Stephen Rankin named among the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury

–Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige included in Walpole’s 2020 Power List–

An Elgin-based director of whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has been honoured as one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury.

Stephen Rankin, the company’s Director of Prestige and fourth-generation member of the owning family, has been included in the 2020 Power List from Walpole – the official luxury sector body and widely regarded as ‘the home of British luxury’.

The list recognises the individuals and brands who despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to deliver success in the luxury sector.

For Gordon & MacPhail, celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year, the recent highlight has been the launch of four extremely rare and unique commemorative whiskies released to honour the Elgin company’s milestone.

Alongside the four commemorative whiskies, Gordon & MacPhail has also launched a new film serialisation charting the company’s 125-year story. The ‘Chapters’ series of five short films includes personal reflections from over 20 contributors, including fellow Walpole Power List honourees Conor O’Leary, managing director of Gleneagles, Simon Cotton, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin and Knut Wylde, general manager of The Berkeley hotel.

The short film series can be viewed at www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Stephen Rankin said: “It’s an honour to be named one of the country’s most influential people in luxury. I’m in great company among some of the industry’s greatest – some of whom I’m proud to call friends.

“It’s particularly poignant to be recognised in such an important year for Gordon & MacPhail, as we celebrate over a century in whisky creation. Despite challenging circumstances, the whole team and I are proud to continue our pursuit of whisky perfection for people to enjoy all over the world.”

Walpole acknowledged Stephen’s role in bringing the company’s history, heritage and whiskies to life in entertaining ways, stating: “With over 20 years’ experience in the world of Single Malt (as well as Wine and Spirits), Stephen Rankin’s contribution to the industry was recognised in in 2019 when he was made a Master of the Quaich: the highest honour possible in the Whisky industry.

“Alongside fellow family members and colleagues, Stephen has contributed to the growth of the 125-year-old family firm Gordon & MacPhail, and the release of some of the rarest and most iconic whiskies in the world. His work today is focused on engaging with consumers around the world, and bringing to life the wonderful story of Gordon & MacPhail through their truly unique and rare portfolio of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.”

#GordonandMacPhail 

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.

Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks.

It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery’ – This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Aston Martin Unveil First Collaboration with Introduction of

BLACK BOWMORE® DB5 1964 

1964 Provides Inspiration to Showcase Craftsmanship and Innovation

to Unite Bowmore and Aston Martin

Islay, Scotland (November 20, 2020) – Bowmore®, the oldest licensed distillery on Scotland’s isle of Islay, and Aston Martin have unveiled their first collaborative creation: Black Bowmore DB5 1964.  This striking concept brings together an iconic whisky and a legendary car in a bottle of equal parts, featuring exceptional single malt and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston.

With only 25 bottles for sale, this exceptionally rare 31-Year-Old Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is a celebration of time and a definitive moment in history for both Bowmore and Aston Martin. It is also a celebration of shared values and passions, as it showcases great innovation and invention.

A beautifully inspiring masterpiece, this unique, handcrafted vessel houses an equally exceptional Black Bowmore single malt. The significance of 1964 is paramount, as it represents a truly defining era of evolution for both Bowmore and Aston Martin.

For Bowmore, 1964 is arguably one of the most significant points in the distillery’s 240-year history. The arrival of a new boiler allowed the distillery to enter the modern age of distilling, as coal fires made way for steam in heating the stills. It was the first distillation from this new boiler that produced the spirit which was to become the iconic Black Bowmore, a sublimely rich and decadent single malt reflected in awe-inspiring deep darkness.

First distilled on November 5, 1964, Black Bowmore has become one of the rarest and most sought-after single malt whiskies ever created. This latest release represents only the sixth bottling of this exquisite single malt. Since 1993, there have only been approximately six thousand bottles of Black Bowmore made available, thus adding to the desirability of this iconic whisky.

David Turner, Distillery Manager at Bowmore commented, “1964 represents a significant date in the modern history of the distillery. Not only a key moment in how we distilled our spirit, but perhaps even more significant as this very spirit went onto create Black Bowmore. These defining moments are fundamental to the history of Bowmore. This collaboration with Aston Martin has allowed us to once again showcase this iconic single malt in the most incredible way.”

For Aston Martin, this was the era of their most iconic car. Launched in 1963 to considerable acclaim, the Aston Martin DB5 is now widely regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’, not least by virtue of its links to the world’s most celebrated secret agent in 1964.

On its debut, the DB5 represented a subtle but important evolution over its immediate predecessor, the DB4 Series 5, not least by virtue of an increase in engine capacity to 4.0-litres. This of course made the DB5 that much more of a sporting saloon which, combined with its exceptional styling, helped it to become one of the most desirable and admired sports cars of its generation. Sir David Brown, the then owner of Aston Martin Lagonda and the man who gave his initials to the ‘DB’ lineage, said of the car: “I believe it is the essential character of the DB5, and its ability to perform perfectly in all conditions, that makes this car so intensely satisfying to own.” It is this relentless pursuit of power with purpose that still helps to define the appeal of Aston Martin today.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This exciting new association with Bowmore gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate a vital part of our star-studded history by combining the unrivalled appeal of the iconic DB5 with the cultured flavours of this world-renowned single malt.”

In keeping with a commitment to true craftsmanship, the Black Bowmore DB5 bottle itself is handcrafted by Glasstorm, a bespoke contemporary glass studio, based in North East Scotland. With more than 50 years of glass design, sculpting and creative expertise, each bottle took up to one week to complete, reflecting the continued thread of attention to detail and skill which defines this collaboration.

Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is presented in a handmade presentation box, itself a work of art. Inspired by the distillery’s coastal home, the deep blue color and wave embossing evoke a true sense of place. Created from the finest string-grain calfskin, featuring a custom solid brass latch and hinges, plated with nickel, reflective of the DB5.

The partners are set to unveil a series of collaborative projects and products over the coming months and years, ranging from exceptional experiences to design-led product initiatives with the goal of offering fans of the brands, across a broad spectrum, the opportunities to connect with the partnership.

As world class luxury brands Bowmore and Aston Martin urge consumers never to drink and drive. Drink Smart® messaging will be integrated into all brand activations around the partnership; while the dedicated Drink Smart® platform ensures communication with legal-purchase age adults about making informed, responsible choices. https://www.drinksmart.com/reducing-drunk-driving-or-drink-driving

Black Bowmore DB5 1964 will be available from late Autumn 2020 with a suggested retail price of $65,000.

Tasting Notes: Black Bowmore DB5 1964, 31 Years Old – 49.6% ABV

Aged for 31 years exclusively in Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Oloroso Sherry Butt

On the eye: Deep obsidian black

Breathe in: Layers of ripe exotic fruits and creme caramel. As time moves on soft tobacco smoke, aromatic orange peel and rich black cherry come to the fore 

Taste: Intense flavors of mango, passion fruit and acacia honey interwoven with a powerful combination of coffee and tobacco smoke

Savor: A wonderfully long and decadent finish with tropical fruits and spice, defining more than 240 years of craftsmanship  

ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX.  Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown. 

ABOUT BOWMORE

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Time is savored at Bowmore and the distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore® is “Time, Savoured®” – a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over.

Bowmore USA domestic product range: Bowmore 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old.

www.bowmore.com; Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: BOWMORE

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

We understand that everyone has their own unique characteristics which make them special; it’s the same for our whiskies. That’s why we’ve put together this gifting guide to help you choose the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Whichever gift you choose though, remember that we are Scotland’s most Unhurried whisky distillery. That means that when you give Glengoyne this Christmas, you’ll be giving the gift of time.

GIFT GUIDE

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME

Give the whisky lover you know the gift of time with the three 20cl bottles Time Capsule gift set, each whisky is packed with complex, fruity flavours. Start with the lemon zest and toffee apples of our 12 Year Old. Then work your way up to spicy vanilla fruit, ripe apples and a rich, luxurious mouthfeel of the 18 Year Old  – it’s practically made for this time of year.

BUY THE TIME CAPSULE GIFT SET

GIFT WRAPPED

For the first time this year we have our very own fully recyclable gift wrapping paper and tag. So, let our distillery team take care of the gift wrapping with your chosen gift while you take the time to reward yourself…..

GIFT WRAPPING

FINAL PIECE…

We’ve teamed up again with John Lowrie Morrison OBE to release a seasonal Glengoyne jigsaw. This beautiful item is available for £10 when purchased with a 70cl bottle priced below £100 or is free of charge with the purchase of a 70cl bottle priced above £100.

LEARN MORE

Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Old “Rare Release Batch #8” K&L Exclusive Exploratory Cask Series

Nonchillfiltered Small Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

$149.99    View

The return of the wonderful and mysterious Doc Swinson’s 15 Year is upon us. This newest batch is from the same unnamed source and continues to represent some of the best value available for old cask strength bourbon anywhere in the world. The Doc Swinson’s brand was started by a small (and very lucky) bottler in Washington state who’d made a name for themselves finishing Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee whiskies in various wine casks. When they had an opportunity to secure some high-quality mature Kentucky straight bourbon, they jumped at the chance and so did we. The source of this excellent bourbon is so concerned about its identity being revealed that the barrels are dumped in Kentucky before being transported to the bottler in anonymous totes. Usually we insist on having some idea of where the products we sell are produced, but one taste of this stuff and those standards get thrown out the window, as it’s just too good to care to argue with. We will likely never know exactly where it was made, but as long as it keeps tasting this good, we won’t complain. The most special bourbons from Doc are under their “Rare Release” line. This is the 8th release of this truly small batch line, but only the third batch of the unbelievably popular 15 year. This batch contains just 27 barrels and is bottled at 114.2 proof. Another example of why this whisky is one of the most exciting new bourbons on the market today. We love being the California exclusive for this special bourbon.

TyndrumWhisky.com

Brings you

Octomore

We’re a little late with these coming in.. but they are here now… Octomore 11 range, 11.1, 11.3 and the 10 Year Old (4th Release), then we have the Black Art 8th Edition. The 11.1 is malted to 139.6ppm, distilled in 2014 and 100% Scottish grown Concerto and Propino Barley. The casks matured in are from Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Jack Daniels! A whopping 59.4% ABV.

Order Now >

New Glenfarclas Family Casks Summer 2020

The latest Summer 2020 batch of Glenfarclas Family Casks. The usual epic sherry cask maturation for real vintage Speyside Scotch whisky. Plus a new Highland Edradour sherry cask cousin to join the family gathering…

Shop – Glenfarclas Scotch

New Balblair Age-Statement Collection Arrives in U.S.

EDDERTON, SCOTLAND, November 17, 2020—Multi-award-winning Highland whisky distillery, Balblair, is pleased to announce that their new age-statement collection of single malt Scotch whiskies will be available in the United States this holiday season. The revamped portfolio was first unveiled in 2019 and includes four whiskies, each showcasing the upmost quality, all of which retain the distillery’s unmistakable signature character. The new age-statement collection replaces all existing Balblair expressions.

The core collection includes:

• 12-Year-Old (SRP, $69.99): matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, with notes of dried orange, ground spices and sweet vanilla.
• 15-Year-Old (SRP, $119.99): matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of dark chocolate, tropical fruit and creamy vanilla.
• 18-Year-Old (SRP, $209.99):  matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts, with notes of juicy apricots, vanilla custard and raisins.
• 25-Year-Old (SRP, $699.99):  matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak, with notes of oily citrus, chocolate praline, fresh tobacco leaf and blood oranges.

In a move away from the distillery’s recent ‘vintage-only’ approach, the launch of this collection signals a new era for Balblair. While each expression offers its own unique appeal, the series as a whole stays true to Balblair’s house style, following a gentle and considered approach with its focus firmly on quality over quantity – an attribute Balblair has become renowned for since the distillery was established in 1790.

“As one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, Balblair has a long and rich history of crafting premium single malt Scotch whisky,” said John MacDonald, Distillery Manager at Balblair. “We are proud of our heritage and we will continue to honor our centuries-old traditions, but we also look forward in a quiet pursuit of perfection.”

On the new series, MacDonald also commented, “Our new collection is intrinsically linked to our heritage and is testament to the place and the people behind our whisky, while being emblematic of our ‘True Highland Spirit’.”

Inspired by Balblair’s rich past, the packaging for the new collection is reflective of the distillery’s unique and idyllic location. It takes subtle cues from the surrounding landscape: its pure Highland water source and the Pictish ‘Z-rod’ carvings etched on the ancient Clach Biorach standing stone located on the distillery’s doorstep. A larger logo area and new label font has also been incorporated into the design to create greater on-shelf brand visibility.

“Our whisky hasn’t changed: Balblair will always be a single malt Scotch whisky of premium quality, and remain true to its renowned character, “ said Laura Young, Brand Manager for Balblair. “The updated collection, complete with a new range of age statements and super-premium packaging, is a testament to the dedicated distillers who patiently craft our award-winning Highland whisky.”

Initially introduced in 2019 outside the United States, Laura added, “We’ve had an extremely positive response to the new collection from consumers around the world and we’re excited to now be sharing it with whisky fans in America.”

The Balblair core collection is now available in the U.S. from the brand’s new U.S. importer, Hotaling & Co. Currently distributed across eight states (CA, CO, IL  MA, NH, NJ, NY, and TX), consumers can find the whiskies online and at fine retailers in each market. Beginning in 2021, Balblair will be available in additional markets.

For more information visit: www.balblair.com

Balblair Age-Stated Core Collection

Balblair 12-Year-Old (SRP, $69.99)

• 46% abv, matured in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks
• Color: Polished gold
• Aroma: Elegant bright lemon peel layered with creamy vanilla and crisp green apples
• Palate: Ground spices and dried orange slices enveloped in intense set honey sweetness
• Finish: Creamy and leathery with notes of sweet vanilla

Balblair 15-Year-Old (SRP, $119.99)

• 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts
• Color: Bright amber
• Aroma: Leatherwood honey and spicy gingerbread followed by juicy prunes and fresh lemon peel
• Palate: Velvety in texture, bursting with dark chocolate, tropical fruit and spices
• Finish: Long and mellow with notes of creamy vanilla and citrus

Balblair 18-Year-Old (SRP, $209.99)

• 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by first-fill Spanish oak butts
• Color: Oiled cedar
• Aroma: Rich toffee and baked pears shine bright against an elegant backdrop of new leather
• Palate: A masterful balance of juicy apricots, seasoned oak and vanilla custard
• Finish: Long and warming with chords of fresh spices and raisins

Balblair 25-Year-Old (SRP, $699.99)

• 46% abv, matured initially in American oak ex-bourbon casks then reshaped in Oloroso Spanish oak
• Color: Hot copper
• Aroma: Indulgent overripe apricots and dark licorice stand out against polished oak and a touch of saddle wax
• Palate: Full-bodied with oily citrus, chocolate praline and a faint note of fresh tobacco leaf
• Finish: Warming with smooth chocolate and blood oranges 

About Balblair

Established in 1790, Balblair distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands.

Its location on the Dornoch Firth is intrinsically linked to the whisky itself, with its water source coming from the nearby Allt Dearg burn. The distillery also sits close to the site of an ancient gathering place for the Picts. On the distillery’s doorstep stands a standing stone and stone circle, erected some 4,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. Known locally as the ‘Clach Biorach’ the standing stone was used to observe the change of seasons by the Picts. They added their own unique markings to the stone and for thousands of years used it as a gathering place.

Today, Balblair prides itself on its true highland spirit, where quality comes before all else.

The distillery, which sits just off the popular North Coast 500 route, welcomed over 10,000 visitors through its doors in 2019, an increase of 7.5% over the previous year.

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

BLACK FRIDAY: FREE GIFTS WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF TOMATIN CORE RANGE 

Tomatin, the award-winning Highland distillery, has today announced that from Black Friday, every sale of its Core Range will be accompanied with two surprise complimentary 5cl miniatures, with combinations worth up to £21.

To celebrate the festive period, the Tomatin Black Friday promotion will run from 27^th November until 18^th December, exclusively via the online shop. This limited deal will also provide whisky connoisseurs with the chance to sample sister brand Cù Bòcan, who produce an experimental Highland Single Malt that explores innovative finishes to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise, as part of its complimentary winter offer.

Each purchase of the Tomatin Core Range during the festive period will be accompanied by one mystery additional Core Range expression, as well as one Cù Bòcan creation 5cl miniature – whilst stocks last.

For more detail on the Tomatin Core Range, please visit the Tomatin site here.

PLEASE NOTE: This promotion is only open to people over the age of 18. The promotion will be valid to all purchases made from the Tomatin online shop between 00:01 27^th November and 23:59 18^th December. For further information on individual products please visit the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan sites. 

Notes:

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). In the last ten years, Tomatin has secured over 60 prestigious awards in a variety of categories, and in 2019 the distillery celebrated its most successful year ever at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, securing seven Double Gold awards and four Gold awards.

BOWMORE 30 YEARS OLD ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Distilled in 1989 and gently nurtured for three decades in the No. 1 Vaults, the world’s oldest Scotch maturation house, this rare single malt whisky is defined by the art of time and its influence on Bowmore Distillery’s remote island home, Islay. Aged in the finest Sherry hogshead and bourbon barrels while waves crash against the cellar walls, BOWMORE 30 YEARS OLD (ABV: 45.3%) has a rich fruity flavor with tropical butterscotch notes and rounded by the unmistakable subtle peat smoke for which Bowmore is celebrated. The bottle presentation is a gift itself, showcasing the colors and textures of driftwood, polished sea glass and the turquoise waters of Loch Indaal – all materials found on Islay that are definitively shaped by time.

SRP: $1,850

Availability: Annual limited release of 2,580 bottles globally; available as of December 2020

ALFRED GIRAUD FRENCH MALT WHISKIES

Merging techniques honed by the Giraud family of celebrated cask makers and cellar masters since 1873, the Alfred GIRAUD portfolio features two limited-production French Malt Whiskies that are meticulously blended and completely dependent on the availability of exceptional casks, including ex-cognac, French Limousin and American oak. A blend of three non-peated French malt distillates that are matured individually and together, HERITAGE (ABV: 45.9%) is complex yet balanced, structured with a full body that leads to a sophisticated and subtly sweet finish; only 23 casks released annually. HARMONIE (ABV: 46.1%), a blend of one lightly-peated and two non-peated French malt distillates, is delicate yet powerful with a rich and balanced palate and a discreet hint of peat; only 7 casks released annually.

SRP: $155 for HERITAGE; $190 for HARMONIE

Availability: At key retailers in select cities, and online at www.alfredgiraudwhisky.com, ReserveBar and Caskers

HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY

The Hibiki brand is Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and widely considered one of the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world. Inspired by the riches and subtleties of Japan’s 24 seasons, Hibiki Japanese Harmony (ABV: 43%) is a meticulous blend of the finest selection of malt and grain whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.

IF YOU JOINED OUR GET TOGETHER ON SUNDAY…

Thanks so much for being a part of our latest Peat Monster Arcana virtual tasting. Founder John Glaser and Whiskymaker James Saxon had a great time as always, and we have enjoyed answering every question that came in during the event. You can read the full Q&A here, which includes the recipe for James’s smoky spin on hot chocolate. We hope it inspires you to get creative with some pairings at home. Keep your eye on our social feeds too for more surprising suggestions, and for those who asked on the day, head to our main website if you’d like to see the recipe wheels of any of our whiskies.

IF YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT THIS TIME…

Don’t worry, because you can still recreate the tasting at home. The full video is available to watch here, where you can also download your tasting mat and set-up guide. For this event, author of New York Cocktails, Amanda Schuster, joined us as a special guest to discuss smoky food pairings of either Peat Monster Arcana or The Peat Monster with hot and cold smoked salmon, BBQ ribs, smoked almonds and more. And things got pleasantly geeky when John quoted Jeffery Lindenmuth’s article explaining how stimulating our trigeminal nerve with smoky food or drink could be described as ‘pursuing flavour as a thrill-seeking behaviour’. Read the full piece here.

With December just around the corner, our thoughts are now turning to the holiday season, so watch this space for ideas on how to celebrate the Compass Box way, starting with a video series on pairing cheeses with limited edition whiskies for you to indulge in during the festivities.

The Compass Box Team