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NEW LIMITED EDITION FOR CHIVAS 12 AS ART OF HOSTING SERIES CONTINUES – Scotch Whisky News

aa1 Chivas 12 Art of Hosting High Res

NEW LIMITED EDITION FOR CHIVAS 12 AS ART OF HOSTING SERIES CONTINUES

Following the successful launch of its ‘Art of Hosting’ series in 2012, Chivas, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has launched a new limited edition for its best-selling Chivas 12 expression, exclusively for the off-trade.

This new release sees Chivas continuing to support its customers’ efforts to meet the demand for imaginative home entertaining products with an eye-catching new design and an exclusive gift of six leather coasters included in each pack.

Targeted at Chivas 12’s core audience of ‘Modern Gentlemen’, the new limited edition features a striking black and red look, which aims to increase stand-out on shelf. The pack design also incorporates words used in social occasions in many different languages, giving a sense of interaction and conversation while further expressing Chivas’ credentials as a brand that brings friends together.

The release of this limited edition will be supported with a range of marketing initiatives including a new advertising campaign, featuring the strapline ‘Found at the World’s Best Parties’ and an exclusive free app available from iTunes, Chivas MASHTUN, which has been created featuring a series of interactive games that consumers can play as a group during a party.

The new Art of Hosting limited edition gift pack and Chivas MASHTUN app are available now around the world. http://www.chivas.com/ 

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 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 information please visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #57- Whisky News

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #57

After restoring the Lars Homestead from Star Wars in Tunisia, Mark Dermul and his crew were invited to tell the fans all about it during a panel at the Star Wars Celebration, the biggest convention of is kind for fans of that galaxy far, far away. Little did his colleagues know that he would afterwards present them with a private bottling of Save Lars Whisky, a Bruichladdich 20 Year Old 1992, only 6 bottles strong (one for each crewmember). The Force is strong with this Laddie!

http://youtu.be/erGfbLrjbHE

(Please revisit Whisky Intelligence this Sundayto see some more about this bottling – WI)

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF STAGG JR. BOURBON – American Whiskey News

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES

THE RELEASE OF STAGG JR. BOURBON 

Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon is a younger version of the legendary George T. Stagg Bourbon 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July, 2013) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Stagg Jr. Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered bourbon whiskey with a renowned family name.

The first batch of Stagg Jr. is comprised of barrels aged for eight and nine years. The proof weighs in at a whopping 134.4 proof (67.2% ABV). Future releases will undoubtedly be different proofs, as each batch is unique and no water is added. Just like George T. Stagg Bourbon, this new whiskey is not filtered and offers all the rich and complex flavors of bourbon right from the barrel.  Bottles of Stagg Jr. will be limited, but several batches each year are planned.  This new Stagg Jr. offering will not affect the stock of barrels already set aside for future George T. Stagg releases.

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes that taste as, “rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingled in perfect balance with a bold, rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.”

“We’ve been aging these barrels for years in anticipation of this Stagg Jr. offering,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “George T. Stagg has won countless awards, but we’re delighted to introduce Stagg Jr., which should be a bit more accessible.”

George T. Stagg is one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, and is responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.  In 2002, Buffalo Trace introduced George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey, an uncut, unfiltered bourbon that has won numerous awards including World’s Best North American Whiskey, Number One Spirit in the World, and World Whiskey of the Year. Now the Distillery is offering a line extension through Stagg Jr. that still maintains the integrity of the brand – a big, bold whiskey bottled at barrel proof but at a more affordable price.  Stagg Jr. will be available starting in August. Suggested retail price is $49.99 for a 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

The Bowmore 1989 23 YO Limited Release at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

The Bowmore 1989 23 year old limited release is now available to order at The Whisky Shop – whilst stocks last!

A delicious feast of smoke-infused blood orange, winter spices, black truffles and walnut oil. A whisky to warm the coldest Islay night, this limited edition Bowmore Single Malt has been matured exclusively in port casks for 23 years, giving it a deliciously dark colour and remarkably rich flavour.

Nose: Big sweet and fruity notes. Think of  marmalade or apricot jam. Only a soft hint of smoke at this point.

Palate: And we’re off –  there goes the smoke and lightly peated greatness that we all love Bowmore for! Some ground spices in the background combined with candy floss and other sweet delights.

Finish: Delicate truffles that melt in your mouth combined with some of the richest overtones every tasted in a Bowmore.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.8% volume. One not to be missed…

Click Here To Buy – Only £380

bowmore-1989-1

Rare Releases from Balcones, Whisky Magazines 2012 Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year, Available Now at Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits (E. Setauket, New York) – American Whiskey News

Rare Releases from Balcones, Whisky Magazines 2012 Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year, Available Now at Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits (E. Setauket, New York)

Balcones Distilling of Waco, Texas is firmly established as one of America’s top whisky producers with over 40 national and international awards from the world’s top judges and critics. We are proud to offer the following unique and original spirits hand-crafted using only the finest ingredients. Follow the links for more information on each selection.

Balcones Single Malt Texas, 106 Proof  – $68.99

5 bottles in stock!

Balcones True Blue 100 Texas Corn Whisky, 100 Proof – $65.99

4 bottles in stock!

Balcones Brimstone Texas Scrub Oak Smoked Corn Whisky, 106 Proof – $54.99

6 bottles in stock!

Balcones Distillery Rumble Cask Reserve Barrel Proof, 117 Proof -$79.99

1 bottle in stock!

Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits

www.moraswines.com

631-941-4458   sev.clemens@moraswines.com

Gold Medal Marketing Present Their New Logo – Whisky News

Our friends at Gold Medal Marketing have a new logo. They represent Benromach, W.M. Cadenhead, Kilkerran, Gordon & MacPhail, Kilchoman, Praba Na Linne, Springbank, Spencerfield Spirits, Tullibardine, The Last Drop and the Teeling Whisky Company in Alberta & British Columbia (although not all are represented in both provinces).

Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #381 – Scotch Whisky News

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www.ralfy.com takes the bull by the horns (groan!) with Whisky Review 381 – Black Bull 12yo scotch

LAGAVULIN™ WILL SPONSOR ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER – Scotch Whisky News

LAGAVULIN™ WILL SPONSOR ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER

Lagavulin™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky will again be the headline sponsor of the Islay Jazz Festival in 2013, the brand’s owner Diageo has announced.

Lagavulin Distillery

The Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival, which this year will take place from 13-15 September, attracts hundreds of jazz lovers, from Scotland and further afield, to the world-famous whisky island on Scotland’s west coast.

This is now the fifteenth year that the Festival has been held on Islay, and the fourth year that the Festival has been sponsored by Lagavulin, whose continued backing has enabled the Festival to develop into the success story that it is today.

Special Bottling

This year will also see another edition of the much-acclaimed special Islay Jazz Festival limited-edition bottling of Lagavulin, which will be released during the Festival.

The distillery manager at Lagavulin, Georgie Crawford,  said

“This is now the fourth year of our sponsorship of this excellent Festival. The island’s economy really gains from the extension of the season. Another bonus has been the discovery that the Malt Mill at Lagavulin has great acoustics for live music! And the last four years  have brought many more visitors from neighbouring countries, reflecting continental European interest in jazz, and many more ‘whisky tourists’ too. We are delighted to welcome them to Islay and to Lagavulin.”

Once again there is an extraordinary line-up of leading international and Scottish musicians who will gather for what many regard as the jewel in the Scottish jazz calendar. Leading European drummer Magnus Öström brings his sweeping cinematic soundscapes to play at Lagavulin distillery’s Malt Mill and Bruichladdich Hall. ECM superband Trio Libero blend folk melodies, infectious grooves, and ambient Nordic cool. Making waves on the UK jazz scene, pianist Kit Downes debuts his Trio at Islay. The master of American Stride piano, Stephanie Trick delivers ragtime and boogie-woogie classics. The Festival has also formed a super Islay trio featuring musicians who are regular visitors to the Festival: bassist Mario Caribe, trumpeter Colin Steele, and guitarist Graeme Stephen. Local vocal star Sheena Swanson presents a brand new band comprising five Islay musicians.

Notes

The Islay Jazz Festival

The Festival is promoted by specialist jazz promoters, Jazz Scotland, and The Islay Arts Association, and receives funding from Argyll and Bute Council and Creative Scotland.

The Festival has been running since 1999. Since then the Festival has promoted musicians from over 25 countries and presented fifteen world premieres and is today regarded as a significant  jazz event in the UK calendar.

Programme details can be seen on the Islay Jazz Festival website http://www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk/. The events of the Festival are spread over three days and many venues on Islay.

Diageo’s famous Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Lagavulin™ first sponsored the Festival in 2010.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s 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, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com .

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trade marks. © Diageo 2013

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “August Previews: Compare and Contrast” – Scotch Whisky News

August Previews: Compare and Contrast  
You may have good reason to think that two Society drams will be similar, but this is the beauty of single cask whisky: despite matching regions, casks, ages or even distilleries, no two are alike. We’ve created an exceptional new Islay    pairing and picked two distinctive Speyside previews from the August Outturn to illustrate the point…

36.66  Springtime in a glass
10yo First fill ex-bourbon barrel
Speyside Spey, £44.10
The nose was light, even elusive, but we eventually discovered the fresh heart of it – grassy meadows, pear, crisp white wine, light candy, pine, strawberry tart, spring flowers, elderflower cordial, apples, heather and gorse – springtime in a glass; bright, floral and refreshing… Buy

76.107  A Moroccan tagine
24yo Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Speyside Spey, £79.00
A rich and meaty/fruity example of the famously rich make from Dufftown’s oldest distillery. The mellow first nose is of macerated dried fruits (dark cherries, raisins,  figs), edging towards fruit flan; behind this light wax (furniture polish), with cinnamon and nutmeg. The texture is big and mouth-coating; the taste both sweet and savoury… Buy
    
NEW!  Two Faces of Islay Pair – only £125 
So similar on paper, yet so diferent to experience.
Buy

53.169  Invitation to a beach barbecue
18yo Refill ex-sherry butt
The nose invited us to a beach barbecue – bonfire smoke, pork ribs in BBQ sauce, over-toasted burger buns, brown sauce…  More

29.123  Hang-gliding over Islay
20yo Refill ex-sherry butt
On the nose, we found toffee, caramel, butterscotch, coconut, vanilla, snowdrops and even silverware cleaner – but no smoke…   More  

Last chance to snap up our July offers!

Doubles Game PAIR: 9.72 & 76.103 for £125
48 available… Buy

Grand Slam TRIO: 76.103, 64.47 & 29.138 for £179
40 available…  Buy

July CASE Offer: 4.177, 48.37, G1.11, 3.204 
9.72 & 76.103 for £329

2 available…  Buy 
    

Browse July Outturn
*76.103 is exclusive to our July offers
*64.47 is exclusive to our July Trio

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.

The Famous Grouse Birthday – Scotch Whisky News

Famous Grouse

To mark The Famous Grouse Brand Birthday we are delighted to invite you to celebrate with us at The Famous Science Festival. Come along on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of August to visit our giant whisky cask and take part in a host of interactive science experiments. There’s fun for all the family with treasure hunts, tours and blend your own whisky sessions.

As well as The Famous Science Festival, there will be a brand new blending experience open to guests over the weekend giving whisky lovers the chance to try their hand at blending their own whisky.

EVENTS 2013 – 2014

August

THE FAMOUS GROUSE BIRTHDAY
Come and celebrate our birthday this August. The Famous Science Festival will pop up at The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff for two days only, bringing a host of intriguing experiments and fascinating investigations for all the family. All visitors to the distillery over the weekend will have free access to The Famous Science Festival. August 10th and August 11th 10am-6pm.

November/December
CHRISTMAS FAYRE WEEKEND WITH SANTA
Stock up with food, crafts and gifts. November 30th and December 1st 10am-6pm.

SANTA’S GROTTO
Come and meet Santa in our snow filled grotto. December 14th and 15th, 21st and 22nd 1pm-4.30pm. December 23rd and 24th 10am-4.30pm.

Visit the blog http://blog.thefamousgrouse.com for full info on all of our upcoming events.

Famous Best Wishes,
Lucy Whitehall
The Famous Grouse Global Brand Ambassador


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