Introducing Whiskey Thief

“Life’s too short to wait for the good things, so we made the clock tick a little faster when we created Whiskey Thief.”

www.whiskeythief.co.uk/

Welcome to Whiskey Thief, the bourbon that fuses whiskey-making tradition with innovation to offer the modern consumer an intriguing, contemporary brand with a smoother, more mature flavour.

Whiskey Thief is authentic to its core and has been created by Bourbon experts specifically to fill a gap in the market by offering consumers something refreshingly different. From its distinctive mask-style label to its contemporary typography and bold colour scheme, Whiskey Thief is very much the antithesis to most bourbon brands that follow a well-trodden design path and apply similarly traditional themes, names and motifs. Everything about Whiskey Thief reflects the ethos and independent spirit of its UK-based creators.

The bourbon in every bottle has been developed over several years with MGP Distillery in Lawrenceberg, ‘Malt Advocate’s 2015 Distiller of the Year’. Even before full production could begin many experiments and tastings were undertaken to finally arrive at the finished taste profile. During this development process the team ran a particularly exciting experiment which utilized new innovation made available from the barrel industry. The results were truly captivating as they discovered a method which helped the clock tick a little faster and accelerate the maturation process.

The result is a mature and truly well-rounded flavour. With a pleasant sweetness, an undercurrent of fruit spice and delicate vanilla and mocha notes, Whiskey Thief is delicious either as a smooth, sipping drink or in a refreshing cocktail. Its initial run is limited to 80 barrels meaning that every drop is created with a labour of love.

Whiskey Thief will be distributed in the UK exclusively by Amathus Drinks Plc and is available now at an accessible retail price point of £25 for a 70cl bottle.

Whiskey Thief is perfectly poised to capture the imagination of bourbon connoisseurs and newcomers alike and make an impact in 2016 as the bourbon scene continues to grow. Its mystery surely won’t remain a secret for long.

The Macallan 25 Year Old Anniversary Malt is a very rare bottling.

This great whisky is presented in a beautiful wooden case for you to admire.

Distilled in 1965 and bottled in 1991.

Macallan is the highest sought-after whisky for collectors and whisky lovers alike.

Macallan harbours the best reputation for rare expressions with some bottlings cashing in for thousands of pounds – and the prices are only climbing.

 Macallan 25 Year Old Anniversary Edition £2,500.00 incl. VAT

 JUNE AUCTION LIVE!

 Summer has arrived and with it comes our June Auction! If the sun isn’t shining where you are take a look through the sale and bask in the warm glow from some of the hottest bottles around right now!

THAT BOUTIQUE-Y WHISKY COMPANY COLLECTION 

 Dazzling this auction is a vast array of That Boutique-y Whisky Company bottles! More colourful than bunting at a summer fete, the collection includes fantastic Port Ellen and Brora releases among many others. 

GLENUGIE 1966 SAMAROLI 33 YEAR OLD, GLENUGIE 1966 SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

& GLENUGIE 1966 THE BOTTLERS 

We rarely see Glenugie these days let alone of this superb old vintage! A real treat!

ARDBEG 1967 KINGSBURY 29 YEAR OLD 

Sherry casked Ardbeg of this vintage is an unusual thing indeed! Bottled in 1996 by Kingsbury, who mostly export to Japan.

KINCLAITH 18 YEAR OLD CADENHEAD’S 1980S 

A rare bottling of very rare whisky from Glasgow’s last distillery, Kinclaith, which only operated for 18 years!

LAGAVULIN 18 YEAR OLD FEIS ILE 2016

The bottle that inspired some of the longest queues on Islay during the 2016 Feis Ile. Pick up yours here!

PORT ELLEN ANNUAL RELEASES 1^st – 10^th

The lost jewel in Islay’s crown, Port Ellen has achieved near mythical status since its closure in 1983. Here we have numbers 1 through 10 of their incredible annual releases, don’t miss your chance to fill that gap in your collection! 

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!

Laphroaig “Triple Wood” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ( $59.99) 94 points Whisky Advocate: “This is the first time I’ve been up for reviews here so I had a game plan: play it cool, mark tightly, let everyone know I’m hard to please. Then they gave me this, the whisky equivalent to front row tickets to Neil Young on his current Twisted Road tour: not just a chance to get up close and personal with an old favorite, but to do so with an old favorite who’s on fire. Laphroaig’s owners are intent on ensuring a big peaty engine for any new release, but this is a monster by anyone’s standards. It’s essentially Quarter Cask finished in oloroso sherry casks, so in addition to the intense charcoal smoke attack there are rich fruity notes; blackcurrant and berries. It’s an evening barbecue whisky. Grill that fish until it’s blackened and crispy, drizzle on lemon, and as the smoke rears up in protest, sip this. Big, moody, broody, fruity, and rich: what’s not to love? (Vol 19, #3)” K&L Notes: A limited release that was supposedly for European Travel Retail only! Lucky for us some popped up in California. This is essentially the Quarter Cask finished in Oloroso Sherry Butts. There’s an extra touch of savory richness at the back end, but the entry is all peat and iodine just like we expect from Laphroaig. The finish really lurks for some time, morphing from smoke, to nutty rancio, to savory sea salt. It’s a great new release from Laphroaig – a distillery that has been absolutely killing it with their special edition whiskies as of late.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ DUNBARTONSHIRE EMPLOYEES DONATE TO BEATSON CANCER CHARITY

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity, after employees from its Dunbartonshire sites voted in their droves to support the organisation.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ staff select their favourite causes to support as part of the company’s commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates. The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is an internationally renowned cancer centre and the busiest in the UK in terms of clinical activity and patient numbers. A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s pioneering work, which supports the 8,000 new patients and their families who attend the cancer centre every year.

Joyce Ross, Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to everyone at Chivas Brothers for this incredibly generous donation.

“Alarmingly, more than one in three people are affected by cancer in the West of Scotland – the highest cancer rate in Europe. As technology advances and new treatments are developed, the demands on cancer services continue to grow so this truly amazing level of support is so vital in helping us to continue to provide funding and wellbeing services to enhance the wonderful care thousands of patients receive at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities each year.

“All money raised will go a very long way in the fight against cancer, now and in the future and for that we are truly thankful.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Beatson Cancer Charity this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore to support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our Dalmuir, Dumbuck and Kilmalid workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

Three of the Chivas Brothers employees who voted for the charity recently visited the Beatson Cancer Charity Wellbeing Centre and were kindly shown around the facility by Joyce Ross.

Valerie McNamara (pictured) is an employee at Kilmalid manufacturing site in Dumbarton and said: “We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way or another and it’s very rewarding to be involved with such an inspiring charity. The work they do in supporting people at the most difficult time of their lives is fantastic.”

Catherine Cairns (pictured), also based at Kilmalid, added: “My reasons for nominating Beatson Cancer Charity are firstly because of all the help and support given to my boyfriend’s father and his family, before he passed away early last year, and also because it is so local – as I know others who share a connection with The Beatson.”

Another Kilmalid employee, David Moffat (pictured) added: “I have known and know too many family and friends who have had and are currently receiving treatment from The Beatson. I have witnessed first-hand how caring, dedicated and wonderful everyone connected with the centre is and that’s why when The Beatson was one of the nominated charities I opted for it.”

The donation to Beatson Cancer Charity forms part of a £20,000 contribution to four charities across the UK, each representing a region in which Chivas Brothers operates and includes; Beatson Cancer Charity, Dunbartonshire; Alzheimer Scotland, Northern Scotland region; Macmillan Cancer Support West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire; and the Jake McCarthy Foundation, London and Plymouth region.

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

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 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Lights, camera, action! Speyside Distillery takes on starring role in celebrations for the Edinburgh International Film Festival World Premiere of Whisky Galore!

Speyside Distillery is about take a starring role at the premiere of the remake of Whisky Galore! – almost 70 years after making its screen debut in the original version of the classic Scottish comedy.

The latest big-screen version of Compton McKenzie’s much-loved novel will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday (June 26), and Speyside Distillery will be ensuring plenty of whisky flows at the after-party.

The distillery’s parent company, Harvey’s of Edinburgh, appeared in the original version of the film, which was released in 1949. Boxes branded with the company’s logo appeared in the movie, which is based on the true story of a shipwreck off the coast of Eriskay.

The ship, packed with export-only whisky, was sailing to the United States during World War II and the islanders take advantage of the unexpected windfall of alcohol and try to outfox the local Home Guard.

Speyside Distillery will be the official whisky sponsor for the closing part of the Festival, which takes place in the stunning surroundings of the Playfair Library following an earlier screening of Whisky Galore!

John says, “My family established their whisky business back in the 1770s and it continued through the generations. My grandfather, Alex Harvey, was a whisky trader and actually exported to the United States in the early part of the last century, around the time Whisky Galore! was first made.

“We looked at some shots of the original Whisky Galore! movie, and were both surprised and delighted to see Harvey’s of Edinburgh wooden boxes being scooped up from the water by some of the locals.

“We were extremely pleased to be asked to support the after-party for Whisky Galore! and will even be dressing the venue with some of those wooden boxes which were central to the original film.

“We’ll be supporting Whisky Galore! at other film festivals around the world, and we’re looking forward to this weekend and raising a glass of SPEY from Speyside Distillery in toast to the success of this wonderful Scottish film.”

The remake of Whisky Galore! is produced by Iain McLean and stars several well-known Scottish actors including Gregor Fisher and James Cosmo, in addition to Eddie Izzard in the role of Captain Waggett.

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. It is home to the SPEY from Speyside Distillery range of single malt Scotch whiskies. For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk

Established in 1947, Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema – and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking.

Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, EIFF seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent, in a setting steeped in history. 2016 marks the 70th edition of the Festival, making it the longest continually running film festival in the world.

Ends

Picture caption: Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough with one of the wooden boxes form Harvey’s of Edinburgh which appeared in the original film version of Whisky Galore!

THE ENGLISH WHISKY COMPANY WITH CHIEF WHISKY MAKER DAVID FITT

Founded in 2006, The English Whisky Company was the first to establish a commercial distillery in England for more than 120 years. Over the past decade it has been turning heads with a range of great whiskies.

Our host for the evening is David Fitt, chief whisky maker at The English Whisky Company’s Norfolk distillery. A former brewer, David has been in charge of production since 2008 and is well known for his love of experimentation.

David will be leading us through the distillery’s core whiskies as well as some TWE exclusives and a pair of very special drams:

English Whisky Chapter 7
English Whisky Chapter 9
TWE Exclusive Classic
TWE Exclusive Peated
Limited Edition Founder’s Cask Virgin Oak Finish
A mystery whisky, as selected by David…

An evening of pioneering whiskies, presented by the man who made them – a tasting not to be missed.

The tasting will take place on Tuesday 5 July from 7.30pm

£35 per ticket

BOOK YOUR TICKET

Tickets on sale now!

VENUE

THE JUDGE’S COURT, BROWNS,
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE
LONDON WC2N 4AG

PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE VENUE FROM 7.15PM FOR A 7.30PM START

JUNE AUCTION NOW LIVE

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

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Glendronach 12 Year Old

£26.67 ex. VAT

This superb richly sherried single malt is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest spanish pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. Tasting notes:  Nose: sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear. Palate: rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish.Finish: long, full and firm, slightly nutty. (Official Tasting Note)

 Black Bull 12 Year Old

£31.67 ex. VAT

Black Bull contains 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky. It is bottled at 50% ABV and has not been altered by chilled-filtration. Tasting notes: Nose: robust, chunky aromas. Chocolate, toffee, sherry, vanilla and lemon sherbet. Palate: smooth, mellow and rounded. Milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples and lots of sweet vanilla. Finish: some heavier fruity notes emerge, and lots of creamy notes coming through. (Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited).

Glenturret 16 Year Old – Fly’s Master Edition

A new limited edition Glenturret aged for 16 years and released to celebrate a unique and historic tail. The inspiration for this bottling came from a photo which was unearthed at the distillery, which dated back to 1905. It pictured 16 stillman and a collie dog called Fly, which was believed to be the distillery managers dog.

£89.98

Wolfburn Single Malt Whisky

Launched early 2016, this is the first official Wolfburn single malt Scotch whisky to be released since the distillery started production in 2013. Now the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland, the original Wolfburn distillery was first established in 1821 and the new site was built only 350m from where this was located.

£44.90

Glenglassaugh Octaves – Peated

Created using richly peated barely and fully matured in an Octave cask which is approximately 1/8th the size of a butt. Maturing whisky in a smaller cask allows more contact with the wood which delveops and ages the whisky a lot quicker.  Bottled at 44% and one off two special Octave bottlings released by Glenglassaugh distillery in the Summer of 2016.

£54.40

Glenglassaugh Octaves – Classic

Fully matured in an Octave cask, this special Glenglassaugh release is one of two bottlings released by the distillery in June 2016. Maturing whisky in a smaller cask allows more contact with the wood, developing and ageing the whisky a lot quicker.

£54.40

Allt-à-Bhainne 22 Year Old – 1993

A single cask Allt-à-Bhainne bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. for their excellent Cooper’s Choice range. Distilled in 1993 and aged for over 22 years in American oak, with some additional ageing in a port wine pipe, giving it a superb and very inviting colour. 312 bottles filled from cask #9338.

£89.90

BenRiach Peated Quarter Cask

A new release from BenRiach distillery, distilled from peated malted barley and fully matured in quarter casks. Maturing whisky in smaller casks such as a quarter casks allows for more contact with the wood, resulting in a quicker maturation.

£48.80

Ardbeg Dark Cove

Ardbeg Dark Cove pays homage to smugglers and all sorts of shenanigans that used to take place on Ardbeg’s coastline, back in the day. Created from sherry cask matured whisky along with whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Launched on Ardbeg’s open day (Ardbeg Night) during the Feis Ile 2016 – Dark Cove is said to be the darkest Ardbeg to date!

£105.00