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.”

ABOUT BELLS

Bell’s is a blend of some thirty five mature malt and grain whiskies from the Highlands, Islands and Lowlands of Scotland and the heart of which is the Blair Athol malt, which are brought together to create an outstanding Scotch whisky blend.  The result is a well-rounded and consistent character with a distinctive nutty and spicy flavour that makes Bell’s truly `Extra Special’.

Every whisky in the blend, both malt and grain, combines to ensure that Bell’s Extra Special remains wonderfully rounded and smooth. Bell’s is made up of 35 different malt and grain whiskies, at the heart of which is the Blair Athol malt.

CSPC: 8599
Size: 750 ml
Price: $25.45
Status: Specialty

CSPC: 15008
Size: 1140 ml
Price: $37.45
Status: Specialty

Kris Steed
Reserve Brands & Wine Specialist

RESERVE BRANDS GROUP
A division of Diageo Canada

Greetings to all Society members

You will see from the online shop that the Campbeltown Loch 30 Y/O is now available in a black leatherette presentation box at a price of £41.50 plus p&p.

We have  some of the 30 Y/O available in standard packaging at a cost of £36.50 plus p&p if anyone is planning to buy but not to add to a collection.   So if you intend buying purely for the drinking pleasure, and would be happy to save £5 please let me know and I will pass this on to the shop.

We are offering this to our Society members first, to give you the chance to save a little on your bottle.

Regards

Janet

For the Springbank Society

*********************************************************
J & A Mitchell and Co Ltd, The Tasting Room, 9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6HZ
Registered in Scotland, registration number 3582
Tel :   + 44(0) 1586 552009   Fax :  + 44(0) 1586 553232  website  http://www.springbankwhisky.com

Please contact Janet if you would like to join the Springbank Society 

As you know, I am committed to informing you of the release of new variants of Highland Park. These two whiskies are very special; they were distilled a long time before I was born, a time of Beatlemania, Malcolm X and Mary Poppins for one and student unrest, Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison and Bullitt for the other. Cue drum roll…

The Highland Park Orcadian Vintage Series launches with the release of the 1964 and 1968 Vintages. Inspired by the myths and legends of Orkney, the series is easily recognizable as it is bottled in bespoke black glass, the manufacture of which is an all but defunct art form; its scarcity reflects the rarity of the whisky. Only a couple of vintages a year will be released.

Orkney was under Viking rule until 1468 and this is reflected in the design; the interior hinged door of the oak box of the 1964 Vintage features an intricate illustration of Viking art in marquetry; it depicts a dragon-like beast around whose leg a smaller animal has firmly clamped its jaws. The original representation of the mythical Great Beast appeared on the metal war vane of an 11th century longship. The whisky is a vatting of two casks, yielding 290 bottles at 42.2%; it has a nose of dried strawberries and shellac, a sweet palate with crushed black pepper and vanilla pod and a rich, long, spicy finish. Highland Park Orcadian Series 1964 Vintage is available at £3,750 per bottle.

The 1968 Vintage is a vatting of eight casks, yielding 1550 bottles at 45.6%; the nose is thick with honey and spice, the palate redolent of dried orange peel and ginger with a long, sweet, spicy finish. The interior hinged door on the box of this expression features a mythical Sea Dragon from a wood carving at the church of Urnes in western Norway. The illustration is a combat motif; a dragon-like creature is shown seizing a lesser beast by the neck. Highland Park Orcadian Series 1968 Vintage is available at £2,250 per bottle.

Both of these releases from the Orcadian Vintage Series are available from specialist retailers globally.
For more information about the Best Spirit in the World, or to purchase an Orcadian Series bottling, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
 
 

Gerry
Head of Brand Education, Highland Park

WHISKY GIFTS GALORE FOR CHRISTMAS
This mouth-watering menu of award winning Christmas drams offers a range of gifts to suit every budget, guaranteed to delight both whisky connoisseurs or newcomers to ‘the water of life’ this festive season.   

Gifts under £25

The Famous Grouse is unveiling a limited edition gift box for this Christmas. Scotland’s favourite whisky has partnered with renowned Scottish designers, Timorous Beasties, to create a unique collectors item sure to be a hit with whisky lovers. The illustration takes the style of the iconic Timorous Beastie toile designs, and depicts a visual history of the brand and its home, Bordeaux House, along with the famous bird itself. The gift box contains a bottle of  The Famous Grouse (70cl) and will only be available from selected retailers or online at www.thefamousgrouse.com (RRP £15.29).

Thousands of people each Christmas enjoy a dram of  The Famous Grouse, Scotland’s No.1 whisky.  This fantastic quality blended whisky, contains a blend of fine single malts including Highland Park and The Macallan. Why not make a gift or your bottle even better by personalising the label?  Choose up to 13 characters on the front label and customise the back label with your own message.  The bottle will then be posted direct to your door in a standard gift box or with the option to display in a special presentation box. (Special Label RRP £19.99 + P&P. Additional £2 supplement for presentation box. Available online at www.thefamousgrouse.com )

The latest addition to The Famous Grouse family – The Black Grouse – is a unique blend of The Famous Grouse mixed with Islay malts to create a rich smoky, peaty taste. To date, this special whisky has raised £30,000 to help save its namesake, the black grouse, from extinction through its unique partnership with the RSPB which sees 50p from the sale of each bottle go to the charity. The perfect gift for bird lovers and whisky fans alike! (RRP £15.66, available at Sainsbury’s stores or online at www.black-grouse.com )

Gifts up to £60

Balanced with oak and fruit flavours and hints of fruit and heather honey, the soft and malty The Macallan Fine Oak 10 years old makes an ideal introduction to the range. The award winning Fine Oak range was heralded to be “by far the best range of non-vintage whiskies to be launched by any one distillery for possibly the last decade.”1 (RRP £26.67, available at multiple retailers including Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Oddbins or online at www.themacallan.com )

Laden with notes of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice, The Glenrothes Select Reserve typifies the Speyside distillery house style.  A vatting of casks distilled in different years, Select Reserve is presented in the iconic Glenrothes bottle and is the very essence of The Glenrothes range (RRP £32.20, available at Oddbins, House of Fraser, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Wine Rack, specialist whisky retailers or online at www.theglenrothes.com ).

“Christmas cake in a glass” is how the distillery manager on Orkney describes Highland Park 18 year old single malt, which boasts a rich full flavour with hints of honey and peat with a soft, long rounded finish.  This year it was named ‘The Best Spirit in the World’ for the second consecutive time by American drinks expert Paul Pacult2, making this an impressive Christmas dram (RRP £60.94, available at multiple retailers including Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Co-op, Somerfield and Oddbins or online at www.highlandpark.co.uk ).

Special gifts from £290

The Macallan Sherry Oak 30 years old is slowly matured in exceptional sherry oak casks to create a satisfyingly complex single malt often referred to as ‘the Rolls Royce of whiskies’.  Characterised by its rich dark mahogany colour, this rare whisky is deliciously smooth with dried fruits, orange and wood smoke flavours and ends on a long, rich note with lingering hints of spice and orange (RRP £290, available at Harrods, Selfridges and House of Fraser, specialist whisky retailers or online at www.themacallan.com ).

The Glenrothes John Ramsay Legacy is a limited edition bottling from their long-serving Malt Master to mark his retirement and long-standing relationship with the distillery.  Ramsay personally selected 30 casks to create an impressive single malt. Bursting with aromas of spice, blood orange and vanilla, this whisky has a rich palate of fruit and mango with a long, mature unmistakably American oak finish.  Only 100 Legacy bottles are available in the UK (RRP £699, available at specialist whisky retailers or online at www.theglenrothes.com ).

The ultimate indulgence this Christmas comes from Highland Park, with the launch of the first two expressions from an exclusive range of Highland Park single malt Vintages.  The 1964 and 1968 Vintages each offer balance, character and provenance with their own unique flavours and complexity (1964 RRP £3,750 and 1968 RRP £2,250, available at specialist whisky retailers or online at www.highlandpark.co.uk ).

-Ends-
Notes to editors:
1Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2005
2Highland Park 18 year old was named Best Spirit in the World by American drinks expert Paul Pacult in Top 115 Spirits, Spirit Journal 2009 and 2005
For further information or images, please contact:
Pamela.wils@bigpartnership.co.uk or Mhairi.deluca@bigpartnership.co.uk
Tel 0131 555 5522
Please enjoy our brands responsibly
www.drinkaware.co.uk

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES NEW MINIATURE GIFT PACK
 
To introduce its single malts to a wider audience, GlenDronach has today (18 November) launched a new gift pack of miniatures just in time for Christmas.
 
Its three classic malts – the 12, 15 and 18 year olds – are beautifully presented in an eye-catching triangular box (pictured).
 
Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “This is all about “try before you buy”.
 
“GlenDronach is renowned for its richly-sherried single malts, but as it has been a bit of a sleeping giant in recent years, we wanted to give malt lovers an opportunity to re-discover its sublime taste.
 
“The miniatures will allow people to experience a sensational mouthful of our three Highland expressions, perhaps tempting them afterwards to try a dram from a more satisfying standard bottle.
 
“With the 12-year old “Original”, they’ll discover it’s rich, creamy and silky-smooth, with warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits.
 
“The 15-year old “Revival” has an incredible concentration of aromas, with treacle toffee and chocolate orange to the fore.
 
“And the 18-year-old “Allardice” offers sweet aromatics of fudge and muscovado sugar, while fruit compote and glacier morello cherries provide added complexity.
 
“So you’ll find three quite inimitable and individual tastes in the pack which, we believe, will make an excellent Christmas gift at just £16.99 each.”
 
The GlenDronach miniature gift pack is available from today, 18 November 2009. For more information please call 01324 682220 or email info@glendronachdistillery.co.uk
                       
ends                                                        18 November 2009
 
INFORMATION – Kerry White, 01324 682220

With Black Friday approaching, Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon and the brand who celebrates “Firsts” with you, has created the “Official Cocktail of Black Friday”. Old Forester encourages you to be the FIRST shopper out the door in the morning and the FIRST person home in the afternoon who has their shopping completed for the holiday season so you can then sit back and relax with the Old Forester Black Friday Cocktail. Cheers!

The Black Friday

1.5 oz Old Forester Bourbon

1 oz Ginger ale

2 oz Cola

Squeeze of lime

Garnish with crushed lime.

Note that the green lime represents your money that has been crushed from shopping

Love life. Sip responsibly.

Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-50% Alc. by Volume, Brown-Forman Distillers Company, Louisville, KY ©2009

Svend Jansen

PR Manager – Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Early Times & Old Forester

Brown-Forman

850 Dixie Highway

Louisville, KY 40210

Office, (502) 774-7825

Mobile, (502) 744-0462

svend_jansen@b-f.com