt Maniacs Awards 2009. It picked up the award for the best whisky matured exclusively in “untreated”, regular cask(s) in the category for whiskies with an average street price of up to 50 euros. It was also awarded a Silver medal.

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky gets its name from the fact that it uses two barleys: Indian and Scottish – with the latter being peated. It comes from Amrut Distilleries, the Bangalore based company which introduced the first single malt from India to the UK in 2004.This is the second important award for Fusion within two months: leading whisky expert, Jim Murray named it as the third best malt in the world in his Whisky Bible 2010 which was published in October 2009.

The Malt Maniacs are an international on-line collective of malt whisky lovers which have been spreading the gospel of single malt whisky since 1997. Each year members form a jury to sample – completely blind – hundreds of whiskies, in what is probably the only consumerdriven
whisky competition.

The Maniacs’ comments about Amrut’s Silver-medal winning Fusion included: “All jurors agreed that this bottling from India deserved a medal, but opinions were divided about the colour.

Robert loved [it] and gave it a score of 92 points [gold].”
Ashok Chokalingam, Amrut’s International sales manager, said: “This recognition for Amrut’s special East-meets-West whisky underlines the quality of our malt. We are delighted that such passionate whisky enthusiasts enjoyed our subtle fusion of Indian and Scottish barleys. It
proves that Fusion, a whisky that has been highly rated by distinguished experts, is also a malt for armchair connoisseurs everywhere.”

In The Whisky Bible 2010, Fusion gained 97 points. Murray said it “has to be one of the great whiskies found anywhere in the word this year”. In his tasting notes, he adds: “It is one of those which command a big mouthful, a chair with a headrest … and silence. You will chew for seemingly hours and never quite get to the bottom of its mystical complexity. It is massive whisky, but its genius is that you get the feeling that there is some almost invisible element keeping the malt together so the proportions are never less than perfect.”

Amrut’s Indian barley comes from the Punjab and the distillation takes place in the tropical garden city of Bangalore at 3000ft. The barley from Scotland is also distilled in Bangalore and both are matured there separately. After they have reached their peak, the two whiskies are married in the bourbon casks in proportions which give both a subtle peat flavour and a rich fruity flavour from the Indian barley. This is bottled at 50% abv to reflect the depth and finish of the whisky. This rare combination of Indian and Scottish elements means Fusion has a really excellent mouthfeel and palate, combining oak, a hint of vanilla, fruit and the sublime peat.

2 December 2009

More information: Ashok Chokalingam, General Manager – International Operations

The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3PF.
Tel: + 44 191 233 6316. Fax: +44-191 233 6346.

Email: ashok@amrutdistilleries.com

Malt Maniacs 101

Although they do meet in real life, The Malt Maniacs, founded 1997 by Johannes van den Heuvel, are the most well known of all Web-based whisky communities. The only 24 members of Malt Maniacs are scattered all around the globe: Europe, America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Amongst them famous whisky writers Martine Nouet, Dave Broom and Charles MacLean.

The Malt Maniacs are 100% independent and only their amateur members are entitled to score whisky for Malt Maniacs. The three websites that make for the Malt Maniacs’ online platform are www.malmaniacs.org, www.maltmadness.com and www.whiskyfun.com. Together they gather around 300,000 single visits a month.

The Malt Maniacs Awards, sometimes called ‘The Formula One Grand Prix of Whisky’, are organised every year since 2003. More than two hundred whiskies are usually preselected and submitted by more than sixty different distillers, bottlers or brands and tasted blind by from ten to twelve independent jurors from various countries (India, Taiwan, USA, Canada, Europe…) There are no fees involved whatsoever. The results, usually published on December 1., are always eagerly awaited and commented on by the whole whisky community.

Should you like to know more about the Malt Maniacs and/or the Malt Maniacs Awards, please contact Johannes van den Heuvel at maltmaster@gmail.com

WIN A BOTTLE OF VINTAGE 1968 HIGHLAND PARK RRP £2,250
ONE OF THE FIRST RELEASES FROM OUR EXCLUSIVE ORCADIAN VINTAGE SERIES

To celebrate their release of our Orcadian Vintage Series, Highland Park is offering one lucky whisky fan the chance to win a bottle of 1968 Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky. The runner up will receive 12 bottles of Highland Park 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky ‘The Best Spirit in the World”.

Visit Highland Park via  http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/competition/ to entert he contest.

PLECTRUMS AT THE READY? BECAUSE THIS IS SPINAL TAP
– Jameson Cult Film Club pays tribute to the Gods of rock in Clapham –
Are you ready to “Put it up to 11”? You’d better be because the legends of mock-rock are back and partying harder than ever as Jameson Cult Film Club presents This is Spinal Tap at a one off free screening at Clapham Grand. On Thursday 3rd December all movie and music fans are invited to pick up their air guitars, turn amps up to 11, and rock-out Spinal Tap-style with an interactive night of entertainment in honour of the long-haired, lycra-clad mock musical documentary.

Guests arriving from 6.30pm will be greeted by an interactive hard-rock extravaganza to immediately transport them into the wild world of heavy metal madness. With the band waiting in the wings and the groupies growing by the minute guests can enjoy a plethora of pre-screening entertainment before the film begins. With complimentary Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails, this promises to be an evening of hardcore ‘rockumentary’ fun with a possible viewing of the infamous Stonehenge prop thrown in for good measure. Additional surprises appearing throughout the night will be sure to have guests rocking out before the evening ends.

This is all part of Jameson’s adventure with film across the capital. For further information about the Cult Film Club, the Spinal Tap screening, and to apply for tickets, visit the new blog at www.jamesoncultfilmclub.com. As well as information on all forthcoming screenings, competitions and prizes, film fans can discuss and debate favourite cult films on the blog, as well as sign up to join in the conversations on Facebook and Twitter.

A good reason to celebrate!

We have scooped the top prize in the annual Malt Maniacs Awards 2009.

This international competition, Pinnacle of The Worlds Spirits Awards, gave Duncan Taylor’s Glen Grant 36yo the overall top whisky – a massive achievement for a small Aberdeenshire-based whisky merchant.

Malt Maniacs are an International group of whisky lovers that represent thousands of whisky clubs throughout the world. The judging panel from over 10 major whisky drinking markets of the world represent the elite of spirit connoisseurs. Thousands of whiskies were blind tasted by eleven experts over the course of the awards, but it was Duncan Taylor that came out tops on the night. *(Please see the note below)

In addition to the overall award, we were also awarded a gold medal again for the Glen Grant 36yo – attracting an unheard of 91 points from the judges and a further three silver medals and two bronze medals were awarded to Duncan Taylor Whiskies. We are all honoured at Duncan Taylor to have won this award from ‘people who know their whiskies’.

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

* The Malt Maniacs are indeed an international group of whisky lovers, but they are very much independent and do not represent whisky clubs or anyone other than themselves.  This year’s entries numbered just over 200, similar to the numbers received in past years.  Given that competitors are restricted to a limited number of entries, the quality of the competition is very high so Duncan Taylor have every right to be proud of their very strong showing.

Dear friend of Robbie’s Drams
 
Please click on the following link to view our Christmas Special Offers.
Save Pounds on our superb selection, with over 30 whiskies listed.
http://www.robbiesdrams.com/special_offers.asp
 
We have chosen a small selection of our products that we think would make  ideal Christmas gifts  http://www.robbiesdrams.com/gift_offers.asp
 
A few of our whiskies include a free 2010 Robert Burns Limited Edition Diary (worth £6.99)  http://www.robbiesdrams.com/burns_diary.asp
 
 Let us take the stress out of Christmas for you.
We ship U.K/Abroad
Including a personal message if you wish
To view or shipping costs click on the below link.
http://www.robbiesdrams.com/shipcharge.asp
 
If you do wish a personal message included, please email your requirements to  info@robbiesdrams.com

Regards
Derek Sweeney
Manager
Robbie’s Drams
www.robbiesdrams.com
www.robbiesdrams.co.uk

A simultaneous event in New York, Miami and Los Angles

Only one bottle will be auctioned for consumer purchase and three bottles will be available for on-premise consumption at selected luxury hotels in Miami, New York and Los Angeles

Auction bids are open to anyone in the USA and will be managed by Christies at the launch events or over the phone for remote bidders. For bidding pre-arrangements or to solicit a space at the launch event contact 646 356 8350 (NOTE: Line will be open as of 11/17)

Event participation is limited to between 10 and 30 bidders per city and will be granted on the merits of the biding potential. The New York event will be honored with David Stewards participation.

Glenfiddich 50 Year Old

This rare and precious whisky is the product of over half a century in oak casks.  Our first Glenfiddich 50 Year Old came from just nine casks, one for each of William Grant’s children. This exceptional vatting, only the second release of fifty year old, is a true family  heirloom, and worthy of continuing our founder’s original legacy. 

Just 50 bottles will be released every year for the next 10 years; and only a handful will be available in the USA.

This Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is the culmination of the skill and dedication from our Malt Master, David Stewart; and the crowning glory in the pursuit of excellence that began with William Grant back in 1887.

This exquisite whisky has been drawn from two casks, married together for 3 months before bottling to give the wondrous array of flavors and aromas an unrivalled harmony.

Tasting Notes

THE COLOR of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is  golden amber.
THE NOSE is beautifully harmonious with an uplifting, vibrant and complex aroma. Delicate floral notes (rose petals and violets) are intriguingly intertwined with green tobacco leaf and oak and just a faint hint of smoke.
THE TASTE is initially very sweet with a  zesty orange marmalade and vanilla toffee, which then cascades through a wonderful series of layers: aromatic herbs, floral and soft fruits, silky oak tannin and hints of gentle smoke.
THE FINISH is exceptionally long with a touch of dry oak and the merest trace of peat.

Bottle & Packaging

Each bottle is hand-blown in Tain, just two hours from Dufftown, by expert glass studio, “Glasstorm”. Exceptionally difficult process to create two-colored bottle with triangular shape.  Each bottle is decorated in Scottish silver, crafted by Thomas Fattorini, a sixth generation silversmith, and imprinted with William Grant & Sons’ own hallmark. Every one of the prestigious Glenfiddich 50 Year Old bottles is individually numbered by hand with a wax stamp. The bottles are secured in beautifully hand-stitched, leather-bound cases, lined with bespoke grey silk and are secured with a lock and key in order that owners might protect their whisky from unsolicited attention. The case also contains a beautifully designed plinth for displaying the bottle. The design for the black stippled leather of the Glenfiddich 50 Year Old case was inspired by  William Grant’s ledgers.

Included in the case, nestling next to the bottle, is a beautiful leather bound book which details the whisky’s history, giving connoisseurs a chance to read at their leisure the unique story behind this rare and precious single malt. Also included in the book are note pages where owners can record their own tasting notes on each occasion they enjoy their whisky. Each book also contains a numbered certificate, hand signed by Charles Gordon, Life President of William Grant & Sons, and the craftsmen whose stories feature in the book: David Stewart, Malt Master, Dennis McBain, Coppersmith, Don Ramsay, Head Cooper and Eric Stephen, Head Warehouseman. Each bottle is a valuable part of the Grant family history and owners are also invited to register their ownership of the Glenfiddich 50 Year Old by sending their certificate to the distillery for it to be signed by Peter Gordon, company Chairman and the great-great-grandson of William Grant.

ABOUT THE CONSUMER AUCTION.

Dec 7th 2010
The national auction will be held simultaneously to 3 events in Los Angeles, Miami and New York  by Christies’ auctioneer. Proceeds will benefit Friends of Scotland.

Friends of Scotland is a non profit corporation dedicated to advancing contemporary Scottish interests and meeting contemporary Scottish needs in the United States.

This is done via a variety of philanthropic pursuits, many of which are concerned with veterans’ affairs, such as scholarships in the medical field to help returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq that have medical training but want to take it to the next level to try and help others.

Not known for his subtlety, Jim has asked us to send a gentle nudge to remind loyal readers that the 2010 Whisky Bible is now out and available. Crammed full of nearly 4000 tasting notes including 946 brand new entries, the Whisky Bible remains the most up to date annual whisky guide on the market.

Written in Jim’s honest, straight and humorous style, The 2010 Whisky Bible makes for a perfect gift either for you personally, a friend or a loved one… and if you’ve already bought one, why not buy another?

Seriously folks, order on-line and Jim will, as you know, dedicate the book to the person of your choice.

Merry Christmas from the Whisky Bible Team

To order your signed 2010 Whisky Bible http://tinyurl.com/ylccz5n

Friday 27th November, 2009

Cooley Named European Distiller of the Year – Again

Cooley Distillery named European Distiller of the Year for 2nd Consecutive Year

Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent Whiskey distiller, has been named European Distiller of the Year for the second year running at the 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition Awards banquet in London last night.

In 2008, Cooley Distillery won the World and European Distillery of the Year awards becoming the first Irish distiller to do so.  This year, Cooley Distillery eclipsed its 2008 IWSC medal haul with a record 10 gold medals and nine Best in Class awards securing the European Distiller of the Year award in the process.  

To top the night off for the Louth based distillery, its Kilbeggan 15-year-old collected the prestigious Brown Forman Trophy for Worldwide Whiskey of the Year.   The Brown Forman Trophy is awarded to the best Whiskey in the world produced outside of Scotland.

The Kilbeggan 15-year-old, which was launched in March 2007, has now won back to back IWSC gold medals and has been recognised as the best in its class for two years running.  The Brown-Forman Award cements Kilbeggan as one of the world’s best Whiskeys.

The awards were accepted on the night by Noel Sweeney, Master Blender and Jack Teeling, Sales & Marketing Director of Cooley Distillery, at the 40th IWSC Awards ceremony at the Guildhall in London.

Jack Teeling, commented,

“To win European Distiller of the Year award in back to back years is a unique achievement.  This award is testament to the innovation and dedication of the entire Cooley staff. Their continued hard work and our focus on quality has allowed us to produce an extensive portfolio of world class Whiskeys as evidenced by winning Worldwide Whiskey of the Year for our Kilbeggan 15-year-old.   

Irish whiskey is traditionally renowned for its quality. We are playing a key role in the renaissance of the category.”

For Additional Information:

Jack Teeling, Sales & Marketing Director, Cooley Distillery        

It took imagination, courage and a large helping of physical strength for our founder, George Smith, to set up The Glenlivet Distillery. We recognise these qualities in other people so when Alex Macdonald and Luke Grose told us their plan, we were delighted to help them.

They are taking part in the world’s toughest rowing race – the Woodvale Atlantic Challenge: a 3000 mile-long race from the Canary Islands, across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua trying to set a new world record.

The race starts on Sunday 6th December 2009. The average time to complete the course is 55 days but Alex and Luke will try to make it in less than 40 days, the current record. When they’re not battling against 30-foot waves, dodging vast ocean-going tankers and trying to avoid sharks and inquisitive whales, they’ll be keeping us up to date with their progress which you can follow on our website. We wish them the very best of luck on their voyage of endeavour.

http://www.theglenlivet.com/teamjct600/?mtk=143

Issued 27 November 2009 – for immediate use

News Release

WHYTE & MACKAY WINS GLOBAL DISTILLER OF THE YEAR

The world renowned International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has voted Whyte & Mackay Global Distiller of the Year 2009.

The Glasgow-based spirits company won the prestigious accolade because of the record breaking year it’s had, winning more international product awards than ever before.

Whyte & Mackay has won 70 international medals and awards this year, including:
 Whyte & Mackay 30 year old voted “best blended whisky in the world” by the IWSC
 The Beverage Institute in the US describing The Dalmore  as a “world class experience”, and winning two double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards
 The limited edition Jura Paps range and Jura 30 year old receiving gold “best in class” awards from IWSC
 The International Spirits Challenge giving gold status for Jura Superstition, and Whyte & Mackay 30 and 40 year olds
 Glayva is now trademarked as the “best liqueur in the world” after winning the IWSC trophy a record breaking five times

Commenting on the achievement, Whyte & Mackay’s chief executive John Beard said: “This is a great accolade and really proves beyond doubt that we have a portfolio of products which can compete with the best in the world, both here and overseas. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for a job very well done, and to thank our distillery personnel in particular for their commitment to producing some of the best liquid in the business.”

Whyte & Mackay was presented with the Global Distiller of the Year Award at a glamorous IWSC event held in London last night (26 November 2009) where a range of awards were made.

The company’s renowned master blender Richard Paterson collected the trophy stating: “What a fantastic night. I would like to thank the IWSC for this fantastic accolade which recognises our commitment to quality and innovation in the world of whisky. I would also like to say congratulations to all the other winners last night.”