January 2014 ~ Just Malt

31 January 2014

Beam Selects Franklin County To Build 600,000 SQ. FT. Distribution Center To Support Continued Business Growth

By Just malt1/31/2014 11:48:00 PMJimBeam, MaltNewsNo comments

FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 30, 2014 -- Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), a leading global premium spirits company, today announced that its new state-of-the-art distribution center will be located on a 92-acre site in Franklin County at 1509 US Highway 421 (Leestown Road). Spanning 600,000 square feet upon completion, equivalent to 13 football fields, this facility will be the largest of its kind in Franklin County.

"Beam is a company that's on the move, continuously creating opportunities for the Commonwealth," said Governor Steve Beshear. "As Beam continues to grow for the future, the people of Kentucky benefit by the creation of more jobs and opportunities for years to come."

"With two-thirds of Beam's total spirits case volume being produced in Kentucky, having our new Beam long-term distribution facility in close proximity to our production will help us gain increased efficiencies in our supply chain," said David Hunter, vice president of global manufacturing for Beam. "We are excited to be the catalyst for more growth in Kentucky."

Construction is expected to commence in late February and be completed by year-end. The new center, which will be operated by a third-party logistics provider to be named at a later date, is slated to open in the first quarter of 2015 and employ an estimated 60 individuals. It will exclusively serve Beam's broad portfolio of distilled spirits brands and will warehouse Beam's finished case goods bottled in Frankfort before they are shipped to distributor partners for sale in the U.S. and international markets.

"The Bourbon industry is a key driver of our economy in the Commonwealth, and Beam is certainly on the forefront of that growth," said Congressman Andy Barr. "The construction of this new distribution facility means the creation of more jobs for central and eastern Kentuckians, and I thank Beam for their contribution to our signature Bourbon industry and the people of our Commonwealth."

"Beam is such a strong business partner and contributor to our community, and we couldn't be more pleased that they have chosen to further expand in Franklin County," said County Judge Executive Ted Collins.

H&M Construction Co., Inc. has been hired as the contractor to design the building, develop the site and build the facility from the ground-up.

This announcement is the latest in Beam's long history of business investments in the Commonwealth. Last year, Beam opened its new Global Business Services Center, reflecting a $2.7 million investment that has brought more than 30 professional jobs to Louisville. In late 2012, Beam opened the Jim Beam American Stillhouse visitors' experience and Global Innovation Center, a combined multi-year investment of $30 million, in Clermont, Ky. Beam currently employs more than 900 people throughout the Commonwealth in Louisville, its Global Innovation Center in Clermont and at its manufacturing plants in Loretto, Frankfort, Clermont and Boston.
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Jim Beam® Partners With Mila Kunis For Its First-Ever Global Marketing Campaign, Make History™

By Just malt1/29/2014 10:36:00 AMJimBeam, MaltNewsNo comments

Deerfield, Ill., Jan. 29, 2014 -- Jim Beam®, the world's #1 Bourbon, and award-nominated actress Mila Kunis are teaming up to "make history" in 2014 and beyond. Kunis joins the Jim Beam family as a global partner and spokesperson, and will play a leading role in Jim Beam's new Make History™ multi-media brand campaign that will reach more than 100 markets worldwide. Make History™ is the first-ever global marketing campaign for the iconic American brand, which traces its history to 1795. The television campaign featuring Kunis will premiere in the next few months in the brand's largest markets, including the U.S., Australia and Germany.

"Jim Beam has been making history by producing the world's finest bourbon through seven generations of family distillers, and this partnership truly signifies a new era for the brand – an era in which we push boundaries even further, attracting new fans across the globe and continuing the great growth we've enjoyed on the brand," said Kevin George, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Beam Inc. [NYSE: BEAM]. "Mila's love of bourbon, her appreciation for the authenticity of our brand, her warm personality and her global relevance to our Make History™ campaign make her the perfect partner. Anyone would want to share a Jim Beam with Mila. We love that about her, and couldn't be happier to have her join the Jim Beam family."

The Make History™ campaign will premiere three new television commercials featuring Kunis in the U.S. in mid-February and will roll out in markets worldwide over the next few months. Kunis will also be featured in retail materials and content on Jim Beam's website, www.jimbeam.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/JimBeamUS) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/jimbeamofficial).

"As a fan of bourbon and a huge proponent of making history, I am thrilled to be the newest member of the Jim Beam family," said Kunis, who has spent time in Clermont, Ky., with Jim Beam's seventh generation Master Distiller, Fred Noe, immersing herself in the heritage, traditions and craftsmanship of "America's Native Spirit."

Jim Beam's TV advertising campaign was created by FutureWorks, a partnership between three independent agencies who lead Jim Beam creative efforts in key markets: StrawberryFrog (New York), The Works (Sydney) and Jung von Matt (Hamburg). In the U.S., the ads will appear across multiple media properties, including Turner Sports/BleacherReport, NBA telecasts, FXX, Spike, History Channel, AMC, Food Network and ESPN networks, as well as in media properties across the globe.

The U.S. campaign will feature Jim Beam's full portfolio of brands, including Jim Beam^® White, Jim Beam Black^®, Devil's Cut^®, Jim Beam^® Honey, Jim Beam^® Maple, Jacob's Ghost^® Aged White Whiskey, Jim Beam^® Signature Craft and Red Stag by Jim Beam^®. To view a video of Kunis' visit to the Jim Beam Distillery, visit: http://youtu.be/MC_35SsHANM. And for more information on the world's #1 bourbon, please visit www.jimbeam.com, www.facebook.com/JimBeamUS orhttp://twitter.com/jimbeamofficial.
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Seagram’s Seven Crown Limited Edition American Blended Whiskey

By Just malt1/27/2014 08:25:00 PMNewMalt, SeagramsNo comments

Seagram’s Seven Crown Limited Edition American Blended Whiskey -- 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Hewn Spirits - Red Barn Rye Whiskey

By Just malt1/27/2014 08:18:00 PMHewnSpirits, NewMaltNo comments

Hewn Spirits - Red Barn Rye Whiskey -- 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Whiskey Thief - Foggy Dog Apple Pie Flavored Whiskey

By Just malt1/27/2014 08:12:00 PMNewMalt, WhiskeyThiefNo comments

Whiskey Thief - Foggy Dog Apple Pie Flavored Whiskey -- 22.5% ABV, 750 ml.

Barrell Craft Spirits

By Just malt1/24/2014 11:19:00 PMMaltNewsNo comments

Widow Jane Introduces Heirloom Bourbon Whiskey

By Just malt1/21/2014 01:16:00 PMMaltNewsNo comments

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Jan. 21, 2014 -- The following is a letter from Widow Jane founder Daniel Preston:

When Widow Jane decided to try its hand at crafting Bourbons, it started by identifying its goal:

Produce the finest Bourbons and whiskeys, sparing no expenses, cutting no corners, making no compromises, using no genetically modified corns, grains, yeasts, or enzymes.

I began carefully researching heirloom and ancient strains of corn. I love stories and history, and since this company started with researching genealogy and stories of my own ancestors, I related personally to a number of corn varietals that were developed and kept alive by passionate families, tribes, and individuals. For example, Bloody Butcher corn was bred by crossing Native American seeds with settlers' white seeds around 1800, in the Appalachian mountains. Wapsie Valley, another hybrid of American Indian corn, got its start in the hands of dedicated farmers in Iowa. Along with other native and heirloom grains, these varietals have carried with them the hopes and hard work of their progenitors for generations.

While we started farm-to-table on the chocolate/rum side or our business, we were not corn or grain farmers to start in New York. We had a rough time getting going on our whiskey program, catching dismissive comments with everyone from farmers to whiskey industry insiders. From a farmer's perspective the yield of these heirloom corns/grains were unknown to significantly lower than growing Monsanto varieties. In their minds they would be giving away money. Comments from many industry people were to the effect: you are wasting your money, too high a protein content, will get low yields, just use yellow, it's cheap, etc...

It's true that the economics of growing these ancient grains over modern GMO varieties are not immediately to our advantage; the yields on our crops are 1/10 to 1/4 that of GMO yellow varieties, thus costing proportionally that much more to grow. The protein contents are higher and starch significantly lower, driving the efficiency of converting corn to whiskey down and cost further up.

Despite these factors, we are extremely happy we strayed from popular opinion and went our own way.

Why? Because the results are spectacular.

We are distilling, in our opinion and in the opinion of those who have tasted, some of the finest American whiskeys ever produced.

American Whiskey: Bourbon & Rye have all of the subtleties and complexities of the finest wines. In wine terroir can be noted field by field; such is largely not the case for American Whiskey, where the mainstay ingredients are modern GMO corn, rye and barley, farmed on a mass agricultural scale hard to imagine and then centrally batched.

We are committed to changing this, beginning with what we call single expressions.

I am proud to share with you the fruits of our labor: New York State grown farm-to-bottle distillations of Bloody Butcher corn and Wapsie Valley corn.

I hope you will enjoy.

Sincerely,

Daniel Preston

Founder, Widow Jane & Cacao Prieto Distilleries

"I am excited to see history and terroir expressed in the heirloom bourbon whiskey releases from Widow Jane. By selecting single expressions of the individual heirloom grains, we can compare one varietal against another to see terroir expressed to the fullest extent, and appreciate the vast differences so expressed. It is a treat to taste these distinctive varietals displayed in bourbon whiskey." - Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller

HEIRLOOM VARIETALS TASTING NOTES

WAPSIE VALLEY "SINGLE EXPRESSION" BOURBON

Mash Bill 60% Organic Wapsie Valley Corn (Mixed yellow and red endosperm corn), 15% Heirloom Barley, 25% Rye.

Nose: Almond, Maple, Light Bitters, Unsweetened Chocolate
Taste: Pralines, Orange Oils, Bergamot, Cacao, Zesty
Finish: Honey, Brown Spices (Mace or Soft Nutmeg), Clean, Lingering

BLOODY BUTCHER "SINGLE EXPRESSION" BOURBON

Mash Bill 85% Organic Bloody Butcher Corn (Dark Red endosperm corn), 15% Heirloom Barley.

Nose: Sweet Oak, Graham Cracker
Taste: Vanilla, Dry Up Front, Bright, Allspice
Finish: Tannic, Sharp, Tobacco, Molasses, Oak

BLOODY BUTCHER HIGH RYE BOURBON

Mash Bill 58% Organic Bloody Butcher Corn, 15% Heirloom Barley, 27% Rye.

Nose: Cacao, Sandalwood, Cedar, Leather
Taste: Sharp Apricot, Toasted Marshmallows, Cardamom, Candied Apples
Finish: Salted Peanuts, Grilled Honeyed Peaches, Dates

"It is great to see Widow Jane embrace organic, open pollinated, non-GMO varieties of corn in their selection of Bloody Butcher and Wapsie Valley for their heirloom bourbon whiskey releases. These expressions add greatly to our understanding of fine bourbon whiskey." - Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller

This small batch bourbon is available in extremely limited quantities. Please pick up this special gift at our distillery or call to order. Each bottle is handsomely packaged in a tube box with a collectible print and a few kernels of our corn.

Wapsie Valley Bourbon Whiskey: $115
Bloody Butcher Bourbon Whiskey: $125
Widow Jane Bloody Butcher High Rye Bourbon Whiskey: $135

WIDOW JANE DISTILLERY
218 Conover Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
info@widowjane.com
347-225-0130

Please see more about Widow Jane's Non-GMO Heirloom varietals at http://widowjane.com/heirloom/
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The Best Canadian Whisky In The World

By Just malt1/17/2014 02:36:00 PMMaltNewsNo comments

VICTORIA, Jan. 17, 2014 - A whisky that was first distilled seven generations ago is the best Canadian whisky in the world. That's the verdict of nine independent whisky experts who named Corby's Lot No. 40 the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the fourth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Results of the annual blind tasting competition were announced Thursday evening at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Today, Lot No. 40 is distilled at Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario from a 100% rye-grain recipe developed in the 19^thcentury by Canadian pioneer distiller, Joshua Booth. In announcing the awards, Chairman of the Judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, called Lot No. 40 "The very essence of what rye whisky is all about."

Other top winners include Alberta Premium Dark Horse, Forty Creek Heart of Gold, Masterson's Straight Rye Whiskey, Wiser's Red Letter, and Crown Royal Black.

"Interest in Canadian whisky is growing tremendously," said de Kergommeaux as he introduced the winners. "Export sales of Canadian whisky world-wide were up by nearly 25% in 2013, and the upward trend continues. Canadian whisky producers are stepping up to the plate with new high-end releases. More small batch and top-end deluxe whiskies are available now than ever before."

Demographics are shifting too. Women now make up 29% of Canadian whisky drinkers and the under thirty-five millennial generation consumes over 45% of the Canadian whisky sold. And while 54% of Canadian whisky is used for cocktails, 46% is sipped just as it comes from the bottle.

As well, sales of flavoured whisky doubled in 2013 with Forty Creek, Wiser's, Sortilège, and Spice Box seeing exceptional growth.

A complete list of the winners is available at www.canadianwhisky.org

Introducing TINCUP American Whiskey, a Rugged, Rocky Mountain Take on Whiskey

By Just malt1/17/2014 02:32:00 PMMaltNews, ProximoNo comments

DENVER, Jan. 17, 2014 -- Proximo today announces the launch of TINCUP American Whiskey. Created by distilling legend Jess Graber, founder of Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, TINCUP is made from a unique blend of corn, rye and malt. Aged in new charred American white oak barrels, it is bottled at 84 proof in Colorado using pure Rocky Mountain water. On the nose, TINCUP evokes notes of citrus, black pepper and ginger snaps. On the palate, TINCUP suggests rye spice, cinnamon and caramel. TINCUP is rolling out in select markets at a suggested retail price of $27.99 (750 ml

TINCUP honors Colorado's first whiskey drinkers, the pioneering, hardscrabble miners of the mid-19^th century who sought their fortunes in the state's gold rush. It is named for Tincup, an old mining town in Gunnison County, Colo., which itself was named for the tin cups used by miners. TINCUP salutes this heritage with its rugged hexagonal bottle that is deeply embossed and suggests the Rocky Mountains. Its closure is an actual tin cup that can be used for sipping and sharing. TINCUP's high rye content makes it more assertive and flavorful than ordinary bourbons.

"I wanted to create an authentic American whiskey that combines the best Midwestern grains with Colorado's incomparable pure water," says Graber. "Given its high rye content, I think that TINCUP will appeal to whiskey drinkers who want a bolder, spicier taste. It's a great sipping whiskey, neat or with a few ice cubes, and also makes a good base for classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned."

Graber will tour local markets, including Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix and San Francisco, to conduct tastings and interact with consumers.

Crown Royal Introduces Extraordinary New Member to the Family

By Just malt1/16/2014 12:55:00 PMCrownRoyal, MaltNewsNo comments

GIMLI, Manitoba, Jan. 16, 2014 -- Crown Royal is making an extraordinary craft addition to its product line with the introduction of Crown Royal XO, an ultra-premium blended Canadian whisky, handcrafted by Crown Royal Master Blender Andrew MacKay. The unique blend of more than 50 of Crown Royal's finest whiskies is finished in cognac casks from the French Limousin Forest, resulting in a complex expression of the signature blend.

A top-shelf craft addition to the Crown Royal portfolio, Crown Royal XO is an amber/topaz whisky deliciously balanced with hints of vanilla, spice and rich dried fruit, closing with an impeccably smooth finish.

Due to the brand's great craftsmanship and history – the whisky was originally created to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939 – Crown Royal has often been referred to as a noble spirit. MacKay pays homage to this distinguished tradition with his handcrafted approach to creating the Crown Royal XO blend. As consumers enjoy the unique take on the signature blend, Crown Royal reminds all adults to please drink responsibly.

"The ultra-premium nature Crown Royal XO and the smoothness of the liquid can be attributed to the handcrafted approach we took while creating the unique blend," said MacKay. "We're looking forward to sharing this special blend with adults across the country and encourage them to incorporate it into their celebrations of extraordinary moments and events."

Crown Royal XO can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully experience the liquid's complex flavor, or as the key ingredient in a number of classic cocktail recipes. It will be sold at a suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 750 ml bottle and will be available nationwide in early January.

The packaging for Crown Royal XO displays premium colors of gray and gold paired with a variation on the iconic bag, gray with gold embroidery accents. The unique bottle displays an extraordinary smooth silhouette with gold accents.

The launch of Crown Royal XO will be supported through print and online advertising as well as public relations, strong digital extensions and point of sale materials.
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Diageo Announces £30million Expansion Of Its Clynelish Distillery in Sutherland

By Just malt1/16/2014 10:31:00 AMClynelish, MaltNewsNo comments

Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business, has today announced plans for a £30million expansion of its Clynelish Distillery in Sutherland, in the North-East of Scotland.

In the latest major milestone in Diageo’s £1billion programme to increase Scotch whisky production, plans have been submitted to Highland Council for the major expansion of Diageo’s most northerly Scotch whisky distillery.

The Clynelish expansion will take the on-going capital investment by Diageo in the Highland Council region alone to almost £150million, including major expansions at Glen Ord and Teaninich Distilleries and plans to build a new distillery at Alness.

Keith Miller, Diageo Director of Distillation and Maturation, said:

“The plan to expand Clynelish Distillery is another major milestone in Diageo’s £1billion investment to increase Scotch whisky production capacity to help meet the future growth in global demand for our brands.

“Clynelish is a very special distillery, producing spirit which is highly prized for its quality and character and is an important part of our Scotch whisky blending inventory, so this is an important part of our investment programme.”

Clynelish Distillery produces single malt whisky unique in both taste and texture which is highly prized by Diageo’s master blenders for use in world-leading Scotch whisky brands such as Johnnie Walker. Clynelish is also a highly regarded as a single malt whisky in its own right. The distillery is also home to one of Diageo’s 12 distillery visitor centres, welcoming more than 5,000 visitors each year. Clynelish is near the Sutherland town of Brora.

Doubling production capacity

Under the plans submitted, Clynelish Distillery will see the installation of an additional mashtun, 10 new washbacks and six new copper stills. This adds to the 10 washbacks and six stills which the distillery currently has, and will effectively double the production capacity to nine million litres of alcohol per annum, whilst retaining the unique character and quality of the spirit. A bio-energy plant is also planned for the site to provide non-fossil fuel energy to power the distillery.

As part of the planning process Diageo will hold a community engagement session in February to share further details of the Clynelish proposals with the local community.

Diageo announced its £1billion Scotch whisky investment programme in June 2012. As well as the distillery expansions the company is also investing in new warehousing to store the additional spirit, with a major new bonded warehouse site being developed at Cluny in Fife.

Expansion at Glen Ord too

The Clynelish announcement comes as six new copper stills were delivered to the Glen Ord Distillery as part of the £25million expansion plan which is doubling the size of that distillery to over 10million litres per annum. Diageo is also doubling the capacity at the Teaninich Distillery in Alness and is progressing plans to build a new malt whisky distillery and renewable energy plant on land adjacent to Teaninich. In total these projects represent a capital investment of nearly £150million across the Highland Council area.

Buffalo Trace W.L. Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By Just malt1/13/2014 09:19:00 PMBuffaloTrace, NewMaltNo comments

Buffalo Trace W.L. Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey -- 45% ABV, 750 ml.

Clynelish 18 Year Duncan Taylor Dimensions Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By Just malt1/13/2014 09:15:00 PMClynelish, DuncanTaylor, NewMaltNo comments

Clynelish 18 Year Duncan Taylor Dimensions Single Malt Scotch Whisky -- 55.2% ABV, 750 ml.

Sea Hagg Poitin White Whiskey

By Just malt1/13/2014 09:07:00 PMNewMalt, SeaHaggNo comments

Sea Hagg Poitin White Whiskey -- 46.25%, 750 ml.

Ledaig 8 Year The Maltman Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By Just malt1/13/2014 08:48:00 PMLedaig, NewMalt, TheMaltman, TobermoryNo comments

Ledaig 8 Year The Maltman (Meadowside Blending Co.) Single Malt Scotch Whisky -- 49.5% ABV, 750 ml, 272 bottles produced.

Jim Beam & Maker’s Mark Purchased By Japan’s Suntory

By Just malt1/13/2014 02:44:00 PMJimBeam, MakersMark, MaltNewsNo comments

From CNBC:

Suntory said on Monday it plans to buy Beam for $16 billion, including debt, making the Japanese company the world's third-largest maker of distilled drinks.

The $16 billion transaction includes $2 billion in assumed debt.

Beam's brands include Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Sauza, Canadian Club and Courvoisier.

Suntory will pay $83.50 per share in cash, a 25 percent premium to Beam's closing share price of $66.97 on Friday.
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Johnnie Walker Introduces John Walker & Sons Odyssey To Its United States Portfolio

By Just malt1/09/2014 05:20:00 PMJohnnieWalker, MaltNewsNo comments

John Walker & Sons Odyssey Blended Scotch Whisky has completed its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and is now available as part of the John Walker & Sons® portfolio of Scotch whisky in the United States. Inspired by Sir Alexander Walker's passion for epic journeys, John Walker & Sons Odyssey is crafted from three rare, handpicked single malts to create the first triple malt Scotch whisky from the House of Walker.

John Walker & Sons Odyssey stands proudly amongst the rarest of Scotch whisky blends in the House of Walker portfolio, which includes The John Walker®, Johnnie Walker® XR 21 and King George V® Blended Scotch Whiskies. Developed by Master Blender Jim Beveridge using Sir Alexander Walker's hand-written notes, it is a unique blend that captures the spirit of luxury and continues the House of Walker's passion for whisky excellence through supreme craftsmanship, quality, heritage and innovation.

The lavish blend, which had previously only been available in select Asian and global markets, successfully balances hints of fresh citrus, smooth honey and creamy caramel flavors for a distinctive taste profile. It has been carefully blended and married in European oak casks to combine the flavors of the three rare malts and provide an expansive, multi-layered experience with exceptional smoothness. The blend is best enjoyed neat or with a dash of water, and always responsibly.

"I searched a number of distilleries in Scotland for the perfect three whiskies to blend for John Walker & Sons Odyssey," said Master Blender Jim Beveridge. "The extraordinary single malts I've chosen have the right provenance and pedigree to create the aromas, tastes, flavors and sensations that Sir Alexander was looking for when he created the original blend almost 80 years ago."

An ultra-modern interpretation of Sir Alexander Walker's legendary 1932 'nautical' decanter bottle created for Johnnie Walker® Swing® Blended Scotch Whisky, the crystal-grade glass decanter for John Walker & Sons Odyssey is a symbol of both the steadfastness and dynamic progression of the House of Walker. The bottle can rotate 360 degrees within the box and always rests in an upright position. It's inspired by a gyroscope, as the bottle always remains steady while the world revolves around it.

"John Walker & Sons Odyssey is the perfect choice for truly progressive individuals celebrating life's great journeys and most importantly, the potential of their next step," said Brian Radics, Director of Scotch Whisky, Diageo. "This introduction pays tribute to Sir Alexander Walker while embodying the brand's commitment to keep walking along its path of innovation and evolution. As with all of our blends, we encourage consumers to enjoy this unique triple malt responsibly."

John Walker & Sons Odyssey is now available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $1,100 (750ml). For more information about Johnnie Walker, please visit http://www.johnniewalker.com/en-us/.

Johnnie Walker reminds you to please drink responsibly.
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Minhas Punjabi Club Rye Whisky

By Just malt1/09/2014 05:19:00 PMMinhas, NewMaltNo comments

Minhas Punjabi Club Rye Whisky -- 50% ABV, 750 ml.

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky Proudly Releases Companta, The Fifth Annual Release From The Award Winning Private Edition Range

By Just malt1/09/2014 05:17:00 PMGlenmorganie, MaltNewsNo comments

Glenmorangie is proud to present Glenmorangie Companta, the newest release from Master Distiller, Dr. Bill Lumsden. The exclusive collection is comprised of unique and rare single malts, such as the critically acclaimed Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX and Ealanta, named 2011 and 2014 'World Whisky of the Year' in Jim Murray'sWhisky Bible.

Glenmorangie's renowned Director of Whisky Creation and Distilling, Dr. Bill Lumsden, has achieved a refined balance between bold spice and rich, smooth sweetness with this new expression born of Grand Cru casks from Clos de Tart and decadently sweet fortified wine from Cotes du Rhone. Glenmorangie Companta (Scots Gaelic for friendship) celebrates the shared pursuit of perfection between Glenmorangie and renowned French wine makers. Dr. Bill Lumsden explains why Glenmorangie Companta is truly special:

"As a true wine aficionado, some of my most memorable visits have been to France. The smaller vineyards work tirelessly to produce the very best wine, their dedication and attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. In the same spirit as Glenmorangie, they stop at nothing in the pursuit of perfection. This shared philosophy inspired me to create the ultimate tribute to my longstanding love for French vineyards and the friends that I've had the pleasure to make throughout my travels.

"Selecting parcels of Glenmorangie which had been matured in traditional American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, I transferred the spirit into casks having previously contained Grand Cru wine from Clos de Tart, one of the most celebrated vineyards in Burgundy.

"To complement the bold, spicy character imparted from the Grand Cru casks, I selected a parcel of Glenmorangie which had been extra maturing in casks having previously contained a lusciously sweet fortified wine from Cotes du Rhone. It took some time, but with careful fine tuning we reached a harmonious assemblage which proved the perfect balance; neither too bold nor too tame!"

Companta exudes rich, 'autumnal' scents of red berries, and a hint of fragrant wood smoke with complementary notes of aromatic, nutty oak. The taste slowly reveals a spicy palate fragrant with cherries and stewed fruits, while notes of sugared plums, blood orange and rose-hip syrup emerge. Flavors of milk chocolate and brown sugar lead into a mouth-coating finish. Extra matured in French wine casks, Companta is bottled at a strength of 46%, and non chill-filtered for extra body and texture.

The latest incarnation in the Private Edition's award-winning range of expressions, Companta once again reaffirms the Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team's pioneering spirit and commitment to sharing some of the world's most highly regarded single malts with a select audience of like-minded aficionados.

Glenmorangie Companta suggested retail price is $99 and is available globally beginning January 9^th until stocks are exhausted.
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