WHISKY AUCTION EXPECTED TO MAKE HISTORY 

A bottle of three-year-old single malt whisky is set to break the record for the most expensive English whisky sold at auction, an historic moment which will confirm the country’s young industry as an authentic new world challenger to the established distilleries North of the border.

The Lakes Distillery is to auction 99 of its first bottles of single malt whisky, with bottle number one expected to go for several thousand pounds.

The Lakes Single Malt whisky, called Genesis, is being sold at cask strength in a bespoke rosewood presentation box, each individually numbered and hand signed by Dhavall Gandhi, the Whiskymaker. Genesis comes from the Greek word meaning origin. The name pays homage to the distillery’s beginning, and gives a tantalising glimpse into its future.

Nigel Mills CBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We have gathered an exceptional team of experts here at the distillery, all with their own specialities, who have all been working towards this important milestone in our history, where we can finally call our spirit whisky. Our whiskymaker has worked tirelessly to ensure that The Lakes Genesis single malt whisky is world class.”

Whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi, explained the key components of creating Genesis: “The whisky was first matured in Oloroso hogsheads giving it a vibrant character full of dried ginger and wood-spice. After the initial period of maturation, the whisky was finished in casks made-up of American and European oak to add a layer of dried fruit and vanilla.  Finally, these two components were married together in Orange wine casks from the Andalucía region of Spain, giving it a spicy and chocolate-orange character.

“We don’t just bottle our whisky because it is three years old; instead, I look at each cask to assess them individually until I find the right flavour profile. We have reached a peak for some casks and that is why we are releasing a limited number now.”

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We believe that our whisky making philosophy ensures obsessive attention is paid to the areas of the process which contribute towards flavour delivery, the key to great whisky. Our range of individually specified oak casks, combined with the skill and artistry of our whiskymaker, deliver a whisky which elegant, but full of complex sherry-led flavours.”

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman of The Lakes Distillery, said: “Our expectations for the auction are very high because we have gathered a very large following and there’s a lot of interest in the products we are bringing forward. Genesis will be very limited in its supply and very interesting in its quality and so we predict that the first bottles will set a record for English whisky at auction.”

The auction, which will be hosted on www.whiskyauctioneer.com, starts on Saturday 29^th June and will run until 12 noon on Tuesday 10th July.

Sean McGlone, Managing Director of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved in the sale of The Lakes Distillery’s new release; Genesis. As an auctioneer, the only thing that excites us as much as old whisky, is a brand new one. Alongside the rest of the whisky world, we have been watching the distillery with great anticipation. So, to now see its progress come to fruition is really exciting.

“Whisky Auctioneer is dedicated to the provision of a first-class service and expertise to our buyers and sellers, and we feel that this, coupled with the fantastic product The Lakes Distillery has bottled, will help us achieve a record-breaking sale for an English single malt.”

The distillery was founded with money from a group of North of England based investors. A further 2,435 investors supported the Distillery in a round of crowd funding on Crowdcube six months ago, raising £1.62million.

In addition, 2,975 whisky lovers joined an exclusive Founders Club, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a 70cl bottle of The Lakes spirit every year for 10 years.

The Distillery, on the banks of the River Derwent, is already being featured on international lists as a global tourism destination, including being named one of ‘eight distilleries to see [in the world] before you die’ by World Whisky Day and being named ‘best distillery facilities in the world’ for the third year running at Spirits Business Magazine’s Global Distillery Awards 2018.

It was the only distillery in the UK, and only attraction in Cumbria, to be awarded the prestigious Gold Accolade by VisitEngland, and is already a Top Ten Lake District tourist attraction, with its tours, gift shop and Bistro receiving in excess of 100,000 visitors a year.

The company has produced the equivalent of 750,000 bottles of whisky, or whisky spirit to date. It has won numerous prestigious awards for its Gin and Vodka brands, as well as The One, the world’s only blend of British whisky, all on sale in high street outlets in the UK and in major export markets, including the Far East and Australia.

For more information on the auction, please visit: www.lakesdistillery.com

Notes:

The Lakes Distillery employs 85 people and is led by a team of four: 

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, as one part of the father-son team behind the Isle of Arran Distillers, Paul has whisky in his veins!

Nigel Mills CBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, was the driving force that saw the Mills convenience store brand grow from 11 newsagents to a chain of 77 convenience stores and eight supermarkets.

Dhavall Gandhi, Operations Director and Whiskymaker, joined the Distillery after fine-tuning his skills at Macallan and is instrumental in crafting the Lake District’s only single malt whisky.

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman, a leading figure in the whisky world, as testified by his OBE for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry and as the former production director at Diageo.

Lakes Distillery spirits are now available in multiple national retail chains including; Marks and Spencers, Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine and Booths, alongside a number of independent specialist spirit retailers and World Duty Free shops.

The business is also supplying export markets in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, and South Africa.

The Lakes Distillery has won six awards for its visitor experience including the Global Masters Award for Distillery Visitor Facilities and Visitor Experience. It has also won awards for its spirits, tourism, its Bistro and the quality of its new buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Lake District National Park.

Ardbeg spreads ‘Peat & Love’ to launch The Magical Whisky Tour 2018
Ardbeg Day Saturday 2nd June 2018
#peatandlove

This year’s Ardbeg Day celebrations will take Ardbeggians and whisky-lovers alike back in time for a celebration of all things ‘Peat & Love’.

Following the announcement in March of Ardbeg Day 2018’s groovy 1960’s theme and the release of Ardbeg Grooves, the untamed spirit of Islay is revealing a summer of ‘Peat & Love’ gatherings across the UK at whisky hotspots and music festivals: ‘The Magical Whisky Tour 2018’

Inspired by the alternative lifestyle and unorthodox spirit of a previous generation, Ardbeg Grooves has been matured in ex-wine casks which have been intensely charred to form heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky aromatic with smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats.

On Saturday, 2nd June 2018, the Islay distillery will be rolling back the years to the Ardbeg Village of the late 1960s, opening its doors to whisky-lovers from around the globe. For those unable to make it to Islay to celebrate during Feis Ile, Islay’s untamed spirit will be hosting a live online tasting from Hard to Find Whisky in Birmingham, inviting peat lovers to join in the festivities. Ardbeg Embassies around the UK will be taking part in the peaty online tasting, including:

– Vintage House/ The Soho Whisky Club in London
– The Wee Dram in Bakewell, The Peak District
– Luvians in Cupar, Scotland
– Gordon & MacPhail in Elgin, Scotland
– Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh

Ardbeg Day will also mark the launch of The Magical Whisky Tour, with Ardbeg’s own 1960s inspired VW van touring the country and making stops at a number of leading music festivals, bars and Ardbeg Embassies, serving smoky drams to the masses, spreading a taste of Islay’s ‘Peat & Love’ and good vibes along the way. Festival go-ers will have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Ardbeg through interactive tastings and VR experiences.

The Magical Whisky Tour will comprise the following stops:

Festivals…
– Euroica Brittania: 15th – 17th June, Derbyshire
– Love Supreme: 29th June – 1st July, Lewes
– Blue Dot Festival: 20th – 22nd July, Macclesfield
– Kendall Calling: 26th – 29th July, Cumbria

Plus a number of Ardbeg Embassies and bars over June and July (visit: www.ardbeg.com for the full details).

Distillery Manager Mickey Heads said: “The Ardbeg Village of the 1960s was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team. These days the Ardbeg community is a worldwide one, and Ardbeg Day is the best way for us all to come together and raise a dram to the ultimate Islay single malt.”

The Ardbeg Day release of Ardbeg Grooves goes on sale on 2nd June and is available from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialist retailers and the Distillery, RRP £98.

For more information about Peat & Love, go to www.ardbeg.com/peatandlove

Find us at: www.ardbeg.com
Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

NOTES:

Ardbeg Day:
Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215. For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt. And in 2017, Ardbeg Day plunged deep under the sea for another legendary celebration.

Ardbeg Grooves: Ardbeg Grooves is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2018. It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in wine casks that have been intensely charred to carve heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky with perfect harmony between smouldering, smoky cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla popcorn, treacle and pear – with an intensity Ardbeg lovers will adore.

Tasting notes: Ardbeg Grooves is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour: Berbere*

Nose: Intense aromas of smoked cinnamon and paprika, antique leather and saddle soap, with classic Ardbeg scents of pine resin, tar and briny sea spray in the background. A distant hint of a fragrant bonfire by the shores of the distillery and, finally, an unusual savoury note, like chilli-seasoned meats. A little splash of water releases some beautiful, unexpected aromas: lavender scented soap, ground white pepper, floral and herbal notes entwined. Fresh flowers mix with coriander leaves and mint.

Taste: A powerfully salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet vibes of treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted fruits with soot and tar. Again, those distinctive savoury notes of smoky BBQ, paprika and mustard spice, fading into an unexpected haze of smoked pears and apples, almost like pear cider.

Finish: Smoked paprika and bonfires with a mellow sweetness throughout.

*African spice blend of a reddish/orange hue

Ardbeg: Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by whisky lovers around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most intense of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until it was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee: The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers in 130 countries worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards: Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017 Ardbeg Kelpie, released to celebrate Ardbeg Day, was named Whisky of the Year International Whisky Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company: The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

Responsible Drinking: Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

AMAZON PRIME TO AIR “THE THREE DRINKERS DO SCOTCH”

New three-part series shakes up the whisky category

A new three-part series surrounding Scotch whisky invites Amazon Prime viewers to embark on an imbibing adventure with a trio of spirits enthusiasts. Set to air later in 2018, Colin Hampden-White, Helena Nicklin and Adrian (Aidy) Smith will take their global audience of over 120million viewers on a journey of discovery around Scotland, exploring the world of whisky through ‘edutainment.’

In “The Three Drinkers Do Scotch,” the trio of presenters will tap into an otherwise distant audience, while also staying relevant to those who already enjoy a dram.

Journalist, photographer and himself a Keeper of the Quaich, Colin Hampden-White explains: “By following our journey, our audience can absorb the flavours, culture and diversity of Scotland’s iconic spirit. We want people to feel inspired to try Scotch whisky – maybe for the first time, or perhaps they are already a fan looking for something new. This is the other side of the all-to-often snobbish and pretentious way in which drinks are communicated. Scotch has never before been promoted through entertainment on a digital platform as The Three Drinkers are doing so now.”

Helena Nicklin, wine and drinks presenter, author, writer and videographer, continues: “During filming, my intention is to get as close as possible to make the world of whisky – and drinks in general – less stuffy. Forget the swirling glasses and the lofty tasting notes. This show is fun and we want to teach through an entertaining travelogue in a way that appeals and makes sense to everyone.”

“Let’s face it, people like to explore new flavours, places and experiences,” continues wine and spirits columnist and drinks inspirer, Aidy Smith. “Now is the time to encourage younger and more inquisitive generations to get involved and excited about this industry. Drinks tend to all look the same on camera, but this is a subject that is so sexy in real life. So we asked ourselves: how can we take a world-famous spirit and inspire people? Our first three episodes are only the beginning.”

“The Three Drinkers Do Scotch” will be filmed in summer 2018 and air on Amazon Prime later in the year. Series 1 is already in partnership with Winerist – a global market leader for experiential tours and digital content in one of the fastest growing trends in travel: food and drink. With over 200 destinations worldwide, 3000+ experiences and a rapidly growing community of thirsty readers, Winerist provides inspirational drinks travel and content to those seeking an imbibing adventure.

Each of the three 30-minute episodes in series 1 will feature The Three Drinkers doing drinks differently – with big personalities, stunning landscapes, quirky visuals and humour. Available to over 120 million subscribers in the UK, USA, Japan and India*, this will be the largest drinks series on any platform. Series 2 is currently in creation.

*This program will continuously enter into new markets/countries as Amazon Prime expands its global reach.

About The TALENT

COLIN HAMPDEN-WHITE
Working initially for the Scotsman, Colin moved to London to work for The Times and Financial Times. During this time, he explored his love of wine and whisky, culminating in his series: the Greatest Winemakers and Greatest Whisky makers, exhibiting extensively in London, including the National Portrait Gallery, and Manhattan, winning the Louis Roederer Award for Artistry along the way. Colin continues to write about wine and spirits for LUX and Condé Nast. He has won the Born Digital award for photography, is a Keeper of the Quaich, and is Chairman of the Circle of Wine Writers. Having been the founding editor for Whisky Quarterly magazine, he is now the spirits editor at Winerist.

HELENA NICKLIN
Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and drinks presenter, author, freelance writer and influencer. She is also Head of Content for drinks, food and travel platform Winerist.com. As a professional drinks communicator, Helena’s niche lies in bridging the gap between fabulously detailed books and those who just want the basics in memorable, bite-size chunks. A member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers, Helena has written for various consumer publications and her videos have been featured on international wine travel sites. She is a columnist for online entrepreneurial website Talented Ladies Club and writes for luxury print title Savile Row Style Magazine. She also presents workshops at consumer fairs, has appeared as the wine expert on live TV, frequently speaks on TalkRADIO, runs private wine tasting events, writes and edits copy for wine businesses and sits on various tasting panels for competitions.

AIDY SMITH
Adrian is a fresh face and emerging personality in the wine and spirits industry, with a particular focus on the modern and explorative drinker. Put bluntly, the industry has remained stagnant for way too long and it’s about time an emphasis was placed on getting the younger and more inquisitive generations more involved and excited. Cutting through the BS, Adrian creates a fun and approachable mind-set to wine and spirits through his interactive guides, ABC education, videos, masterclasses and anti-snobbery approach. Former Editor-in-Chief for Drink Me, Adrian is the wine and spirits columnist for The Independent, Head of Brand Partnerships at Winerist, and official Brand Ambassador for Vivino (the world’s #1 wine community). Aidy has a vibrant community of over 126 million thirsty readers each month.

Notes 

FORMAT – “The Three Drinkers Do Scotch”
Episodes: 3-Part Series
Length: 3 x 30-Minute Episodes
Episode 1: What is Whisky?
Episode 2: Exploring The Key Regions
Episode 3: A Journey Through Scotland
Filming Dates: Summer 2018
Live Dates: November 2018

Andrew Usher & Co. Edinburgh
Green Stripe early 20th century

From time to time we come across truly magical whiskies from eras that are long lost and whether they’re single malts or blends, they’re all worth getting excited about.
This bottle was purchased in 1914 by the vendors Grandfather (A Worcestershire farmer 1876 – 1960) at the beginning of the first World War with the intention of opening it to celebrate the end, which came in 1918. He never ended up drinking the whisky but instead passed it down to his son (Also a Worcestershire farmer). Again he never found the time to drink the whisky and consequently passed it down the his daughter, the current owner of the bottle. It has been sat in a cupboard in her home in Worcestershire until recently when Wayne I consigned the bottle for auction.

”I remember it sitting in the Cupboard waiting for a Suitable Event that would Warrant opening it!! I think that now, that decision maybe left to Another to choose the Occasion?”

Relics like this don’t turn up in auction often, especially with such precise provenance. Bottles like this deserve spot light in a museum or opened and shared with good friends. Either way we know this bottle will go to a good home with one of our bidders.

See more details »

Ardbeg 1963

This is definitely one to look out for and one we’ve never seen in our auction before. A 1963 Ardbeg bottled in 1994 by Gordon & MacPhail for their Connoisseurs Choice Map label. We’re seeing less & less off these older 1960s distillate Ardbeg’s in auction and this is mainly down to their reputation of being absolutely spectacular whiskies.

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Ardbeg 1966

Joining the 1963 Connoisseurs Choice Ardbeg is this 1966 32 year old. A single cask from Cadenhead’s Authentic Collection with the Chairman’s Stock Gold Seal; This gives you and idea they were impressed with his whisky when they bottled it – This will be equally as good and you could argue harder to find with only 120 bottles produced.

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Glen Grant 10-year-old
Dark Sherry 1960s

By far my favourite bottle in this months auction. We collected this from the vendors house in Chiddingfold. We’ve never come across this one under the Peatling & Cawdron label before and we’re excited to see what interest it creates.

Peatling & Cawdron is one of many business established by Thomas Peatling, a wine and spirits agent dating back to 1826. In 1988 Peatling & Cawdron was incorporated with several other small businesses before reverting to its original name of Thos. Peatling.

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Old Blended Scotch Whisky

We have even more old blends avalible in our May auction. You will find numerous examples from White Horse, Black & White, Johnnie Walker, Haig & Logans. Along side these brands you will also find a very interesting 1930s Gilbey’s Spey-Royal. This will contain a high proportion of malt distilled at the Glen Spey distillery. Like many of the blends bottled before the war, the malt contributed was much more concentrated and often peaty. These make for fascinating drinking sessions and often the only way to experience the flavour profile of a distillery from this period is through blends like this.

View all blends »

Macallan Madness

With the hype of the official opening of the new (£140m) Macallan distillery, it would be rude not to share a few highlights from their old stock that are avalible in our May auction.

Macallan in 1996

In nineteen ninety six Macallan produced two iconic whiskies and arguably two of the most collectable whiskies every produced. The Macallan Private Eye, bottled in 1996 for the 35th anniversary of the magazine. The whisky is a vatting of several casks including a 1961 vintage to represent the year the magazine was founded. The very catching screen printed label was designed by Ralph Steadman, a freelance illustrator for the magazine. At the time of release they decided to keep the price of the whisky in theme with the occasion and therefore sold them for £35. To put things into perspective the p&p was £6.95. The Nicol’s Nectar is another classic collectable Macallan and is somewhat rarer than the Private Eye. Produced for the occasion of Peter Nicol’s retirement from the office. The label was drawn by artist Colin Rizza who has created numerous labels for the distillery. These were never sold publicly but instead given to everyone who worked at the distillery at the time. From a close and very reliable source approximately only 120 bottles were produced.

Macallan Private Eye

Macallan Nicol’s Nectar

Experience Macallan ten, through the decades

We have a run of 10-year-olds bottled from the seventies through to the noughties. This would make a great line-up for anyone planning a whisky tasting and would given those attending a much clearer understanding of how the profiles of the same whisky can changes over many decades.

See more like this » 

A run of Macallan through the decades 1970s – 2000s

Masters Of Photography

The Masters Of Photography by Rankin is a series of 1,000 bottles and unique portraits taken by Rankin on the Macallan estate that heavily features Easter Elchies House. Most will agree the best portraits include the nude shots of Tuuli, Rankin’s inspiration and wife. Each piece is presented with the original Polaroid that is depicted on the bottle of 30 year old with a booklet telling the story and Rankin’s signature to certify it’s an original.

”This project is very special to me for two reasons. Firstly, I’ve been able to come back to the country of my birth and portray its beauty through one of the most ambitious projects I’ve ever attempted. The second reason is that this collection marks the full stop after Polaroid, as we head into the digital age.” 

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Macallan Masters Of Photography – Rankin 

The Masters Of Photography by Annie Leibowizs is a set of four single cask Macallan that feature the actor Kevin McKidd. The scenes include The Library, The Skyline, The Bar & The Gallery. Within the whole series there were 1000 bottles produced. The library edition has the smallest outrun with only 145 bottles, the other three in this series yielded 285 bottles making The Library edition the rarest of the four bottlings. Taking this into account means there were only 145 possible complete sets available Worldwide.

View all »

Macallan Masters Of Photography – Annie Leibowitz

As always there’s a whole load more of amazing whiskies to discover over on our website. If you’re not already registered, you can do so here.

Ledaig 13 Year Old Amontillado Finish

Pre-Order Now £75
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 4th June

The Macallan Edition No.4>

 Pre-Order Now £85
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 4th June

Festival Week

Can’t make it across to Islay or Campbeltown for the Festivals this year? Join in the adventure wherever you are with whiskies from the distilleries.

Shop – Islay Whiskies
Shop – Campbeltown Whiskies

CARIBOU CROSSING CANADIAN WHISKY NAMED

“CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY FINALIST”

AT 2018 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Three other Sazerac Canadian whiskies honored 

        NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (May 24, 2018) – Judges awarded four Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company with high honors at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and selected Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky as “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist.”

Those awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” were:

• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Blended Whisky
• Rich & Rare Reserve Canadian Blended Whisky

Awarded the distinction of “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” was:

• High River Canadian Blended Whisky

Rich & Rare Reserve and Royal Canadian Small Batch were deemed to be “Great Values.” Caribou Crossing was designated as “Tried & True,” as was Rich & Rare Reserve.

This competition, in its eighth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2018results.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Sullivans Cove is delighted to partner with Christie’s to auction one of the last remaining bottles of this year’s World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt, with all proceeds going to charity.

The auction will take place in London (and online) on June 7th, with one of only 136 bottles ever produced of American Oak cask HH0351 offered for sale along with a hand-made Tasmanian blackwood presentation box and a framed certificate from the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. This is the only bottle from Cask HH0351 offered for auction, and all proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is an Australian charity set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, who, along with their mother and 32 others, were tragically killed in the 1996 Port Arthur attack in Tasmania. The foundation’s mission is to keep children safe from all forms of violence.

Your ongoing support allows us to give back to our community, so from all of us, thank you.

Sullivans Cove Distillery · Lamb Pl · Cambridge, TAS 7170 · Australia

JUNE OUTTURN ALERT

We’re celebrating the arrival of summer this month with a sparkling selection of single cask whiskies – 21 new emerald gems including our first Irish whiskies from distillery 51 for more than 25 years, and the introduction of distillery number 135. Don’t miss out on your favourite bottlings, click over to our website now and get yourself familiar with the full listing ahead of the release on Friday, 1 June at 9am.

READ OUTTURN

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video