Scotch Whiskymaker Compass Box Releases Smoky Sherried Sibling to the Award-Winning Great King Street Artist’s Blend  

“There is no Blended Scotch whisky quite like this.”

John Glaser – Compass Box Founder & Whiskymaker 

GLASGOW BLEND is the second permanent whisky to be introduced to the Great King Street range of innovative, small-batch Blended Scotch whiskies from Compass Box.

Glasgow Blend will be available from mid-October in UK and Europe, and from November 1st onwards in the US, North America and all key international Compass Box markets. It will be priced at around £30 in the UK and €36 in Europe for a 50cl format (with stylish red gift tube), and $45 and $25 in the US for the 750ml and 375ml formats respectively (without a gift tube).

The Great King Street range is dedicated to applying a contemporary approach to the creation of Blended Scotch Whiskies in the full-flavoured style of the late 19th century blending houses. To this, they lend a 21st century sense of exploration and innovation for which Compass Box is known. The range takes its name from 24 Great King Street, the company’s registered address in Edinburgh since John Glaser started the business in 2000. Great King Street Scotch whiskies lend themselves to a variety of usages—they can be enjoyed neat, with ice and a splash of water, served as a classic Highball, or as a key ingredient in cocktails.

John Glaser adds, “Over a year in the making, the ‘Glasgow Blend’ involved the creation of over 100 recipe prototypes before we finalised it. We’ve been trying to make a Blended Scotch whisky like no other on the market today, something based on the traditional Scotch whisky styles of peatiness and sherry cask aging, but reinterpreted for today’s drinkers who seek out big flavours, complexity and fullness on the palate.  This is full-on Blended Scotch whisky, in all its sherry-aged, peaty glory, classic in style, updated for today with its flavour intensity and sweetness – part owing to the grain whiskies, part owing to the small amount of French oak finished malt.  There is no Blended Scotch Whisky quite like this.” 

In his 1930 book ‘Whisky’, Aeneas MacDonald mentions that Glaswegians historically preferred fuller bodied and more flavour-packed whiskies than people in other parts of the world. So what better name for a whisky such as this? For decades, The Wellington Statue, outside Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, has been cheekily topped by a traffic cone, something the local population has taken to heart as a symbol of their sense of humour. It has become one of Glasgow’s most iconic images, and graces the label for the Glasgow Blend. 

ABOUT GLASGOW BLEND

Glasgow Blend has been created to provide a very different expression of the Great King Street house style. While the whiskies share the same moreishness, creaminess and approachability, Artist’s Blend is fruity, spicy and packed with vanilla, while Glasgow Blend is rich, round smoky and sherried. Glasgow Blend offers a rich vein of peaty-smokiness underpinned by sherry cask-aged whiskies full of dried fruit and wine character.  The palate is full and round, with a sweetness typical of whiskies from Comapss Box. It is made from approximately 67% malt whisky from the regions of Islay, the Highlands and Speyside and 33% Lowland grain whisky from a Fife distillery. It is aged in a combination of first-fill Sherry casks, first-fill and refill ex-Bourbon barrels with a small portion of new French oak finishing. It is bottled at the traditional bottling strength of 43%, is not chill-filtered and is a natural colour..

ABOUT JOHN GLASER

American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000.  Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch. Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality, innovation and style in the industry.

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)

The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser. Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world.  A five-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box Signature Range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism.  They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion. In 2011 they launched a groundbreaking range of Blended Scotch whiskies called Great King Street. The first was called Artist’s Blend with a second, Glasgow Blend, released in October 2014.

CHIVAS REGAL SHOWS SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

WHO WIN THE RIGHT WAY 

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched The Venture – a global search for the most promising social entrepreneurs: those with businesses or ideas that use enterprise and innovation as a force for good.

‘The Venture’ is an international fund which provides aspiring social entrepreneurs with $1 million of financial assistance, global exposure for their company or idea and support from world-famous business mentors. Chivas Regal will support those who aim to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others by providing mentorship and financial backing.

Up to 20 new social entrepreneurs from different countries will be invited to a week-long, training-camp in Silicon Valley, California – home to some of the world’s leading start-ups. These finalists will have the opportunity to meet leading technology companies, be mentored by experts, and to pitch for a portion of the $1 million in funding to take their business to the next level.

The most exciting businesses with the potential to succeed ‘the right way’ will be showcased on a new dedicated website, www.TheVenture.com. From April 2015, the public will be able to support their favourite ideas by voting and donating through the website. The site will also feature short documentaries about social entrepreneurs from around the world, providing insights into their success as well as daily articles with advice and features about the business of ‘doing good’.

The launch of The Venture coincides with the release of one of the most comprehensive independent reports ever conducted on the growing relevance of social entrepreneurship around the world. Commissioned by Chivas Regal, the report is entitled Redefining Success in a Changing World and has been co-authored by experts from the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, says: “We have always valued entrepreneurship, and generosity is at the heart of Chivas, so supporting those who use their success to create value for others feels like a natural fit. We are committing significant resources through The Venture to find and support the most inspiring social entrepreneurs around the world, and hope that each of those businesses will inspire other entrepreneurs to use business as a force for good, creating a growing movement with real momentum behind it.”

Helping to launch The Venture is the next instalment of the successful Live with Chivalry campaign – Win the Right Way – a series of advertisements and short films that deliver a powerful provocation for social entrepreneurs around the world. Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (of 12 Years a Slave fame); Golden Globe nominated actor and singer Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) and Winner of Best Actor Silver Bear at Berlin International Film Festival 2014 Liao Fan star as the story-tellers in the different language version of the film, introducing the stories of social entrepreneurs from around the world and calling on others to follow their lead.

The promotional short films can be viewed from today at www.TheVenture.com, with further information about the competition plus interviews with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liao Fan and inspiring business leaders all featured on the website.

Win the Right Way aims to inspire a new generation to achieve success whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others and is the latest instalment of Chivas Regal’s successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which launched in 2008.

Notes:

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 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 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The latest instalment of the Live With Chivalry campaign, entitled Win The Right Way, aims to inspire a new generation to achieve success 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.

www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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

TWO BOURBONS FROM BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY WIN MEDALS AT 2014 NEW YORK WORLD WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 14, 2014) –The results from the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition have been announced and two of Barton 1792 Distillery’s bourbons have won medals.

A silver medal has been awarded to 1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a bronze medal has been awarded to Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

“These results are very exciting,” Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, said. “We are delighted to have fared so well with such an esteemed panel of judges.”

The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition is one of the largest competitions for the retail beverage industry and has attracted top professional judges from broad spectrum of expertise. Considered the “Triple Crown of Competitions,” along with The San Francisco International Wine Competition and The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the competition is judged each year in New York City.

Complete results of the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition are available at http://www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, a family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent Best of Category winner at the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

Gordon & MacPhail Ultra Collection

Four extremely rare Speyside whiskies chosen jointly by members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family have been released under the prestigious Private Collection Ultra by Gordon & MacPhail and 1 of each is available from The Whisky Shop Dufftown priced at £6250.  They all have the same bottle number if the set is required.

To see the full range at The Whisky Shop Dufftown go to:

http://www.whiskyshopdufftown.com/2014/10/gordon-macphail-ultra-collection/

The whiskies are:

• A 61 Year Old Linkwood, the oldest ever released, from cask No.279, selected by retired director Rosemary Rankin and her son Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of UK Sales,
• A 62 Year Old Glenlivet initially matured in first fill Hogshead before being transferred to another first fill Hogshead in January 1969, selected by retired Managing Director Ian Urquhart, his son Neil, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Logistics and Facilities, and daughter Jenny Houldsworth, who is a Non-Executive Director of the company.

• A 63 Year Old Mortlach from the company’s last cask of 1951 Mortlach, selected by retired Joint Managing Director David Urquhart and his twin sons Stuart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Whisky Supply Manager, and Richard, Export Sales Executive.
• A 57 Year Old Strathisla, the oldest ever released, selected by current Managing Director Michael Urquhart and his daughter Laura Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail Brand Manager.

The four whiskies in the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultra are presented in beautifully-designed decanters, individually numbered, with the whisky details engraved and in-filled with silver colour. A silver-plated neck collar and stopper adorns each decanter.

Wood, metal and glass are combined in a striking and innovative way to protect and display the whisky; the decanter nestles in a glass-bottomed pack, revealing a hint of the whisky colour.

A series of four books by whisky writer Jonny McCormick, one for each of the whiskies, tells the story of Gordon & MacPhail and the whisky and regales the reader with tales of origins and ancestry, of people, place and belonging.

Canada – Other Spirits

• Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve Canadian Whisky 750ml – 10 available ($23.99)

• Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve Canadian Whisky 750ml (ships as 1.5L due to bottle shape) – 4 available ($46.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• High West K&L Single Barrel Rendezvous Rye Whiskey 750ml ($69.99)

• Hooker’s House Bourbon 750ml ($35.99)

• Peach Street Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml – 10 available ($62.99)

• Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon 1.75L (ships as 6L champagne) – 3 available ($89.99)

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

Kilchoman Original Cask Strength 2014 Release

Kilchoman Original Cask Strength, a vatting of ex-bourbon barrels aged for 5 years. This special edition release has been bottled at cask strength, 59.2% abv.

£65.90
(£54.92 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Kilchoman Original Cask Strength

IRISH DISTILLERS WELCOMES THE PUBLIC TO THE IRISH WHISKEY ACADEMY 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is opening the doors to its acclaimed Irish Whiskey Academy to the general public for the first time, with in-depth courses available to spirits enthusiasts from December this year.

The Irish Whiskey Academy, which was unveiled to the trade in September 2013, aims to improve understanding about the quality and provenance of Irish whiskey by teaching visitors about all aspects of the production process, the flavour profile of the different styles available and the category’s rich and colourful history.

A range of courses are available depending on the individual’s level of knowledge, with the first ‘Enthusiasts’ course taking place between 1^st – 2^nd December 2014. Led by David McCabe, Irish Distillers’ International Whiskey Ambassador and first Academy Tutor, participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the distillery team, learn about brewing, fermentation, distillation and blending, watch a live cooperage demonstration and enjoy a tutored whiskey tasting with one of the production Masters.  As part of the package, participants will stay in five star accommodation, visit one of the area’s finest restaurants and at the end of the course, they will receive a personalised bottle of Irish whiskey. The two-day course can be booked online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com and costs €1,199.

One-day ‘Discoverer’ courses, for those who have minimal knowledge about Irish whiskeys but want to learn more, are available from February 2015 while four-hour afternoon courses are available from November this year. Bookings for all courses can be made online at www.irishwhiskeyacademy.com now.

Courses will be tailored to focus on specific brands within Irish Distillers’ family of whiskeys, which includes Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection, including the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton such as Green Spot and Redbreast, and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

The Irish Whiskey Academy is the latest initiative from Irish Distillers as it continues its commitment to sustain growth of the Irish whiskey category worldwide.

David Byrne, Head of Brand Education & Visitor Centres at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “After years of planning, we’re delighted to finally be welcoming whiskey fans from around the world to the Irish Whiskey Academy in Midleton, the home of Irish Distillers. As the first of its kind, the Academy heralds a new era of knowledge and understanding of Irish whiskey and we look forward to welcoming people to Midleton and helping them to discover the heritage and unique flavour profile that Irish whiskeys have to offer.”

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard since July 2014, added: “The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy represents a proud moment for the Irish Whiskey category, and for Irish Distillers and Pernod Ricard in particular. The company has been largely responsible for the resurgence and dynamic global growth of the Irish whiskey category in the last two decades and we’re fully committed to continuing this growth. The opening of the Irish Whiskey Academy is a clear demonstration of both our confidence in the future of Irish whiskey and our commitment to driving sustainable category growth through investment and innovation, and we’re hopeful that it will prove to be popular with spirits fans and trade professionals alike the world over.”

NOTES

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy which celebrated its centenary in 2013; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

www.irishdistillers.ie 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. 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 & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization 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 the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Teeling Whiskey Single Minded Approach to Expanding Irish Whiskey

Unique bottling of Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey is released

The Teeling Whiskey Company, Ireland’s leading Independent Irish whiskey company, has released a new bottling of Single Malt Irish whiskey, one of only a handful of such expressions in the world.

Teeling Single Malt is the third release in the Premium range of Teeling expressions completing their full range of non-aged statement Irish whiskeys. To add a unique depth of character and flavour, Teeling Single Malt consists of aged Malt whiskey up to 23 years old that has been matured in five different wine casks including Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination of cask maturation techniques has never been done before in Irish whiskey and creates a truly innovative Irish whiskey bursting with personality.

This special combination of casks creates a very distinctive, rich colour while imparting a vibrant and balanced flavour of dry fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves. The proprietary maturation and vatting technique produces a very special Irish whiskey of distinctive character while still being remarkably easy to drink. Like all the Teeling whiskeys, it is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration allowing for all the natural flavours of the whiskey to be retained.

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “We are delighted to be able to release another expression of Teeling whiskey that helps expand consumer choice and challenge existing perceptions of Irish whiskey. Our new Teeling Single Malt proves Irish whiskey can have big bold flavours that appeal to Single Malt drinkers without losing its distinctive Irish identity.”

The Teeling family whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 and Walter Teeling, who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties. Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, are just the latest Generation of Teelings involved in the Irish whiskey industry and have broken ground on their new Dublin distillery in Newmarket, Dublin 8 which is scheduled to come on stream in early 2015.

About the Teeling Whiskey Company

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded by Jack Teeling in 2012 to bring back an independent voice to the Irish whiskey category. The Teeling Whiskey Company aims to be Ireland’s leading independent Irish whiskey producer driving category choice and innovation through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys.

The Teeling family established the Cooley Distillery in 1987 – the first Irish whiskey distillery set up in Ireland in over 100 years. However the family’s whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 with Walter Teeling who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties.

Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, continue the Teeling entrepreneurial spirit and, while initially starting out as an Independent bottler, they are in the process of building the first new Dublin distillery in over 125 years to guarantee the future supply of whiskey and ensure they control the distilling process from grain to bottle.

Teeling Whiskey reviving the Spirit of Dublin.

www.teelingwhiskey.com

www.facebook.com/TeelingWhiskeyCompany

www.twitter.com/teelingwhiskey

Bulleit 10 is Tom Bulleit’s selected reserve. Aged in charred American white oak, select Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for 10 years. The result is a special expression of Bulleit that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience.

$49.99 – $37.99

FLAVOUR HUNT: GOING OUT WITH A BANG

We’ve tracked down some elusive flavours and had fun matching Society drams with wild game but it’s nearly time to turn back towards the lodge as Whisky and Game Season draws to a close. Snare yourself one of the last few catches of the season before they disappear back into the undergrowth…

Young & spritely loves woodcock
64.56

A husky hairy lumberjack

£47.10

Sweet, fruity & mellow loves mallard
117.3

Hubba-bubba, mango and Monstera

£335.00

Spicy & sweet loves hare
48.51

Grapefruit, monkfish, manzanilla!

£44.70

Spicy & dry loves grouse
9.83

Tiger Balm, Limoncello and scented candles

£100.00

Deep, rich & dried fruits loves roe deer
39.100

Exotic contradictions

£87.20

Old & dignified: LAST WEEK 10% OFF

Light & delicate loves red deer
50.58

A seesaw of spring cleaning and scones!

£99.60

Juicy, oak & vanilla loves partridge
36.79

Welcoming and comforting

£53.00

Oily & coastal loves rabbit
3.232

An Outdoor Life for Me

£73.80

Lightly peated loves guinea fowl
31.27

Bold sailor’s dram

£95.00

Heavily peated loves wild boar
53.200

A day at the beach

£71.70

Browse New Outturn
Browse All Bottlings

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