www.ralfy.com re-visits a trusty old friend with Whisky Review 594 – Springbank 10yo scotch (re-reviewed 2016)

GLEN GRANT ADDS THREE NEW PREMIUM SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

AND UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGN

Award-winning Glen Grant launches new premium quality whiskies: 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old

LONDON, 14th June 2016 – Award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, Glen Grant, today announces the launch of new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies whilst unveiling a new contemporary brand identity with packaging and logo redesign. The introduction of three unique and unmatched expressions to Glen Grant’s existing portfolio aims to reaffirm Glen Grant’s position as a leading player in the luxury whisky market and answers the surge in global sales of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Launching in June, the new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old expressions will allow consumers to enjoy the unfolding layers of mature and beautifully intricate taste and aroma that is achieved only through Glen Grant’s unique distillation process.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky. With a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, this exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite and delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel and finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-filtered, which will be exclusively available to travel retailers, delivers a full and creamy mouth-feel, with an aroma and flavour that, is unmistakably Glen Grant. With its signature bright, golden colour and a sweet, welcoming nose, this beautifully crafted whisky offers notes of toffee and rich fruit, and a pleasingly long, nutty finish with subtle bursts of spice.

The rarest in the new collection is the Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

The latest packaging features a new colour palette, allowing the consumer to easily identify the different dram varieties. The 12 Year Old and 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered feature a striking bronze label and casing, while the 18 Year Old is enclosed within a superior frosted-blue gift box with luxurious silver hues, reiterating its premium status.

The new Glen Grant logo, the Grant family monogram, stands proudly on the front of each bottle – with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, reminding consumers of the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Melanie Batchelor, Global Vice Press President of Spirits at Gruppo Campari, commented: “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

Glen Grant’s new packaging will be rolled out across all Glen Grant products from June. The new 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available to purchase from June at the Whisky Exchange, whilst the new 12 Year Old Non Chill Filtered will be available from June to purchase from duty free and travel retailers. The new 18 Year Old expression will be available from June to purchase from Tesco.

About Glen Grant:

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABV of Glen Grant single malt Scotch whiskies

 The Major’s Reserve – 40% ABV

 5 Year Old – 40% ABV

 10 Year Old – 40% ABV

 12 Year Old – 43% ABV

 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered – 48% ABV (Travel retail exclusively)

 18 Year Old – 43% ABV

About Glen Grant 12 and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies:

Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available in online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £37.40.

The 12 Year Old malt bears the same bright gold hue as is synonymous with the Glen Grant range. Orchard fruits combine with hints of almonds and citrus to create a lingering fruit finish which is enhanced by subtle hints of spice. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Honey, pear and apple with hints of almonds and citrus

 Taste – Apple pie crust, caramel and vanilla

 Finish – Lingering fruit with subtle hints of spice

Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky will launch only in duty free and travel retailers at the recommended retail price of £37.00. The ABV is 48%.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered offers a unique aroma of butterscotch and vanilla, mixed with hints of almond and clove spice. This results in a long, fruity and nutty finish, leaving a taste of toffee apple combined with rich, complex fruit.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma– Butterscotch with vanilla, almonds and clove spice

 Taste – Toffee apple with rich complex fruit

 Finish – Long, chewy with a fruity and nutty finish

Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £110.

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available.

Glen Grant’s 18 Year Old expression is rich and floral on the palate; its oaky overtones combined with baking spices to deliver the delicate aroma of malted caramel, with a sweet nutty finish. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Rich and floral with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices

 Taste – Malty caramel, delicate, dried raisins and vanilla

UK’s Ultimate Bartender crowned at world’s biggest cocktail festival

Sussex barman Dave White beat over 120 contestants to take the title at the final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans 

Dave White has been awarded the coveted title of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Champion, for the second year running. Defending last year’s title, Dave re-entered the competition designed for bartenders to showcase their talents and put their skills to the ultimate test in a series of trials. 

After beating stiff competition from over 120 bartenders across 15 regional heats, Dave and the other finalists were flown on all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans to battle it out in the final rounds at the iconic Tales of the Cocktail event.

Dave, 36, Manager of Dead Parrot bar in Horsham won the Brighton heat which took place at the city’s Merkaba Bar in May. After winning with his team last year, Dave returned to the competition as a solo bartender with his eyes set on the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans to win the final prize.

With the competition tougher than ever before, contestants were tasked with a series of new rounds designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, including gross profit testing contestant’s business acumen, rote challenges to test management and HR skills and a mega quiz to test general bartending knowledge. New for this year, and to take advantage of the competition’s first overseas final, Monkey Shoulder also set a series of daily ‘scavenger hunt’ challenges across New Orleans.

As part of the winner’s prize, Dave will run his own bar at London Cocktail Week from the 3^rd to 9^th October 2016, which will be promoted and stocked by Monkey Shoulder. He’ll also get to keep all the takings made during the week. Last year, Dave and his team mates from Dead Parrot took home over £13,000.

Dave White commented: “I’m thrilled to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Bartender for the second year in a row. Monkey Shoulder really stepped up the competition this year but the scavenger hunt around New Orleans was the real icing on the cake. The trophy will take pride of place in the bar whilst planning for London Cocktail Week gets underway!” 

Dave beat Nick Gordon, Jonathon Arthur and Cameron Woodger, the trio of bartenders from Aberdeen and remaining finalist Adam Binnersley of Manchester who all did their upmost to smash the challenges. With only a small number of votes between first and final place, it was neck and neck right until the very end.

All finalists attended the annual William Grants & Son’s “Party on Your Palate” soiree at the Orpheum Theatre during their stay with drinks on offer from across the brands portfolio.

Grant Neave, Monkey Shoulder’s UK brand ambassador said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about challenging the best bartenders on the UK bar scene. Dave did a great job across the new challenges and the scavenger hunt, proving he definitely has the skills to pay the bills. And what better place to celebrate his win at the home of cocktails; the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans”.

To find out more about the Ultimate Bartender Champion visit: http://ultimatebartenderchampionship.com/

Notes to Editors 

About The Ultimate Bartender Championship

Back for a third year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of UK bartenders. This year saw the Monkey troupe travelling across the UK in an ultra-pimped-out tour bus, reaching more cities and more importantly more bartenders than ever before, culminating in the final challenges at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans. All applicants whatever their ability – from bar newbie to seasoned pro – had the chance to gain knowledge and improve their skills at each stage of the journey.

About Monkey Shoulder 

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% triple malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky drinking and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Not that we like to brag, but Monkey Shoulder’s mantelpiece is resplendent with numerous awards – some will be impressed that Drinks International rated Monkey Shoulder as the world’s top trending Scotch in the World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report 2015.

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information about Monkey Shoulder, visit: http://www.monkeyshoulder.com/

Mark the date for 2017!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember, and we look forward to seeing you all next year on Saturday, May 6, 2017 when we return with Canada’s premiere tasting event!

This year’s show boasted our biggest selection yet of whisky and premium spirits — highlights included Jim Beam’s Kentucky Derby Social complete with commemorative silver julep cups; Canada’s first taste of Wm Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve with the Storas 21 Year Old as well as the Canadian launch of the Dewar’s Whisky Emporium. Those of you who have yet to visit Scotland came close thanks to The Balvenie, who brought their floor maltings to this year’s show, and Glenfiddich, who offered guests a virtual tour of one of Speyside’s most renowned distilleries.

But… a picture is worth a thousand words so please check out our photo gallery to relive the good times for yourself:

Spirit of Toronto 2016 Photo Gallery

This year’s Spirit of Toronto also marked the launch of ‘Distilled’, our print magazine that explores the craft and culture of fine spirits. Issue Two will be out on November 7 and you can click here to request a copy of our next issue.

Although Spirit of Toronto 2017 is still months away, planning has already begun as we confirm some of next year’s guest speakers. Have a great summer and we’ll touch base in the coming months with a preview of what’s to come.

In the best of spirits,

Johanna Ngoh Executive Producer Spirit of Toronto 2017

This month’s auction is positively chock-a-block with delightful drams, brilliant bourbons and wonderful whiskies.

Big Petrie once again gives us a sneak peak of this month’s auction here.

This month we have many marvelous Mortlachs and up first we are excited to present the oldest Scotch whisky ever bottled, the simply stunning Mortlach 75 year old from Gordon & MacPhail. Distilled in 1939 this incredible whisky comes in a beautiful handcrafted decanter which bares 75 multi-level cuts, each representing a year in the life of this spectacular whisky.

We also have a Mortlach distilled in 1938, this one is a mere 70 years old, which was the oldest single malt every bottled before Gordon & MacPhail outdid themselves with the aforementioned 75 year old. Finally from Gordon & MacPhail we have a spritely 46 year old that was distilled all the way back in 1936 and bottled for their incredibly popular Connoisseurs Choice range.

Macallan moves the the fore with a 52 year old whisky distilled in 1946. We also have Macallans from 1938 and two from 1950. An 888 and MMIX are also in attendance and for those interested in mini Macallans we have a Fine & Rare Miniature Collection.

Next to the stage is a Dalmore 1926 50 year old. This venerable dram is presented in a beautiful black decanter and along with a 50 year old Springbank from their Millennium Collection and North British grain whisky is one of three fifty year old bottles in this auction. There is also a 52 year old grain from the lost Carsebridge distillery.

We have bevy of beautiful blends in the auction this month with Old Parr and Antiquary bottles from the 1920s, a Haig from the 1930s and White Horse from the 1941. There is also a Glen Calder which was distilled in 1949 and bottled 40 years later.

Ardbeg offers a lovely selection of single cask releases including bottles from casks #3475, #1376, #4717 and #2394 which were all distilled in the 1970s. As

single cask releases go few are as wonderfully presented as the Ardbeg Double Barrel which comes in a hand made gun case made by Purdey.

From Bowmore we have three bottles which were distilled in the 1960s. First up we have the 1964 38 year old which was aged in a Bourbon cask, then a 32 year old from 1968 and another 1968 which was bottled by Signatory. Finally there is a Bicentenary bottling which was released at cask strength.

We have two lovely Taliskers from 1953 and a wonderful 21 year old single cask offering from Cadenhead’s. There are two Springbank single cask bottles from the 1960s, one from 1965 and the other from 1968 as well as two 46 year old offerings from Probably Speyside’s Finest distillery.

“Guid gear comes in sma‘ bulk” as my Granny would say and she probably had in mind this Karuizawa 1964 Mini 5cl & Book. There are also plenty of lots from other lost distilleries like, Port Ellen, Glen Mhor, Brora, Rosebank and Littlemill.

Phew! There are many more wonderful bottles in this month’s auction so please take time to get in and have a look around and remember, Don’t Lose Your Bottle!

All the best from us here at SWA HQ!

AUGUST TASTINGS & EVENTS 

EDINBURGH

Monday Research: Bunnahabhain – The Vaults, Mon 1 Aug  

Join Angus Upton, Global Brand Ambassador for Distell as he guides us through some of his company’s brands which include Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Ledaig and Deanston. During the evening you will also enjoy a Society supper and a couple of the Society’s Single Cask whiskies alongside.  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

Live Music Night with Hot Tin Roof – Tue 9 Aug More >

Drop-in Evening: Closed and Rare Drams – Tue 16 Aug More > 

LONDON

New Outturn Tasting – 19 Greville St, Sat 6 Aug  More >

Steak & Whisky Tasting – 19 Greville St, Mon 8 Aug  More >

New Member’ Sensory Tasting – 19 Greville Street, Wed 31 Aug  More >

UK-WIDE PREVIEWS WITH UISGE SOURCE

Last chance to buy tickets

Durham – Radisson Blu, Fri 29 July  More >

Stirling – The Golden Lion, Fri 29 July More >

Sheffield – Leopold Hotel, Fri 29 July  More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

The Vaults, Leith – will close for a private function all day on Friday 5 August 2016. Please accept our invitation to our newly refurbished Members Room at Queen Street and accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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

Blog; whisky tour in the Highlands & Speyside –

We took two whisky loving Canadians on tour, starting from the Edinburgh hotel at 08 am on Saturday morning. Och another early start, but that’s fine, am used to it. We drove north over the Forth Road Bridge and on into highland Perthshire, taking our time, but hurrying up, to Inverness. Still a way to go, as our first appointment was with a few Dalmore drams. A distillery tour and tasting was happily received by our two whisky fans, even though it was no in production – but this meant photos allowed anywhere! King alec is my favourite dram there, but as driver … say no more, it hurts! Lunch was taken at the Storehouse doon the road, a meeting with some drams at Glenmorangie came next. I do need point out, the young guide got a few things wrong, but here main problem came when asked how they clean the stills out, she said they were sent away to be cleaned by power jets, oh dear! From here we headed back at an easy pace, to Inverness, where we all stayed overnight. I did introduce them to an excellent whisky bar here by the river, a good local pub and another – Irish bar. I left them to enjoy the city while I went away to my hotel and did some work (thanks Liz). Even on tour I cannee get away from work, Liz see’s to that.

Sunday, a day of rest? Don’t think so. Leave Inverness and call in to Culloden Battlefield, walk the moor that Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops did, discover the “well of the dead”, take time to tour the museum and watch the provocative movie. From here to Clava Cairns, or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava – a group of three Bronze Age cairns dating back about 4,000 years. The cemetery was used in two periods. At around 2000 BC a row of large cairns was built, three of which can still be seen today. Cawdor castle, Macbeth was born about 1005. Macbeth was crowned High King of Scots at Scone outside Perth, with his Queen. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth during the spring of 1606. Although the murder of Duncan takes place in Inverness Castle, it is often associated with Cawdor Castle. The truth is, Cawdor Castle was not built until the late 14th century, therefore it is impossible for King Duncan to have lost any blood or Lady Macbeth much sleep in this particular house.  Whisky today? To be sure, we always have excellent drams in the car for our stops during the day, I drove long the Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit and called in at Fiddlers, met John whom I know (owner) told him my guest had a birthday, we (I was a driver again, damn!) enjoyed almost 2 hours of personal attention, many drams including a 40 year old, gifts and presents courtesy of myself and John, she went away happy and – tiddly! Returning a final time to Inverness.

Monday: We left Inverness at 10am, driving south to Tomatin. The  Taste of Tomatin tour – an in-depth tour, a tutored nosing and tasting of 6 different whiskies, including two distillery exclusive single cask expressions. I think they enjoyed that!  While they toured I enjoyed the “drivers share” a cup of tea and shortcakes, I did enjoy my chat’s with the girls here, especially young Nicole, whose whole family work here, including cousins, uncles, dad, granny used to. 2 hours later they appeared looking really happy. From Tomatin to Aviemore for lunch picking up Liz at the station.  We departed for Glenfarclas Distillery. This is one of the few privately owned distilleries and one of 3 Grant Family distilleries in Speyside. It’s hard for us to say, but it’s one of our favourites, as most of them are!  They produce excellent drams and bottles. From here around 35 minutes’ drive to Cardhu where we all fed the hairy coo’s.  Another great whisky day ends, guests happy and smiling, Elgin overnight. Liz and myself stayed up in Lossiemouth as usual, we use a nice wee apartment there as a base (office away from home).

Tuesday: We left Elgin at 9.15 heading south to Dufftown, booked on the 10am Balvenie Distillery tour, superb, we know, we have done it many times. The best way to get to know The Balvenie is at the distillery. Tours are very personal each is limited to a maximum of eight people. Bottling your own Balvenie in Warehouse 24 costs £25 (is not a full size bottle, but it is worth it). Only 6 people were on the tour and as usual, it was excellent, thank David (Muir) for your help and see you next month. We took lunch locally at Glenfiddich Distillery, this allowed our guests to see the fabulous ladies bathrooms at the distillery. The Macallan Distillery called our names at 3pm for the 6 Pillars Tour. After a thorough immersion into the world of The Macallan, they enjoyed an experience/nosing and tasting of Macallan whiskies as well as the rich new make spirit. We did call into a fab whisky bar en route to the hotel, where we met up with our other tour that was in, Derek was driving this one, great – we had everyone in the bar on tour with us, a mcleanscotland bar! Elgin again that evening. Liz and myself enjoyed some great food in Lossie and at the apartment a good selection of drams were consumed.

Wednesday: We departed Elgin at 9am to Dalwhinnie Distillery to call in for drams (tour not included), 6 Dalwhinnie drams including a dram from the £350 bottle, then down to Pitlochry for free time, lunch and Edradour Distillery. We saw Andrew wandering doon so hailed him, all hello’s and intro’s, as he guided us to the shop/bar, then introduced us to several drams (not me!!!) and spent maybe 40 minutes with us, before back to the shop for purchases, an good Edradour for Liz, an Imperial for Gary. Thanks Andrew.

From here we take a scenic route back to Edinburgh, dropping our guests at their Edinburgh hotel. Took Liz home and got back myself into the second half of the Euro Cup Final, Liverpool lost out! Another good whisky tour done and dusted.

Written by Paul McLean, http://www.whiskytours.scot/

THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE ‘FAMOUS FRIDAYS’ HEADLINER COMPETITION 

The Famous Grouse has released the winners of its ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition. The competition which launched at the beginning of July by Scotland’s favourite whisky gave four talented artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played on stage at The Famous Grouse House this Edinburgh Festival!

The winners; Edinburgh based electronic pop rock band DMS will be joined by psychedelic pop band The Mink Stoles, Livingston born Adriana Spina, who will perform her unique brand of alternative acoustic Americana – some of which has enjoyed immediate critical acclaim including being listed as “Single of the Week” on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as folky indie pop singer-songwriter Lou Mclean, who combines her exceptional voice with original acoustic guitar – providing an array of musical talent to the famous venue.

Scottish entertainer and Forth 1 radio presenter Grant Scott was joined by Edinburgh born musical director, writer and producer David Whitmey, who has worked with the likes of The Wanted, Mika and The Saturdays, to lend their ears and help The Famous Grouse team to help choose the lucky shortlist before the going through to the next stage – the public vote via The Famous Grouse Facebook page.

David Whitmey, who is currently working with Gary Barlow and Sony Records projects, said : “This was an amazing chance for unsigned bands and artists to win a prime slot to headline on one of the most coveted stages at the Edinburgh Festival this August. The quality of entries was exceptional and it was a tough call when it came to selecting the shortlist. The winners all have huge potential and we can’t wait to have them perform on the stage. They will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming bands and breaking acts from all over the globe” 

The competition was launched to celebrate the return of The Famous Grouse House for its second consecutive year to Scotland’s Capital and Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3^rd August – Saturday 27th August 2016)

The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at The New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on a pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from 11:00am to midnight and include performances from the hugely popular Posable Action Figures, Glasgow based indie rock band Kelvin and the hugely admired solo artist Luke Carey taking to the stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, The Famous Grouse House is going to be the perfect place to soak up the best of the festival.

Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “Congratulations to our four winners! The Famous Grouse House made its name at the festival last year with a combination of great live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves. We can’t wait to welcome DMS, The Mink Stoles, Lou McLean and Adriana Spina to our famous venue – there’s no better place to be this August.”

The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from the 3rd to the 27th August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, 96 George Street.

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

For more information visit www.famousgrouse.com. For the latest news follow on twitter @TheFamousGrouse or Facebook at: TheFamousGrouseUK #famousgrousehouse #famousfridays

NOTES 

The Famous Grouse House Headliner Competition

Bands entered the competition by sending their YouTube video to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com

The competition opened on Monday 20^th June and closed Friday 8^th July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts was selected by the panel of x4 judges on Friday 8^th July and this shortlist was then put to a public vote on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page for fans to decide who would win the headliner slot. Winners were notified on Monday 18^th July. 

Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse website. 

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington Group.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka (Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock)

The Lost Distillery Company strengthens team with

new global ambassador

Boutique drinks business, Crucial Drinks, has enhanced its team with the addition of well-known whisky connoisseur, Ewan Henderson, in the newly created role of Global Brand Ambassador for its portfolio.

Ewan will focus initially on raising the profile of The Lost Distillery Company, as well as other luxury spirit brands included in Crucial’s award-winning portfolio, such as Six Saints Rum from Grenada and West Indies Rum & Cane Merchants single barrel and regional rums.

A whisky food pairing expert and ambassador of Scottish food and drink overseas, Ewan brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the Ayrshire-based company.

He has previously spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, with the last 10 years demonstrating his entrepreneurial flair setting up a restaurant, delicatessen & events company. Ewan has led multi-sensory taste experiences at Whisky Live South Africa, press events in Shanghai and Malt Masters Hong Kong, Nobu Doha & MIPIM Cannes. Closer to home, he is the man behind quirky whisky science events for both Edinburgh & Glasgow Science Festivals and most recently, he helped create a premium gin brand’s new cocktail range.

Ewan will represent the Crucial Drinks portfolio in over 40 markets worldwide to promote the company’s brands.

The Lost Distillery Company hand crafts whiskies styled on long closed distilleries. Half of Scotland’s distilleries have closed over the last century with renowned brands silenced through the impact of wars, prohibition, globalisation or plain bad luck.  The brands include modern day interpretations from legendary lost distilleries such as Auchnagie, Towiemore, Stratheden, Jericho, Gerston and Lossit, representing all of Scotland’s whisky producing regions.

Commenting on his new role, Ewan Henderson said: “It’s a great privilege to be rediscovering and sharing the long lost whiskies of Scotland around the globe.

“Whisky continues to grow in popularity, its rich heritage and provenance adds to its international appeal. The Lost Distillery Company offers a fascinating portal into Scotland’s pioneering whisky heritage with outstanding Whisky that’s gathering huge traction overseas. I’m very much looking forward to working alongside the archivists and tasting panel to bring the stories of famed distilleries and their people back to life, offering handcrafted Scotch whiskies from the past with a contemporary twist.”

Scott Watson, Co-Founder of Crucial Drinks and The Lost Distillery Company, said: “With his obvious passion for championing heritage and telling long forgotten stories, Ewan will be a real asset as we continue to grow our brand and launch in new international markets.

“Each resurrected brand is the subject of an in-depth research project to understand the original character of the long lost distillery and how that special whisky might taste today if still alive. As our brand custodian, Ewan will delve into the company archives and further bring to life the stories of Scotland’s lost Whisky legends.

The Lost Distillery Company is a key part of Crucial Drinks, a boutique drinks business based in Ayrshire, Scotland specialising in world class whisky and rum with unique brand stories.

Notes to Editors

You can find more information on TLDC at: http://www.lost-distillery.com/

For more information on Crucial Drinks, visit: http://www.crucial-drinks.com/

Brand Social Media Accounts:

The Lost Distillery Company –

Twitter https://twitter.com/lostdistillery

Facebook www.facebook.com/LostDistillery/

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thelostdistillerycompany

Six Saints –

Twitter https://twitter.com/SixSaintsRum

Facebook www.facebook.com/6SaintsRum

Instagram www.instagram.com/sixsaintsrum

West Indies Rum & Cane www.facebook.com/westindiesrumandcanemerchants

About Crucial Drinks:

Crucial Drinks is a boutique drinks business based in Ayrshire, Scotland that ‘reimagines spirits’ to create innovative, stand out brands across the malt whisky and rum categories.

With support from business accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark, founders Scott Watson and Brian Woods, set up Crucial Drinks in 2011 to offer world class whisky and rum portfolio that was differentiated through its heritage and unique brand stories.

Now five years old, the thriving company distributes to 40 markets worldwide delivering over £2 million revenue.

Its award-winning portfolio of luxury spirit brands includes The Lost Distillery Company, Six Saints Rum and West Indies Rum and Cane Merchants.

JULY AUCTION LIVE!

Our July Auction is live and it is yet again our biggest to date with over 2,900 lots! This month features some stunningly old bottles from across the decades. Wherever you stand on the ‘Age Matters’ debate you can’t argue that these older vintages are fascinating snapshots of whisky history.

BOWMORE 1965 PREMIER RANGE 42 YEAR OLD

This fantastic Bowmore 1965 is a very highly regarded vintage and a real rarity with only 57 bottles released!

JAMESON THREE STAR 7 YEAR OLD 1940s/50s

A vintage gem from the 1940s / 50s! Produced at the old Jameson distillery on Bow Street, it oozes old school class!

YAMAZAKI 1984

Matured in rare Japanese Mizunara Oak casks, this is an award winning whisky presented with stunning simplicity!

GLENFIDDICH 1959 PRIVATE VINTAGE

An outstanding single cask bottling! Aged for over forty years and beautifully presented in a cherry wood case with certificate.

OLD FITZGERALD 12 YEAR OLD / BARRELED 1955

Produced in the famous and now lost Stitzel-Weller Distillery way back in 1955, bourbon of this vintage is incredibly sought after at the moment!

MACALLAN 1949 MILLENNIUM 50 YEAR OLD

One of the most desirable and sought after whiskies in the world this amazing bottle was released to celebrate the turn of the millennium. With a standard of presentation equal to the stunning whisky contained within Macallan truly excelled themselves with this release!

Auction runs Friday 29^th July to Monday 8^th August

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

Happy bidding!