INTRODUCING HIGHLAND PARK ‘THE DARK

’‘a whisky for reflection’

Today, Highland Park is delighted to announce the global launch of their latest special edition simply called ‘THE DARK’. This 17 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky has been exclusively matured in European oak sherry seasoned casks, delivering a distinctly deep flavour,packed with dried fruits, nuts and spices overlaid with hints of smoky peat.

Jason R. Craig, Brand Director, Highland Park, commented: “’THE DARK’is the first of two special editions–‘THE LIGHT’will be launched in spring 2018. Both edition share the story of the contrasting seasons of our Orkney islands and the resulting intense balance of Highland Park whisky.”

Highland Park ‘THE DARK’celebrates autumn and winter on Orkney –it’s a time to escape from the wild weather outside, time to meet up with friends and family and enjoy sharing long evenings of conversation and a dram or two. ‘THE DARK’is presented in jet black bespoke glass;the serpent dragon embossed on the front takes its inspiration from Viking stories.

‘THE DARK’& ‘THE LIGHT’are written in runic writing on the serpent dragon’s tail emboss itself and on the oak cradle -celebrating the islands’Viking ancestry. The back of the glass bottle has ‘Made with Pride on Orkney’embossed –a genuine heart-felt tribute to the men and women who create Highland Park single malt.The oak cradle has two circles etched on the top and bottom to represent both the high sun of the summer solstice and the low sun of the winter solstice. They in turn, embody the intense balance of the contrasting seasons and their influence on Highland Park whisky.

The booklet which accompanies this special edition,describes the thinking behind this latest special edition and the whisky within. Highland Park’s award-winning whiskies deliver an intensely balanced flavour of smoky sweetness that is the product of Orkney’s climate and craftsmanship. The climate is mild, reaching highs of only 16 degrees centigrade in summer and lows of around 2 degrees centigrade in winter and the wild winds that assault the slands create a landscape in which few trees survive and this, in turn, creates the aromatic peat –woodless but rich in heather,which when used to dry out malt gives Highland Park whisky its distinctive flavour.-

Notes:

Highland Park ‘THE DARK’will be followed by Highland Park ‘THE LIGHT’in early 2018 –both are special editions of 28,000 bottles at an ABV of 52.9% and both have a RSP of £190.3.HIGHLAND PARK THE DARK -TASTING NOTES Natural Cask Driven Colour (no additives):Deep russet (colour tint 24.1) Flavours: Dried fruits| Cinnamon | Toasted almonds |Cedar wood | Fruitcake | Light peat smoke

ROYAL SALUTE TOASTS THE MARRIAGE OF PRINCE HARRY AND MS MEGHAN MARKLE WITH STUNNING ROYAL WEDDING EDITION

The ‘King of Whisky’ unveils exclusive commemorative blend

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has launched its exquisite Royal Wedding Edition – a true collector’s item in tribute to the upcoming nuptials of HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle.

Continuing Royal Salute’s long legacy of celebrating British royal milestones, just 70 bottles of this outstanding and extremely rare whisky have been created, with each housed in an elegant Dartington Crystal decanter.

This whisky has been carefully crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, who has brought together some of the oldest and rarest whiskies from the Royal Salute collection to create an exclusive expression like no other. In honour of the bride’s heritage, this unique blend has been fully matured in 100% American oak casks – a first for Royal Salute – resulting in a long and creamy finish.

This exceptional unveiling is not only a tribute to the royal couple, but also a celebration of Royal Salute’s long-standing tradition of commemorating momentous British royal occasions. With an impressive portfolio that includes The Diamond Tribute and 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns, the Royal Wedding Edition is in esteemed company.

Royal Salute Brand Ambassador, His Grace The Duke of Argyll, explained: “The marriage of HRH, Prince Henry of Wales, to Ms Meghan Markle, will be one of the most exciting events this century. Since its creation in 1953 in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, Royal Salute has enjoyed a long and proud heritage of celebrating historic British royal events – and we believe this remarkable new blend is a perfect tribute to such a special moment in history.”

The Royal Wedding Edition is fittingly housed within a striking Dartington Crystal decanter engraved with a unique number and displayed in a hand-crafted American Oak box. The decanter is further enhanced with delicate images of roses, thistles and barley, while the inside of the box is adorned with flowers and foliage in a subtle nod to Harry and Meghan’s spring nuptials. Images of vivid daffodils celebrate Harry’s title as Prince Henry of Wales and California poppies feature in tribute to Meghan’s birth place of Los Angeles.

The Royal Salute Royal Wedding Edition presents an incredibly sweet nose with notes of luxurious vanilla ice cream and soft chocolate fudge, followed by mandarin orange and a dusting of spicy cinnamon. Whisky aficionados fortunate enough to sample this stunning blend will discover a rich, fruity, and incredibly well-balanced taste, with flavours of ripe tropical banana and juicy charred pineapple. The luscious syrupy texture rolls into a hint of almonds and indulgent dark chocolate ginger sweets. Its distinctive flavour is complemented by an incredibly long and sweet finish with creamy vanilla in abundance.

Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, said: “It was a pleasure to create such a special whisky for HRH Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle. By marrying together some of the oldest and rarest whiskies in our portfolio, and aging them in American Oak casks, I have created a harmonious blend to match the coming together of such an iconic couple.”

The Royal Salute Royal Wedding Edition is available at selected retailers and through special enquiry at an RRP of $10,000 (US) per flagon. For more information, whisky connoisseurs can contact Royal Salute at contact@royalsalute.com.

Notes

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea. www.royalsalute.com 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is a global drinks producer and exports company steeped in Scottish heritage. It is the only Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky and comprises a prestigious range of single malt and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet. With a multitude of awards and accolades for its quality, craftsmanship, industry-leading sites and award-winning campaigns, its brands are at the heart of moments of connection across the globe.

The company comprises 1,600 employees, 14 Scotch distilleries, two bottling facilities and over 300 warehouses across its 26 sites including Orkney, Scotland and London.
www.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Tamdhu Batch Strength 003 Scoops Double Gold 

Tamdhu Batch Strength 003 has been rewarded for its exceptional quality with gold medals from both the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

Launched this year in February, Batch Strength 003, bottled at 58.3%, is the third edition in Tamdhu’s award-winning Batch Strength Series.  Each batch in the series is distinctive, differs slightly in style and strength and is bottled un-chillfiltered.

The prestigious SFWSC and ISC competitions are considered two of the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world, renowned for their integrity and impartiality.

The stringent judging processes for both competitions saw Tamdhu Batch Strength 003 blind tasted by an esteemed panels of industry judges.   The SFWSC gold medal is awarded to products deemed ‘exceptional’ and a medal from the ISC is ‘an outstanding achievement that underlines a producer’s commitment to quality and innovation’.

Commenting on the Gold awards for Batch Strength 003, Iain Weir Brand Director for Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky said:

“To receive a gold medal from two of the most highly respected spirit competitions in the world is a wonderful testament to the quality of Batch Strength 003.

It is an exceptional single malt with a natural colour, complex richness, deep intensity and long finish, 100% matured in hand-selected sherry oak casks. Congratulations must really go to the team at Tamdhu Distillery. Once again they have worked their magic to create a gold winner for the Tamdhu Batch Strength Series.”

Notes:

Tasting Notes Batch Strength 003:

Nose:  Vanilla, winter berries and freshly-shelled nuts – with aged oak and warming spices.

Palate:  Sherry oak at first, then dried fruit and warming spice. A drop of water reveals fresh citrus zest and rich apricot.

Finish: Freshly baked fruitcake with orange peel, complex and malty, long after the first sip.

Tamdhu Batch Strength 001 was named Speyside Single Malt of the Year at the 22nd Annual Whisky Advocate Awards in December 2015. Further awards have included a Double Gold Medal for Batch Strength 001 and 002 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016/2017, a Gold at the International Spirits Competition 2017 for Batch 002 as well as winning in the Non-Age Statement category at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards last year also.

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers and was born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897. Its quality is defined by the hint of peat in its malted barley, the natural Speyside water that is drawn directly from the Tamdhu spring and most importantly the 100% exclusive use of only the finest sherry oak casks for the richest taste and deep natural colour.

Tie The Knot

1.5 OZ. CROWN ROYAL DELUXE

.5 OZ. HONEY

.75 OZ. GRAPEFRUIT JUICE

Directions: Place Crown Royal Deluxe, honey and grapefruit juice in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Here Comes The Bride

1.5 OZ. CROWN ROYAL VANILLA

4 OZ. COLD BREW

.5 OZ. SIMPLE SYRUP

Directions: Add Crown Royal Vanilla, cold brew and simple syrup to an ice-filled highball glass and stir.

unVEIL

1.5 OZ. CROWN ROYAL XO

.25 OZ. MAPLE SYRUP

Directions: Add Crown Royal XO and maple syrup to a rocks glass. Add ice and stir.

NEWS FLASH: Secret Spirits Ltd. has launched a new Whisky & Spirits Club!

Secret Spirits Circle was launched early April across Canada.

The Secret Spirits Circle will provide ongoing discounts, exclusive limited quantity spirits, Circle only offers, first options on any Secret Spirits releases and threshold gifts.

Access to the Secret Spirits Circle starts with only a $100 purchase through the online portal. Your unique membership number will be issued and the progress to the first threshold level will commence.

Once you’ve joined, you will receive your membership pack and access to the Members only website:

*Welcome Letter

*Membership Number

*Members only Secret Spirits Circle lapel pin *Details of the “10 levels” of membership threshold gifts *

*Info on the Secret Spirits Tour of Scotland each year. Open only to Circle members

*Secret Spirits Circle only Events and Masterclasses *Ongoing discount of 5% on all online purchases

*Secret Spirits brochure

*Shipping across Canada right to your door.

*Secret Spirits Circle USA coming soon!*

To Join go to: http://www.secretspirits.com/secret-spirits-circle

MAY AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 27^th May)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY MAKES THE REDBREAST DREAM CASK A PART OF THE FAMILY

– The dream becomes a reality for the cask selected by Billy Leighton for World Whisky Day 2017 –

Redbreast Irish whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has launched the Redbreast Dream Cask, which will be available to buy through its online members’ club, The Birdhouse, from World Whisky Day (Saturday 19^th May). The release follows requests from consumers and whiskey experts over the past 12 months, and becomes the first in a new series planned for the coming years.

Redbreast Dream Cask is a limited edition, 32 Year Old single pot still Irish whiskey – a single cask that was hand-selected last year by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, as his favourite Redbreast whiskey. The cask was chosen for having the perfect balance of pot still, Spanish oak and sherry flavours, which can usually only be achieved through blending – bringing to life Redbreast’s signature sherry style.

The whiskey was originally unveiled during a Facebook LIVE tasting to mark Redbreast’s World Whisky Day 2017 celebrations. Participants and viewers praised the quality and rarity of what is now the oldest Redbreast Irish whiskey ever to go on sale, with many requesting that the whiskey be made available to buy.

Redbreast Master Blender, Billy Leighton, commented: “In almost 40 years as a blender, Redbreast Dream Cask is a real highlight as I am able to select my own, personal dream Irish whiskey and share it with the world. Our inaugural tasting in 2017 was by far the largest whiskey tasting I have ever held, and the feedback we have received from the whiskey community on the liquid has been phenomenal, so it’s an honour to see it bottled to mark World Whisky Day 2018 – and watch this space for our 2019 plans.”

Notes 

Redbreast Dream Cask tasting notes, by Head Blender Billy Leighton

Aroma: Combination of fruit, herbs and spices. Notes of orange peel and blackcurrant that move to deeper richer notes including dark chocolate and bitter almond with a heavy oak influence in the background

Taste: Mixed fruit tones within the typical style of Irish single pot still whiskey. Light touch of menthol to liquorice. Exotic fruits alongside spices, herbs and Spanish toasted oak

Finish: The balance of fruit, oak and barley is slow to fade 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. www.pernod-ricard.com

Glengoyne Celebrates Winning Streak At Top Awards

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is celebrating a winning streak at two internationally acclaimed spirits competitions.

The brand’s 30 Year Old expression was awarded the Asian Spirits Master’s highest accolade, the Master Award – and Gold awards were handed to Glengoyne 21 Year Old and 25 Year Old.  Glengoyne 21 Year Old also scooped the esteemed Double Gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Both competitions are highly respected in the drinks industry and involve a rigorous blind tasting by a panel of industry experts.  The Asian Spirits Masters, organised by drinks publication The Drinks Business, honours the ever increasing Asian market.    The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which has been running for 18 years is a ‘universally recognised indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship’.

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager, Glengoyne said: “These awards are a glowing testament to the quality of our Glengoyne single malts. We are over the moon, in particular with the top gongs for Glengoyne 30 Year Old and 21 Year Old.  Both are exceptional drams, matured in hand-selected sherry oak casks.

“Our limited edition 30 Year Old has a striking chestnut colour from 30 years of sherry cask maturation, and tangy flavours of plum compote cinnamon and cloves.  It is  presented in a unique solid oak box, featuring an oak and rose gold bung to reflect the traditional cask sampling method employed at Glengoyne Distillery, and is proving very popular, particularly in the Asian market.

“The 21 Year Old, one of our most talked about expressions in the range, has rich colour, with flavours of Christmas cake, honey and rich fruit and is consistently a favourite with whisky lovers around the world.”

Glengoyne Distillery, based 12 miles from Glasgow, is uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence and runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the sweet, complex flavours for which the brand is known.

www.glengoyne.com

Notes: 

Tasting Notes:

Glengoyne 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 46.8% ABV, RRP: £650

Nose:  Black cherry, sherry trifle, marmalade, tea rose, rum & raisin Chocolate

Palate: Burst of sweetness changing quickly to plum compote, cinnamon, cloves and tangy marmalade.

Finish: Soft oak dryness and cinnamon

Glengoyne 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 43% ABV, RRP: £125

Nose: Red apples, spicy strudel, toffee, sherry and dried fruits.  Christmas cake in a glass.

Palate: Lots of sherry, honey, oak with a developing aromatic sensation.  Ends with a heavenly cinnamon nip.

Finish: Long, sherry, spicy, warm and dry.

Glengoyne 25 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 48% ABV, RRP: £260

Nose: Red fruits, old leather and brown sugar.

Palate: Soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits and a Seville marmalade tang

Finish: Very long, with spicy liquorice, slowly drying

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. It is highly regarded as Scotland’s most beautiful distillery.

BECOME A DISTILLER FOR THE DAY AT THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF SCOTCH WHISKY 

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME COMPETITION ANNOUNCED AT LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY

Lindores Abbey Distillery, the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, has announced a competition in celebration of World Whisky Day (19 May). The lucky winner will spend a day working alongside our Distillery Manager, Gary Haggart, and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the newly-built distillery in Newburgh, Fife.

Not only will you get exclusive insight in to how a distillery really works, but also a chance to sample the fruits of your labour! A bottle of the newly-made spirit, Aqua Vitae, is included in the prize along with accommodation and all meals.

Terms and conditions: Over 21s only, max 1 person | Must be taken Monday-Friday by arrangement | Includes 1 night stay and breakfast at the Distillery cottage for winner plus 1 friend | Refreshments, Lunch and Dinner will also be provided | Includes 1 bottle of Aqua Vitae  | Drinks to be billed separately | Travel expenses not included | Subject to availability | Must be taken by 31 December 2018 | Excludes Bank Holidays | Closing date Thursday 31st May.

Click HERE To Take Part in This Competition!

Lindores Abbey Distillery

1997 Bowmore 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

Another classic 20 year old Bowmore beauty from our friends at Old Particular has landed to make 2018 another banner year for our whisky import program. This 52.7% ABV stunner packs a healthy dollop of smoke along with tropical fruits and notes of citrus with plenty of length through the finish. The peat isn’t nearly as pronounced in this expression as it was in the previous edition, so fans of Talisker or other mildly peated malts might want to take a look at this one. The finish is sweetly smoked with a coastal sea air element, notes of vanilla, and lots of spice. It’s hard to go wrong with classic Bowmore at full proof, especially at this age.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 18, 2018

If I had to pick one distillery to drink for the rest of my life, Bowmore would definitely be in the running. They do some solid and safe stuff at the distillery, but where it truly shines are the single casks. I’m not sure why we’ve had such incredible luck with this distillery, but we’ve literally purchased every casks we’ve tasted distilled in the last several years (save the 1971 at Signatory, but only because it was $1000+ a bottle). While there was a weird period at the distillery from the early 80s to the mid 90s, they seem to have cycled through those casks and we’re not seeing the perfumed weird stuff any longer. What we have seen has been so delicious and diverse I just never get tired of them. Even more impressive is that we’re able to get old Islay whisky from a blue chip distillery and not charge $300 a bottle! Even though we’ve done two others this year already this cask was so different and absolutely delectable we couldn’t resist it. You may think you have enough Bowmore, but you’re wrong. It opens with a classic Bowmore nose, medium intensity peat, sea spray, wet earth, bright citrus fruit and herbs. Crystalline and absolute purity on the palate with the sweet tropical fruit, citrus peel and smoke working together in gorgeous harmony. The first whisky for Springtime! I like this better than the last cask by a few ticks and with a drop of water it’s one of the more inviting Bowmore we’ve ever bottled.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 12, 2018

I havent been so excited about single barrel Islay since our last Bowmore, and this is every bit as good as that was! It is creamy and delicate on the nose, with notes of orange marmalade and just a hint of peat. On the palate, its incredibly velvety and smooth, with fresh notes of tropical fruit, a creamy malt texture and an underlying peat that is robust without being invasive perfect integration. This is the best deal in scotch we have, so it certainly wont last long.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 12, 2018

This 20 year old Bowmore is more like an edition of the Compass Box Flaming Heart than a concentrated single cask expression. It’s so balanced with mild peatiness and plenty of sweet vanilla to add richness on the finish. Fans of more gentle Islay flavors will go gaga for this as everything is in perfect harmony here, even at 52.7%. Add this to your bar at your own peril: it’s too delicious to sip slowly.