Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.
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Canadian Malt Maniac Nabil Mailloux has written an excellent E-pistle about the Spirits of Kingston 2014 Festival that was almost but not quite overshadowed by Olympic ice hockey.
Please click HERE to read the article
www.ralfy.com has been buying a few of yesterdays whiskies with Whisky Review 447 – Whiskies I bought at auctions.
New Look Benromach unveiled
Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has unveiled a new look for its flagship Benromach 10 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as the brand continues its strong growth in the domestic and overseas markets.
The new packaging reflects the handcrafted credentials of the single malt whisky which is made in the traditional, time honoured way by just three experienced distillers at the Benromach Distillery on Speyside.
Michael Urquhart Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery Co. Ltd, explained the thinking behind the change: “We wanted our new packaging to reflect the way we make our whisky. Our 10yo has a classic pre-1960s character which arises from the sum of all its parts used to create it. Every cask is hand-filled, hand weighed and hand-stamped before maturing in our traditional dunnage warehouses.
“The new packaging reflects that approach with its hand-cut lettering and its classic heritage colours. Yet at the same time the packaging provides a contemporary, sophisticated, luxury feel that looks to the future of a malt whisky that is very much a growing brand.”
The Benromach stills provided the inspiration for much of the change. The elegant new bottle shape includes a neck and shoulder designed to resemble the shape of the Benromach stills. The foil packaging has been created using an image of the surface of the stills themselves.
The embossed lettering and cut foil on the label create a soft and tactile feel. An innovative lid which doubles as a bottle plinth and leaflet holder provide an unique option for display, and the embossed lettering and cut have enhanced its shelf presence.
The new packaging is launched to the trade at the start of April.
The launch will be supported by a full marketing campaign incorporating a new website featuring a series of beautifully crafted films outlining the Benromach story.
Benromach sales have grown dramatically since the reopening. Sales increased by 29% last year and there is ongoing growth this year of 27%. The company now exports Benromach to 42 countries across the world. In 2013 the company announced an expansion to meet growing demand, including the recruitment of a third distiller and the building of more warehouses.
Benromach 10 Years Old was recently named “Best Speyside Single Malt – 12 Years and Under” at the World Whisky Awards 2014.
Notes
Leading malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of Benromach Distillery. Established in 1898 it changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993. Following a painstaking restoration and re-equipment, the distillery was re-opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.
In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.
Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.
Benromach 10 Years Old
Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. After being matured for at least 10 years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.
The new look for Benromach has been created and designed by Edinburgh based branding agency, Stuff Creative.
Suntory Liquors Limited won a Double Gold Medal in a category with Hibiki 12 Years Old at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SWSC), an international spirits competition held in the United States. This marks the Hibiki brand’s second win here since 2012.
Winning this prize is highly significant, as it further cements Suntory’s reputation for the high quality of our malt whisky and unblended grain whisky as well as our excellent blending techniques. We will use this award as an opportunity to speed up marketing activities for the Hibiki brand inside and outside Japan.
Now in its fourteenth year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the largest global spirits competition in the United States. Panels of judges include American hotels, restaurants, buyers for large purveyors and journalists who assess the entries and select the winners of Double Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal and Bronze Medal awards in each category. The Suntory single malt whiskies Yamazaki 12 Years Old and Hakushu 12 Years Old won Gold Medals at the competition.
This whisky is blended using painstakingly selected malts aged over 12 years and multiple types of ripe grain malts of the same age. We use plum liqueur cask malts aged in casks for storing plum liqueur to further bring out the gorgeously sweet fragrance that distinguishes Suntory whiskies. It also has a rich, mature flavor through the addition of malts aged more than 30 years.
▼ Name of Competition
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SWSC)
▼ Venue San Francisco, United States
▼ Judging and Announcement of Results (Local Time)
Judging took place March 20-23, 2014.
Results to be announced at the SWSC homepage (http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/).
▼ Award Classes, Award Names, and Award Recipients
Whiskey Class, Other Whisky Category, “Double Gold Medal”
Suntory single malt whisky Hibiki 12 Years Old
Hooray, we are actually getting a spring this year by the look of things! We hope you are finding some time to spend with your loved ones and take it easy at least for a few days…
With that in mind, we have a whole raft of new tastings to tell you about, including a new nationwide series, a couple of festivals and much more as always. We also have the latest industry news and a competition to win tickets to London Whisky Weekend in May.
So, let’s not dilly-dally…
‘SPIRIT OF INDIE’
Having taken close looks at Indian and Irish whiskies over the last couple of months, we felt it important to drill back into our roots.
For us, one of the most important and exciting categories of whisky is Independent Bottlers. Usually a great source of quality (and good value) whiskies that have been sourced and bottled by someone other than the distillers themselves. Their whiskies are normally bottled at cask strength and non chill-filtered. Which is nice.
For this series we will be presenting to you 6 whiskies from some of the finest Independent Bottlers in the UK. Simple as.
SPIRIT OF INDIE DATES & VENUES:
LONDON Wednesday 30th April 7pm THE RED LION, CROWN PASSAGE
BRIGHTON Thursday 1st May 7pm HILTON METROPOLE, KING STREET
NEWCASTLE Friday 2nd May 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIAR STREET
SHEFFIELD Tuesday 6th May 7pm THE SHEFFIELD TAP, SHEFFIELD STATION
LIVERPOOL Wednesday 7th May JENNY’S BAR, FENWICK ST.
LEEDS Thursday 8th May CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
MANCHESTER Friday 9th May BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 10th May BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
Just click on the venue closest to you to book now.
Coming up fast – on Saturday 26th April – we have our second festival of the year.
Once again partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this should be a cracking day out. As well as the SMWS library, with a huge number of bottlings, we have the likes of Diageo, Glen Garioch, Berry Brothers and Highland Park showing off new bottlings.
We have added some really interesting classes, including a special class looking at historical and old bottlings from various distilleries with specialist Angus McRaild.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet you can do so by clicking here for the full day at £30 or here for the half-day at £20.
LONDON WHISKY WEEKENDER
Hot on the heels of Edinburgh, we have perhaps our most ambitious and innovative event yet.
Having teamed up with the sprawling expanse of arts and music venue, Oval Space, we are attempting to create a world-class whisky event with pre-war whisky tastings, sensory experiences, BBQ and local food producers, pickle-backs and craft beer in the Pickle Factory, classes from the likes of Laphroaig and Talisker and so much more.
This is really going to be tremendous and umissable.
You have one more chance to get the ‘Early-Bird’ tickets at 2 for £50 (2 for £40 Sunday), which have to end this Sunday, so please be quick to avoid disappointment or paying the full price of £35 (Friday & Sat sessions) or £25 (Sunday session).
FRIDAY 16th MAY 7PM-12AM Early-Bird
SATURDAY 17th MAY 12PM-5PM Early-Bird
SATURDAY 17th MAY 7PM-12AM Early-Bird
SUNDAY 18th MAY Early-Bird
Just click on the session you would like to attend and Bob’s your sister’s brother!
After our ‘Spirit of Indie’ series we have a fantastic series of Glenlivet ‘vertical’ tastings starting in June. One of the oldest and most established distilleries in this highly distillery populated areas, it has long been seen as pioneering and a leader in quality – with many distilleries in the area not only trying to replicate their whiskies, but even going so far as taking their name!
You will be tasting through a range of 6, from 12yo to the legendary 25 Year Old (at over £200 a bottle…). A fascinating look at a tremendous distillery.
THE GLENLIVET VENUES & DATES
LONDON Wednesday 4th June 7pm SALT BAR, SEYMOUR ST., W2
SHEFFIELD Wednesday 4th June VENUE TBC
BRIGHTON Thursday 5th June 7pm HILTON METROPOLE, KING STREET
NEWCASTLE Friday 6th June 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIAR STREET
LIVERPOOL Wednesday 11th June 7pm JENNY’S BAR, FENWICK ST.
LEEDS Thursday 12th June 7pm THE CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
MANCHESTER Friday 13th June 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 14th June 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO…
Our ‘Beginner’s Guides’ continue in London with sessions on Whisky, Cognac and Gin designed to help those with an interest and a burning desire to learn more.
2 hours of intensive fun, education, tasting and enlightenment for just £20. Where can you go wrong?
VENUES & DATES
COGNAC Tues 13th May 7.30pm RED LION, CROWN PASSAGE
GIN Weds 14th May 7.30pm RED LION,CROWN PASSAGE
WHISKY Thurs 15th May 7.30pm SALT BAR, SEYMOUR ST., W2
We are now only a few weeks away from this momentous event on Islay.
We have a handful of places left on our second half to the week, so if you are free at the end of May and fancy joining us, take a look at this page and get booking!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The Herald Scotland, Tuesday 8th April
DAVID BECKHAM, SIMON FULLER JOIN NEW HAIG WHISKY BRAND (Seriously)
The Moodie Report, Friday 4th April
BOWMORE LAUNCHES TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE WHISKY RANGE
The Drinks Report, Tuesday 1st April
AURIVERDES WHISKY INSPIRED BY THE WORLD CUP
Retail Times, Tuesday 1st April
GLENGOYNE INTRODUCES NEW 25 YEAR-OLD MALT WHISKY
Harpers.co.uk, Tuesday 1st April
CHIVAS WHISKY’S EDUCATION PROGRAMME DRIVES GROWTH
BBC News, Wednesday 19th March
CHANCELLOR FREEZES DUTY ON SCOTCH WHISKY
The Spirits Business, Friday 14th March
TULLAMORE DISTILLERY EDGES TOWARDS COMPLETION
The Spirits Business, Wednesday 12th March
KILCHOMAN RELEASES FIRST TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE
The Drinks Business, Friday 7th March
SUNTORY RELEASES ‘NO-AGE’ WHISKIES
COMPETITION TIME
A war and whisky themed comp this month, to tie-in with our Pre-war tastings at this year’s London Whisky Weekender.
Your answers please to the following questions;
1. What was Winston Churchill’s tipple of choice?
2. How old is the Scotch being drunk around the table in the infamous tavern scene in the film ‘Inglorious Bestards’?
3. Name two Scottish distilleries that were commandeered by the military during World War 2.
4. What is the name of the ship that is wrecked off the fictional islands Great and Little Todday in the film ‘Whisky Galore’
5. Which famous American Distiller served in the US Air Force in World War 2?
Submit your answers by clicking here and the first 2 people emailing the correct answers will win a pair of tickets to a London Whisky Weekend session of their choice (or equivalent if not able to make it to London)
For answers to our last competition click here. Congrats to Wayne Parker, Richard Turner and Alan Gregson who is our winner and will receive a sample of the new Paul John Peated Cask.
Wow! That’s a lot to work through but hopefully worth it!
Have great Easter, stay safe and enjoy.
Slainte,
Eddie, Amanda and Joe
The Whisky Lounge Team.
THIS is how to review a whisky. Dave Broom reviews Scotch Malt Whisky Society G7.3 “Fresh Toffee and Glossy Magazines”
NOW SHIPPING TO THE USA
After many months of hard work, sweat and toil, we at Single Malts Direct are delighted to announce that we have commenced shipping to the United States. I would like to thank those of you who have contacted me directly over the past number of months for your patience while we got all of the pieces of the Jigsaw into place, so “Thank you guys”, and I will contact you all personally. I hope you like the new look website and the selection we are carrying but, as always we want to provide you with the best possible service and DO listen to your ideas and suggestions, so if you have any, please contact me directly ronnie@singlemaltsdirect.com
You will find our carriage rates under the shipping tag on our website, these charges include the FDA charge and a signature charge as our consignments need to be signed for to ensure the recipient is over the age of 21. The only additional charges to this is the cost of the whisky you select (you will get the ex-VAT price) and the US import duty which is calculated at checkout point depending on the strength of the whisky and the size of bottle. e.g. a 70cl bottle at 40% abv = £1.19.
Just for your information, we are also an Independent Bottler and have an extensive range of our own label “Whiskies of Scotland” single malt whiskies bottled at natural colour and natural strength and in a range of sizes, mostly 50cl but also in 70cl and 20cl. The 20cl size allows you to choose a selection from various distilleries, and there’s a couple of blends in the range too. In 2013 our own label whiskies won 6 gold medals and 3 silver medals in the Whisky Magazine’s “Independent Bottlers’ Challenge”.
SYDNEY, April 2014: Canadian Club has announced the launch of their new campaign, continuing to position themselves as a refreshing alternative to beer, “like a snowball in the face from a sexy person”.
Featuring two TVC’s that take place in typical ‘beer’ drinking environments, the latest campaign celebrates Canadian Club as a refreshing alternative as well as the fact that Canadian Club Draught is available on tap, continuing its advance into traditional beer territory.
This campaign, “A Refreshing Wake Up Call” is the latest instalment in the highly successful “Over Beer?” strategy that has contributed to massive YoY +30% growth for the beverage. Canadian Club is the first brand in a decade to make the top 10 RTD brands, and is now ranked the fourth-‐largest premix spirit brand in Australia after Jim Beam, Bundaberg Rum and Jack Daniels.1
The TVC’s will air in 30 second and 15 second versions from 1st May and will be supported by radio, out of home, digital and a limited edition themed 24 pack cube.
Trent Chapman, Marketing Director -‐ Beam Global Australia says the snowball campaign was the logical next step for Canadian Club. “Canadian Club is continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate, achieving double digit growth for the 5th year running in 2013. It’s clear that Australians are looking for an alternative to beer and we want to continue to redefine the role of dark spirits and bring new consumers into the category.”
Damian Pincus, creative partner and founder, The Works Sydney says the new TVC’s represent a shift away from presenting the problem of being over beer to celebrating Canadian Club as the solution. “We know there’s plenty of people out there who are bored with beer, it’s time to put Canadian Club front and centre. Getting hit in the face by a snowball from a sexy person was one of the few feelings we felt was on the same level as having a Canadian Club after years of slavish beer drinking.”
Canadian Club continues to diversify its offering with Canadian Club Draught available on 500 taps nationally and the launch of Canadian Club in an aluminium bottle as a premium alternative to cans and that’s suitable for non-‐glass venues.
About Beam Inc.
As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-‐liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.
Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com
CHIVAS CELEBRATES THE SKILL OF THE MASTER BARTENDER
WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW COCKTAIL COMPETITION
Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, is celebrating the craftsmanship at the heart of bartending with the launch of its first-ever global cocktail competition, The Chivas Masters.
The Chivas Masters sees the iconic brand highlight its rich heritage by challenging the world’s best bartenders to create classic cocktails from four of the great cocktail eras – the Classic Age (1880-1920) which saw the birth of Chivas Regal; the Post War Boom (1945-1965) during which time, Chivas 12 was introduced; the Disco Years (1975-1990) which saw the brand become a truly global icon, and the present modern Age of Revivalism, as Chivas continues to build its reputation as an icon of timeless luxury, renowned for its exceptional quality.
The high level of expertise required from entrants into the Chivas Masters is highlighted by the involvement of world-renowned, award-winning* bartender, Agostino ‘Ago’ Perrone of London’s prestigious Connaught Bar. A previous winner of the World’s Best Bartender award at Tales of the Cocktail, Ago has created an exclusive cocktail in celebration of the Chivas Masters and will also use his unique expertise as a member of the panel of judges during the competition.
The exclusive competition culminates in a two-day grand final, to be held in New York in July which will be judged by a distinguished panel of leading bartenders, past and present, from New York’s bar scene. They will be tasked with judging competitors on various criteria, including their knowledge of each era’s cocktail heritage, their creativity and ability to bring the story behind their serves to life for the judges, as well as the name, appearance and quality of their cocktail creations. The overall winner will be announced at an exclusive ceremony in New Orleans at the world’s premier cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail.
Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “As one of the only truly global brands that has been present in each of the great cocktail eras, Chivas has a long association with the global on trade. We respect the hard work required to become a highly skilled mixologist, just as bartenders around the world respect the quality of Chivas.
“The Chivas Masters aims to harness this mutual admiration and demonstrate how relevant Chivas remains in today’s global bar scene, over 100 years since it first took the US by storm. We hope that the unique format of the Chivas Masters will inspire the world’s best bartenders to get involved and create a timeless classic cocktail – as timeless as our iconic brand.”
The Chivas Masters UK national final will take place June 5th in London. Over the next few months, heats will be taking place in an additional ten markets, including China, Japan and Chile. Only one competitor from each market will be selected to travel to New York to take part in the grand final in July.
NOTES
About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.
*About Agostino Perrone
A native of Italy, Ago has been bartending for 12 years. He moved to London in 2003 establishing himself in the bar scene and meeting some of biggest names in the cocktail industry. After a three year stint as Head Bartender at Dusk, Ago moved to Montgomery Place, serving guests and bartenders from all over the world and in spring 2008, he joined the team at the prestigious Connaught Bar as Head Barman to great acclaim.
During his career, Ago has won numerous awards and his outstanding skill has contributed to the Connaught Bar’s success in many awards over the last six years. Having been shortlisted in 2008 and 2009, Ago finally won the award for Best International Bartender at the internationally renowned Tales of the Cocktail in 2010, the same year that the Connaught Bar was awarded the title of The World’s Best Bar by the same organisation. In 2012, The Connaught Bar was once again awarded, winning the Best Cocktail Bar prize, in small part thanks to Ago.
Ago brings passion and excitement to the bartending community, showcasing new ways to present cocktails, paying attention to even the finest details. When not working in his role as Director of Mixology at the Connaught, Ago travels the world, training bartenders about bar management and cocktail-making. His reputation precedes him with The Daily Telegraph recently calling him ‘The Martini Magician’, in a double page spread about him and The Connaught Bar. Ago’s cocktail recipes have also been featured in respected publications such as The Times, The Financial Times, Vogue, GQ, The Rake, The London Evening Standard and Wallpaper*.
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
GINGER GROUSE LEADS UK INTO A NEW AND EXCITING ADVENTURE AS
THE OFFICIAL PINT PARTNER OF TOUGH MUDDER
Ginger Grouse has today announced its exciting new partnership with Tough Mudder as The Official Pint Partner of Tough Mudder UK. Ginger Grouse is excited to be part of all seven events across the UK, providing the ultimate reward to Mudders as they cross the finish line, as well as to be part of the journey with an obstacle of its own.
With seven UK events stretching from April to October, involving over 130,000 participants, Ginger Grouse will be there to welcome ‘Mudders’ over the finish line and reward them with a refreshing Ginger Grouse.
As the ultimate adventure with friends, challenging teams to conquer a gauntlet of exhilarating, yet testing obstacles through grit, determination and camaraderie, Ginger Grouse will also be at the heart of the Mudder season with a signature obstacle at each event – the ‘Arctic Enema’ – arguably the most ‘refreshing’ of them all, yet very fitting as competitors are submerged in ice.
In addition to playing host to supporters and rewarding competitors at the finishing line of each event, Ginger Grouse will take over the main bar providing a party like atmosphere for Mudders and spectators to enjoy following their endurance challenge.
Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Ginger Grouse commented: “We are very excited to sign this new deal as The Official Pint Partner of Tough Mudder UK. Tough Mudder is set around core values both on the course and in everyday life, inspiring competitors to push the boundaries as the ultimate adventure with friends and having fun along the way – Ginger Grouse shares the same spirit of adventure.”
The announcement marks an inaugural year for Ginger Grouse, a premium alcoholic ginger beer (4% ABV), following its successful national debut in April 2013. Already well known for its support of rugby in Scotland, as the Official Spirit of Scottish Rugby, Ginger Grouse has become synonymous with adventure, forging a loyal fan-base all over the UK, with Tough Mudder offering a new type of adventure with friends.
Currently available in the UK in all major supermarkets including, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores; as well as independent retailers across the UK. RRP £2.25 Consumers will also find Ginger Grouse widely available in bars across the UK.
Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk
NOTES:
Facebook.com/GingerGrouse
Twitter.com/GingerGrouseUK
About Ginger Grouse:
About The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)
About Maxxium UK
About Tough Mudder:
Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile (18-20 km) obstacle course challenges designed to test your all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. With the most innovative obstacles and over one million participants globally to date, Tough Mudder is the premier obstacle course series in the world.
Ginger Grouse will support the following UK events:
London West 26/27.04.14 Culden Faw Estate, Henley
Scotland 14/15.06.14 Dalkeith Country Estate, Edinburgh
Midlands 12/13.07.14 Boughton Estate, Kettering
Yorkshire 02/03.08.14 Broughton Hall, Skipton
South West 16/17.08.14 Cirencester Park, Cirencester
North West 13/14.09.14 Cholmondeley Estate, Cheshire
London South 25/26.10.14 Matterley Bowl, Winchester
