Highland Park Brings The Mighty Thor

DIRECT FROM THE GATES OF VALHALLA.

Mighty Thor remains one of the most renowned of all the Norse gods. A powerful and
brooding figure, it is said that using his hammer, Thor could carve valleys out of mountains
and that his enemies would quake in terror at the thunderous sound the weapon created.
Son of Odin, the ruler of Asgard, Thor was avidly worshipped by Viking warriors as the

defender of mankind and gods alike.

In honour of this great warrior and in celebration of its own unwavering Norse heritage, Highland Park has released Thor. This stunning 16 year old single malt is believed to be the first whisky ever designed specifically around an individual’s character.

With a natural strength like its namesake, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, Thor is a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, it represents a meeting point of nature’s
forces, exuding a dynamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart.

Thor represents the first coming for Highland Park’s stunning Valhalla Collection; a range of four unique whiskies, released annually, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old. Not for the faint hearted, only those brave enough to accept the challenge of Thor
shall be rewarded with the ultimate experience; a whisky of divine power.

Bottled at a robust 52.1% abv this limited edition whisky comes housed in a unique wooden
frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, stated, “Building on the success of The Magnus Series,
we wanted to create an exciting new range which offers Highland Park fans something both
affordable AND collectable.  This is no ordinary whisky and as we wanted it to truly reflect
Thor’s character you will find some of the classic Highland Park aromas in there; it has a
sweetness and a subtlety, but it will also surprise you with a little bit more smoke and
dryness and there definitely is a lightning strike on your palate also.”  The Valhalla Collection is about more than great whisky, it gives an insight to the very being of the brand, its inspiration and raison d’etre.

We’ve put Thor first, as he is such a mighty character and deserves his rightful place at the
very forefront of this range. Everything about this whisky bellows  power; this is quite
honestly a true whisky of the gods.”

Highland Park Thor -16 years old - 52.1% Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Rich amber, with an iron ore glow

Nose:    Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of aromatic smoke,  pungent fresh
ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden syrup. With water, earthy notes emerge,
like a garden after a heavy rain shower.

Palate: Thor’s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go.  Initially dry, with fiery
gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big
flavours swirl around the mouth, some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving Thor and
unexpected layer of complexity and depth.

Finish: The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and an intense
spiciness.

Compass Box Whisky Co. helps usher in new era in Scotch Whisky

Takes a lead in education around new whisky laws

Releases valedictory Last Vatted Malt limited edition

Compass Box Whisky Co. is to take a lead in the educational drive around the new laws on Scotch whisky that come into force from Wednesday 23^rd November 2011.

To mark the occasion, Compass Box will release a limited edition bottling, the Last Vatted Malt, made from a marriage of fine, old single malt whiskies from Islay and Speyside distilleries, that will be the last whisky to be labelled legally as a Vatted Malt. 

As Compass Box founder and whiskymaker John Glaser explains: “At midnight on November 22^nd, 2011, an era ends.  After that point, it will be illegal for whiskymakers to use the term Vatted Malt to describe a Scotch whisky made from the combination of two or more single malts. From 23^rd November 2011, this style of whisky will by law have to be labelled as a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.  Vatted Malt is a term that has been in use since at least the 19^th century.  It represents a style of whisky in which Compass Box specialise, so it has special meaning for us.  Therefore we have decided to take a lead in the education of whisky drinkers about the new legal definitions of the 5 styles of Scotch whisky. We feel that this is an important change to the law that needs to be explained to whisky lovers. As the new laws come into effect, we want to take this opportunity to educate, to look to the future and to help the industry as a whole.”

The new legislation is all encompassing and was introduced by the UK Parliament as The Scotch Whisky Regulations in 2009. However, the five new legal definitions of Scotch whisky styles, as well as some other areas, will become enforceable by law from 23^rd November 2011. The new definitions will be:

Blended Scotch Whisky: a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: a blend of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery. (previously known as Vatted Malt or Pure Malt Scotch Whisky)

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky: a blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery. (previously known as Vatted Grain Scotch Whisky)

Single Malt Scotch Whisky: a Scotch Whisky that has been distilled in pot stills in one or more batches at a single distillery from water and malted barley, without the addition of any other cereals.

Single Grain Scotch Whisky: a Scotch Whisky that has been distilled at a single distillery except Single Malt Scotch Whisky or a Blended Scotch Whisky.

Full details can be read here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/2890/introduction/made

Commemorating this transition into a new era, The Last Vatted Malt Limited Edition from Compass Box will be on sale from 23^rd November 2011 onwards at www.compassboxwhisky.com and from whisky retailers. It will be bottled at cask strength, and each bottle will be personally signed by John Glaser. Only 1323 bottles will be produced. The recommended retail price will be £175.00 per 70cl bottle.

Compass Box will organise a number of activities through November to help promote awareness of the new laws, supported by a programme of communication on Facebook, Twitter and by email. These will include:

·         A Twitter Q&A with John Glaser @CompassBox at 8pm GMT on Tues 15^th November

·         The Compass Box potted guide to all you need to know about the new Scotch Whisky laws at www.facebook.com/CompassBox

·         Last Vatted Malt Day on Tues 22^nd November encouraging whisky fans worldwide to bid adieu to Vatted Malt by raising a glass wherever they are.

·         A ceremonial bottling of the last bottle of Vatted Malt at a mystery location in Central London by John Glaser at 11.59 on the night of Tues 22^nd November – accompanied by a select Vatted Malt flash mob.

ABOUT THE LAST VATTED MALT

“The Last Vatted Malt is a testament to the high merit of blending single malts—to create a whisky flavour profile that no single distillery can produce.  This whisky combines intense aromas and flavours of dried fruits and maltiness underscored by a subtle, sweet smokiness, all robed in the revealing signs of whiskies of antiquity.  It is composed of two single malts: approximately 22% of the recipe is whisky distilled at the younger of the two distilleries in the village of Aberlour in 1974 (36 years-old), aged in a first fill sherry butt. The balance is from the famed distillery in the village of Port Askaig on Islay, made in 1984 (26 years-old), aged in an American oak hogshead.” – John Glaser, Whiskymaker

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)

The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser.  Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world.  A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism.  They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER

American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000.  Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.

Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people.  From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

Press contacts:

Chris Maybin

Tel: 020 8995 0899

Mobile: 07789 958 894

chris@compassboxwhisky.com  

Cask Strength Redbreast expression added to Irish Distillers Single Pot Still Range

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is adding to its collection of Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton* this weekend at Whisky Live Paris**, with the launch of Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – the portfolio’s first permanent cask strength bottling. This latest addition to the Redbreast range forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to promote the provenance and quality of this unique Irish whiskey style.

Produced at Midleton Distillery, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength is Redbreast in its natural full-flavoured state – straight from the cask, non-chill filtered and without the addition of water. Bottled at 57.7% ABV, this first batch will be available from September 2011 in Ireland, France and Germany and in the US from February next year.

Brendan Buckley, Global Category Development Director for Irish whiskey at Irish Distillers, said: “Over the years, we’ve had great encouragement from whiskey enthusiasts and fans of the renowned Redbreast range to launch a cask strength expression, and we’re delighted to be finally releasing this incredible single pot still whiskey in response. It comes during what has been an exciting year for the range, having recently undergone a packaging revamp to freshen it up and reinforce its quality cues. We are confident that this latest development will be enthusiastically received by Redbreast fans around the world.”

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, added: “This is a very special single pot still whiskey, full of dried fruit flavours, with an exceedingly long finish. It is the perfect addition to the Redbreast range – representing the expression in its purest state. I’m confident that this will become the whiskey that all whiskey lovers will want to own and savour – myself included!”

Redbreast represents a style of whiskey that is unique to Ireland in general and to Midleton Distillery in particular. Single pot still whiskey is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, which is then distilled in traditional copper pot stills. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, and all single pot still whiskeys from Midleton, is triple distilled.

About Redbreast

The origins of Redbreast whiskey date back to 1887 and was originally the brand name given to the whiskey supplied by the Jameson distillery to the Gilbey whiskey bonders, before bottling at the distillery became the norm in 1968. As the practice of selling whiskey to bonders ended in the late 1960s, brands such as Redbreast all but disappeared, until Redbreast 12 Year Old was relaunched by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard in the 1990s as a single pot still whiskey.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength joins the original Redbreast 12 Year Old and Redbreast 15 Year Old in the range. Full to the rafters with aroma and flavor, Redbreast displays the hallmark influence of whiskey matured in combination of first fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and American bourbon whisky barrels.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Tasting Notes

Nose: A fruit explosion: figs, dates, ripe banana, sultanas, red apple and lime. Pot still spices combine with the sweet vanilla and pine from the casks.

Taste: Deep full dried fruit, a touch of citrus with aromatic oils and spices. Vanilla sweetness leads to toasted oak and barley.

Finish: Exceedingly long finish with a rich complexity of spices and fruit, slowly fading through sweet butterscotch to barley.

Cooley Distillerys' Gold Rush Continues

Cooley Distillery claims more Gold Medals at 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

The multi-award winning Irish whiskey distiller, continued its phenomenal success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, (IWSC) held in London, by claiming a further 8 IWSC Gold medals.

The medal haul included a record 4 Gold Medals for its Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey range including two Best in Class honours reaffirming its place as the most honoured Irish Single Malt of all time at International Spirits Competitions.

Other repeat winners for Cooley at the IWSC included the Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt and Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Madeira Finish Single Malt. Two recently launched products, the Kilbeggan 18 Yr Old Deluxe Blended Irish whiskey and the Greenore 18 Yr Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey also both claimed Gold medals in their maiden IWSC competition.

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, commented, “The Irish whiskey industry is in rude health. There are opportunities in many markets around the world where Irish whiskey exports are benefitting from the industry’s collective success. The International awards we receive each year for the quality of our products will enable us to take advantage of this opportunity.

This latest success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff. It is a further ringing endorsement on the International stage of the quality and consistency of the whiskey being produced by Cooley”.

Founded in 1987, Cooley Distillery has won a total of 40 IWSC Gold medals over the last 5 years.

This year on year success has resulted in Cooley Distillery being named European Distiller of the Year by the IWSC for the last three years running and is shortlisted for the 2011 European Distiller of the Year Award, the results of which will be announced at the 2011 IWSC Competition Banquet that will be held in the Guildhall in London on the 16th November 2011.

Summery of this years IWSC London wins

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Peated Single Malt

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Turf Mór Peated Single Malt

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Finish Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt

Gold Medal, Connemara 18 Year Old Single Cask Peated Single Malt

Gold Medal, Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt

Gold Medal, Kilbeggan 18 Year Old Blended Irish whiskey

Gold Medal, Greenore 18 Year Old Single Grain Irish whiskey


You Can find Connemare award Winning Irish Whiskeys at www.whiskys.co.uk 

Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky Does South Africa Proud

The proudly South African 100% single grain whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, has returned home for the second consecutive year with a gold medal from the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

The judges praised the whisky for its “excellent, clean, lively entry into the mouth with sweet grain firmness and beautiful balance.”

Inspired by the Bain’s Kloof Pass and its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain.

It is South Africa’s first single grain whisky and its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and distinctive whisky.

Crafted by master distiller Andy Watts, the whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones.

The result is

a warm and extended mouthfeel with an exceptionally 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 the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, in the heart of the Boland.

The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof Pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s.

Bain’

s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from www.whiskys.co.uk

Royal Salute Pays Homage To The Exceptional With The Launch Of The Rarest Crafted Whisky: Tribute To Honour

Royal Salute, has crafted a blend so rare that only one man in the world has tasted it – creator and Master Blender, Colin Scott.

‘Tribute to Honour’ has been introduced to pay homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. The narrative of the Honours comprises glorious legends and intrigue and remains a powerful and inscrutable ode to Scottish history. Royal Salute Tribute to Honour marks a historical pinnacle in whisky making.

The most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies used to create Tribute To Honour, have been carefully selected from the Royal Salute Vault at Strathisla. Expertly blended by Colin Scott, just 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been created and also mark the pinnacle of Colin’s 21 years of expertise in blending.

Explains Colin, “Chivas Brothers has a phenomenal archive of high-aged whiskies, some of which, after decades of careful maturation, have acquired a rich intensity and deep concentration of sumptuous characters. It is these very few whiskies which I have personally selected to compose Tribute To Honour – this opulent and rarest of blends.”

Fittingly, only the finest aged whiskies – at least 45 years old – are presented in the spectacular bejeweled bottle, dressed by Garrard in flawless diamonds and shimmering gold.

As the world’s oldest jeweller to royalty Garrard has embellished the Royal Salute Tribute to Honour flagon - hand cast and perfected, black porcelain – with 413 flawless white and black diamonds. Some of these exquisite jewels form the shape of the Sword of State: one of the trilogy of treasures that are The Honours of Scotland. Set in gold and silver, 22 carats of gemstone adorn the decorative collar and stunning flagon’s visage. Golden lions sit either side of the diamond encrusted sword.

Craftsman at Garrard have spent days perfecting each flagon by hand. The prestigious jeweller has served six successive British monarchs and pays tribute to the ancient Scottish Sword of State as its landmark.

Each flagon of Royal Salute Tribute to Honour will be available from September 2011. The bottles are individually numbered and priced at US$200,000 excluding taxes. One of the 21 bottles will be kept in the Royal Salute Vault.

Award Wining Limited Edition Three Ships Conquers International Waters

The limited edition Three Ships 10-year old single malt Whisky recently returned home with a gold medal from the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles held in Luxembourg.

A total 7 386 wines and spirits from 49 producer countries competed before a hand-picked selection of some of the world’s foremost judges.

The whisky was matured for the full 10 years in American oak casks of varying ages with the older small wood contributing to the exceptional smoothness of this whisky while also imparting a slight sweetness.

It’s a full-bodied and well-rounded whisky with a hint of peat and estery notes that add a slightly sweet fragrance hinting of dried fruit and fudge.

With only 8 000 bottles launched in October last year, it is highly unlikely that you would still find a bottle in liquor outlets but if you are lucky enough to spot one, make sure it becomes part of your whisky collection.

The Three Ships range of whiskies is produced by master distiller Andy Watts at The James Sedgwick Distillery, situated in Wellington under the shadow of the Cape’s Drakenstein Mountains.

The distillery was established in 1886 and over the past two decades has undergone several upgrades transforming it into a state-of-the-art distillery.

The Three Ships fleet consists of Three Ships Select, Three Ships 5-year-old Premium Select,

Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish and now the Three Ships 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky.

Fore More Information About The Sedgwick Distillery Click Here

To Buy a Bottle of Three Ships Ten Year Old Click Here or to

To Buy a Bottle of Bains Grain Whisky Click Here.

LIMITED EDITION BUNNAHABHAIN 30-YEAR OLD RELEASED

Bunnahabhain 30 year old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Limited Edition Release


Whilst one of the most exciting decades in world history unfolded back in 1980, the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the Isle of Islay, off the west-coast of Scotland, gently prepared the casks for what today can be enjoyed as the Bunnahabhain 30-year old Islay single malt.

According to Brian Glass, spokesperson for Bunnahabhain,  there are only 357 bottles, each hand-numbered, available world-wide. . Quite uniquely this exceptionally rare whisky also bears the 1980 vintage year on the label, proudly acknowledging the whisky’s undisturbed maturation for 30 years at the Bunnahabhain distillery’s shore-side warehouse.

“This limited-edition single malt whisky is truly one of the finest examples of the craftsmanship and distilling traditions of the Bunnahabhain Distillery. It is a pity there are so few bottles available of this extraordinary whisky but then again, if it wasn’t the case, it wouldn’t have been such a rare find. This is the kind of whisky you keep, savour on special occasions and treat with the utmost love and admiration.”
The whisky is un-chillfiltered, with a natural cask strength of 45.4% alcohol by volume, and released in its most pure form, the way whisky would have been produced at the hands of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. According to master distiller Ian MacMillan by un-chillfiltering the whisky, nothing is taken away or added so whisky lovers can enjoy the whisky at its very best, giving them a better whisky experience. “The whisky retains its depth of flavour, allowing the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.”


Only a select few of the Bunnahabhain casks that reached the gracious age of 30 have been selected for this whisky. After careful, ongoing selection over the years, and much deliberation, MacMillan selected two ex-sherry hogshead casks which reflect the finest qualities and superior characteristics one would associate with a vintage whisky from Bunnahabhain.
MacMillan says the whisky holds a rich, aromatic nose with a sophisticated balance of oak, gingerbread, moist fruit cake, prunes, old leather, roasted nuts and a hint of sea air. “The palate opens up to produce a creamy, silky taste with sweet oak, liquorice and nutmeg intertwined with citrus, vanilla, eucalyptus and a hint of coconut. The finish is long and elegant with flavours of digestive biscuits, soft vanilla, a tinge of ginger and sea salt coating your mouth.”

To celebrate its release, the whisky comes beautifully packaged in a natural un-dyed leather case and includes a pewter Quaich, a historic drinking vessel that is one of the most symbolic elements portraying friendship, sharing and trust. A small leather tag, embossed with the Bunnahabhain seafarer on the label and the bottle number, is attached to the handle of the case. The set also includes a small glass tube containing a parchment scroll commemorating the release of this limited-release whisky.

Bunnahabhain, known for its single malts with a gentle taste profile due to the use of unpeated barley, is crafted by MacMillan, a master blender and distiller with over 40 years’ experience. The distillery produces a 12-, 18- and 25-year old..

 If you are interested in finding out mor about the Bunnahabhain 30 year old or would like to order a bottle, please send contact Andrew on 01759 371356 www.whiskys.co.uk

Irish Distillers extend the "Irish Single Pot Still" range with Powers and Midleton Brands

Irish Distillers extend the "Irish Single Pot Still" range with Powers and Midleton Labels
Pernod Ricard the owners of Irish Distillers has launched two new "Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey"# brands as part of its initiative to celebrate the provenance and quality of this unique Irish whiskey style, and to highlight the diverse flavour spectrum of the reinvigorated Irish whiskey category.

Powers and Midleton will join Redbreast and Green Spot as brand names in a formidable new portfolio of "Single Pot Still" whiskeys emanating exclusively from the multi-award winning Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork. The company has also announced a whiskey development programme with the aim of creating and releasing regular new expressions of "Irish Single Pot Still" Whiskey across its brand portfolio each year.

“Single pot still Irish whiskey is truly the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s rich whiskey tradition; a tradition which we have carefully nurtured over the years at the Midleton Distillery” said  Alex Ricard (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard Chairman and Chief Executive) “There has been tremendous interest in single pot still Irish whiskey in recent times so this is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and restore this exceptional whiskey style to its former glory. By adding the prestigious Powers and Midleton brand names to our range of single pot still Irish whiskeys, we will offer more flavour variety and create even more interest among whiskey enthusiasts and aficionados worldwide.”

Powers John’s Lane Release honours the silent distillery and spiritual home of the Powers brand at John’s Lane in Dublin. This new expression features a distillate which is true to the pot still style of the original distillery and bears the distinctive honey and spice style that made Powers famous. Bearing a 12 year old age statement, the whiskey has been matured in first fill bourbon barrels with a contribution of whiskey which has been matured in Oloroso sherry butts.

For Historical Information about The Powers Irish Whiskey Distillery Click Here

Powers John’s Lane Release Tasting Notes
Bottled at 46% ABV | Aged 12 years | Non chill filtered



Nose: An abundance of earthy aromas, leather, tobacco with layers of charred wood, dark chocolate and treacle toffee.
Taste: Full bodied spice front followed by vanilla, honey and dried apricot.
Finish: Lingering honey sweetness on toasted oak.

The first ongoing single pot still Irish whiskey to carry the Midleton name – Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – pays tribute to celebrated second generation Master Distiller who, more than anyone, has shaped with the world-famous Midleton style. Representing Barry Crockett’s personal selection of first fill bourbon whiskeys with the inspired inclusion of whiskey which has matured in unseasoned American barrels, this expression displays a distinctive pot still complexity yet is refined and poised on the finish.

For Historical Information about The Original  Midleton Irish Whiskey Distillery Click Here

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy Tasting Notes
Bottled at 46% ABV | NAS 12-25 years | Non chill filtered
Nose: Elegant aroma of vanilla and toasted oak complimented by a touch of lime, succulent green berries, pears and green sweet pepper.
Taste: Light pepper carries onto fresh citrus, limes and mandarin orange sweetness. A hint of cinnamon with vanilla and oak reveals its years spent in American oak.
Finish: The full spectrum of flavours lasts well into the finish, slowly fading to expose the clean American oak foundation.

Both Redbreast and Green Spot benefited from the introduction of upgraded packaging in April 2011. The elegant presentation of both the Powers John’s Lane Release and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, similarly reflect the growing stature of the Irish Distillers’ growing single pot still portfolio.
All four brands will also bear the Single Pot Still whiskeys of Midleton quality mark on the back label in order to communicate the unique provenance and heritage of the distillery and of these exceptional whiskeys.

# The Irish whiskey industry changed the terminology used to describe its most famous whiskey style in April 2011. ‘Pure Pot Still’ Irish whiskey is now referred to as ‘Pot Still’ Irish whiskey and for those whiskeys originating from a single distillery, the prefix ‘single’ is used, giving rise to the new industry term ‘Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey’.

For more information about Irish Distillers whiskies Click Here

Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Repackaged

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, has revealed striking new packaging to provide the ‘single malt that started it all’ with an enhanced luxurious and sophisticated look, in line with its position in the super premium spirits category.

The new packaging to be implemented across the core range, comprising The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve, 18 Year Old and Nàdurra, will remain recognisably The Glenlivet, yet offer a more contemporary, elegant look.

Available in all markets  the new bottles are enhanced with higher shoulders, a shorter neck and an enlarged base giving them a stronger presence, while the embossed stamp of the whisky’s founding family ‘George & J. G. Smith’, continues to portray the legacy and heritage of "The Glenlivet", the cartouche, which indicates the brands history dating back to 1824, has been given a more prominent position on a raised platform.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old bottle will retain its iconic green colour, recognised by consumers the world over, while the 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve will move to a clear bottle for the first time to showcase the rich golden colour of the whisky. Both expressions will be presented in a new, luxury carton with premium cues to increase gift appeal, while additional information highlighting the whisky’s quality credentials will benefit both aficionados and new drinkers.

The packaging upgrade has seen The Glenlivet 18 Year Old elevated to align with the ultra-premium and prestige expressions within the range including The Glenlivet 21 Year Old and The Glenlivet XXV. Changes to the 18 Year Old bottle design, including the heavier base, signify its status as the most awarded expression in the range and the whisky favoured by many distillery workers.

In addition, The Glenlivet Nàdurra, the non-chill filtered expression in the range, will also be presented in a new, bolder bottle and feature the logos and icons seen across the range while maintaining the individual character of the artisanal, highly crafted whisky.

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Malts at Chivas Brothers, comments: “The Glenlivet is recognised by whisky aficionados around the world as an exquisite, premium whisky, and our new elegant packaging will confidently reflect this quality with its striking new shape and luxury cues.

“The stylish bottles and gift cartons will support our ambition to see The Glenlivet become the No 1 selling malt whisky in the world.”

Since 2005, The Glenlivet has been the biggest contributor to the global single malt category and is only the second single malt to achieve sales of over 600,000 9l cases. In 2010 The Glenlivet completed its £10 million distillery expansion increasing production capacity by 75% to meet global demand.

The Glenlivet is currently the No 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No 1 single malt Scotch whisky in the US – the world’s largest malt whisky market. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.

For More Information about "The Glenlivet Distillery Click Here

To Compare Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Click Here

To Buy Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky Click Here

‘Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton’

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has announced plans to underline the rich heritage of Irish whiskey with the launch of a new initiative – 

Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton. 

Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of single pot still whiskey*, the launch heralds an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll out of innovative extensions later in the year.  Additionally, the initiative marks the adoption by the industry of new terminology for this unique style of whiskey – moving from ‘Pure Pot Still’ to ‘Single Pot Still’.

Improved packaging for Redbreast and Green Spot, from April 2011, is set to enhance the portfolio and better reflect its super-premium positioning, while the inclusion of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton quality mark on the back label of each expression will communicate the provenance message to consumers globally.

Global Category Development Director for Irish whiskey at Irish Distillers, Brendan Buckley, said: "Single Pot Still whiskey was once the world’s most popular style of whiskey. Today, although used as a key component in many of our well known Irish blends, Redbreast and Green Spot are the only remaining single pot still whiskey brands available on a global commercial basis. Our aim is to nurture these brands and to help safeguard the history and heritage of single pot still whiskey on behalf of the Irish whiskey industry.

“This initiative symbolises a new chapter for pot still Irish whiskey, and signals renewed energy in the category. In partnership with our global distributors, we will be investing behind these brands with the clear intention of restoring our unique whiskey style to its former glory. We are confident that through this initiative, the Irish whiskey category will benefit, as more and more consumers continue to discover this exceptional style of whiskey”.

The enhanced Redbreast range retains its distinctive shaped bottle, label and logo, with additional elements such as a wood cut illustration of a pot still, printed on copper foil and, by way of explaining the origin of the name of Redbreast, a robin motif.  A strong point of reference for consumers, the descriptor ‘single pot still Irish whiskey’ is given a clear presence on the front label. A colour code has also been introduced with burgundy distinguishing Redbreast 12 Year Old from the green Redbreast 15 Year Old. Gift cartons for both expressions have also benefited from a considerable upgrade with heavier carton stock and the use of emboss and copper foil devices, adding to the range’s super-premium cues.

Irish Distillers lesser known single pot still whiskey brand, Green Spot has received a transformational makeover. Originally produced exclusively for the Mitchell family in Dublin in the 1800s**, Green Spot’s traditional green bottle is replaced with a stylish clear glass bottle with higher shoulders, a shorter neck and an enlarged base offering the perfect backdrop for the striking new label. A contemporary canister, which features an image of a cask marked with a green spot, is set to increase the gift appeal of this celebrated limited release expression.
Single Pot Still whiskey is unique to Ireland, and in particular Midleton, Co. Cork. Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley that is then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this style of whiskey is renowned for its full, complex flavours and smooth, creamy mouth feel.

* The Irish whiskey industry is changing the terminology used to describe its most famous whiskey style – from April 2011 onwards ‘pure pot still’ Irish whiskey will be referred to as ‘pot still’ Irish whiskey and for those whiskeys originating from a Single distillery, the prefix ‘single’ will be used, giving rise to the new industry term ‘Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey’.

The new terminology was prompted by the launch of Redbreast 15 Year Old Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the USA in 2010, wherein the US Trade & Tariff Bureau (TTB) invoked a regulation prohibiting the use of the term ‘pure’ as it pertains to whiskey descriptors.

** Green Spot was originally produced exclusively for the Mitchell family who commenced trading in Dublin in 1805 as purveyors of confectionary, wines and fortified wines.   In 1887, this entrepreneurial family expanded into the whiskey bonding business whereby they sent empty wine, sherry and port casks via horse and cart to the local Jameson Distillery which were then filled and returned to the Mitchell’s cellar warehouse. There, the whiskeys matured for many years under bond until they were ready to be bottled and sold.

This Green Spot name originated from the Mitchell family’s practice of marking casks of different ages with a daub of coloured paint. There was a Blue Spot, Red Spot and even a Yellow Spot, but Green Spot emerged as their most popular whiskey and is one of the few “whiskey bonder brands” to survive to modern day.



Redbreast 12 Year Old Tasting Notes:
Nose: A complex spicy and fruity aroma with toasted wood notes evident.

Taste: Full flavoured and complex; a harmonious balance of spicy, creamy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes.

Finish: Satisfyingly long, the complex flavours linger on the palate.

Redbreast 15 Year Old Tasting Notes:
Nose: Full and rich with a complex yet balanced mix of berry fruits and aromatic oils.

Taste: Fully round and mellow with the succulence of fleshy fruit combined with spices and toasted wood.

Finish: Long and sophisticated. 

Green Spot Tasting Notes:
Nose: Fresh aromatic oils and spices with orchard fruits and barley on a background of toasted wood.

Taste: Full spicy body. A hint of cloves along with the fruity sweetness of green apples, rounded off with toasted oak.

Finish: Lingering flavours of spices and barley.


Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands globally including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin, Cork Crimson Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For more information about Irish Distillers whiskies Click Here

Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard) Strike Gold at San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2011

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is celebrating the success of its premium whiskey portfolio after achieving four Double Gold and one Gold medal at the internationally renowned San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC) 2011.

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, the most luxurious whiskey in the Jameson family, picked up a Double Gold in the Blended Irish Whiskey category, while Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve won Gold.

Redbreast, the highly acclaimed single pot still whiskey also created at the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, won Double Gold for both its 12 Year Old and 15 Year Old expressions.

Powers 12 Year Old, the premium edition of Powers Gold Label, one of Ireland’s favourite whiskeys, also picked up a Double Gold medal.

Speaking about the company’s success, CEO and Chairman of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Alex Ricard says: “To achieve five top awards at this prestigious competition is a huge honour and testament to the skill and dedication of our master distillers at the Midleton Distillery. As owners of Jameson, the world’s leading Irish whiskey, we are continuing to invest in this fast-growing category and these awards will only help to build further consumer advocacy around the world."

A record number of entries were submitted to the 11th annual SFWSC with 1106 products from 61 countries. Entries were evaluated by a panel of 33 industry heavyweight judges including experts from noted restaurants, well-known spirits journalists, spirits buyers, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity, making the competition one of the most reputable and recognised competition in the spirits industry.

For More Information about the Midleton Distillery and its Irish Whisky Click here

Cooley Gold Rush continues in the USA

Irish distillery collects 12 Gold Medals at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

This week Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent whiskey distillery, continued its phenomenal strike rate on the international circuit by claiming 12 gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The 11th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition brought together a panel of 33 judges from across the industry to taste and score a record number of entries, 1,106 products from 61 countries. The judges awarded Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the participating brands and special awards to the most outstanding spirit in its class.

Cooley won the top award, the coveted Double Gold Medal for its Connemara Cask Strength Peated Single Malt, Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Madeira Finish Single Malt, Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Port Finish Single Malt and topped it off with a Double Gold Medal and Best in Class for the Michael Collins 10 Yr Old Single Malt it produces for US importer Sidney Frank.

In addition, Cooley collected Gold Medals for its Kilbeggan 15 Yr Old, its Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Sherry Finish Single Malt and for two further expressions of its Connemara brand.

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, commented, “This latest success proves that Cooley is consistently producing some of the finest whiskeys in the world today.

These awards will further elevate the profile of Cooley Distillery in the US which is now the largest market for Irish whiskey in the world and continues to grow by double digit figures year on year. In 2010, we doubled our sales of whiskey to the US and our recent awards will help us continue this growth in 2011.”

Cooley Distillery San Francisco World Spirits Competition award winning whiskeys:
Double Gold Medal & Best in Class, Michael Collins 10 Yr Old Single Malt
Double Gold Medal, Connemara Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
Double Gold Medal, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Madeira Finish
Double Gold Medal, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Port Finish
Gold Medal, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Sherry Finish
Gold Medal, Connemara Peated Irish Whiskey
Gold Medal, Connemara 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey

Gold Medal, Kilbeggan 15 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Silver Medal, Connemara Turf Mor Irish Whiskey
Silver Medal, Greenore 15 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey,
Silver Medal, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
Silver Medal, The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey,
Bronze Medal, Greenore 8 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

For More Information about the Cooley Distillery Click Here

To buy Cooley Distillery Brands in The UK Click Here

South African Whisky Distillery Best Brand Innovator in Whisky Magazines’ Icons of Whisky

The James Sedgwick Distillery, situated at the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in the Boland town of Wellington, has been named Best Brand Innovator in Whisky Magazines’ Icons of Whisky competition. The award is in recognition of the state-of-the-art facilities at the distillery as well as the innovative whiskies produced here.

The Icons have been established to acknowledge the people and the places behind the world’s best whiskies and an independent panel compiles a shortlist from the entries received for the various categories.  The winners are chosen by vote and this year, only a few votes separated the winners from the rest of the pack.

According to Andy Watts, manager and master distiller of The James Sedgwick Distillery, it is great to see South Africa now seriously competing against the best in the world.

“The award reflects the global nature of the whisky industry and today, people are taking note of countries such as ours, realising South Africa has the facilities and skills to produce exceptional whiskies.”

Watts is only the sixth manager in the distillery’s 125 year history. Under his watchful eye the production facilities were recently upgraded and a new tasting room was created. Watts, has since his appointment in 1991 as manager of the distillery, been instrumental in shaping a South African whisky platform. He has established many firsts for South Africa on the whisky front with a single malt and a 100% locally blended whisky for the Three Ships brand and more recently the first single grain whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.

The distillery is named after Captain James Sedgwick, who settled at the Cape as a purveyor of quality liquor, tobacco and cigars and in 1886 his company purchased the buildings which today house the distillery. 

The award-winning whiskies produced include the Three Ships whisky range of Select, Premium Select 5-year old, Bourbon Cask Finish, the limited edition Three Ships 10-year old single malt and the 100% single grain Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.

DATE                         28 March 2011

ISSUED BY               De Kock Communications (DKC)

ON BEHALF OF       The James Sedgwick Distillery

ENQUIRIES              Andy Watts, master distiller, awatts@distell.co.za

                                    Liezl Dippenaar, brand manager (021) 809 7000

                                    Linda Christensen, DKC (021) 873 2199

More Information About The James Sedgwick Distillery and its Three Ships and Bain's Whisky Click Here

To Buy Three Ships and Bain's Whisky Click Here

www.whiskys.co.uk Named One of Constant Contact’s 2010 All Stars

As www.whiskys.co.uk we have been Named One of Constant Contact’s 2010 All Stars

Company’s use of Constant Contact products and services helped increase its overall marketing performance and deepen its engagement with customers

www.whiskys.co.uk York, UK online whisky retailer 22 March 2011 has received the 2010 All Star Award from Constant Contact^®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than 400,000 small organizations worldwide.  www.whiskys.co.uk is one of Constant Contact’s 2010 top performers and most prolific user of its tools, whether within Constant Contact’s email marketing, event marketing, social media marketing, or survey products – or a combination of all four.

“We are extremely pleased with this award and to be recognized by Constant contact for the use of their e-mail marketing tools. The Constant Contact system is a easy to use e-mail management system that keeps us up to date in the world of internet marketing.” Said Martin Long owner of whiskys.co.uk


To Join our mailing list at whiskys.co.uk Click Here

Constant Contact looked at criteria including the following when selecting this year’s All Stars:

·      Frequency of campaigns, events and surveys

·      Open, bounce and click through rates

·      Usage of social features

·      Mailing list sign up tools

·      Use of reporting tools

“We work hard to listen to our customers, and we use that feedback to create products and services designed to help them better engage with their customers and prospects,” said Gail Goodman, chairman, president and CEO of Constant Contact. “The Constant Contact All Star Awards are our way of recognizing our customers that have successfully used Constant Contact to market their companies. We have some of the most committed, passionate customers out there and we’re proud we can be a part of their continued success.”

About Constant Contact, Inc.
Constant Contact is revolutionizing the success formula for small organizations through affordable, easy-to-use Engagement Marketing™ tools that help create and grow customer relationships.  More than 400,000 small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and member associations worldwide rely on Constant Contact as their engagement hub for starting and driving ongoing customer dialogs through email marketing, social media marketing, event marketing, and online surveys.  All Constant Contact products come with unrivaled know how, education and free coaching with a personal touch, including award-winning customer support. 

Constant Contact and the Constant Contact Logo are registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All Constant Contact product names and other brand names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

[Name] Martin Long

[Company] www.whiskys.co.uk

[Phone #] 01759 371356

[Email] martin’whiskys.co.uk

Sale of Iconic Whisky at Bonhams Edinburgh to aid Japanese Quake and Tsunami Victims

Press Release from Gordon & MacPhail 

"Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief.  We all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy so we are looking to do something practical.

My brother, Michael, was due to fly to Japan to take part in a series of events to launch Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old when the disaster struck. 

We have decided to donate bottle No. 1 of Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old to a special charity auction to raise money for the relief effort.  All funds will be paid to the Red Cross who will use them to help the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster. 

Bonhams Edinburgh, who are giving their services for free, will deliver the special charity auction on Tuesday 29 March 2011 at 7.00pm GMT.  The auction will be held at Bonhams 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh and online at http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19503/lot/1/

As I am sure you are aware Gordon & MacPhail launched Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old at a special event at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March 2011.  Distilled in 1940 only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011.  Whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean describes the single malt: “The Glenlivet 1940 opens a door into a different time, another country. To smell and taste this exquisite whisky is to experience the past in a unique way – layer upon layer of flavour, profound and evocative.” 

The whisky is beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Elm.

I would be grateful if you could make as many people as possible aware of this special charity auction.

Your faithfully,  David"