CHIVAS BROTHERS OPENS PICTURESQUE GUEST HOUSE AND WHISKY RETREAT, LINN HOUSE IN SPEYSIDE

Demand for premium whiskies and VIP experiences takes Chivas Brothers into the business of hospitality

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky and maker of Chivas Regal and Royal Salute, will extend its world-renowned visitor centre experiences with the opening of its first guest house, Linn House, this November. The magnificent Victorian manor, located in Keith on the banks of the River Isla, invites whisky lovers and explorers alike to enjoy a countryside getaway with traditional Scottish hospitality, unfettered access to a permanent whisky library and delicious fine dining prepared by its resident Chef.

With origins dating back to 1870, the building, designed by Scottish gentleman Robert Kynoch-Shand, has been reimagined for today with an impeccable renovation boasting luxurious amenities and rustic-chic interiors inspired by Chivas Brothers’ distilleries across Scotland. It is available to reserve in blocks of either six or 12 bedrooms, with both options offering sole occupancy of the house for the utmost privacy. Exclusive use of all the communal house facilities, including the charming living room with original Victorian fireplace, the oak-panelled mahogany dining room or the enchanting walled kitchen garden on the grounds of the estate, is offered with each reservation.

The carefully curated whisky library boasts an outstanding selection from the Chivas Brothers portfolio including Single Malt whiskies from The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Scapa, as well as blended whiskies from Chivas Regal, Royale Salute and Ballantine’s. Guests can discover these iconic whiskies through guided tastings, while learning about their rich heritage and sampling limited-release editions up to 30 years old, all from the comfort of the House.

Each reservation incorporates a culinary journey prepared by Linn House’s resident chef, who uses fresh, locally sourced produce to create elegant seasonal feasts for guests, including traditional Scottish dinners with an address to the haggis, served in the oak-paneled mahogany dining room, followed by a nightcap by the firepit under the starry Speyside sky.

Jacques-Henri Brive, Head of Brand Advocacy and Prestige Acceleration at Chivas Brothers spearheaded the project in response to the growing demand for luxury whisky experiences from global consumers. It also follows a recent report from the Scotch Whisky Association signaling whisky tourism has become the #1 attraction for visitors to Scotland in the last 12 months with more than £85m spent in total at sites across Scotland’s five whisky regions, up 90% since 2010 (SWA, 2022).

Brive commented,

“Linn House represents an opportunity for us to encourage global consumers to connect with the region in which many of our iconic whiskies are made. Just as a luxury fashion brand has an atelier, or a boutique perfumer has its by-invitation salon; the heart of our whiskies lies here in Scotland. As demand for whisky expands around the world, more consumers are intrigued to discover and explore our heritage. Linn House is an extension of our brand homes, affording anyone who visits the luxury of time: to rest, to indulge and to enjoy all that the region has to offer. It is our ambition that Linn House becomes a destination hospitality offering here in Speyside.” 

The dedicated team at Linn House will work closely with guests to design tailor-made itineraries for the ideal rural escape for whisky and nature lovers alike. For those interested in exploring the world of whisky, curated experiences at world-renowned distilleries The Glenlivet and Strathisla, an engaging cocktail masterclass or an exploration of the smuggler’s trails to learn more about the Speyside area’s illicit whisky distilling past, might be in order. Alternatively, guests can indulge in a range of local sporting and leisure activities, such as fly-fishing at the historic Ballindalloch Castle, a visit to the spectacular Hopeman golf course overlooking the sea or stargazing under striking dark sky sites.

Bookings enquiries can be registered at linn.house@pernod-ricard.com. Accommodating up to 12 guests in six rooms, the retreat is available at £9,600. Full house reservations grant guests access to all 12 rooms and accommodates up to 24 guests for £19,200. Both include a two night stay with breakfast and three course seasonal and/or Scottish dinner with wine selection, an ‘exploration’ drink package and a bottle of Linn House Reserve whisky for each guest. A minimum two-night stay applies for all bookings. Prices valid until 30th June 2024.

Dear valued customers, 

We want to provide you with an important update on the leadership of our distilleries. 

Dariusz Plazewski has relinquished all his responsibilities for both Bimber and Dunphail Distilleries and is handing over all decision-making and operational matters to the existing, experienced teams. Whilst we understand the news of his personal legal issues may well raise questions and concerns, we want to assure you that our businesses remain fully operational and committed to serving you with the same level of excellence and dedication as always. 

Going forward, Bimber Co-Founder Ewelina Chruszczyk and Dunphail Director of Whisky Creation Matt McKay will lead the activities of both distilleries together and drawing from their combined experience of both established businesses. They will work diligently with our dedicated staff to ensure that there is no disruption to our services or the quality of our products. Our management team, along with our staff, are fully capable of steering both companies forward and maintaining our ongoing operations smoothly. 

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.

The Grand Whisky Auction February 2024 Auction Closes SOON

(TOMORROW EVENING)!

Happy Bidding!

The auction closes on Tuesday the 20th of February 2024!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@TGWA.com

ARDBEG HEAVY VAPOURS 50.2%

Something weird has been going down at the distillery is the way that Ardbeg described their 2023 Committee release.

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is the result of the imagination of Dr. Lumdsen who took out one of the purifiers from one of the stills, changing the complexity of the vapours which would condensate and turn into Ardbeg’s iconic spirit.

The result is an untamed Ardbeg quite unlike anything else. Bottled at 50.2% with Ardbeg’s signature herbal peat with untamed darker flavours filling the senses.

In stock now £135.00

The WhiskyGenie gives you the CHEAPEST PRICE ANYWHERE

Old Perth Pedro Ximenez

This new release from Morrison Distillers is the first in their annual series of limited editions from their Old Perth Range. This blended malt is fully matured in sherry casks. It takes its name from Pedro Ximenez, a luxurious grape from Southern Spain, which is picked very ripe or sun-dried to concentrate the sugar and natural acidity of the wine.

Maturation in a combination of PX hogsheads and butts gave this malt rich, full flavour and velvety texture. 7800 bottles were produced.

£58.00

SPRINGBANK 13 YEARS
LOCAL BARLEY  54.1%

UK RRP £100 – £105

NOSE
On the nose, this whisky is packed full of fruitiness, ripened bananas, boiled sweets and cinnamon.

PALATE
Initially, the thick, chewy and oily texture of this whisky is evident. From there, we get a peppery and malty note, then strawberries, brandy schnapps and parma violets.

FINISH
Into the finish there’s subtle peat smoke hiding in the background, wine gums sweetness, toasted oats, dunnage earthiness and a slight drying taste.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 521: Braeckman Double Cask

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries a Belgian single malt from Belgian distiller Braeckman from Oudenaarde. It was not given an age statement for the understandable reason that this malt matured in first fill bourbon and oloroso sherry casks for 3 to 6 years.

https://youtu.be/RWHiWiqH6xE

Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Honors Brown-Forman Executive With Prestigious “Esprit de Corps” Award

Les Fugate, Vice President –

Director of State and Local Public Affairs for Brown-Forman Corp., 

Helped Lead the Industry’s Successful Efforts to Eliminate the Barrel Tax

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Les Fugate of Brown-Forman Corp. is the recipient of an elite industry award honoring leaders who personify the legendary group’s spirit of camaraderie and integrity.

The esteemed Esprit de Corps Award can be bestowed by the Chair of the KDA’s Board of Directors to individuals who have, “by demonstrable and honorable action,” gone above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission of the KDA and Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

“As Chairman of the KDA’s Governmental Affairs Advisory Group, Les devoted tremendous time, energy and leadership to the successful passage of House Bill 5, which phases out the annual discriminatory tax on aging barrels of Bourbon and spirits in Kentucky,” KDA President Eric Gregory said.

KDA Board Chairman Chris Morris conferred the award to Fugate at the KDA’s 2023 annual State Dinner in Louisville. Fugate received a commemorative plaque and engraved medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

“The KDA has been working for generations on a reasonable and responsible solution to the ever-growing barrel tax which had put our signature industry at a competitive disadvantage and remained a disincentive for distilleries to build or expand in the Commonwealth,” Morris said.

“By communicating and collaborating with our member distilleries and key stakeholders, Les and the industry’s team of advocates reached  a compromise that puts our state and homegrown Bourbon industry on a path to a more competitive and sustainable tax code.”

The bipartisan House Bill 5 compromise signed into law earlier this year phases out the barrel tax over 20 years while protecting funds for schools, fire departments and EMS districts, and gives local governments plenty of time to plan and diversify their tax base.

“Leaders like Les are why our industry is what it is today. He navigated an ever-changing legislative landscape while making sure all of our members, legacy and craft, were included in the process and the final outcome,” Gregory said.

Fugate, a native of Prestonsburg, Ky., and graduate of Centre College, said, “I’m humbled and filled with gratitude to be honored with the ‘Esprit de Corps’  award. So many legends within the industry worked together and paved the way to get us where we are today, and I am constantly inspired by their foresight, collegiality, and innovation to keep our industry thriving.

“The collaborative spirit that is woven throughout the history of Bourbon allowed us to come together and find a solution to lead our industry into an exciting future. This effort forever strengthens the relationship with the state that we love, our old Kentucky home.”

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Our February 2024 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT)  Friday 16th February until 3pm (GMT) Sunday 25th February.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Springbank – 32 Year Old (1966) Cask #486

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Arita Decanter) 2009 Release (60cl)

Glen Moray – 1966

Macallan – 1950 (Gordon & Macphail) 75cl

Glendronach – Finest Highland Malt (1940/50s) (Charles Brown)

Macallan – 103.7 Proof (1970s) Campbell, Hope & King (Charles Brown)

Glenmorangie – 1975 Tain L’Hermitage

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Cotswolds ‘The Patchett’ Single (Madeira) Cask

Introducing ‘The Patchett’. Aged in a first-fill Madeira cask, this whisky showcases distinctive notes of strawberry jam and sponge cake. It’s a limited-edition single malt, crafted from 100% Cotswolds-grown barley, matured solely in a first-fill ex-Madeira cask for a unique taste profile.

Named after Rob Patchett, our Global Ambassador and Cask Sales Manager, who has chosen this as his favourite cask. Distilled on April 24, 2016, and bottled at 60.2% ABV right here at the distillery, each bottle is presented in a luxury display carton.

Limited Bottles are available.

Available  to purchase from our shops on Monday 19th February. 

SHOP NOW

From Rob, our Global Brand Ambassador and Cask Sales Manager

Named after Rob Patchett, our Global Ambassador and Cask Sales Manager. See why he picked this cask as his perfect choice.

“Our Madeira casks have long been a favourite of mine. When I first tasted them with The Hideout and The Connaught teams, their reactions left me with absolutely no doubt that we had something really quite special.

The nose has this sweet cherry fruit and an almond nuttiness, then the palate has an incredible creamy texture with sweet sponge cake flavours. It led me to Victoria Sponge Cake immediately and I haven’t been able to get away from that ever since!

Our distillery character is shown in a completely different light in these casks, the sweet bright fruit and creamy texture of our spirit is truly elevated to another level.”