NEW BRAND CONTROLLER FOR HIGHLAND PARK
 
The Edrington Group announced today (June 21, 2010) that Matthew Turner has been appointed brand controller for Highland Park.

Matthew, previously marketing controller with The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky, joined The Edrington Group in 2002 having held marketing positions working with Imperial Tobacco, the BBC and Bass.

Commenting on his new appointment, Matthew Turner, said: “I am immensely proud to be working on Highland Park – a brand whose heritage, history, whisky quality and reputation amongst whisky lovers and connoisseurs alike is unmatched.

“My vision for Highland Park is to build on the existing success of the brand and to further establish Highland Park as the world’s most respected single malt whisky. To achieve this ambition will require teamwork, courage and innovation and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said: “I wish Matthew every success in his new position as brand controller for Highland Park. The brand has had impressive growth since we set out on an ambitious £18 million master plan for the spirit in 2005. 

“Sales have soared in the past five years, catapulting Highland Park into the world’s top 10 single malt Scotch whiskies for the first time in the distillery’s 212-year history. I look forward to Highland Park’s continued growth with The Edrington Group.”

The Highland Park portfolio is distributed globally with key markets being the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail and the Nordics.

Notes

Highland Park:

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky. Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky. Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky. Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky. Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world.  For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.   Its range of 12, 15, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including ‘best new whisky release of the year 2009’ for its 40-year-old single malt and ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Highland Park 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky was named the No. 1 Spirit in the World by US author/journalist/critic F. Paul Pacult in the Top 115 Spirits in the World for 2009 in the June 2009 issue of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, his advertising-free, subscription-only quarterly newsletter. In 2010 Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranked number one Scotch. 

Upcoming Events

Black Bull at the Royal Highland Show 2010
 
The very best of pedigree Highlanders will be line up at Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, 24-27 June, in a bid to win the most coveted trophy and Black Bull 12yo will be present at the awards’  ceremony.

Black Bull 12yo will also be available at the Stockman’s Marquee Bar by the dram and it will be on sale at Great Grog, stand H in the centre of the Food hall. For those who know a champion, we hope to see you there.
 
Recent Events

Shanghai and Hong Kong

In May Lin  spent most of her time in Asia.  After a jittery start,  her first trip to Taiwan being delayed (due to the volcano erupting  in April), she set off again. Lin had a great tasting event with loyal Duncan Taylor supporters in Taiwan and visited many stockists. Black Bull had a good start in Taiwan with the first shipment  having just arrived in stores.

On the way back to Europe, Lin got stuck in Amsterdam due to volcanic ash again!  So when the flight resumed, she went directly to Shanghai for Whisky Live Shanghai in case the ash wanted to keep pouring! 

Whisky Live Shanghai however proved its weight in gold after all that hard core travelling. Audiences were stunned by Black Bull and Peerless Glenrothes 40YO. Quality speaks!  Duncan Taylor  confirmed their spot as a highlight at the show  and were able to meet up with many old friends and meet loads of new fans.  Euan was invited to host a master class for local whisky fans. 

Once Whisky Live Shanghai finished, Euan and Lin went to Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong to explore one of the biggest wine and spirits show in Asia. As a lot of people in the industry went to the show, Euan and Lin were able to have a few meetings and catch up’s with existing and potential customers of Duncan Taylor.  Asia is certainly up and coming in their thirst for whisky and knowledge!
 

Whisky Live Singapore
 
Mark had a busy time at Whisky Live Singapore at the end of May. This was the first Whisky Live to be held in Singapore, so it was a great delight for Duncan Taylor to be involved.

Black Bull 12 and 40 made their debut in Singapore, with both going down a storm.

 
New Bottlings

NC2 Craigellachie 1999 10yo Cask Strength 57.1%
 
Nose: Smokey, Orange, Almonds, Marshmallow, Ice Cream Soda, Petrol Mowers Cutting grass
Nose Reduced: Odd-fellows, Perfumed, Smokey grass, Lemons
Taste: Big peat, Ashtray, Lemons, Old Leather, Dry Ash, Salty.
Pallet Reduced: Softer Ash, Sweeter, Bitter Oranges
Finish: Long, Very long!!
Comment: Superb Dram
 
OC Tomatin 1976 33yo 48.2%
Before: Orange, mint, hot spices, dry, chocolate
After: Lime, mint, caramel waffles, pinewood, spiced melon
 
OC Glenrothes 1969 40yo 45.8%
Before: Sweet, Vinilla, Fruity, dry, Creamy, Grassys
After: Fresh, Raisins, Caramel, Cherry cola, long sweet finish.
 
OC Royal Lochnagar 1986 23yo C.571099 51.9%
Before: Light, Citrus, dry, Grassy, Herbal
After: Almond, Peaches, Orange, Raisins, sherry
 
OC Glen Grant 1972 37yo C.444486 51.8%
Before: Dry, Pears, Dusty, lemons, Grassy
After: Stewed fruit, nutty, olives, grassy, toffee
 
To view more tasting notes, please follow this link:
http://www.duncantaylor.com/products/new_bottlings.html

Hi all,

Hope all is well with you all.

With summer now upon us we have some what I would call summer-orientated whisky tastings for you…

Isle of Arran Distillers
With the Newcastle and Manchester legs of these tastings having taken place, we have three more to complete – all of which take place this week! Celine Tetu is due to be with us for these so a good evening for all is guaranteed! We are going to be sampling some superb whiskies from this young distillery including some rare cask finishes and a couple of brand new bottlings.

The dates remaining are…

Friday 25th June – Leeds – City Inn, Granary Wharf
Sunday 27th June – York – Meltons Too, Walmgate

For tickets and info please click here to be taken directly to the events page. Tickets are £20 each

Bourbon – Four Roses, Yeast and Mashbills
Most people when they think of Bourbon think of a fairly one-dimensional affair in comparison to single malt whisky. I was privy to a tasting by Four Roses earlier this year which opened and blew my mind all at the same time! I have invited Julian Howard from Inspirit to come along to Newcastle and Manchester only – for the time being – to do the same for you. You will be tasting cask sample bourbons from Four Roses demonstrating the difference between using different yeasts and ‘mash-bills’ (grain recipe). This is a fantastic tasting and I hope to roll this out into the other venues later in the year. The dates are…

Friday 30th July – Manchester – The Britons Protection, Gt Bridgewater Street
Friday 6th August – Newcastle – Blackfriars, Friar Street

Tickets and info will be on the website in the next few days so please either email me if you would like me to reserve your places, or check back with the website very soon. Tickets are £20 each.

Sheffield and Newcastle Whisky Lounge Festivals
Lastly, I would like to thank everybody who turned out for these fantastic events. For our first ‘attempt’ in Sheffield I thought it was a great show and as for Newcastle…

If you would like to have a look there is a great video of the Newcastle event and also some nice photos from the Sheffield event on our Facebook page. Follow this link to find them –

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whisky-Lounge/117227954967292?ref=ts

or you can go to YouTube if you don’t do Facebook

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2jKTYPelEI&feature=related

York Whisky Lounge Festival – 18th September 2010
The date is now announced and you can now buy tickets for this, the oldest and most established of our festival events. Tickets cannot purchased through our website, but through the York Food and Drink Festival site of which we are part. It is a two session event this year due to the popularity of the event and the exhibitor roster is as impressive as ever…
More a little later in the year!

Manchester Whisky Lounge Festival – 2nd October 2010
Not yet ready for full take-off, I can reveal to you the date for this final festival event of the year. It is looking like being the biggest festival yet for us, both in terms of exhibitors and customers so watch this space for updates – or follow me on Twitter.

Autumn/Winter Program of tastings
I am working on this as we speak and will have info for you very soon!

Well that’s it for now, but I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you all soon!

Cheers,

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com
Twitter me up
Facebook Group

07515 854210
01904 466227
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present

BALLANTINE’S LEAVES AN IMPRESSION WITH NEW LOOK PRESTIGE RANGE

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whiskies, is set to leave an impression with the unveiling of new packaging for its multi-award winning prestige range. The new look, while inspired by the authentic, timeless style that epitomises the brand, embraces a unique combination of luxury design elements, in a move to increase on-shelf impact and consumer appeal. 

The revised prestige range, which will appear on shelf first in Asia Duty Free, includes Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, Ballantine’s 21 Year Old and Ballantine’s 30 Year Old. As the clear No 1 ultra-premium/prestige Scotch whisky range in Global Travel Retail with 33% market share**, Ballantine’s has firmly established itself as the benchmark of quality and taste.

The prestigious new look for Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Ballantine’s 21 Year Old features an embossed George Ballantine seal and signature, for a more personalised effect. Parchment style labelling reinforces the brand’s authenticity, while champagne foiled slip labels add an element of modernity and uniqueness. The double thickness carton in which the bottle is presented features cleaner, clearer print as well as more super premium cues such as dual tone gold effects and textured embossing to ensure enhanced brand stand out.

The new presentation of the pinnacle of the range, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old perfectly reflects the expression’s position as one of the world’s most exquisite and expensive blends. The newly shaped bottle, which is taller and tapered, is elegantly embellished with an eye-catching copper plaque to reflect the traditional distillation stills used in the whisky making process, while a heavier base, embossed branding and a cork stopper reinforce the ultra premium status of the expression. The wooden case in which the bottle is presented mirrors the barrels used in the ageing process while a copper plaque further demonstrates the importance of high quality materials in creating this luxurious new pack.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director, Ballantine’s comments: “With a proud heritage that dates back to 1827, it was very important for us to create a new look for Ballantine’s prestige range that not only increases its luxury credentials, but also maintains the authenticity and flair that has historically underpinned the brand. The new look, which we are proud to be rolling out to our key markets from June, starting with Asia Duty Free, perfectly reflects both these elements, and we are confident that our consumers around the world will be inspired by it”.

Notes

*Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

** IWSR 2009

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whisky, has won over 60 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013

• Ballantine’s was also sponsor of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held in China in 2009

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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.

DISCOVER SCOTLAND, DISCOVER GLENDRONACH MALT WHISKY
 
SCOTLAND – a land bursting with culture, history, mist-covered mountains, secluded lochs, friendly people…and of course superb malt whisky.
 
And the best place to start discovering Scotland’s extraordinary liquor is at the remarkable GlenDronach Distillery in Aberdeenshire.
 
For visitors from Scandinavia to Japan, China, India, Australia and the USA, the distillery’s Visitor Centre is a real treasure-trove of phenomenal GlenDronach expressions, branded clothing and whisky-related items to enjoy this summer.
 
From its hillside home in the Scottish Highlands, The GlenDronach Distillery has been creating the finest richly sherried single malts for nearly 200 years – which makes it one of Scotland’s oldest and most venerable distilleries.
 
Visitors can join the fascinating daily tours to gain first-hand experience of the workings of a traditional Highland malt distillery.
 
Pride of place in the Visitor Centre goes to the classic hand-crafted 12, 15 and 18 year-old malts.
 
Marketing Manager Kerry White enthused: “The twelve-year-old is rich, creamy and silky-smooth tasting of raisins and soft fruits. The fifteen-year-old  – voted Best Single Malt Whisky of the year at the Dutch Whisky awards and elsewhere – has an incredible concentration of aromas, notably treacle toffee and chocolate orange. And the eighteen-year-old is absolutely amazing – fudge, muscovado sugar, fruit compote and glacier morello cherries!
 
“These are classic Scottish malts that are rich, creamy, silky-smooth with warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness. All are available for tasting and purchase at the Visitor Centre.
 
“In addition, for our discerning visitors who want something really special this summer, we have some extraordinary expressions.
 
14 year-old Exclusive Visitor Centre single cask bottling, Cask 197
 
14 year-old Sauternes Finish
 
14 year-old Virgin Oak Matured
 
15 year-old Moscatel Finish
 
20 year-old Tawny Port Finish
 
5 x single cask bottlings, Batch 2
 
“There are guided tours of the distillery – daily at 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. They cost just £3 and all visitors receive a generous dram of the GlenDronach twelve-year-old at the end.”
 
The drama and infinite variety of Scotland’s natural features always inspires and impresses visitors. The rolling hills of the Borders and the awesome peaks of the Highlands are absolutely stunning…as are its glorious malt whiskies.
 
Discover Scotland…and re-discover GlenDronach single malt whisky at our Visitor Centre this summer.
 
GlenDronach Distillery, Forgue, By Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 6DB
 
www.glendronachdistillery.com

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

There are still a few seats to tomorrow night’s Rare Malts tasting at the store. This is the last scheduled whisky tasting of the season, and we are going out with a bang. The tasting which highlights older, rare whiskies as well as those from closed distilleries with culminate in the tasting of a 40 year old bottling of Springbank… Only 4 bottles of this Springbank (exclusive to Kensington Wine Market) were brought into Canada, and the other three bottles are sold. This will be your one and only chance to sample this very rare old whisky.  In addition you will also sample 3 other whiskies from closed distilleries and a couple other rare old gems…

Tomorrow night’s forcast is for thunder, lightning and rain, you probably won’t be golfing so why not join us for a whisky tasting instead! The details follow below, and the tasting is 100% a go… Can you say the same for your tee time?

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Rare Malts – Tuesday June 22nd – $80

This is our final Spring whisky tasting, and what a tasting to end the session on. The Rare Malts tastings is our opportunity to showcase whiskies which are rare, older or from closed distilleries. This edition will be no different, and I am very excited about the line-up. The Rare Malts tastings are normally conducted blind so I won’t tell you all the specifics, except to say that we have expressions from Rosebank and Glen Mhor (both of which are closed) and we will also be sampling the new Pittyvaich 20 Year (also closed) and Signatory Springbank 1969 40 Year (exceptionally rare). The Springbank alone retails for more than $1200, and should make the tasting worthwhile.

Space is limited to 20 participants. Call the store, 403-283-8000 or go online www.kensingtonwinemarket.com to register.

 If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change!

 You can follow me online on Twitter at www.twitter.com/scotch_guy..

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

Blooming Marvellous Mystery Malts
Cask Ends Sale: Ends Thursday 24 June
Our Cask Ends Sale has been a stomper so far, Parcel A and Parcel C have sold out as well as bottle 77.18.

Fear not, Parcels B & D are still available at £89.50 and we have replaced 77.18 with 19.46 Handbags and ironboards – buy for £29.40 with any Cask Ends Parcel (save £35).

Parcel B
Highland, Speyside & Grain
£89.50 inc. Free P&P

Parcel D
1 x Highland & 2 Speyside
£89.50 inc. Free P&P

19.46 Handbags and ironboards
Highland Eastern
£29.40* inc. Free P&P (*with ANY Cask Ends Parcel)
Mouth-watering, like banana toffees in a lady’s handbag. We also got spice (clove, nutmeg), coconut and a woody after-taste, like chewing a banana ice-lolly stick.  Age: 21 years    Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events
South African Dinner – 28 Queen Street, Wed 23 Jun
Wokingham Preview Sensory Tasting – Cantley House, Thu 24 Jun
Dundee Preview Tasting – Hilton Hotel, Fri 25 Jun
Inverness Preview Tasting – Kingsmills Hotel, Fri 25 Jun
Pan-Asian Curry Experience – London, Sat 26 Jun
A night with Richard Paterson – London, Mon 28 Jun
Glenmorangie Tasting – Queen Street, Thu 1 July
World Cup Quarter Final Viewing – Queen Street, Fri 2 July
World Cup Quarter Final Viewing – Queen Street, Sat 3 July
Williams Bros Beer Tasting – The Vaults, Sat 3 July
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 3 July
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 4 July
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 5 July

Join the Society and take advantage of these & future great deals at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships

Beat The Emergency UK Budget: If industry predictions prove correct we are expecting a further significant rise in alcohol duty on Tuesday 22nd June 2010. VAT is also anticipate to increase. Beat the Budget by ordering your favourite drams by Midnight on Tuesday.

Port Ellen 27 Year Old Provenance

A new single cask bottling from the final year of distillation at Port Ellen.

Distilled Spring 1983 and bottled
Spring 2010. Refill butt from the Douglas Laing stable.
£144.99 (£123.40 ex VAT)

www.thewhiskybarrel.com

Scotland’s Online Whisky Shop

In Store Whisky Tasting

Beverly Corners Liquor Store

Drop in format – No fee

Wednesday June 23rd

3 pm to 7 pm

We have just found out that Roberto Roberti, Director of Sales for Purple Valley Imports, will be in the store to host a tasting of several of his whiskies including some of the Tullibardine and Amrut whiskies.

Come to taste and ask questions.

You can view his whisky portfolio at http://www.purplevalleyimports.com/ 

Sincerely

Sherry Groenendyk, Manager

Beverly Corners Liquor Store

1-250-715-2025

hello everyone,  ralfy-announcement here !

whisky review 138 – Jura 18yo   given a splash-in-glass at  www.ralfy.com ‘whisky reviews’