Keepers of the Quaich USA Gala Features Outlander Star Sam Heughan

NY Event Celebrates Scotch Heritage with World’s Most Coveted Drams 

NEW YORK, NY (October 2023) – Keepers of the Quaich USA Chapter (KOTQUSA.org), the American arm of the Blair Castle-headquartered Scotch whisky society, announced that Outlander star, philanthropist and founder of The Sassenach Scotch whisky, Sam Heughan, was the keynote speaker for the Gala at a private members club in Manhattan on October 4, 2023.

The Gala celebrated Scottish culture and heritage and showcased some of the U.S. market’s newest and rarest bottles of Scotch Whisky at a pre-dinner reception for 200 prominent opinion leaders, A-list media and top executives from leading suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Many of the attendees were “Keepers” who have been inducted into the society with pomp and circumstance by the parent organization at Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Heughan, as the Guest of Honor, took part in the important haggis ceremony, as well as leading a toast with his new award-winning whisky, The Sassenach, which he donated for the evening.

“Over the years, as I traveled, lived and worked abroad, I found myself incredibly homesick. One Christmas holiday, I vividly remember ordering a single malt, from the top shelf of my local London bar,” recalled Heughan, the star of the long-running TV series about Scottish history. “Instantly, the smell took me back to Scotland. Upon tasting, I had such a profound feeling of ‘home’… transported back to the hills and glens of Scotland.”

Keeping Scottish tradition alive, the evening’s first toast featured the presentation of a Scottish Quaich, the two handled drinking vessel that dates back to the 16th century. The Quaich is also known as the ‘Cup of Friendship,’ and has been used for centuries to welcome friends, family, and visitors at gatherings and celebrate the communal drinking of whisky.

“Scottish culture is a cornerstone of Scotch whisky and we are delighted to keep the storied traditions alive with the annual Keepers of the Quaich USA events,” said Chapter CoChair and Diageo’s Chief Marketing Officer Ed Pilkington. “The USA is the most important market for Scotch and there has always been an unwavering relationship and appreciation between Scotland and the USA, which we are honored to have the opportunity to uphold.” 

The evening benefitted the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, a charity that specializes in creating scholarship opportunities in the U.S. for people currently studying in Scotland, many whom are the first in their family to go to college. 

Also speaking was the top Scottish government official in the U.S., Counsellor for Scottish Affairs Chris Thomson, who discussed the importance of whisky in the US/Scotland relationship. 

Notable attendees at the event included: New York Football Giants Punter, Jamie Gillan, known as the Scottish Hammer; New York Giants Placekicker Graham Gano and Sir David MacMillan, PhD, FRS, FRSE, 2021 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, currently at Princeton University and is from the Glasgow region. 

U.S. Market is Scotch’s Most Valuable and Growing, Particularly at High End

According to the Edinburgh-based Scotch Whisky Association and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in 2022 the United States was Scotch whisky’s most valuable market, worth $2.7 billion in supplier revenue and growing, up 4.2% from the prior year. Total market volume was nearly 10 million cases, which is equal to 120 million bottles.

“In fact, Americans’ taste for the ‘king of spirits’ is driven by a growing desire for the most expensive bottles, with over one billion dollars in revenue spent on the priciest bottles. That is up 16% over last year,” said Co-chair and Master Keeper Frank Coleman, President of Frank Coleman Strategies LLC.

KEEPERS OF THE QUAICH OCTOBER 4 GALA: SCOTCH WHISKY TASTINGS

BEAM SUNTORY 

Laphroaig^® Single Cask – The Jack Rose

Laphroaig^® Ian Hunter 33YO

Bowmore^® 30YO

Bowmore^® Aston Martin^® Masters’ Selection 22YO

DEWAR’S 

Dewar’s^® Double-Double 37-Year-Old

Dewar’s^® Double Double 21-Year-Old Mizunara Cask Finish

DIAGEO 

Johnnie Walker^® Umami (New Blue Label Extension)

Johnnie Walker^® Blue Label

Mortlach^® 2023 Special Release “The Katana’s Edge”

Lagavulin^® 12 YO “The Ink of Legends” 2023 Special Release

EDRINGTON

Glenrothes^® 18-Year-Old Single Malt

The Macallan Rare Cask

MARUSSIA  

Torabhaig^® Single Malt

Mossburn^® 12-Year Speyside Four Square Cask Collaboration

MOET HENNESSY 

Ardbeg^® Traigh Bhan 19-Year-Old old Batch 5

Ardbeg^® Anthology 13-Year-Old

Ardbeg^® 25-Year-Old

Glenmorangie^® A Tale of Tokyo

THE SASSENACH 

The Sassenach^®

PERNOD RICARD 

Royal Salute^® 21

Chivas Regal^® 25

Aberlour^® 18

WILLIAM GRANT 

Glenfiddich^® 29-Year-Old Grand Yozakura Limited Edition

The Balvenie^® Stories “A Revelation of Cask and Character” 19-Year-Old    

KOTQUSA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Other KOTQUSA officers and directors include: Vice Chair Marvin Shanken, CEO of Shanken Communications, publisher of Whisky Advocate, Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, along with other leading industry titles; Vice Chair Wayne Chaplin, CEO of Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits; Treasurer Brian Cox, Bacardi Vice President, Dewars Scotch Whisky; Corporate Secretary Kathleen Dibenedetto, Beam Suntory Sr, Director, Seed Brands; Finance Chair Jonathan Yusen, President of Allied Beverage; Paul Ross, CEO of Edrington Americas; Bob Hendrickson, Executive Vice President & COO, Republic National Distribution Co.; William Grant & Sons National Brand Ambassador Lorne Cousin; Mahesh Patel, CEO of the Universal Whisky Experience; and, Jeffrey Karlovitch, Master Blender, LHK Spirits.  

ABOUT KEEPERS OF THE QUAICH

Started in 1988 at the society’s spiritual home at Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands, Keepers of the Quaich recognizes outstanding achievement in those who work, write or evangelize about Scotch Whisky by honoring them with title of “Keeper.”

A select few are invited each year to be distinguished with the role of Master of the Quaich. Since the foundation of the Society, just over 2,700 men and women from more than 100 countries have received the honor. There are around 300 U.S. Keepers and Masters in the United States.

Our October auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 20th October until Sunday 29^th October 2023 3pm.

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!

Dalmore – 50 Year Old Decanter)

Scapa – 41 Year Old (1979) Vintage Edition (Bottle #8)

Macallan – 40 Year Old (The Red Collection)

Karuizawa – Geisha

Bowmore – 52 Year Old (ARC-52)

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.

The Macallan Fine & Rare 1997

The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection is a celebration of place and moment in time, creating a rare opportunity to explore those that have come before us, their trials, their triumphs, and how they have shaped our world, through a medium we can consume.

The latest edition to this Collection of exceptionally rare bottles, The Macallan Fine and Rare 1997 represents over two decades of patience and craftsmanship. Filled on the 20th January 1997 and matured in a first fill sherry seasoned European oak cask for over 26 years, this 1997 Fine & Rare release has emerged as a masterpiece, encapsulating the trials and triumphs of its era.

DISCOVER

The Year That Was, 1997

Cinema has long played a key role in our history and 1997 was a particularly historic year for Hollywood, with several record-breaking films and franchises shining on the silver screen. The Macallan’s history also turned as global sales outpaced domestic sales for the first time, led by the thriving U.S. market. Photographer, Tim Walker, exquisitely captures The Macallan Fine & Rare 1997, channelling Hollywood’s allure and the cinema lights of his hometown for a vivid portrayal of that remarkable year.

The Macallan Distillery Experience, The Macallan Distillers Ltd,  Easter Elchies,  Craigellachie,

Moray, AB38 9RX, Scotland, +44 (0)1340 318 000

What is an autumn indulgence without a perfectly paired whisky dram? Our BRAND NEW bottlings have been aged to perfection, kissed by the embrace of sherry casks and infused with nuances of dried fruits, spices and oak. With each sip, you’ll be transported to a world of richness and depth, where every note tells a story, and every drop awakens your senses.

So why not join us this autumn on a journey of pure delight? Click onto our website to shop all of our Deep, Rich & Dried Fruit flavour profiles or scroll on for more…

BROWSE ALL

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 here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Spirited Xchange

DIAGEO SPECIAL RELEASES 2023

The Diageo Special Releases is a much-anticipated annual series for whisky enthusiasts. This year’s collection – Spirited Xchange – features one-of-a-kind whiskies from popular distilleries including a peaty Lagavulin finished in Don Julio Añejo Tequila casks and a meaty Mortlach finished in Kanosuke whisky and Pinot Noir casks.

DISCOVER NOW

James Eadie Autumn 2023 Release

James Eadie can take its bottling history back to 1854.Nine new bottlings have been selected for Autumn 2023 including five exclusive to the United Kingdom market. Including a rare peated Finglassie spirit from Inchdairnie and a Port Dundas matured in an ex-Sherry butt from the lost distillery. New releases including a peated Inchdairnie and sherry casks from Ben Nevis and more!

Browse our full collection of James Eadie Whisky HERE

ralfy review 999 Extras – A Good Whisky ?

THE FAMOUS GROUSE LAUNCHES NEW ‘FULL OF CHARACTER’ GLOBAL CAMPAIGN 

The UK’s no.1 whisky has unveiled its brand-new Full of Character global campaign which will launch across 30 countries in October and November

The campaign showcases The Famous Grouse’s exceptional character and puts a modern spin on the brand’s quality, personality and mixability credentials

The Full of Character TV campaign will launch during ITV’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023

MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER, LONDON: The Famous Grouse has today unveiled its brand-new global campaign, Full of Character, with a new TV advert premiering during ITV’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October and again during the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday 28th October.

The UK’s no.1 whisky is back with a new global brand campaign for the first time in four years, which will roll out across 30 countries in November and December, including the brand’s key markets of the UK, Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

The Full of Character campaign seeks to introduce The Famous Grouse to the next generation of whisky consumers as the alcoholic beverage for any social occasion, whilst also educating them on the accessibility and mixability of the liquid. 

As a result, the Full of Character campaign will feature Gilbert, the iconic Famous Grouse himself, preparing to host a dinner party for family and friends. A distinctive part of the brand for over 100 years, this is the first TV creative to ever show the Famous Grouse in an at-home setting, following his adventures on curling stones and on top of a cliff.

Following the Rugby World Cup final, the Full of Character campaign will roll-out globally, with TV and BVOD (Broadcaster Video on Demand) in selected markets, as well as a global digital and social media campaign. Various cuts of the advert will feature on YouTube within content relevant to the brand’s target audience.

The Full of Character creative will also feature in-store and be available for on-trade outlets as part of a global refresh of brand assets. Point of Sale (POS) displays will hero the new campaign to maximise impact during a critical trading period.

The Famous Grouse partnered with leading storytellers in the field of character animation for the Full of Character campaign. Creative agency Leith collaborated with Nexus, a BAFTA-winning Grammy and Academy Award-nominated studio, to produce the advert, while Paloma Baeza, who has previously won an Emmy for Best Character Animation, directed.

Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse, said: “Since its inception in 1896, The Famous Grouse, with its depth of flavour; light-hearted personality and ability to ignite storytelling have always been unmistakably Full of Character. We are therefore delighted to launch our new global campaign and hope it captures the hearts of our existing customers, whilst spotlighting the mixability of the liquid for the first time to encourage a new audience to try it”.

Debbie Morgan & Mairi Wilson, Creative Team at Leith, said: “We’ve grown up with The Famous Grouse on our screens and the adverts are legendary. The Famous Grouse is an icon; effortlessly cool, witty and – dare we say it – Full of Character. It’s been a dream come true to take him on the next wing of his journey.”

For further information or to join the conversation, please visit @TheFamousGrouseUK on Facebook, @TheFamousGrouse on Twitter and Instagram @TheFamousGrouseUK.

TV advert is available to download here

Credits 

The Famous Grouse

Global Brand Director – Joakim Leijon

Global Senior Brand Manager – Lewis Bright

Global Senior Brand Manager – Caitlin Maley

Senior Insight Manager – Amanda Hamilton

Global Brand Manager – David Cotter

Global Assistant Brand Manager – Lucy Garvie

Leith

Art Director – Debbie Morgan

Copywriter – Mairi Wilson

Group Account Director – Bex Hadden

Account Director – Erika Sablinskaite

Producers – Fraser Hunter

Editor – Neil Williams

Brand Design – Scott Dawson

Brand Strategy – Vic Milne & Leona Coupar

Sound

Composer – Bigmouth Audio

Sound Mix – John Vick at Finiflex

Nexus

Production Company: Nexus Studios

Director: Paloma Baeza

Executive Producer: Josephine Gallagher

Producer: Rebecca Archer, Derek Walsh

Production Manager: Ruyi Meer, Annika Bauer

Production Coordinator: Tyler Antin

Studio CG Lead: Florian Caspar, Nico Domerego

Art Director: Melanie Climent

Groom Artist: Nico Domerego

Lead Compositor: Sacha Danjou

Compositor: Camille Krempp, German Diez

Compositing Intern: Maxime Wattrelos

Character Designer: Fabien Glasse

Illustrator: Weitong Mai

3D Animator: Marylou Mao, Will Lorton

3D Generalist: Fabien Glasse, Eder De Souza, Kenny Ip

FX Artist: Tim Bacon, Joe Thornley-Heard, Nico Domerego

Storyboards: Neil Boyle

Rigger: Niko Rossi, Nayla Nassar

Lighting & Rendering: Patrick Tomasini, Jeff Newton, Carl Kenyon

Matte Painter: Charlie Herve

Editor: David Slade

Junior Editors: Zaki Ford, Andrea Zantiras

PR & Marketing: Nancy Edmondson

Behind The Scenes

BTS Director: Josh Bamford, (asst Zaki Fulford)

BTS Executive Producer: Josephine Gallagher

BTS Producer: Rebecca Archer. Derek Walsh

Production Manager: Annika Bauer

Production Coordinator: Tyler Antin

Camera Operative: Francis Boyter

Sound: Blai Escayola

About The Famous Grouse

The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4 standard blended scotch whisky worldwide (*IWSR value data 2022).

The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in Scotland, the home of Scotch whisky, since 1980.

The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.

The Famous Grouse was founded by Matthew Gloag who started blending whisky in the 1890s and was launched officially in 1897 as a reward to be enjoyed after a day in the Scottish countryside amongst friends.

About Edrington

Edrington’s vision is to give more by crafting exceptional ultra-premium spirit brands. The Macallan is our central focus, supported by Highland Park and The Glenrothes in the fast-growing single malt category and Naked Malt in the blended malt category. Our portfolio is completed with The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky, Noble Oak bourbon and Brugal premium rum from the Dominican Republic. Edrington also has strategic partnerships with No.3 London Dry Gin and Wyoming Whiskey in the American Whiskey category.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs over 3,000 people in its wholly owned and joint venture companies, with over half employed overseas. We own our route to market in 16 countries and distribute our brands to more than 100 countries around the world through joint ventures and third-party agreements.

Edrington’s principal shareholder is The Robertson Trust, which has donated £343 million to charitable causes in Scotland since 1961. Our business is underpinned by the Edrington values of giving, respect, integrity and excellence.

OLDEST GLENGLASSAUGH BREAKS AUCTION RECORD FOR CHARITY

Glenglassaugh Coalescence of the Coast aged 55 Years, a one-of-a-kind expression crafted by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, has been sold as part of the Distillers One of One Auction, raising a total of £37,500*, the highest price ever achieved for a bottle of Glenglassaugh at auction.

Created exclusively for the auction to raise vital funds to help disadvantaged young people in Scotland, the expression marries three individual casks of Glenglassaugh filled in 1963, 1965 and 1967. The coalescence of these rare casks expresses the extraordinary character of Glenglassaugh after decades of coastal maturation.

The liquid is held within a custom made crystal decanter which is housed in a bespoke, hand-crafted wooden box inspired by Glenglassaugh’s coastal home. The design reflects the ripples of the shore at Sandend Bay and is adorned with the natural serpentine marble from the distillery’s neighbouring harbour town, Portsoy. The lot buyer will also receive three miniature samples, one taken from each of the three casks used for the marriage.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Glenglassaugh Distillery, said:

“The elixir within this bespoke bottle of Glenglassaugh is a precise composition which captures Glenglassaugh at its quintessential peak, with seductive cassis, sublime mandarin peel and soft aromatic sherry in a caress of silken oak. One sip awakens the senses with mesmerising waves of luscious black cherry, ripe mango and tropical flora carried on an endless ocean breeze. To taste Glenglassaugh Single Malt is to experience the evocative coastal influence of Sandend Bay.

“Now is such an exciting time for Glenglassaugh. We’re still riding the wave of the new portfolio launch and we have so much to look forward to with some exquisite new releases of old and rare whisky which date back to the 60s and 70s still to come. Watch this space.

The Distillers’ Charity hosted the second biennial One of One Auction, in partnership with Sotheby’s, in Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on Thursday 5 October, raising an outstanding total of £2.25 million / $2.7 million, doubling the pre-sale low estimate. Hammer proceeds of £1.8 million from the auction, which saw 39 lots of unique whiskies and experiences donated by distilleries from across Scotland, will primarily benefit The Distillers’ Charity’s Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform the lives of young people in Scotland.

About Coalescence of the Coast aged 55 Years:

Master Blender Rachel Barrie crafted Coalescence of the Coast, a one-of-a-kind 55 year old expression to celebrate the extraordinary character of Glenglassaugh after decades of coastal maturation. To create the expression, whisky at its peak was combined from rare individual casks of Glenglassaugh filled in 1963, 1965 and 1967. The highest bidder also received three miniature samples, one taken from each of the three casks used for the marriage.

COLOUR Flame ruby gold.

NOSE Seductively sublime notes of cassis, morello cherry and mandarin peel coalesce with mesmerising waves of caramelised fig, aromatic sherry and tropical flora.

TASTE Luscious waves of ripe black cherry and amaretto meld into an elixir of mango and guava, seducing the palate with silken oak on an endless ocean breeze.

ABV

40.8%

About Glenglassaugh Distillery:

There’s a place where the land meets the sea. Where the senses are awakened and sweet air mingles with a crack of sea salt. Where flavours ride the waves of sea and air. Until they come to rest, in a place of perfect harmony. A taste of Glenglassaugh is a pull to the lush shores of Sandend Bay. Where, in curving copper stills and dark casks of oak, a coastal single malt is born. Softly rolling surf sweeps across a scattering of ancient harbour towns here, while dolphins play, gannets dive, and spirits are renewed by the joy of life at a gentler pace.

www.glenglassaugh.com

Twitter: @Glenglassaugh

Instagram: glenglassaugh

Facebook: /GlenglassaughDistillery 

About the Distillers One of One Auction:

The hammer proceeds total for the 2023 auction was £1.8 million and for the 2021 auction was £2.4m. The entire combined hammer proceeds of £4.2 million goes to The Distillers’ Charity, with 90% of that amount going to the Youth Action Fund and 10% going to the charity for its general charitable purposes.

About The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers’ Charity (registered no. 1193683) is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Charity’s vision is to make a difference especially to young people, and those within the distilled spirits trade, helping them to reach their full potential, improve their life chances and make a positive contribution to their communities. Distillers’ Charity mission is manifested through three distinctive grant-making areas:

• Vocational Training & Education: to provide educational and development support to new and recent entrants to the UK spirits trade, encouraging high standards of distilling practice and service.
• Livery & City giving: to fulfil our wider civic duties as a Livery, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Master’s charity and other good causes aligned with our vision.
• Youth Action Fund: created by The Distillers’ Charity to use proceeds from The Distillers One of One auctions to support young people in Scotland, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Two American Oak
Single Cask Whiskies

On Monday we release American Oak Second-Fill TD0393 and American Oak ex-Bourbon TD0387. Both whiskies showcase the bright, fruity character that have made our American Oak releases a staff and fan favourite, yielding 241 & 286 bottles respectively.

American Oak Second-Fill TD0393

Nothing highlights our spirit like second-fill casks and TD0393 is no exception. The classic Sullivans Cove notes of melon, kiwi, and a flicker of briny salt spray are all present. Warming and tingly whispers of oak spice come next and mingle with fresh fig in the mid-palate. A mineral flicker provides an interesting and evocative base. Released at an ABV of 51.3% and matured for 10 years in a second-fill 200L American oak ex-Bourbon cask, TD0393 yielded just 241 bottles.

Read the full tasting notes here

American Oak ex-Bourbon TD0387

Delicate, yet incredibly far-reaching and powerful, but in a considered and elegant way. After leaving the room and coming back, the entire space was filled with notes of fresh pear and honeyed melon. Sullivans Cove spirit on full display in all its fruity, high-ester glory, with light and well-placed touches of oak adding structure and intrigue. Matured for 10 years in a first-fill 200L American oak ex-Bourbon cask, yielding just 286 bottles of Sullivans Cove single cask whisky.

Read the full tasting notes here

These whiskies will be released via ballot. The ballots will open for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Monday 23rd of October. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballots opening. A note on our ballot system. Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only. *BALLOT UPDATE* To ensure more people have the opportunity to enjoy our whisky, entrants can only win one ballot even if you enter both. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballots close.