Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1991 Old & Rare

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

CHIVAS MASTERS’ GLOBAL FINALISTS PREPARE FOR SHANGHAI

Chivas Masters 2016 – Shanghai skyline

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has announced the 15 international bartenders that will compete in the Chivas Masters Global Final in Shanghai on 19th-22nd June – the first time a major bartending competition has held its finals in the city. The Asian cocktail capital will play host to this year’s finalists who each impressed in regional heats with their bartending skills and demonstration of their knowledge of Chivas.

The national heats of the Chivas Masters – now in its third year – challenged bartenders to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. The 15 global finalists created serves inspired by the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai, via their local cocktail scene, all designed to enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth and generous house style – a feat they will have to replicate in the Chivas Masters Global Final.

Finalists are preparing to jet off to Shanghai for a four-day experience that will incorporate key challenges and workshops with the industry’s best, including Naren Young, Head Bartender at Dante in New York City and Chris Lowder, Head Bartender at the Four Seasons in Seoul. Naren and Chris will be joined on the judging panel by industry legend Dre Masso, Founder of Akademi in Bali, and Leo Robitschek, Bar Director of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and the NoMad Hotel Bar, where they will judge competitors on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal comments: “The announcement of the global finalists always marks a build of anticipation for the Chivas Masters Global Final – a time at which excitement for the competition hits fever pitch. Our national champions have impressed us so far but now have the opportunity to represent their countries alongside one of the world’s most prestigious Scotch brands and, by doing so, ensure their future as a top-class bartender. We can’t wait to witness the start of this incredible journey in Shanghai.”

Collaboration at the Global Final will be rewarded this year by granting a winning team, formed at the competition – the Chivas Masters Collective – a once in a lifetime trip to the Tales of the Cocktail 2016 in New Orleans. A further prize will be awarded to the 2016 Global Chivas Master, who will earn a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of their choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as their lasting contribution to the global competition.

About Chivas Regal Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon. www.chivas.com

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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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 No. 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 80 “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. www.pernod-ricard.com

SMALL CASK, BIG WHISKY: AN INNOVATIVE NEW RELEASE FROM THE BENRIACH

MULTI award-winning BenRiach Distillery in Speyside has today (7th June 2016) launched a peated expression of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in quarter casks. Its makers hail it as “a peaty fruit bomb”. 

The BenRiach Peated Quarter Cask single malt is the first product to be launched after the parent company was taken over by Brown Forman at the end of April. 

This innovative release revives the once-obsolete tradition of using smaller “Quarter” casks to give greater intensity of maturation.

Unusually for a Speyside distillery, this BenRiach expression is distilled from peated malted barley. The spirit is then matured fully in superlative quarter casks before being bottled at 46% abv.

A smaller cask, such as the quarter cask, allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a great depth of flavour and aroma in a shorter period of time.

Colour – Bright summer gold.

Nose – Elegant waves of wood smoke intensify to burning heather with a delicious contribution of ripe orchard fruits. Subtle hints of peaches, cinnamon sugar and a slight herbal note of fresh barley give an added contrast to the unique, rich peat character.

Taste – Intense peat smoke mellows to smouldering peat embers infused with green pear and nectarine notes. Nutty oak and vanilla pods combine with a touch of white pepper and a twist of lime to give a crisp, smoky finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Smaller casks mean bigger whisky. Using quarter casks allows the intensity of the spirit to shine through by speeding up the maturation process. In this fantastic new expression, the peat combines with the hints of pear and peach to produce an extraordinary fully-flavoured dram.”

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

CELEBRATE SOLSTICE AT HIGHLAND PARK’S MIDSUMMER SOCIAL

DALSTON ROOF PARK | 21 – 22 June 2016 

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ is taking over London’s Dalston Roof Park for two evenings to celebrate Midsummer Solstice.

A hugely significant time of year at the whisky’s home on Orkney and an important celebration in Nordic history and culture, Midsummer Solstice is traditionally celebrated with good friends, bonfires, music and dance.

The narrative of Highland Park is deeply rooted in Nordic traditions and the people on Orkney (1 in 3 have Viking ancestry) take huge pride in honouring the spirit of their Viking ancestors by hosting a week’s worth of events dedicated to the official start of summer, when the evenings are at their longest.

The Highland Park Midsummer Social at Dalston Roof Park will bring to life this wonderful heritage through the following:

• Torchlight whisky tastings with Highland Park’s global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park Boilermaker pairings with 40ft Brewery
• DJ Eelke Kleijn will play a set on Tuesday 21 June
• Acoustic band Slow Club will provide live music on Wednesday 22 June

Mike Mackenzie, Highland Park Brand Manager said: “Highland Park’s Midsummer Social is a unique and exciting event to celebrate the brand’s Viking heritage. The fantastic rooftop setting at Dalston provides an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, enjoy great cocktails, food and music whilst celebrating the official start of summer.”

A limited number of tickets are available for Tuesday 21 June and Wednesday 22 June at 7.30pm priced at £15. To reserve your place please click here or visit www.skiddle.com and search ‘Highland Park’. 

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #HPSolstice

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram: www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial   

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandpark.co.uk   

Eelke Kleijn

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch producer and DJ hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is known mostly for his electronic dance music, but nowadays also produces music for other media, such as television series, commercials, movie trailers and animations. 

Slow Club

Slow Club are an English duo formed in Sheffield in 2006. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, with Watson contributing piano, Taylor contributing drums, and both performing guitar and vocals.

Single Cask Special!

We have some amazing single cask expressions in stock here at The Whisky Shop. From an impressive Single Grain Scotch aged for half a century to a relatively sprightly 8 year old Single Malt Scotch, these whiskies are all limited to just a couple of hundred bottles.

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available (selected lines only)

Invergordon 50 Year Old The Sovereign

This expression from the Whyte & Mackay owned Invergordon Distillery has seen 9 different Prime Ministers during its 50 year maturation! Bottled at 50% abv, non chill-filtered and free from artifical colouring, this is a grown up drink with only 261 bottles produced. The nose is sweet and mellow with vanilla, sherbet and shortbread. The palate is fruity and effervescent with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla, while the finish is long and dry with sweet fruits and oak.

£845 Buy It Now

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Distiller’s Art

This Lowlands Single Malt was distilled in 2003 and matured for 12 years in a single refill hogshead before being bottled in 2015 at a strength of 48% abv. This expression from the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank is non chill-filtered, natural coloured and, with only 257 bottles produced, a rare and unique take on the usual Auchentoshan 12 year old.

£76 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bunnahabhain 26 Year Old

Hailing from Islay’s most northerly distillery, this expression of Bunnahabhain Single Malt from Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range has been aged for an impressive 26 years in a refill hogshead. Bottled at 50% abv, this single cask offering is non chill-filtered with no added colouring, with just 132 bottles produced. A sweet nose offers sticky toffee, green apples and vanilla, while the palate is indulgent with caramel shortbread and chocolate orange notes. The finish is long and lingering with a lasting oak influence.

£200 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bruichladdich 12 Year Old

Another Islay offering from Glasgow-based Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range, this 12 year old expression from the Bruichladdich Distillery is non chill-filtered and presented with its natural colour at 50% abv. Limited to just 284 bottles. The nose is full of tangy apples and sultanas with a hint of butterscotch. The palate offers sticky toffee pudding with a lemon peel edge cutting through. The finish is long and satisfying with sweet dried fruit lingering.

£95 Buy It Now

Inchgower 8 Year Old Douglas of Drumlanrig

This single cask expression from the Inchgower Distillery was distilled in 2008 before being matured in red wine finished barrels for 8 years. Bottled earlier this year at 46% abv, this Speyside Single Malt is limited to only 429 bottles. The nose has strawberry, vanilla and hints of toffee. The palate is malty and robust with fruit an oak notes, while the finish has red fruits and sweet oak lingering on.

£60 Buy It Now

Woodford Reserve 1L The Party Source Private Barrel! – We were sad when the Woodford Double Oaked private barrel program was suspended, but we’re elated that Woodford Reserve opened up a private barrel program for their flagship Woodford Reserve Bourbon! It’s smooth and sweet and everything you love about Woodford, but with a little more stuffin’. Stop by when the Tasting Library is open and ask J.O. for a taste.

Golden Moon – We received another shipment from what is quite possibly our favorite Colorado Distillery. Everything they make it top shelf. New Golden Moon Spirits include: Ex Gratia  – think Chartreuse, Grappa – from fresh CO wine grape pressings, Gunfighter American Bourbon Double Cask – finished in Port casks, Gunfighter Rye Double Cask  – finished in Port barrels, and finally the Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt – only malted barley from CO and surrounding states is distilled and aged in new oak casks and then finished in used oak casks.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Triticale – Here’s the newest in Jim Beam’s Signature Craft series. Triticale is a hybrid grain produced from a cross of rye and wheat. The rye is most prominent on the nose with notes of many baking spices. On the palate however, the wheat shines through more with notes of apples, vanilla, and chocolate.

Dalmore 18yr – The first 14yrs were spent in American oak casks, then four years in two different sized sherry barrels. The result is a rich, complex, and wholly excellent Highland Single Malt Whisky. There are lots of chocolaty and citrusy qualities found in this delightful bottle.

Ardbeg Dark Cove – Here’s a real treat. It has been aged in dark sherry barrels and is Ardbeg’s darkest malt yet. Packed with flavors both fruit and earth, sweet and spice, all with a nice smoky backbone, any Islay lover would be remiss to not try this limited release.

Ardbeg 10yr with Uigedail and Corryvrecken 50ml sample bottles! – What better way to restock your Ardbeg 10yr than to get this gift pack that lets you try two of their other selections?  Compass Box – two special limited and special releases from Compass Box just came in.

Enlightenment had only 5,922 bottles produced, is a blend of fruity and floral Highland Single Malts, and is $78.99.

The Circus had only 2,490 bottles produced, are a harmonious blend of well-aged single malts that were then blended and aged, and is $239.99

FATHER’S DAY IDEAS

Child: “Dad, I’m hungry.” Father: “Hello Hungry, I’m Dad.” Check out the items below that any spirited father would be happy to receive in recognition of hard work, serious talks, enlightening life lessons, and Dad jokes.

Check it out:

For the Bourbon Loving Father 

Maker’s Mark The Party Source Private Select #2

Russell’s Reserve The Party Source Private Barrel

OKI Reserve 10yr Bourbon

For the Scotch Loving Father

Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt

AD Rattray Ben Nevis 17yr

Longrow Red 12yr

www.thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Aberlour 25 Year Old 1990 Old & Rare

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Young entrepreneur brings bespoke whisky experiences to the world’s whisky lovers 

Whisky tourism in Scotland is big business, with around 120 active whisky distilleries, 40 more in the pipeline and distillery visitor numbers reaching upwards of 1.5 million per year.

However, there’s a lack of services providing a personal connection between whisky tourists and the distilleries. With the industry looking to find innovative new ways to encourage whisky tourism in Scotland, whisky PR manager, Kirsty MacGeoch, has created the missing link between the distilleries and the visitors, with the launch of luxury whisky experience service, Whisky Co.

Based in Edinburgh and supported by RBS’ Entrepreneurial Spark start-up business accelerator, Whisky Co. connects people to Scotland’s distilleries through tailored whisky experiences.

Whisky Co. creates bespoke itineraries, individually suited to guests’ requirements and books all aspects of their trip, from transfers to tastings, with a focus on luxury. Whisky Co. has all whisky lovers covered, from the novice to the connoisseur.

Hailing from Scotland’s whisky capital, Speyside, Kirsty has created and hosted many VIP distillery trips for iconic whisky brands over the past 5 years. This experience, alongside booking spontaneous tours and transport for guests staying at her parent’s former guesthouse in Cardhu, gave Kirsty the idea to establish a tailored whisky experience service available to all;

“Whisky is a huge Scottish success story, but there’s a missing link between the distilleries and the whisky lovers coming to visit.  

“Everyone has a different taste when it comes to whisky and it’s the same when it comes to holidays. Whisky Co. stands for Whisky Connections, as that’s exactly what we do, provide that connection between the distilleries and the tourists. 

“I’ve always felt that there wasn’t a luxury, personalised service available to the public that offered something special to visitors. Whisky Co. is here to do that, by providing extra-special whisky experiences based on exactly what the customer wants, rather than providing just another pre-packaged whisky holiday. 

“I wanted to share my knowledge of Scotch and Scotland with the world to ensure visitors get the best out of what our country and its wonderful whisky have to offer.” 

Due to the bespoke nature of the trips, all prices are available on request.

Whisky Co. also make trip recommendations and can provide an itinerary only service.

Begin your whisky journey with Whisky Co here: http://www.thewhiskyco.co.uk/

Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Look no further!

You’ve now got no excuse not to get your Dad a great present this Sunday – get yourself 2 tickets to a Whisky Lounge festival and avoid the rush of last minute shoppers, no waiting in line, instant delivery and only good times to be had!

Each ticket includes entry to the festival, a Glencairn tasting glass, water (for obvious purposes), The Festival Guide and all whiskies sampled in the main hall….

Take a look below at our upcoming festivals and click on the ticket link to get yours for an unforgettable day out with Dad.

Can’t make a festival or looking for something a bit more personal? Take a look here at our other events around the UK including tastings, blending workshops and whisky schools or check out our special Father’s Day offer on TWL bottlings below…

DATES, LOCATIONS AND TICKETS

 June 18th Brighton Festival, Brighton Dome : Buy Tickets

June 25th Edinburgh Whisky Solstice Assembly Rooms: Buy Tickets

September 3rd Liverpool Festival The Crypt : Buy Tickets

September 10th Yorkshire Festival York Racecourse : Buy Tickets

October 22nd Manchester Festival Town Hall : Buy Tickets

November 12th Birmingham Festival Birmingham Council House : Buy Tickets

Sláinte

Eddie, Amanda, Joe, Olly and the whole Whisky Lounge Team!

Delve into our Father’s Day drinks cabinet and pick out the perfect gift for your Dad. From an Orkney classic malt to a luxury Islay whisky, there’s a dram for the whisky connoisseur or the newcomer to the water of life.

The perfect introduction… 

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal malt for Dads who are fans of flavour with a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old (ABV 40%) is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

The Macallan Gold

With vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose and citrus, ginger and cinnamon on the palate, the first expression in the 1824 Series is truly a special way to treat your Dad this Father’s Day. The Macallan Gold (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose (RRP £35). www.themacallan.co.uk/ 

The Ardmore Legacy

The Ardmore Legacy is a full-bodied and smooth dram with a dry, spicy and long-lasting finish. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices with a pleasant smoky taste, The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction for Dads to peated single malt whisky. Legacy (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). www.ardmorewhisky.com/

Laphroaig Select

Laphroaig Select is the ideal gift for Dads who are fans of the unique peaty character offered in any of Laphroaig’s signature expressions. Laphroaig Select offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Laphroaig Select (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Morrisons, www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ and www.masterofmalt.com/ (RRP £34.99). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore Small Batch

Bowmore Small Batch is exclusively matured in first and second fill ex-bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, exhibiting the best qualities of both. This combination of sweetness, subtle spices and peaty smokiness leads to a more intense peated experience.  Bowmore Small Batch (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Sainsbury’s and Tesco (RRP £33). www.bowmore.com/

Something special…

Highland Park Dark Origins

The latest edition to Highland Park’s core range, Dark Origins offers a naturally dark, rich flavour with sherried spice, a chocolate twist and the signature sweet smoke that fans of the Orcadian elixir have come to know and love. Highland Park Dark Origins (ABV 46.8%) is available in multiple retailers including Waitrose and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £65). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Laphroaig Lore

Launched in March 2016, Laphroaig Lore promises to be the full-bodied, full-flavoured whisky that has come to be expected of Laphroaig. Known as the richest of the rich this new expression is wonderfully peaty with a chilli bite, and is ideal for Dads who are fans of Laphroaig’s peaty characteristics. Laphroaig Lore (ABV 48%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including Hedonism and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £85). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest

Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that makes Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’, one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores. The rich, deep colour and warming finish are reflected in its name. Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (ABV 43%) is available in multiple retailers including Fortnum & Mason and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £54).   www.bowmore.com/ 

A piece of luxury…

      The Macallan Rare Cask

With a rich mahogany red hue, The Macallan Rare Cask showcases two of The Macallan’s greatest strengths, exceptional oak casks and natural colour. Soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose. On the palate, a spicy quartet of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove before vanilla and chocolate lead the finale. The Macallan Rare Cask (ABV 43%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop (RRP £200). www.themacallan.co.uk/

Notes 

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, The Ardmore and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk Please enjoy our brands responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk