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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FREE FESTIVE TASTINGS AT NICKOLLS AND PERKS!
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st – Stan Reid – Benromach Malt Whisky & Brudar Whisky Honey Liqueur. You’re welcome to join us for an informal drop-in tasting between 4 & 7 p.m of these cheering, warming tipples as the days get colder and shorter.
Diageo is pleased to announce that Georgie Bell, currently Global Ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, will join Diageo in January 2014 as a global brand ambassador focusing on the promotion of its new range of Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whiskies (@mortlachwhiskies #mortlach), which will be launched next year (2014).
Ewan Gunn, Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador at Diageo, said: “We are all delighted that Georgie, with her extensive knowledge of the production, marketing and communications sides of the Scotch whisky industry, has agreed to join us and support our significant new initiative for Mortlach. In her short time as roving brand ambassador at the SMWS, Georgie has made a huge impact on the whisky world, engaging influencers and consumers in many key global markets, and deploying her knowledge, energy, passion and experience of the luxury spirits sector to promote Scotch whisky. She will have a key role to play, alongside our other Global Brand Ambassadors, in the promotion of Mortlach.”
Diageo announced in November that it planned to make four new expressions of the highly complex and richly flavoured Mortlach™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distilled in Dufftown since 1823, available in the global travel and luxury connoisseur markets from mid-2014. The doubling of capacity at Mortlach Distillery, involving the exact replication of the existing stillhouse, was announced in April 2013.
Georgie Bell studied at the University of Edinburgh. In 2012 the Worshipful Company of Distillers granted her their International Award for the Fundamentals in Distilling Course, and she was granted Freedom of the Company in 2013. Georgie also holds a Diploma in Distillation from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling.
Picture Georgie at The Victoria Whisky Festival 2013 Photo Credit Jen Steele
WORLD’S FIRST WHISKY INSPIRED 3D ART EXHIBITION HAS LANDED IN HEATHROW TERMINAL 5
JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABELTM GALLERY lights up London Heathrow Airport and provides launch platform for the Travel Exclusive London Limited Edition Bottle
DIAGEO Global Travel & Middle East (GTME), 13 DECEMBER 2013 – You will no doubt have heard of a message in a bottle but perhaps not a 3D art exhibition on a bottle. JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABELTM, the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whisky, has launched an immersive experience for travellers with the creation of its own art galleries with a difference, one of which is now being showcased in Heathrow’s Terminal 5.
These creative gallery spaces, which are being installed in international airports worldwide, are designed to exhibit some of the world’s most talented and upcoming artists’ unique interpretations of ‘The Rare Blend’ and pay homage to the rarity and craftsmanship synonymous with JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. Exhibiting the artists’ remarkable work in the airport environment reflects the true and unique travel credentials of the brand. To date, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Galleries have launched in Singapore Changi Airport and Miami International and this latest gallery in London’s Heathrow airport has been extremely well received by passengers, who have been enjoying exploring the space and discovering more about one of the world’s rarest whiskies.
To celebrate the opening of the travel retail exhibition and in conjunction with World Duty Free Group, JOHNNIE WALKER has created 750 limited edition JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL bottles, etched with the London skyline in a rare gold liquid imprint. These will be available exclusively for purchase in World Duty Free stores in all Heathrow Terminals between now and the end of February 2014, covering the key purchasing periods of Christmas, the increase in Russian and Chinese flights in the New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Commenting on the arrival of the new JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Galleries, Paul Downing, Regional Director, GTME Key Accounts, Diageo said, “We are delighted to unveil this immersive art experience to Heathrow travellers. The creation of this unique JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery in Heathrow airport reinforces our true commitment to the travel retail sector and to providing our customers with unique and innovative travel experiences and products.”
Eugenio Andrades, Chief Commercial Officer at World Duty Free Group adds, “This exciting initiative demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have with Diageo and Heathrow. We have worked in close collaboration with the brand and the airport, to help bring this experiential event to travellers visiting Terminal 5. This is a very customer focused activity and we are delighted to be able to offer passengers the unique opportunity to sample one of the world’s most exceptional whiskies; JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. In addition, we have secured exclusivity on the exceptional London Limited Edition bottle, with its artistic interpretation of the London skyline making it the perfect product to gift, or to keep as a personal memento of a trip to this inspiring city!”
Notes
The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL Gallery at London’s Heathrow Airport exhibits the exceptional work of Kai & Sunny and Shotopop, whose artwork is explained in more detail below:
An artist duo based in London; they have exhibited internationally, collaborated with designers such as Alexander McQueen, and recently been acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum print collection. Inspired by the rare character of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL – Rich.Lingering. Intense – Kai &Sunny’s creation blends the whisky’s signature flavour with their signature line work. The result is a mesmerising animation where the simple becomes complex in an ever-changing cycle of smooth lines. A fitting tribute to a blend of the rarest whiskies.
A devout team of visual zealots who pride themselves on conjuring the new, the unimagined and the fantastical. In their offices, furiously snipping silver scissors give birth to a thousand paper feathers; crazy caffeine dreams turn into flashing pixel rainbows; and the most ambitious flights of fancy become their proudest moments. Their bottle creation tells the story of the whisky making process, with the rare liquid within the cask re-imagined as a diamond. This analogy perfectly captures the rarity of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. And with a blend of painstakingly crafted paper sculptures and graphical illustrations, this piece perfectly showcases the multifaceted and complex nature of both gemstone and whisky.
About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABELTM
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.
Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.
Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit http://www.diageo.com/. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit http://www.drinkiq.com/.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
The JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trademarks © DIAGEO2013.
World Duty Free Group is one of the world’s leading travel retailers, operating mainly in airports and with a broad geographical reach. It has operations in 20 countries and 141 locations with over 550 stores, from its heartland in Western Europe, to the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.
World Duty Free Group’s core business is tax and duty free shopping and its proposition covers the complete spectrum of airport shopping including Beauty, Wines & Spirits, Food & Confectionery, Tobacco, Sunglasses, Watches & Jewellery and Souvenirs.
World Duty Free Group operates some of the most exciting and engaging airport shops in the world, with a strong focus on the customer and innovative marketing programmes, delivered through multi channel digital and live in-store interactive promotions.
World Duty Free S.p.A., holding company of WDFG, is listed on the Italian FTSE MIB 40 since 1 October 2013 with the ticker symbol WDF:IM. For more information, please visit http://www.worlddutyfreegroup.com/
Last Order Dates for the Festive Season
We hope you have a friendly local whisky retailer who can take care of all your Compass Box needs. However, if you don’t, please visit our UK online shop and fill your basket!
UK Online shop – Order deadlines for delivery before Christmas
UK Mainland: Saturday 21st December 12pm (UK Time)
Rest of UK: Wednesday 19th December 2pm (UK Time)
For all other international destinations, the deadline for guaranteed delivery for Christmas has passed, however we will endeavour to get your Compass Box whisky to you as quickly as we can!
The first issue of Whisky Magazine for 2014 publishes on the 21st March. Issue 117 promises to be an exciting edition, one of eight during the year, focusing on Ireland, Scotland, US and Canada.
With whisky being enjoyed all over the world, we are taking a look at some of the best Irish Whiskey bars in Toronto and a guide to drinking whisky in Bardstown. We review distilleries both in Scotland and Kentucky together with regular editorial features from Ian Wisniewski and Jonny McCormick. With a truly global feel, this issue is one to promote your whisky if it is an international audience you are targeting.
The second of issue of the year is full of surprises. Published in time for the Global Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards Dinner, issue 118 will be distributed from this prestigious event on the 20th March 2014 and then from Whisky LIVE London on the 21st March 2014. This issue reveals all the winners of these internationally recognised awards.
Editorial Features
Issue No.117
Special Features
Whisky Travel: Ireland and the US
Bourbon
Special Distribution from Whisky Live New York
Publication Date: 21st March
Copy Deadline: 3rd January
Issue No.118
Special Features
Speyside
World Whiskies Awards Results
Icons of Whisky Results
World Whiskies Design Results
Publication Date: 9th May
Whisky Magazine
Celebrating the whiskies of the world
FESTIVE MYSTERY MALTS: NEW ISLAY PAIR ADDED
Peaty malts from Islay are pretty special, single cask peaty malts even more so but, single cask peaty Society malts matched together and offered at a discount – it’s like Christmas! And remember: our last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery is today Wed 18 Dec at 12pm
FESTIVE MYSTERY ISLAY PARCELS TO KNOCK YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS OFF
Mystery Peaty Pair
Festive Mystery Malt 1
Lightly Peated: Ranging in ages between 15-24, this mystery malt offers a light peated character.
Festive Mystery Malt 2
The Peaty Beast: This 20yo mystery malt has a big, peaty character, expect mocha coffee, sea-spray and medicinal elements.
Sweet & Peaty Mystery Trio
Festive Mystery Malt 1
The Sweet Speysider: This Old & dignified 23yo is like a ‘Warming comfort blanket’ that will leave you in a sweet ‘trance of enjoyment’.
Festive Mystery Malt 2
Lightly Peated: Ranging in ages between 15-24, this mystery malt offers a light peated character
Festive Mystery Malt 3
The Peaty Beast: This 20yo mystery malt has a big, peaty character, expect mocha coffee, sea-spray and medicinal elements
Santa’s Exquisite Maritime Experience
3.121
53.188 Anti-aphrodisiac
Beach scene from Local Hero
SAVE £24.15
Was £161
BUY £136.85
PLEASE NOTE: Due to expected volume of orders, the two Mystery Parcels above are excluded from our Christmas delivery guarantee – but we will try our very best to get them to you in time!
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 http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
UK vlogger Joe Ellis continues his “Month of Arran” and reviews the Arran 12yo Cask Strength Batch 3
Thousands of votes across 37 countries have been cast by whisky lovers to select a new limited edition from The Glenlivet, with its Exotic expression revealed today as the winner, with 39% of the vote.
The announcement follows a global campaign by The Glenlivet, during which the brand reached out to whisky fans around the world giving them the chance to select the next The Glenlivet expression for the first time ever. The winning expression will be named “The Guardians’ Chapter” in recognition of the significant part the distillery’s fan club – The Guardians of The Glenlivet – has made to the voting. The new whisky – which is non-chill filtered, 48.7% proof and described as a rich, indulgent single malt – will be bottled in limited quantities and distributed around the world from March 2014, priced at $85 (or equivalent).
The winning ‘Exotic’ single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist. The resulting whisky displays the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet with the addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it offers aromas of moist and sweet, candied apples balanced with a hint of orange marmalade. The taste combines juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well balanced with a subtle warmth of spice, complementing a long and slightly dry finish.
The campaign began in September 2013, with Master Distiller Alan Winchester revealing the three expressions he had hand-picked for fans to choose from. The three expressions – which were selected to spark debate over single malt style preferences – were named according to their taste profile, with the options being Classic, Exotic and Revival. Fans of the brand were invited to tasting events held across the globe where they sampled and voted for their favourites.
In addition to the tasting events, a series of special evenings entitled the ‘Expression Sessions’ were held in London, New York and Mumbai. Designed to bring the styles of the three expressions to life through aligned cultural interests, the events included a range of speakers, including artists, academics, musicians and explorers. The London event saw design expert, Stephen Bayley, talking about ‘classic’ car design whilst explorer Benedict Allen described what encountering the ‘exotic’ meant to him. Videos and findings from the events, alongside the percentage breakdown of the final results, can be found on the brand’s website, http://www.theglenlivet.com/.
Alan Winchester comments: “The story of The Guardians’ Chapter doesn’t end here. This is an opportunity to savour a unique, limited edition, single malt that’s already been admired and desired by thousands of whisky lovers. Our Guardians have written a new chapter in the distillery’s distinguished history; this will be their legacy and I’m really pleased with the enthusiastic response we received and the selection the Guardians have made.”
Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, adds: “Deciding on a new Scotch whisky expression is normally a privilege reserved for a very select handful of experts, revered for their knowledge and experience. With The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter, we wanted to recognise the passion and expertise of our Guardians in an original and inspiring way by inviting them to write the next chapter in The Glenlivet’s history. We’ve had an excellent response from fans across the world, particularly in the USA, the world’s no. 1 single malt market, and we are sure that our founder, George Smith, would be proud of the smooth and complex whisky that will bear his and The Glenlivet’s name when it goes on sale next year.”
To become a member of The Guardians of The Glenlivet community, please visit: www.theglenlivet.com/guardians
Notes:
Tasting Notes
The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter ‘Exotic’ – 48.7% ABV – Non Chill-Filtered
Nose: Rich and indulgent with hints of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with a tang of orange marmalade.
Taste: Plump, juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness. Well balanced with the subtle warmth of spice permeating through.
Finish: Long and slightly dry
About The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.
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.
In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.
For further news of upcoming events please visit http://www.theglenlivet.com/ or www.facebook.com/theglenlivet
For further information visit: http://www.chivasbrothers.com/
Having recovered from the Thanksgiving feast, it is not yet time to relax as we have the major holiday with more whiskies to handle. But even consumption of decadent spirits is not as “consuming” as the process of finding that perfect something for gifting….
At least here we’ve got you covered…
Expo tickets by themselves, a bottle of whisky, (or both) will warm many hearts on Christmas Eve. Not to mention that it’s a wonderful treat for yourself!
A sneak peak to WoW:
Our focus this year is on bringing you the highest quality in a whisky show…from more whiskies and booming craft spirits, to the unique WoW entertainment features;
• The popular concert by the beloved Bushmills Pipe & Drum Band
• An outdoor Cigar and Whisky pairing
• An expansion of artisanal delicacies to pair with your spirits
• The new program of whisky seminars, and so much more..
All this guarantees a truly memorable time at the 2014 show. Watch our website closely as the exhibitor and masterclass list unveils; but for now let us assure you we’re doing great with the upcoming show, and will be bringing many whisky personas for your ‘meet and greet” including the ever-popular Steve Beal with his Single Malts that never get “out tasted”, David Blackmore and Glenmorangie’s, new whisky talent, Jon Trainer, the ever inspiring Hollis Bulleit, and the warm company of our fellowmen distillers, distillery owners, and artisanal whiskey makers: Robert and Sonat Birnecker of Koval, the first Chicago distillery, folks from the “down the street” Anchor Distillery (everybody loves Anchor Steam beer), David Perkins from the High West Distillery and saloon (you’ll have to enjoy the latter outside the Expo). This Christmas pastime, start your ahead planning of attending your Wow program favorites, and anticipate spending the evening—with your spouse, your special friends–enjoying the water of life!
Not convinced? Take a look at the videos from Austin, and Atlanta, and hear what our guests have to say about Whiskies of the World.
We have acquired special rates for:
HILTON Financial District, San Francisco, California
We’ve arranged a block of rooms in The Hilton Financial District Hotel, located just a few blocks away from the Hornblower’s Pier 3 and close to major downtown tourist destinations. WoW participants receive an exclusive rate of $209 per night + tax, valid for the night of the Expo and the two adjacent nights. Note that the number of rooms is limited and must be booked by Friday, February 27, 2014.
Call 1.800.424.8292 and quote Whiskies of the World Group Negotiated Room Rate.
Glendronach
19 Year Old 1994 (56.8%)
Full strength Glendronach Highland malt.
United Kingdom Exclusive single Oloroso
Sherry Butt #67 bottled November 2013.
625 numbered bottles.
