NEW RELEVENCE. NEW DALMORE.

In 1263, an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie saved King Alexander III of Scotland from being gored by a stag whilst out hunting. The grateful King granted him the right to bear a stag’s head – a ’12 pointer’ or ’Royal’ – in his coat of arms. Every bottle of single malt whisky from our Highland distillery was, and is, adorned with this proud emblem, symbolising the supremacy of The Dalmore.

The Dalmore King Alexander III commemorates this act of daring spirit. This exceptional malt has been filled to no less than six different casks, including French wine barriques, Madeira drums, sherry butts from Jerez, Sicilian marsala barrels, port pipes from the Douro and bourbon barrels from Kentucky. The King Alexander III unites each of these to form a rich deep spirit.

The legend of Clan Mackenzie has been immortalised by Benjamin West in his painting ’The Death of the Stag’.

Visit the Dalmore at http://www.thedalmore.com/

A New Ralfy Scotch Whisky Video Review  now available on line; Whisky Review #85 – How to cope with bad Whisky  …. perhaps a bit controversial  but with the right perspective and balance. 

Ralfy is not fudging an increasingly important issue for buyers.

Visit Ralfy at http://www.ralfy.com/ Click on “Whiskyreviews”

Announcing Compass Box Autumn 2009 New Releases! 

We are pleased to announce two new releases for autumn 2009.  One is the return of our much heralded and much talked about malt whisky The Spice Tree, and the other is a limited release, one-off malt whisky called Lady Luck.
 

 
 
THE SPICE TREE

It’s back!  The reincarnation of our formerly “illegal” malt Scotch whisky is here after a three year absence. 

(We should clarify that the original release was considered “illegal” by the Scotch Whisky Association, not by us or our lawyers!  This was due to our pioneering use of top quality French oak staves, which the Scotch Whisky Association felt was not traditional enough to their liking.  We now use a different method, but with similarly extraordinary results.  See the website at www.compassboxwhisky.com for full details.)

The Spice Tree is made from 12 year-old Highland malt whisky that has spent the last two years aging on the highest quality virgin French oak.  We buy new oak made for some of the best winemakers in the world and bring it to Scotland where it imparts the most gorgeous flavours to aging malt whisky.

There is no other Scotch malt whisky, single malt or other, with the flavour profile of The Spice Tree.

See our website for the complete and unabridged story and for information.

 
      
LADY LUCK
 

This is a malt whisky inspired by what we used to refer to as the “lucky blend”—a beautiful whisky made of both very old and rather young Islay malt whisky, released by a well-known independent bottler many years ago.  Lady Luck is a one-off, never-to-be-repeated variation on this theme. 

Earlier this year we came across some beautiful casks of 25 and 29 year-old malt whisky distilled at the Caol Ila distillery on Islay.  Inspired by our memory of the “lucky blend” we set to work experimenting, and eventually found that combining the old Islay malts with some gorgeous 14 year-old Imperial single malt created something very special:  the Imperial brought an ethereal fruit character and structure to the older whiskies and made the sum much greater than the parts.

This, of course, makes this a “vatted malt” as it is a combination of whiskies from two single malt distilleries.  May it be yet another humble lesson that all that is good in the world of whisky need not be single.

We call it Lady Luck.   A one-off and one (we believe) for the ages.

Please visit Compass Box to order both online. 
Contact Information    
 

mail: hello@compassboxwhisky.com
phone: +44 (0)20 8995 0899
web: http://www.compassboxwhisky.com

FOR Immediate Release                                                            

CONTACT:

Svend Jansen, Brown-Forman

502-774-7825

svend_jansen@b-f.com

Woodford Reserve Releases Limited Edition Bourbon Featuring  Specially-Aged Barrels

Exclusive Master’s Collection Bottling Available Beginning November 1

October 27, 2009, Louisville, Ky. – Woodford Reserve announces the latest extension of its acclaimed Master’s Collection which will be released on November 1. Called ‘Seasoned Oak Finish,’ it is the fourth in the series of limited edition bottlings and continues Woodford Reserve’s tradition of crafting rare whiskeys that extend the category in bold new directions.

Barrels play a key role in producing bourbon, with approximately 70 percent of the spirit’s flavor and aroma and all of its color provided by the oak barrel. Woodford Reserve’s new offering, Seasoned Oak Finish, features bourbon finish-aged in unique barrels crafted with wood that has been seasoned longer than any previously used in the industry.

“Of all the distillers in our industry, we are the only bourbon company that crafts its own barrels, giving us unique knowledge and control of the process,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. “As the rough oak staves are exposed to seasonal weather changes and subsequently dried, this natural cycle develops a new range of flavors in the wood.”

 This seasoning progression changes the wood by reducing tannins and ultimately creates a new range of flavor compounds. The staves for most bourbon barrels are seasoned for three to five months; however, Seasoned Oak Finish combines fully-matured Woodford Reserve with barrels crafted from wood that has been exposed to the outdoors for three to five years — the longest seasoning known in the bourbon industry.

 “By ‘finish aging’ Woodford Reserve in barrels that have been crafted from oak and seasoned for several years, we created a bourbon unlike any other in the industry. It’s the most robust bourbon we have ever made,” said Wayne Rose, brand director for Woodford Reserve. “This special Master’s Collection release emboldens Woodford Reserve with ‘extra-aged’ oak character resulting in a new and complex flavor profile.”

Seasoned Oak Finish is the fourth in the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection series following the Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish and Sweet Mash products. Released periodically at the master distiller’s discretion, the Master’s Collection whiskeys are extremely limited in quantity and bottled only once in a proprietary package inspired by the copper pot stills of The Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The inspiration for the Master’s Collection is rooted in the rich history and tradition of what is today known as The Woodford Reserve Distillery. In the mid-1800s distillery owner Oscar Pepper and Master Distiller James Crow studied and recommended use of key processes like sour mashing and charred barrel maturation at the historic Woodford County distillery. These practices are still maintained in the bourbon industry and, today, the distillery receives more than 80,000 visitors annually and is the only one in America to triple-distill bourbon in copper pot stills.

Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish will be sold in 44 U.S. markets, and a limited quantity will be available in Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. Each bottle is individually hand-numbered and presented at 100.4 proof. Available in major metro markets, only 1,337 cases are available with a suggested retail price of $89.99 for a 750ml bottle.

-# # #-

Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman

Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Fetzer, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, and Bonterra. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2009.

Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish

Color:            Rich mahogany.

Aroma:         Deep, complex and subtly sweet; hints of cinnamon, clove, rich caramel and pipe  tobacco, with a nutty oak character.

Taste:            Full-flavored and robust oak with layers of anise, dark berries and cherry fruit,  warming cinnamon and clove spice notes, all with a caramel nut sauce.

Finish:          Velvety and long with a hint of crisp dryness.

 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

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Oct. 27, 2009

Liquor Distribution Branch
Ministry of Housing and Social Development

ANNUAL PREMIUM WHISKIES RELEASE

VANCOUVER – BC Liquor Stores is releasing a special collection of premium whiskies on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 at BC Signature Liquor Stores and other select BC Liquor Stores across the province.

This year’s premium whisky release brings together 39 rare and highly recommended whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Japan, India and the U.S. The release features whiskies of interest to the collector and
the whisky novice, and includes aged malt whiskies, vintage releases,unique and limited cask offerings, and a variety of whiskies that have been finished in casks from some of the world’s most esteemed distilleries.

BC Liquor Stores has published a 2009 Whisky Release booklet listing the whiskies available in this release, along with detailed tasting notes and information about specific bottle limits. This booklet is available in all Signature BC Liquor Stores as well as online at www.bcliquorstores.com.

Limited quantities per customer will apply on some whiskies, and buyers are advised to shop early to avoid disappointment. This event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For a complete list of participating BC Liquor Stores and hours of operation, please visit www.bcliquorstores.com.

Contact:

Michèle Mackintosh
Manager, Communications
Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3029

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2009

New look for Tomatin Whisky

Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been given a radical new look. Established in 1897 and located south of Inverness in the Monadhliath Mountains, the Tomatin Distillery Company has opted for a ‘less is more’ approach with a really clean and fresh look for its branding and packaging. In addition to the 12, 18 and 25 Year Olds in the range, a new 15 Year Old is now available. All four malts have different wood finishes, enhancing Tomatin’s unique flavour.

Craig Mackinlay of Breeze Creative redesigned the branding, embellished bottle and packaging and is working on additional materials to promote the brand at point of sale.

The relaunch comes at a time when international scotch whisky sales are really helping to boost Scotland’s economy. Markets are expanding as consumer interest increases in this diverse and fascinating spirit.

ENDS
For further information, please contact Craig Mackinlay of Breeze Creative on 01360 449347.

Or visit Breeze Creative at http://www.breeze-creative.com/

Visit Tomatin at http://www.tomatin.com/

New Wild Scotsman Single Cask Selections for 2009
Posted Oct 17, 2009 by The Wild Scotsman

New Wild Scotsman Single Cask Selections for 2009
by Jeffrey Topping

I am pleased to unveil the new image for Wild Scotsman Single Cask Selection for 2009 with two great single Cask offerings from the Caol Ila and Glen Grant Distilleries. These offerings are in very limited quantities. The Caol Ila 27yr Single Cask at 50% alc./vol will have an offering of 108 Bottles. The Wild Scotsman Glen Grant 12yr at 50% alc./vol. will have an offering of 138 bottles. These new labels are all hand signed and numbered as a sign of my commitment to you the consumer.

The new image was inspired by the Scottish Highland Targe which until the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Scottish Highlander’s main means of defense in battle was his targe. After the disastrous defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden, the carrying of the targe would have been banned. The Targe is back and we will defend your right to enjoy ‘Old World’ production whisky which is not colored, Not Chill-filtered, or watered down beyond the flavors of its peak enjoyment.

Product will be available in mid November at select retailers. For those in the UK and Europe please contact Cumbrae Supply in Scotland for product availability (must be ordered before Nov).

Cheers,

Jeffrey Topping, The Wild Scotsman

http://wildscotsman.com/whisky/

The Spirit of Kilbeggan

The limited release of Spirit from the refurbished pot stills in the Old Kilbeggan Distillery

Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent whiskey distillery, has released a limited bottling of the new Spirit distilled by the 19th century refurbished still in operation in the Old Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath.

The Old Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest distillery in the world and to mark its 250th anniversary, a pot still from the 19th century was refurbished and distilling recommenced on the 19th of March 2007. This is the oldest pot still in use in the world and will revive a traditional age old style of distillation not seen in Ireland for many years. Earlier this year a second pot still, handcrafted by Forsyth’s Copper Smiths of Scotland to match the original still, was commissioned. The full distillation process is now on show to the public in the Old Kilbeggan Distillery.

There is significant consumer interest in the distillery and in the nature of the new Spirit produced by the ancient pot still. To satisfy this interest and whet the appetite for the launch of mature whiskey in mid 2010, Cooley has released this limited bottling of aged Spirit distilled in Kilbeggan. Cooley has bottled 3,000 small six centilitre bottles of Spirit, each matured for one month as well as another limited bottling of 1,000 packs of three by six centilitre bottles containing Spirit aged for one month, one year and two years, which will enable consumers to sample the maturing Spirit.

Jack Teeling, Sales & Marketing Director for Cooley Distillery commented, “For over 50 years the pot stills in Kilbeggan were cold until distilling recommenced in 2007. Since then there has been keen interest and intrigue in what style of whiskey the ancient pot still will produce. This limited release of the Spirit of Kilbeggan offers consumers a chance to anticipate the outcome.”

This limited edition bottling is exclusively available through the Visitor Centre Whiskey Shop in Kilbeggan and the Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street, Dublin 2 (www.celticwhiskeyshop.com).

For More Information:

Jack Teeling                                                                +353-1-8332833

Sales & Marketing Director

Additional Information
•
The Kilbeggan Distillery dates back to 1757 and is acknowledged as the oldest distillery in the world. The distillery was a stalwart of the Irish whiskey industry through the glory years of the 1800’s when Irish whiskey was the spirit of choice around the world.
•
However the early 1900’s saw the demise of Irish whiskey due to a combination of factors including the Irish War of Independence, Prohibition in the US and resistance to change to modern whiskey distillation techniques. This resulted in a major slump in traditional Irish whiskey export markets and caused many well established distilleries to close. The Kilbeggan distillery was a victim of the industry malaise and stopped distilling in March 19th 1954.
•
The Old Kilbeggan Distillery was rescued in 1988 when Cooley Distillery bought the old distillery “lock, stock and barrel” with the aim of restoring distillation. While developing the company, Cooley kept the working distillery as a museum and utilised its extensive warehouses to mature whiskey. As part of Cooley’s strategy to resurrect ancient brand of Irish whiskey they named their flagship brand “Kilbeggan”.
•
Kilbeggan Irish whiskey has won a host of different medals over the past 10 years including a Gold Medal and “Best in Category” at Los Angeles International Wine & Spirit Competition (LAIWSC) in 2009, and Silver Medal from International Review of Spirits 2009.
•
The Old Kilbeggan Distillery and the Kilbeggan whiskey brand are celebrated their 250th anniversary in 2007. To celebrate this landmark Cooley decided to take a further step to resurrect the heritage of the Kilbeggan brand by re‐commencing distillation on site in the Old Kilbeggan Distillery. This began on the 19th of March 2007, 53 years since distillation stopped. One of the old stills was re‐commissioned and is the oldest pot still distilling in Ireland producing a style of whiskey not seen in Ireland for many years.
•
This is another step in the rejuvenation of the Irish whiskey industry which has been enjoying tremendous growth on a global scale and has re‐emerged as the drink of choice for many people around the world.
www.kilbegganwhiskey.com
www.cooleywhiskey.com

Subject: Whisky Release Tasting in Vancouver

If you plan to be in Vancouver early next week, here is an opportunity
to taste a few of the Release offerings:

Premium Whisky Release Preview Tasting

Tuesday, October 27  (two sessions available)

6:00 – 7:30 pm OR 8:00 – 9:30 pm

39th & Cambie Tasting Room (5555 Cambie Street, Vancouver)

Tickets $35 per person at 39th & Cambie Customer Service  – 604-660-9463

*Special guest speaker: Gerry Tosh, global ambassador for
Macallan and Highland Park distilleries.  Gerry was just awarded Whisky Magazine’s 2009 Ambassador of the Year.

*Featuring limited-edition whiskies from the Islay, Orkney and
Highland regions of Scotland; Japan, India and the United States.

*Tasting flight includes:
+125633 Amrut Cask Strength Limited Edition, $90, India 
+546366 Nikka Whisky From the Barrel, $59, Japan 
+870550 Woodford Reserve 1838 Sweet Mash Master’s Collection Bourbon, $140, USA 
+364224 BenRiach 15 YO Tawny Port Finish, $95, Highland 
+107441 Bruichladdich 1989 Guigal Blanc Cask, $190, Islay 
+748152 Highland Park 15 YO, $95, Orkney  
+292862 Macallan 21 Year Old Fine Oak, $350, Highland 
+500231 Highland Park 18 YO, $150, Orkney  (not part of the
Whisky release)

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/whisky-release-october-31-2009

Southern Comfort cocktail launch party with celebrity interviews!

You can also read the full release at the www.responsesource.com website:
http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=mXQzA

Southern Comfort cocktail launch party with celebrity interviews!

23 October 2009

Southern Comfort would like to invite you to try its new range of Christmas
cocktails at an exciting launch party on Wednesday 28th October.

The UK’s top mixologists including legendary creator of the Mahiki
treasure chest and London’s most distinguished, classic mixologist have
teamed up with Southern Comfort to create a fantastic range of cocktails
for the festive period.

They will wow you with molecular mixology (using nitrous oxide and a
specialized cocktail gun!) and the use of unusual cocktail ingredients such
as horse radish!

If you want to learn how to mix impressive cocktails, or if simple easy to
follow steps are more your thing, then Southern Comfort has something to
suit every taste!

Southern Comfort ambassadors, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Remi Nicole and
FrankMusik visited New Orleans, the home of Southern Comfort to experience a taste of the big easy first hand. At the launch you will see the brand new campaign images featuring the celebrities and exclusive behind the scenes footage.

Interview time with Remi Nicole, FrankMusik and Sophie Ellis Bextor (TBC)
is also available on the night upon prior request. The mixologists are also
available for interviews/ cocktail making tips.

Details:

Where: W1 (close to Oxford Circus tube)

When:  Wednesday 28th October

Time: 4:30-5:30pm – Intimate mixology class

5:30pm-8:30pm – After work drop in sessions

Places are limited so please RSVP lucy@slice.co.uk or call 0207 3128 6616
to secure your place (and fantastic Southern Comfort goody bag!)

We hope to see you on the 28th for a New Orleans experience you won’t
forget!

Southern Comfort Team