TWO MORE GOLD AWARDS FOR BUNNAHABHAIN’S SINGLE MALTS 

Bunnahabhain’s range of single malts, produced on the world-famous Isle of Islay, is reeling in the awards. The  18- and 25-year-old single malts both took gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London shortly after taking double gold and gold respectively at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving that the distillery’s move to un-chillfiltering its whiskies  has certainly raised the taste profile of these exceptional drams.

Pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, the entire range of single malt whiskies is un-chillfiltered and this traditional whisky-making process enhances its depth of flavour, aroma, colour and character. As whisky expert Dominic Roskrow recently commented about the un-chillfiltered range “the extra strength is to the whisky like what High Definition is to television, bringing the oral sensation into sharp focus”.

The Bunnahabhain distillery was established in 1881 and the close proximity to the ocean of its maturation warehouse, quite uniquely marks a noticeable sea influence in their aroma, palate and finish. They are also the only whiskies on Islay to be crafted from unpeated malted barley and to use a natural spring water source, the Margadale spring, situated about a mile north-west of the distillery.

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old, matured in 40% ex-sherry casks and 60% ex-bourbon casks, is rich with honeyed nuts, toffee and a slight salty tang on the nose. Beautifully balanced, the palate is influenced by mellow sherried nuts and wood shavings. The 25-year-old holds sweet caramel dessert aromas with subtle oak and polished leather on the nose leading to sweet berries, cream, salt and spiced-oak on the palate. The whisky has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

The whiskies are available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R900 for the 18- year-old and R2 390 for the 25-year-old.

THREE SHIPS WHISKY TAKES GOLD IN LONDON

Proving that South Africa makes some of the best whiskies in the world, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old has just been awarded gold and best in class at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge held in London. This follows merely a year after taking the coveted title of World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is an artful blend of selected South African and Scotch whiskies that have all been aged for a minimum of five years in oak casks. Robust, aromatic and unpretentious, the whisky exhibits a full peaty character, ending in a lingering, warm finish.

Created at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the Three Ships range of whiskies has earned many firsts for the South African whisky industry. These distinctions include the first blend of South African and Scotch whiskies, the first 100% South African locally matured and blended whisky as well as the first 100% South African single malt.

The Three Ships range consisting of Select, Premium Select 5 year, Bourbon Cask Finish and the limited-edition 10 year old single malt, are all crafted by Master Distiller Andy Watts, who has been the distillery manager for the past 22 years.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R135 per bottle.

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY GLOWS IN GOLD

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, South Africa’s first 100% single grain whisky, has fast become a talking point locally and internationally, receiving praise and admiration from whisky experts across the globe. And here is more to talk about: The whisky has just taken gold and best in class in front of an international panel of judges at the recent 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London, competing against whiskies from around the world.

Since its launch in 2009, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has added a host of awards to its name including the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards and inclusion in Ian Buxton’s 101 World Whiskies To Try Before You Die.

Distilled in Wellington in the Boland, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is inspired by the natural beauty of the Bain’s Kloof Pass just outside the town and is crafted from the finest South African grain. Made in a style that allows the maximum interaction between the wood and the whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is double-matured for a minimum of five years in specially selected oak casks.  The first three years are in casks that have been used previously for bourbon, and then re-vatted for a further two years in ex-bourbon casks.

The result is a whisky that shows exceptional interaction between spirit and wood. Toffee, floral and vanilla aromas softened by sweet, spicy undertones, produce a warm mouth-feel and a long, smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of Bain’s Kloof Pass.  The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering pass builder who planned and built Bain’s Kloof Pass in 1853 to connect Wellington to the interior.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R220, with or without a gift tin.

SOUTHERN COMFORT MARKETING campaign extends “Whatever’s comfortable” attitude

New television spot hits airwaves in United States on June 10

June 10, 2013, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort launches the next chapter of the “Whatever’s Comfortable” campaign with a new television spot entitled “Shampoo” hitting airwaves June 10.

The new spot boldly embodies the “Whatever’s Comfortable” attitude and is a continuation of the campaign launched in August, 2012 with the award winning “Beach,” which featured a majestic man owning his self comfortableness as he casually walks down the beach.

“We want to champion consumers to ‘be their awesome selves’ and that attitude comes out through this work,” said Mark Bacon, SVP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. “We’re comfortable being Southern Comfort and we want our consumers to embody that same attitude about themselves.”

The integrated marketing campaign was created by Wieden+Kennedy New York. It includes national television, digital activation, outdoor placements as well as on and off premise account activation.

Additional television spots in the campaign focused on the Southern Comfort Lime and Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry flavored products will be introduced later this summer. Click here to watch the spot.

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand.  Please visit us at SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort.

About Wieden+Kennedy

Wieden+Kennedy, founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1982, is an independent, privately held international advertising agency with offices in Amsterdam, Delhi, London, New York City, Portland, São Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo. A full-service, creatively led communications company, Wieden+Kennedy has helped build some of the strongest global brands, including Coca-Cola, Chrysler, Delta Air Lines, Electronic Arts, ESPN, Heineken, Honda, Kraft, Levi’s, Nike, and Procter & Gamble. www.wk.com 

Please Drink Responsibly.

Spirit Specialty, 15-50% Alc. by Volume, Southern Comfort Company, Louisville, KY ©2013

The Exclusive Malts Round II! 

ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is delighted to announce that The Exclusive Malts Batch # 2 arrived inUSA! Due to great success of the first Exclusive Malts Batch, the second round of four casks from Creative Whisky Company have been bottled and are currently available in theUnited States. These are:

v  Bunnahabhain 1991 aged 21 years 52.6%, RRP $ 149.99

v  Dailuaine 1992 aged 21 years 51%, RRP $  149.99

v  Laphroaig 1990 aged 22 years 47.1%, RRP $  249.99

v  Tormore 1984 aged 29 years 51.4%, RRP $ 249.99

A new Facebook app launched by The Glenlivet, the no.2 malt whisky in the world, to help its fans to show their appreciation of their fathers this coming Father’s Day, Sunday 16^th June.

The app allows users to create a cover picture that combines their profile picture and a photo of their father. To try the app yourself, visit: https://www.facebook.com/theglenlivet/app_449982555078645

Don’t forget to share the app with your friends and most importantly, don’t forget to share a dram of The Glenlivet, the Single Malt that started it all, with your father this Father’s Day.

Glendronach 18 Year Old
UK Exclusive (55.1%)

Single Cask #3547

Bottled May 2013, a 1994 vintage expression
of the Highland single malt matured in a
Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon.

Buy – $98.80

www.ralfy.com says hello to a new malt and new Indi bottler with Whisky Review 368 – Strathmill 21yo (www.whiskybroker.co.uk)

Gold rush continues as the quality and prestige of the Chivas Brothers’ range is recognised in Asia.

Chivas Brothers, the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin, is celebrating after winning nine medals in The Asian Spirits Masters, highlighting the outstanding and consistent quality of the portfolio.

The biggest success in the awards was The Glenlivet XXV, which was the only Scotch whisky to win a prestigious Master Award, the top honour given by the competition.

There was further success for the company as Gold medals were awarded to The Glenlivet 18 Year Old.

“With an incredibly strong line up at 2013 The Asian Spirits Masters, we congratulate Chivas Brothers for their outstanding performance across their portfolio. Being the only Scotch whisky to win the competition’s highest honour –Master– is impressive and is testament to the outstanding, consistent quality that The Glenlivet is renowned for.” said Daisy Jones, associate publisher of The Spirits Business.

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller for The Glenlivet said “To be the only Scotch whisky to receive a Master award in The Asian Spirits Masters is a huge honour for us. As the original single malt whisky, we are committed to continuing The Glenlivet’s award-winning legacy so recognition from industry experts such as the judges in this competition shows us that our hard work and dedication is really paying off.”

Conducted for the second year in April 2013, the annual Asian Spirits Masters is an extension of the internationally-recognised Spirits Masters series. An awards competition for any spirit available in at least one Asian market, the Masters centres around a blind tasting judged by a panel of leading spirits and trade specialists. The results are published in full in the May issue of The Spirits Business ahead of the awards ceremony, which is expected to take place in late 2013.

FULL RESULTS

The Asian Spirits Masters

Master
The Glenlivet XXV

Gold
The Glenlivet 18 YO

Silver
The Glenlivet 21 YO
Chivas 12
Ballantine’s 12
100 Pipers

A message from our friends at Scotch Whisky Auctions;

“Hi folks. As you know, our auctions are increasing in numbers month on month. Many of you will also know that we are acquiring bigger premises in the near future. But until then we are storing bottles from previous auctions in our basement. From now on, if you are coming to collect bottles from the 24th auction and earlier, please try to give us 24 hours notice. This will prevent you having to wait until we fetch your bottles.

Kind Regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team”

www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com