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BENRIACH APPOINTS NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – Scotch Whisky News

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BENRIACH APPOINTS NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has appointed Douglas Cook as Regional Sales Manager, it announced today (September 13, 2011).

Douglas (35), from Edinburgh, will have responsibility for Asia Pacific and European markets including France and Belgium.

A graduate of the University of Strathclyde with a degree in marketing and modern languages, Douglas is a keen linguist who speaks German, French, Spanish, Catalan, Italian and is currently learning Mandarin.

He started his career in exporting with United Wire, an Edinburgh-based wire manufacturer, before moving to Germany where he joined the export division of Dornbracht, a family-run manufacturer of high-end fittings and accessories for the bathroom and kitchen.

During his career with Dornbracht in Germany and the UK, he gained experience in the management of both retail and international project sales.

He developed his passion for whisky when he worked at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.

“I’m looking forward enormously to working with BenRiach,” he said. “It’s a fast-growing, innovative and dynamic company producing a fantastic range of award-winning, top-quality whiskies.

“My aim is to develop BenRiach and GlenDronach, through long-term partnerships in the premium-quality single malt segment of our established European markets and up-and-coming markets such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, India and Australia.”

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THE MACALLAN AND THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY PUT O’NEILL IN THE FRAME – Scotch Whisky News

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THE MACALLAN AND THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY PUT O’NEILL IN THE FRAME

The Royal Photographic Society last night (8 September) recognised the innovative work of legendary photojournalist and portrait photographer Terry O’Neill HonFRPS at The Macallan 2011 Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony in London.

Following in the footsteps of distinguished photographers, including Albert Watson, Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey and Don McCullin, O’Neill was presented with The Society’s Centenary Medal, recognising his outstanding contribution to the art and science of photography.

The Royal Photographic Society and The Macallan recently announced a new three year deal to sponsor the world renowned annual Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony, as part of The Macallan’s innovative and ground-breaking work within the photography arena.

Founded in 1853, The Royal Photographic Society is the world’s longest established Photography Society. It was granted its Royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1894, and a Royal Charter in 2004. It remains one of the most prestigious and well-respected societies to this day, with membership across the world.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said, “The Macallan has built up a strong commitment to the world of photography, including The Macallan Masters of Photography Series, and by supporting The Royal Photographic Society this is continuing to cement our passion within this exciting sphere.

“The work which was recognised at this year’s award ceremony is a true testament to the talent and innovation of the photographers who took to the stage. It is a great honour to be associated with not only these outstanding photographers but also a society which has such a rich history, professional excellence and is a world leading authority in photography. We look forward to working with the Royal Society of Photography going forward and with the very best photography talent.”

The Progress Medal and Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of an invention, research, publication or other contribution which has resulted in an important advance in the scientific or technological development of photography or imaging in their widest sense, went to Rodney Shaw, President and co-founder of White Rose Digital, which provides user-friendly imaging-methodologies for digital photographers.

The Award for Outstanding Services to Photography, which honours major, sustained, and influential contributions to the advancement of photography and imaging, was awarded to Philippe Garner HonFRPS, International Head of Photographs and 20th Century Decorative Art & Design at Christie’s.

Honorary Fellowships were awarded to Jason Bell, John Downing MBE, Simon King OBE, Bob Martin, Mario Testino, and Stuart Blake, retiring Director General of The Society.

New for 2011 was the Education Award, for outstanding achievement or sustained contribution in photographic education, which goes to Paul Delmar, who taught Press Photography and Photojournalism at Norton College Sheffield for 30 years, and numbers Marc Aspland FRPS and Simon Roberts FRPS, among his many students who have gone on to become top photographers.

The Hood Medal recognising meritorious performance in photography, with particular emphasis on public service was awarded to Edmund Clark. The Vic Odden Award, recognising notable achievement by a British photographer aged 35 or under, was presented to Venetia Dearden; while The Society’s Lumière Award went to Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle.

www.themacallan.com

Please enjoy our brand responsible www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes

About the Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853, to promote the art and science of photography, a mission it continues to this day, in the UK and, through its overseas membership, worldwide. Membership of The Society is open to everyone interested in photography, amateur or professional, artist or scientist. The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity. www.rps.org

The Royal Photographic Society Awards: awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. Nominations are invited for a wide range of awards, including to those under the age of 35.

The Macallan

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home: Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills: The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut: The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.

Exceptional Oak Casks: The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.

Natural Colour: The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit: The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

The WhiskyBarrel.Com Stocks The Ardbeg Alligator – Scotch Whisky News

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Ardbeg Alligator (51.2%)

Limited new general release matured in heavily charged air-seasoned American white oak. £72.99 (£59.99 ex VAT) via the link below.

Ardbeg Alligator

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The Whisky Lounge – York Whisky Festival – This Saturday! – Scotch Whisky News

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Hi all,

Just a very quick reminder for those attending and for those who have missed the build-up to the 9th York Whisky Festival that takes place this Saturday, the 17th September!

Details;

York Whisky Festival 2011
Saturday 17th September
The Park Inn (across the river from the Guildhall)
North Street
York
YO1 6JF

It takes place between 12am and 5pm and costs £20 per person. There are still a few tickets available at the door, so don’t miss out!

Masterclasses
There are still places available on all of the following classes, but if you haven’t booked, please be quick as these won’t hang around in the main.

12.30-1.30pm
Beginner’s Guide to Whisky with Eddie Ludlow £5
1pm-2.15pm
Diageo, Six of the Best with Colin Dunn £10
3pm-4.15pm
Glenfiddich, Tales from the Solera with Jamie Milne £7.50
3.30-4.45pm
IWSC – Liquid Gold with Eddie Ludlow £15

If you would like to take part in any of these then please email me by return with details of how many places you require and a contact number in order to secure the booking.

Festival Bottlings
We have no less than 5 exclusive 20cl festival bottlings this year, ranging from £12.50 up to £40. Come and taste these at the Whisky Lounge Stand/Shop inside the festival. These are a great memento of a great event to take away with you!

That’s all for now.

We are very much looking forward to the event and seeing many of you there!

Slainte.

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Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com

The Octave Cask Range from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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WHAT IS IT?
An Octave cask is 1/8th the size of a standard cask and contains approximately 50 litres of whisky. Shorter maturation in 1/8th size octave casks.

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UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY
The Octave range features whiskies from Scotland’s finest producing and non-producing distilleries including Bowmore, Caperdonich, Glenlivet, Glenrothes, Laphroaig, Macallan, Port Ellen, Springbank and many more. Each non chill-filtered, non coloured whisky is the product of a single cask and is bottled at cask strength. Approx only 70 bottles are produced from a cask, making every release in the Octave range a unique and unrepeatable example of whisky making at its finest.

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WHY USE IT?
The increased wood-to-spirit contact in the Octave cask carefully expands the character of the whisky without masking it, creating a bigger, bolder spirit with a true multi-dimensional character.

For further information visit: www.duncantaylor.com

Email: info@duncantaylor.com
Telephone: +44(0)1466 794055

New Arrivals at K&L Wines California – Whisky News

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Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

1991 Auchroisk 20 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99) 

1979 Caol Ila 28 Year Old Malt Trust Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 11 available ($179.99)

2002 Craigellachie 8 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($65.99)

Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99)

1998 Glen Ord 12 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($65.99)

1977 Glenfiddich Single Vintage Distillery Bottling 750ml (Elsewhere $830) – 2 available ($699.99)

Laphroaig “Triple Wood” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($64.99) Multiple Reviews on this limited release that was supposedly for European Travel Retail only! Lucky for us some popped up in California. This essentially Quarter Cask finished in Oloroso Sherry Butts. “so in addition to the intense charcoal smoke attack there are rich fruity notes; blackcurrant and berries. It’s an evening barbecue whisky. Grill that fish until it’s blackened and crispy, drizzle on lemon, and as the smoke rears up in protest, sip this. Big, moody, broody, fruity, and rich: what’s not to love? ” 94 Points Dominic Roskrow Malt Advocate,”Similar to Laphroaig Quarter Cask, but also finished in oloroso sherry casks. Fruit and smoke: fleshy red berries, red licorice, toffee, ripe barley, coal tar, sun-baked seaweed, peat smoke, and a hint of coffee grounds. Tarry finish. I rated the Quarter Cask a 91, and I think this whisky is in the same ballpark. If you like sherry-influenced whiskies, then go for the Triple Wood. If not, then consider the Quarter Cask.” 90 points

2000 MacDuff 10 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($65.99)

Ireland – Single Malt Scotch

2000 Cooley 11 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Irish Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($89.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

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Scotch Whisky Auctions UPDATE – Scotch Whisky News

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The latest auction at www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com goes live today….with 227 items available for your bidding pleasure…

New Morrison-Bowmore Products Arriving In The USA – Scotch Whisky News

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AUCHENTOSHAN LOWLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

– NEW PRODUCT: Valinch – By popular demand, Auchentoshan introduces this limited-edition, cask-strength version of its “Classic” expression. What is a valinch, you ask? A cellar master’s best friend. (It’s the tube that goes into the cask to pull out samples for him to taste and determine if the whisky is ready for bottling). Auchentoshan is the only triple-distilled malt in all of Scotland, making it smooth, smooth, smooth. Auchentoshan Valinch – approx $59.99, launching Oct 2011.

– NEW PRODUCT: 1999 Bordeaux Wine Matured – A rarity! There are single malts that are finished in wine casks but not very many at all that are 100% fully matured in ex-Bordeaux casks. And this one is. See what interesting flavors 11 years in a red wine cask imparts to this smooth, Lowland malt. Auchentoshan 1999 – approx $69.99, launching Oct 2011.

– The Auchentoshan Switch – US and UK are switching bartenders! This friendly competition will name 1 US bartender that will travel to the UK to work at famed 69 Colebrooke Row for 2 weeks. And one UK bartender will come to NYC to work. Ergo, the ‘switch’ – stay tuned for my announcement of the top 20 US bartender finalists that will go to Las Vegas for the final shoot out that will name the winner. Las Vegas finals on Oct 26, 2011.

BOWMORE ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

– NEW PRODUCT: Tempest Small Batch No. 3 (coming later this Fall) – Inspired by the violent gales that at times wage war against its weather-beaten distillery (the first one on Islay), Bowmore will introduce Tempest No. 3, the third in this series of limited editions. Launching fall/winter 2011.

– Sail New York Harbor with Bowmore – Sat, Sept 17, NYC – Bowmore and Liquor.com host a sail around NYC Harbor and a Bowmore tasting for the public. Tickets available here – http://liquor.com/tasting-ny-cruise/  

GLEN GARIOCH HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

– NEW PRODUCT: Glen Garioch 1994 Vintage – this will be the SMOKIEST Glen Garioch ever released. Since 1995, the house style has been no smoke at all. Since this is the last vintage laid down pre-1995, it is the smokiest you will ever taste from this Highland distillery. Ever. Approx $109.99, launching Oct 2011.

PARK AVENUE LIQUOR SHOP

– Located in the heart of New York City, this shop is renowned for its collection of whisk(e)y available at retail (400+ bottlings including exclusive and special bottlings created just for them) and its vast and enviable inventory of Bordeaux and Burgundies. Listen in to Martha Stewart Radio “Living Today” on Sirius/XM each month as proprietors and spirits/wine experts Jonathan and Eric Goldstein give advice on wine pairings, new and noteworthy whiskies, top seasonal beverages and more. Jonathan and Eric are superb spirits and wine experts if you are looking for someone to quote for a story. Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 292 Madison Ave, NYC.

Savona Communications Update

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK FOR ICONIC LUXURY BOTTLE – Scotch Whisky News

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JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK FOR ICONIC LUXURY BOTTLE

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the pinnacle Scotch Whisky blend from the House of Johnnie Walker, has unveiled a brand new look for its iconic luxury bottle.

Inspired by the original 19th century Johnnie Walker bottle, the contemporary redesign of this famous bottle features crafted details embodying rarity and exclusivity, and reflecting the House of Johnnie Walker’s commitment to both heritage and modernity. An ultra-thick glass base and side walls made from light blue glass frame the blend inside, allowing the whisky to shine through. The iconic John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant are printed directly onto the glass in a rich gold colour, while each bottle is individually numbered to reflect the limited nature of this Scotch Whisky.

The new bottle is presented in a redesigned luxurious, silk touch effect box, the outer finely embossed with the gold John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant, and inside, the bottle is delicately framed by a gold lining, reflecting light onto the Scotch Whisky within.

Speaking of the redesign James Pennefather, Managing Director Reserve GB, said: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label is built on an unwavering commitment to blending excellence. This commitment to excellence is something that our new bottle reflects in every way and we believe that it is now as beautifully crafted as the Scotch Whisky it contains.”

The commemoration of Alex Walker’s remarkable Old Highland Whisky of 1867, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a skilful blend of the rarest whiskies taken from the four corners of Scotland. Handpicked by Master Blender Jim Beveridge, only 1 in 10,000 casks are deemed of sufficient character to deliver the remarkably smooth signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, Jim nurtures and blends in small batches, to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.

To mark the launch of the new bottle, the first 1,867 numbered bottles will each be personally gifted to those who have made extraordinary accomplishments today. Alongside this, The House of Johnnie Walker has commissioned the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Journal, a chronicle that tells the inspirational story of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s epic journey from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world.

The new look bottle will be priced at RRP £200 and available from usual Johnnie Walker Blue Label stockists from September 2011.

Notes

About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is the pinnacle of Blended Scotch Whisky from the House of JOHNNIE WALKER.

The rare casks used in blending JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL are truly special, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste.

The rare craft that lies behind JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL sees today’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, hand-picking and skilfully blending rare whiskies, with elusive flavours, drawn from the four corners of Scotland to produce a true masterpiece.

Jim, part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, nurtures supremely rare casks, from unparalleled reserves, for as long as they take to mature to perfection, and then blends them in small batches to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.

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 BLUE LABEL. Using a relatively small number of whiskies requires incredible skill and exceptional liquids as each will play a significant contribution to the final result.

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.

Available at Harrods, Selfridges and online at RoyalMileWhiskies.com

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, GUINNESS, SMIRNOFF, J&B, BAILEYS, CUERVO, TANQUERAY, CAPTAIN MORGAN, CROWN ROYAL, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.

DIAGEO is a global company, trading 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 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 JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2011.

Catto’s 25yo 150th Anniversary (40%, OB, 2011) – Scotch Whisky Tasting Note

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Catto’s 25yo 150th Anniversary (40%, OB, 2011)

On the nose there is a significant amount of very good fruit (tinned fruit salad, over ripe peaches or pears) along with some dusty malt and very light wood notes. In many regards it presents as a malt; a little vague pipe smoke brings it altogether. Vanilla bean and a very little heather; everything is pulling together here. The taste is of cocoa, a lot of the fruit and some very good moments of the pipe smoke and surprisingly a hint or two of some green notes (the heather or roses?) either way it’s not important as it’s very slight and pleasant. Some good malt moments here, chewy and then some dryness. Again this does not taste like a blend and it’s all very good. Sensational actually. The finish shows some characteristics of being a blend but not matter since the ending mirrors the other two parts so very well. Some really excellent dark cake with chilies for the briefest of moments. Long luxurious and malty.

A very good whisky period. Any whisky enthusiast would be please to have this in their cabinet.

Score 91 points

Please read Press Release for further information on this whisky.

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Part three of three this week looking at three very distinctive blended Scotch whiskies.


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