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

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center is celebrating its 10^th anniversary Oct. 15 with the release of a commerative Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon and a number of special events.

The center, at Heaven Hill headquarters in Bardstown, Ky., opened ten years ago to critical acclaim and fanfare for its captivating telling of the bourbon story through educational and historical displays, one-of-a-kind tastings and distinctive architecture. More than 60,000 people visit the center a year, enjoying daily tours that give behind-the-scenes access and insight to the bourbon making process.

To mark this historic anniversary, a special 2004 Vintage Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be purchased exclusively at the center. There are only 215 bottles available selling for $100 each. The bourbon was barreled on Oct. 15, 2004 — the first day the center opened. It is 110 proof, as opposed to the standard 86.6 proof in other Evan Williams Single Barrel bottles. The bottles are dipped in silver wax and feature an attractive “Bourbon Heritage Center 10th Anniversary” label.

Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira will sign bottles at the center 10:15 a.m.-noon, Sat., Oct. 18. Refreshments that incorporate Evan Williams and Elijah Craig sauces and spices will be served at the center throughout the day from Oct. 15-18. Visitors will enjoy 10 percent off all products in the Retail Shop, except bourbon, on those days as well.

The center is one of nine stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which drew a record 571,701 visitors last year.

“We’re extremely proud of the experiences we’ve created for visitors throughout the years at the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown and now at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville,” said Max L. Shapira, Heaven Hill President. “Through these facilities, people from all over the world have come to know and love the tradition of bourbon. That’s a benefit for the state of Kentucky and the whole bourbon industry.”

The Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center is at 1311 Gilkey Run Road in Bardstown. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 502-337-1000 or visit www.bourbonheritagecenter.com.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection awarded Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. today with the 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award, a top honor in the department’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

The award is meant to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their exemplary efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources and set an example of environmental stewardship for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and operated producer of distilled spirits, was nominated for strides the company has made in recycling and conservation of water and electricity since becoming a member of the DEP’s KY Excel program in 2011.

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees who have worked diligently to adopt sustainable practices and help Heaven Hill become an environmental leader in the state and the spirits industry,” said Allan Latts, Heaven Hill Chief Operating Officer.

More than 600 employees work at Heaven Hill and the company has six different facilities in Louisville and Bardstown, including corporate offices, a distillery and the largest distilled spirits warehouse in the U.S.

Since introducing an innovative recycling program at all its locations, Heaven Hill has recycled more than 1,859 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The program began with a careful assessment of materials that could be recycled at the Bardstown plant, which bottles more than 12 million cases of spirits a year. Employees were educated about the importance of recycling and offered inducements to participate. The program was so enthusiastically received, employees began bringing items from home to recycle, as many live in communities where residential pickup isn’t available. Heaven Hill built a facility for employees to store and sort those items.

In 2010, Heaven Hill cut its electricity usage for lighting in half at its warehouse by installing energy efficient light fixtures. This year, the company recouped an additional 12 percent savings in electricity usage by installing LED lights in offices and occupancy sensors around Bardstown facilities. The company also built a retention basin to store and recycle water at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, cutting water usage for the cooling tower there by 60 percent.

“The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth’s environment. Through this awards program, we have an opportunity to recognize some of the environmental leaders in Kentucky and use their achievements as examples to others,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “These awards highlight and honor the strong commitment to environmental stewardship.”

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Garden House Midleton

The Gateway to Distilleries – Illustrated Distillery-Guide upgraded – 

The Gateway to Distilleries

Illustrated Encyclopedic Distillery-Guide upgraded 

The ultimate photographic professional free guide to distilling whisky. More than 140 distilleries are illustrated and described in full detail by thousands of pictures.

“Join in a comprehensive journey to the distilleries of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Mainland Europe and Asia. Meet the people behind the labels and learn more about the making of whisk(e)y,” says the editor Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner.

„…we are talking lots of great images,“ Ingvar Ronde wrote in his Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015. The Gateway to Distilleries refers to historic aspects of whisky distilling and explains details of production methods. The quality of information may give whisky enthusiasts a detailed understanding of distilling whisky. People of the industry may study and virtually visit neighbouring distilleries. The presentation is accompanied with a host of information on historic and cultural highlights.

A full list of independent bottlers, whisky festivals and whisky literature is also offered to the reader. Portraits of people in the whisky industry make for a complete personal presentation.

It is an excellent teaching website about the whisk(e)y industry.

“The definitive virtual distillery tour – of a stunning number of distilleries. An unbelievable resource…” The Coopered Tot

“Your website is very impressive!” www.liquidirish.com

See: The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net

Contact: info@whisky-distilleries.net

From the nice people at the Dundee Literary Festival;

“We’d love to let people know about an event we’ve got coming up next week with Ian Buxton. He’s appearing at the Dundee Literary Festival to talk about the rarest whiskies in the world and to give people a taste of some of them! The event is at 7pm, 23rd October and tickets are £5 and £3 – go to www.literarydundee.co.uk to book!”

BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES

BOWMORE® SMALL BATCH 

The Taste of Islay encapsulated in Bowmore® Scotch Whisky’s latest addition to its core range 

Islay, Scotland  (October 9, 2014) – Bowmore, the first distillery on Islay established in 1779, is proud to introduce its latest expression – Bowmore® Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky – a perfect and accessible embodiment of the Taste of Islay. The distillery has used its centuries-long experience to create a perfect combination of flavors that encapsulate Scotch from Islay, known as the Queen of the Hebrides.

Exclusively matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, Small Batch evokes the Islay house character of gentle peat smoke, salt, citrus and vanilla. Considered by many to be among the most well-balanced whiskies, Bowmore Small Batch makes for a wonderful dram for those wanting to experience an Islay single malt.

Rachel Barrie, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Master Blender, says, “If I could select only one dram to transport an enthusiast to Islay, it would be Small Batch. No one liquid better showcases the tranquility and elegance of the Island.”

Crafted from two different types of bourbon cask which are married together, Small Batch exhibits the best qualities of both: First-fill ex-bourbon casks imparts a delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and a bourbon-style oak smoke, created by charring of the barrel in the bourbon production process. The second-fill ex-bourbon casks impart fruit and salty flavors which enhance Bowmore Scotch Whisky’s fresh fruity complexity and its trademark honey and creamy malt character. The result is a single malt that is exceptionally balanced between salt and sweetness. Visit here to watch a short animation about the making of Bowmore Small Batch.

Bowmore Small Batch is available nationwide in the US now and will be released globally as well. It will be a permanent addition to the Bowmore core range of Scotch whiskies and will retail for a suggested $39.99/750ml.

Tasting Notes – Bowmore Small Batch Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV

On the eye: warm gold

Breathe in: vanilla fudge, sea air and peat smoke, balanced beautifully by honeycomb and cinnamon spice

Sip: mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness and vanilla with flakes of coconut

Savor: the wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla and lime finish

THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt.  Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.

ABOUT BOWMORE

The award-winning Bowmore portfolio includes Bowmore Small Batch, 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old Darkest, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old in addition to special limited-edition bottlings such as Bowmore Black, White, Gold, Bowmore 40 Year Old and more. Bowmore is available nationwide in the U.S. and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Bowmore portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Beam Suntory Inc. For more information about Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky, please visit: www.bowmore.com, www.facebook.com/bowmore, @Bowmore1779 on Twitter.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Glentauchers 2008 5 Year Old Dimensions Cask 900535 55.2% ABV | 70cl

The Dimension Collection from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited is an outstanding range of single malt and single grain whiskies from across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Released in small batches, these unique expressions from renowned and lesser known distilleries offer a comprehensive overview of Duncan Taylor’s award winning portfolio. Neither chill filtered nor coloured, only the finest whiskies are selected for inclusion in the Dimensions Collection, ensuring that each release represents the true multi-dimensional character of the distillery and delivers the company ethos: Whisky Without Compromise.

Established in 1938, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited are specialist independent whisky merchants who hold one of the world’s largest private collections of vintage single malt and single grain Scotch whiskies. Using only the finest oak casks, Duncan Taylor lays down whiskies that are only bottled upon meeting rigorous standards of quality, ensuring optimum dimensions of character and flavour for the whisky enthusiast.

The balance of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is central to Duncan Taylor’s award winning reputation is evident in complexity and depth of each release in the Dimensions Collection.

Price: £40.83 ex VAT  £49.00 inc VAT

Win a bottle of Kilchoman 

AW Exclusive – Single Cask Whisky!

We recently launched our very own cask of Kilchoman! The response and feedback by customers, whisky writers and blogs worldwide has been incredible! Obviously we agree wholeheartedly with everything that has been said, it’s a fantastic dram…

Anyway… We thought it was only fair to share the love so we’ve decided to give away a bottle of this stunning Islay whisky to one lucky winner!

It couldn’t be easier to enter… all you have to do is head across to Facebook and ‘like’ the Abbey Whisky page – ‘Like and share’ the competition post and answer the following question…

Which distillery on Islay has the following slogan on the front of their whisky bottles? –

“Islay’s Farm Distillery”

Competition closes 23.59 (GMT) on Tuesday 21st October 2014. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and revealed on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.

After reading just a few of the wonderful reviews below and you just can’t hold off any longer – don’t fear! – head across to our online whisky shop and pick yourself up a bottle or two… Be quick though, only 270 bottles were filled from single cask 285/09…

A little bit about Kilchoman Distillery and also our exclusive single cask release… (Kilchoman cask 285/09)

Established in 2005, Kilchoman distillery holds true to tradition, it’s one of only a handful of distilleries to still practice floor maltings; they even grow their own barley! We’ve always greatly admired Islay’s farm distillery and what it stands for, so to team up and release this wonderful dram makes us incredibly proud indeed!

Kilchoman Cask #285/09 has been matured for over four and a half years in a fresh bourbon barrel before being transferred to a Pedro Ximénez cask for a further four months maturation. The PX finish on this release works a treat, softening things down a little but still allowing the dram to hold the traditional taste & characteristics you would expect from a Kilchoman whisky of this age. A perfect combination.

Bottled at cask strength, 58.3% vol with 270 bottles filled…

For full T&C’s head across to our whisky blog here

Good luck – Sláinte

Introducing The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

The Glenlivet has collaborated with designer Gareth Neal to create The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair, an outstanding piece of contemporary craft. Gareth Neal is an award-winning designer and furniture maker who creates remarkable pieces using natural materials. His style is rooted in exploring and redefining traditions which makes him our perfect choice to craft The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair.

The Dram Chair is designed to highlight the artisanal methods used to produce Nàdurra. Taking his influences from the 19th century processes, Gareth has crafted the chair entirely by hand using premium oak, copper and leather which echo the natural materials found in our distillery and Nàdurra casks.

The much anticipated full reveal of The Dram Chair takes place on 22nd October. In the meantime, enjoy our introductory film for a privileged peek at this exceptional collaboration inspired by the most natural expression.

Watch Gareth introduce The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

Discover more about Gareth Neal

BEAM SUNTORY NAMES DAVID WILSON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Madrid, Spain, October 9, 2014 – Beam Suntory Inc., one of the world’s leading spirits companies, has appointed David Wilson as Managing Director of Global Travel Retail. Wilson took up his new position Oct. 1, reporting to Albert Baladi, president of Beam Suntory’s Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region.

The announcement follows a strategic review of the global travel retail market segment by Beam Suntory leadership, which has resulted in a sharpened focus on developing and growing this dynamic and strategically important channel.

“Beam Suntory is now the No. 3 spirits company in the world, with an advantaged portfolio in key categories and an unmatched global premium whiskeys portfolio,” Baladi said. “We are committed to investing and growing our brands in the strategic travel retail channel. David brings proven leadership skills and expertise in premium brand building on a global stage, which will add real value to developing our vision.”

Wilson has held a number of senior marketing and commercial roles within the spirits industry during his career, most recently as Sales and Marketing Director of Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), now part of the Beam Suntory family. David served in that position for the last five years, leading the strategic repositioning and strong growth of MBD’s single malt portfolio.

“I am delighted to be joining the Beam Suntory team at this time, to lead the next chapter for our GTR business,” Wilson added. “I have spent a significant part of my career building and growing premium brands and I very much look forward to working with our retail partners to develop our mutual businesses.”