EDRINGTON AWARDS KEY CONTRACT TO ELITE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR NEW MACALLAN DISTILLERY 

Software process control system to ensure iconic new distillery and visitor centre operate like clock-work

LIVINGSTON, Scotland – 20 October 2016 – Elite Control Systems Ltd, a leading provider of systems integration and engineering support services, announced that it has been awarded a major contract by Scotland’s leading premium spirits company Edrington for its new distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan whisky, one of the world’s leading luxury Scotch malt whiskies.

Nestled in the parklands of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, the contemporary distillery promises to be, according to Edrington, “a site of major architectural significance,” as well as a huge boost to tourism and the local economy. With architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, designers of the Millennium Dome and Pompidou Centre, commissioned to design and build it, the new facility will not only “complement the natural beauty of the area,” but be highly innovative and environmentally sound.

Edrington is relying on Elite Control Systems to write the full process software control package, and provide ongoing support services following commissioning. This combination of technology and 24-hour technical support will ensure that the automated control systems that Edrington uses to operate the new plant function properly, so that production remains on track and the visitor centre remains open to welcome thousands of visitors all year-round.

Whisky distillery project from “ground up”

For Elite Control Systems, the project represents the challenge of providing a fully operational software control system for a distillery from the “ground up.” “It’s very exciting that a brand new distillery of this size, sophistication and calibre is being built in Scotland,” said Ewan McAllister, Technical Director for Elite Control Systems.

“The fact that Elite Control Systems were selected by Edrington to provide a full software control system for the entire facility illustrates that we have earned our reputation as a recognised leader in providing control systems for the whisky industry. Clearly, Edrington are confident that we will deliver the large, complex system that this high profile facility demands. It’s an honour to have been given this opportunity to contribute to what is certain to become a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of The Macallan brand, and an outstanding experience that will attract visitors from around the world,” added McAllister.

Prior to installing the software control system on-site in Speyside, Elite will make certain that it conforms with Edrington’s specific requirements. Initially, the control software will be simulated, tested and fully documented at Elite’s facility in Livingston to ensure a smooth commissioning period, with minimal programming required on-site.

After the facility is up and running, Elite’s dedicated Support Services division will provide around-the-clock support of the new distillery’s state-of-the-art control system. Should any hardware or network problems arise, Elite Control Systems engineers will be on standby to respond immediately to rectify the situation so that operations will resume as soon as possible. To make certain that the system functions properly, Elite will also conduct regular preventative maintenance checks, minor system modifications and training of Edrington technical staff.

Improving efficiencies for Edrington

For the past six years, Elite Control Systems has worked alongside Edrington to ensure that its process control systems operate reliably, so that production continues at optimum levels. For example, last year Elite Control Systems helped Edrington improve efficiencies at a large tank farm located at its Great Western Road facility in Glasgow, Scotland. Elite carried out an upgrade to the control system that was being used and, by doing so, eliminated the need for operators to manually route batches for blending and preparation. These functions are now carried out within the new SCADA & PLC control platform, which also allows for real-time monitoring via an internal web portal. This effectively allows management to view tank levels, transfers, final product and routes, as required.

About Elite Control Systems Limited 

Founded in 1992, Elite Control Systems Limited specialises in systems integration and engineering support. It is known for helping companies within a variety of industries to use fast-moving process control, automation and information technology to achieve their business objectives. Elite Control Systems operate from its global headquarters in Livingston, Scotland. Additional information may be found at www.elitecontrols.com/.

The second in an annual series of limited editions, this Speyside Single Malt is a the fruit of a creative partnership between Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, and the Roca brothers of restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, in Catalonia. The nose has layers of vanilla, tropical fruit and subtle green wood with treacle, ginger toffee apples and rich fruit. The palate brings cracked black pepper, chocolate, nuts, cloves, oak, brown sugar, liquorice and brandy snaps, before a full, slow and warming finish.

£85 Buy Now

Kilchoman: Sanaig

“Sanaig, a small rocky inlet North West of the distillery, is the name given to this continuously available release. Sanaig has a predominantly sherry cask influence owing to the significant time spent in oloroso sherry Hogsheads. These aged oloroso casks contribute a drastically transformed depth of color and character compared to Kilchcoman’s mostly Bourbon cask matured ‘Machir Bay’. “A beautiful marriage of bourbon and sherry maturation balanced with classic Islay peat smoke and light citrus sweetness” – Anthony Wills, Founder. Sanaig was awarded Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Non Age Statement at the IWSC 2016.  $73/btl

Inchmurrin: Madeira wood finish
Loch Lomond Distillery

Master Distiller Bill White selects individual casks matured exclusively in traditional American oak whisky barrels before marrying them together for further maturation in casks that have previously been used for making fortified Madeira wine. This finish enhances the orchard fruit character of peach and pear with marzipan and nutmeg and gives a dry nuttiness to the long, oak finish.

Nose: Fresh citrus orange bursts on the nose giving way to almond marzipan comes through with nutmeg.
Palate: Velvet smooth and welcoming on the tongue. Fruity character of peach and fig is overlaid with rich butterscotch and delicate walnut.
Finish: Long finish, dry grape tannins and oak, lingering nuttiness.
$85/btl

Due to ever-changing inventory – we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the poor performance of your Fantasy Football team. Please contact the store with any questions.

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com

GOLDEN DECANTERS LAUNCHES FIRST COLLECTION OF THE

FINEST SINGLE CASK SCOTCH WHISKIES

London – October 18th, 2016. Julia Hall Mackenzie-Gillanders and Ann Medlock, Owners, today announced the launch of Golden Decanters, independent curators of exceptional and distinctive single cask whisky, bottled for collectors globally.

By leveraging its status as an independent bottler Golden Decanters is able to explore Scotland’s exclusive and finest distilleries, tasting some excellent casks of single malt. It acquires only a small number of the best tasting casks, to bottle a limited edition collection of distinctive and singularly great single malt whiskies.

Golden Decanters’ inaugural collection is diverse in age, flavour and hue, taken from four of the finest casks of single malt Scotch whisky. The casks are from the distilleries of Glenlivet in Speyside, Bowmore in Islay, Ben Nevis in the Highlands and Auchentoshan in the Lowlands.

“Our two year journey has taken us across Scotland, tasting hundreds of the best single malt whiskies,” said Ann Medlock, Owner. “As independent curators we were able to select the finest casks from each distillery, basing our decisions on what tasted exceptional. Not just our own taste, but also that of industry experts to corroborate the selection.”

“Once the whiskies were selected we commissioned iconic Scottish designers Timorous Beasties to design the etched bottles and carved oak presentation boxes, creating works of art, both inside and out,” said Julia Hall Mackenzie-Gillanders, Owner. “The result is a collection of four single cask whiskies that looks and tastes spectacular. This is proving extremely attractive to collectors and investors around the world, with pre sales already accounting for nearly 10 per cent of this first release.”

“The first Golden Decanters’ selection showcases outstanding single cask malts from Scotland’s four leading whisky regions,” said Charles MacLean, the well-known independent whisky expert. “I enjoyed all of them hugely and can say without hesitation that they all merit their place in this exclusive collection.”

The cask in which the whisky matures is recognised as the single most important factor in terms of the final aroma and taste. Single malts seemingly identical on paper have different tastes and Golden Decanters has embraced this fact, conducting extensive sourcing and tasting of single cask whiskies over a two-year period, to deliver some of the finest Scotch whiskies available today. The collection is less about the age of the whisky or which distillery is in fashion, rather each bottle combines exceptional taste from four different Scottish regions with a striking and elegant design.

Golden Decanters has created something unique which portrays the traditional icons of Scotland in a modern and refreshing manner, which is reflected in all aspects of the collection, from the names of individual whiskies through to the bottle and presentation box designs. The collection comprises:

– The Tight Line (34 Year Old, 41.8%) from the Glenlivet distillery in the River Spey Valley, famous for its fishing.

– The High Drive (26 Year Old, 46.8%) from the Bowmore distillery in the Isle of Islay, an area with a long history of stalking and shooting.

– The Golf Widow (22 Year Old, 59.8%) from the Auchentoshan distillery in the golfing country of the Scottish Lowlands.

– The Highlander (19 Year Old, 55.5%) from the Ben Nevis distillery in the Scottish Highlands, the home of Highland cattle.

The first release from Golden Decanters is limited to 180 sets of four bottles. The set is available to purchase at The Conran Shop, Hedonism and direct from Golden Decanters.

This is what is being said about Golden Decanters –

“An excellent assembly of whiskies representing the major distilling areas of Scotland, presented with style. A must for the serious collector.” Private Client, Edinburgh.

“The Golden Decanters set gives the buyer a wonderful opportunity to experience four very individual and above all, excellent-quality whiskies whilst being immaculately presented.” Hedonism.

“An exquisite collection of the finest single malt Scotch whisky, with each individual bottle capturing the essence of Scotland’s finest regions. The passion for whisky behind Golden Decanters is evident in the detail and dedication to this limited edition collection. Each bottle has been incredibly hand etched and the collection is truly a work of art. The ultimate gift, a unique sensory experience, and it tastes great too!” The Conran Shop. 

About Golden Decanters

Launched in 2016, Golden Decanters is an independent curator and bottler of some of the finest single cask Scotch whiskies, continually exploring Scotland’s oldest and most exclusive distilleries to offer limited edition collections to collectors, connoisseurs and investors globally. The first collection comprises four individually selected single malt whiskies, representing the finest flavours sourced from four different Scottish regions.

Golden Decanters plans to release future limited edition collections, once further sourcing of single cask malt whiskies has been completed.

http://www.goldendecanters.com/

CHARLES MACLEAN HANDPICKS COLLECTION OF 30 WHISKIES FOR EDINBURGH BAR

World-renowned whisky expert curates guest whisky list from his personal collection and auction for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s new Kaleidoscope bar

Whisky fans across the country may want to book a trip to Edinburgh as soon as possible with the news that international whisky doyen Charles MacLean has handpicked a guest whisky list of 30 old and rare bottles for the city’s new whisky bar, Kaleidoscope.

The Edinburgh-based whisky specialist and star of 2012’s whisky-inspired film ‘The Angel’s Share’ has curated a guest selection of 30 exceptional whiskies from his personal collection and auction for Kaleidoscope. The bar was recently opened by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society following a £300,000 makeover of its 28 Queen Street venue.

The selection includes 21 Scotch whiskies that MacLean sourced from a whisky auction, including a Dufftown-Glenlivet 12 year old distilled in the 1960s, The Balvenie Founder’s Reserve, distilled in the early 1970s, and a Mortlach ‘Flora & Fauna 16 year old.

A further nine whiskies are drawn from MacLean’s personal collection and around the world, including the Hakushu 18 year old Japanese Single Malt Whisky and the Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask from Taiwan, which was named ‘Best New World Single Malt’ in the 2012 World Whisky Awards.

This is the first time that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which bottles single cask single malt whisky, has offered non-Society whiskies alongside its own bottlings at its bar.

Charles MacLean, who has been writing about whisky for 35 years, said, “The Scotch Malt Whisky Society looks at whisky through the lens of flavour, and my idea for this guest selection is to encourage everyone to explore how whisky flavours have evolved over the past decades.

“All of these expressions are discontinued so there are very few places in the world you can taste them, making a visit to Kaleidoscope a unique experience for whisky fans. I recommend a visit soon before all of the drams are gone!”

Charles MacLean’s guest whisky selection is available at Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar, 28 Queen Street Edinburgh, EH2 1JX, 0131 220 2044  

www.smws.com/kaleidoscopebar  

Notes  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club and bottler, which specialises in rare single cask single malt whisky.
• The Society releases a new batch of single cask single malt whiskies every month to provide an ever-changing selection of malts for its members.
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world.
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history. The very nature of the single cask means that each bottling offered by the Society is limited.
• Only the very best whiskies are selected and approved for bottling by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.
• The Society offers three levels of membership; Membership Pioneer at £120; Member at £61.50 and a Sample Subscription, which is free. For more details, visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

About Charles MacLean 

• Charles Maclean has been writing about whisky for 35 years and published 15 books on the subject
• He sits on several whisky judging panels including the International Wine & Spirits Competition
• He was a founding editor of Whisky Magazine
• In 2009, he was elected a Master of The Quaich, the whisky industry’s highest accolade

We brought in some new spirits that might be the perfect ‘Boo-ze’ for your Halloween celebration. (or if you just like good spirits.) Today we bring you some fun and interesting new bottles that have landed on our shelves.  Feel free to contact us about these or any other products you might be interested in. Have a spooky and safe Halloween everyone!

Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

The Flaming Lips: Brainville Rye

(FEW Spirits)

This Rye is a custom blend born from a collaboration between rock legends the Flaming Lips and FEW distillery (Evanston, IL). What we know about this 5,000 bottle limited edition is that it has a mash bill containing rye, corn and barley that was aged in custom barrels where it aged while listening to Falming Lips albums. (yes, true)

The label was created by Justin Helton of Status Serigraph, who has designed materials for Phish, My Morning Jacket, Ween, and The Black Keys. $112/btl

Colkegan: Single Malt Whiskey

(Santa Fe Spirits) 

Santa Fe Spirits’ Colkegan Single Malt Whiskey is made entirely from malted barley, carefully distilled, aged and finished in various oak casks to enhance the complex flavors. The barley base employs a smoked malt that substitutes southwestern mesquite for peat. The result is a smooth, mellow, mysteriously balanced whiskey with a hint of smoky complexity unique to Santa Fe Spirits. The distillery is located 7,000 feet above sea level in the high desert and utilizes a climate-controlled barrel warehouse with temperatures ranging from freezing cold to swelteringly hot, as well as humidity levels ranging from bone dry to unbelievably damp. Their strict regimen of climate changes yields a spirit with amazing complexity unrivaled by more temperate warehouses.  $55/btl

Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey (Splinter Group Spirits)

Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of five, seven and eight-year-old bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee (approx 70% corn, with the balance made up of  rye and wheat). Once blended, it is finished in ex-Mercury Head barrels, a high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Orin Swift Cellars. Straight Edge is bottled at 84 proof using water from the master distiller’s ranch, 2,000 feet above sea level in Alexander Valley ~ home to three aquifers with pristine, crystal clear water. Straight Edge Bourbon has an intriguing aroma with brown sugar, maple, caramelized oak, exotic spices, orange peel and campfire. The palate is velvety smooth, rich and packed with flavors of brown spice, honey and intense caramel. $60/btl

ralfy.com visits New Mexico for an Irish malt with Whisky Review 603 – Colkegan New Mexico Whiskey @ 46%vol

Caol Ila 18 Year Old

1997 vintage single cask expression of the smokey Islay single malt at an unmissable price for this age. Selected and bottled by our chums at Berry Bros & Rudd.

£58.60

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Taking the Arran Waters:

Second release in history-inspired Smugglers’ Series from the Isle of Arran Distillery 

Now in its 21^st year, the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery continues to celebrate the whisky-making heritage of its island home with the highly-anticipated second release in its Smugglers’ Series.

The Smugglers Series’ honours the tradition of the illicit whisky trade that operated from Arran and up the Clyde to Glasgow. Each release is ‘smuggled’ in unique packaging reminiscent of the hiding places used in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Smugglers’ Series Vol. 2 ‘The High Seas’ is presented in packaging that mimics a beautiful hardbound book, complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle.

This dram is a powerful marriage of whisky matured in the finest rum casks with time-honoured peated spirit and a rich layer of first-fill Bourbon barrel adding sweetness and fruit.

The use of rum casks in the maturation process serves as recognition of Arran’s importance, in years gone by, in the trade of diverse, black market liquor. The resulting liquid is complex, full of character and a perfect tribute to these independent characters of Arran.

James MacTaggart, master distiller of the Isle of Arran Distillery said: “Smugglers’ Vol.1 ‘The Illicit Stills’ was a tremendous success, selling out within days.

“There is a real desire for whisky with a story, something the Smugglers’ Series has in abundance.

“As the first legal distillery on the island in over 160 years we draw a great deal of inspiration from Arrans whisky-making heritage and are delighted to be able to share it through this, the second bottling of the Smugglers’ Series.”

The iconic citrus notes of the Arran Malt are at the fore of ‘The High Seas’, mingling with scents evocative of the outdoors, a touch of seaweed and a hint of coastal character. Refreshing hints of sherbet and spearmint lift the warming flavours of Bramley apple and marmalade. A drop of water reveals a layer of sweet honey dew melon and pear drops.

With a subtle smokey finish, this non-chill filtered malt is an Arran dram of true unbridled character, reminiscent of the trade which gave rise to the illustrious reputation of ‘the Arran Waters’.

Bottled at Natural Cask Strength 55.4% abv, Smugglers’ Series Vol.2 ‘The High Seas’ is a limited edition release of 8,700 bottles worldwide.

It is available online at arranwhisky.com and at specialist whisky retailers.

UK RSP £86.99

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.