Maker’s Mark® Unveils Art Installation by Renowned Artist Dale Chihuly in Honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Bourbon Revolution

LORETTO, Ky-Maker’s Mark®, the pioneer of handcrafted bourbon, is commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the Bourbon Revolution by paying tribute to the vision of the founders of Maker’s Mark® bourbon, Bill Samuels, Sr., and his wife Margie Samuels, with the unveiling of an original artwork, The Spirit of the Maker. Created especially for Maker’s Mark by renowned artist, Dale Chihuly, it is the first of Chihuly’s work to be on public display in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Spirit of the Maker will be on permanent view at the Maker’s Mark Distillery beginning March 27.

The Spirit of the Maker is not just an extraordinary work of art, but a symbol and an homage to the vision and spirit of Bill Samuels, Sr. Sixty years ago, Bill had a dream to create a bourbon that, for the first time, tasted good and was in good taste and would not “blow your ears off,” the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time. What he wanted to do more than anything else was create a bourbon that would redefine and transcend the industry by appealing to bourbon and non-bourbon drinkers alike, so he burned the 170-year-old Samuels family recipe and introduced Maker’s Mark. Unknowingly and unintentionally, Bill Samuels, Sr.’s handcrafted creation served as the shot that started a Bourbon Revolution, transforming bourbon from a “commodity” to a premium handcrafted spirit, and giving rise to the modern era of bourbon.

Spectacular in appearance and scope, The Spirit of the Maker salutes those who have pioneered and redefined genres, refusing to be constrained by convention. The installation, made entirely of hand-blown glass elements, is a remarkable kaleidoscope of colors, shapes and forms. Visuals include deep browns and vibrant ambers emblematic of the Kentucky whisky, crystal blues reflective of the water from the Distillery’s limestone spring-fed lake, as well as and rich crimsons and reds evocative of the signature red wax that has become an international symbol associated uniquely with Maker’s Mark® bourbon.

“We wanted to further enhance the distillery experience for all visitors by offering something that was distinctive to any distillery anywhere in the world,” noted Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels. “Dale, much like my grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr., is an innovator who also revolutionized a genre: the art of glass blowing. We knew he was the perfect partner.”

Said Dale Chihuly, “I’m very excited about creating a unique installation at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, one of the most beautiful and historic landmarks in the country, in celebration of their 60^th anniversary.”

Maker’s Mark is also in the final stages of completing a permanent exhibition of historic artifacts at the Distillery, which will include the original pot still that Bill Samuels, Sr., used to handcraft the first small batch of Maker’s Mark®, the first Maker’s Mark barrel ever made, and an exact replica of the original papier-mâché bottle designed by Margie Samuels. Margie is also responsible for creating the Maker’s Mark® name, label, font and iconic red wax that each bottle is still hand dipped in today, making every bottle unique.

Maker’s Mark recently announced the addition of a third still at its facility in Loretto, Kentucky, which will be totally identical in equipment, operation and inefficient process to that which exists today and to that which existed sixty years ago when Maker’s Mark® was first crafted. The third still, which will begin construction in April of this year and be completed in the summer of 2015, will enable Maker’s Mark to increase production capacity by fifty percent. Additional enhancements have been planned in order to continue enhancing the visitor experience in anticipation of more than doubling the number of guests to the Distillery over the next decade.

The viewing of The Spirit of the Maker and the Maker’s Mark historical artifacts will be available during regular operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:30am-3:30pm and Sundays from 11:30am-3:30pm. For additional information please visit the Maker’s Mark website atwww.makersmark.com or contact the distillery Visitor Center at 270-865-2099.
.

Read More

Diageo Launches A New Spirit Based On J&B Scotch Whiskey - J&B Urban Honey

Diageo announced today that it is to launch J&B URBAN HONEY, a new Spirit Drink based on J&B Scotch Whisky, which has been designed to open up the category to a new generation of men and women.

J&B URBAN HONEY is a 35% ABV Spirit Drink made from J&B Scotch Whisky infused with honey and is a characterful drink that creates a balanced and smooth liquid. The taste has been created to be distinctively fresh when consumed neat, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail.

J&B URBAN HONEY is clearly labeled as a Spirit Drink on its front label, while also differentiated from the parent brand with the use of a honeycomb pattern, a city skyline illustration and a prominent ‘bee’ illustration, ensuring compliance with Scotch Whisky Association guidelines.

Since its creation, J&B Scotch Whisky has been a bold and innovative brand with a witty, playful edge. As Dougal McGeorge – Global J&B Brand Director – explains this has been fundamental to the development of the new Spirit Drink: “Creation of J&B URBAN HONEY is true to the urban roots of the J&B brand and its reputation for re-invention in the whisky category. The rapid growth of flavored Spirit Drinks made

J&B a natural choice for us as we looked to drive innovation.”

J&B URBAN HONEY will be launched in Spain starting in April 2014.
.

Read More

Jack Daniel’s Announces 2014 Dates for “Live at the Landmark” Concert Series

LYNCHBURG, TN--The 2014 dates are set for “Live at the Landmark” – a one-of-a-kind concert series sharing great music with other great American landmarks from coast to coast.

Featuring some of the hottest, up-and-coming artists and rock bands, “Live at the Landmark” brings whiskey and music together at iconic American landmarks in New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago and New York before a finale at the ultimate landmark – the Jack Daniel distillery, in Lynchburg, Tenn., the oldest registered distillery in the United States.

“Beginning with the formation of Lynchburg’s Silver Cornet Band nearly 150 years ago, Jack Daniel set the stage for great whiskey and music that continues today,” said Laura Petry, Brand Director for Jack Daniel’s. “In celebration of that special relationship, we’re proud to provide this unique opportunity for fans across the country to experience the influences and styles of today’s bands.”

In support of organizations that do things the right way, the Jack Daniel’s “Live at the Landmark” concert series is proud to benefit charities along the way.

Confirmed dates, landmarks, bands and charities include:

• April 4, 2014 – New Orleans, the Old U.S. Mint featuring The Airborne Toxic Event, benefitting The Louisiana Museum Foundation.
• April 11, 2014 – Chicago, Germania Place featuring The Joy Formidable, benefitting Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
• April 17, 2014 – San Francisco, City Hall featuring St. Lucia, benefitting Operation Gratitude.
• May 8, 2014 – New York City, Statue of Liberty featuring Capital Cities, benefitting Charity: Water.
• May 17, 2014 – Lynchburg, Tenn., Jack Daniel Distillery featuring Old 97’s.

For a chance to get tickets to one of the “Live at the Landmark” shows, visit www.jdliveatthelandmark.com. Fans must be at least 21 and in an eligible area to win tickets. You must have a ticket to attend. Additionally, you can enter to win a grand prize trip for two to the final event at the ultimate landmark in Lynchburg.

Follow history in the making on Twitter and Instagram @JackDaniels_US, the destinations for all live and behind the scenes coverage. Consumers are encouraged to use #JackLIVE to join in the conversation.

The 2013 series featured Okkervil River at Grand Central Terminal in NYC; Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears on the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego; Metric at Pearl Stable in San Antonio; Delta Spirit at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and Eagles of Death Metal in the shadow of The Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

For updates and more information, including program, venue and band details, visit www.jdliveatthelandmark.com.
.

Read More

Chicken Cock American Whiskey Celebrates New Flavor by Declaring First Annual National Cherry Bounce Day

CHARLESTON, S.C., March 26, 2014 --George Washington is rumored to have chopped down a cherry tree or two in his time. Perhaps it was to supply the ingredients for his most beloved libation. George Washington's favorite liquor was his wife Martha's recipe for Cherry Bounce, one of 18th century America's most popular and high-spirited beverages.

In honor of National Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Chicken Cock American Whiskey declares from this day forward March 26th will be National Cherry Bounce Day. To celebrate, Chicken Cock decided to launch its own version of our forefather's favorite libation. But as a brand with roots tracing back to 1856 is inclined to do, Chicken Cock has seen Martha and George and raised them one by adding some natural cherry cola flavor to its 21st century version.

With a colorful history spanning three centuries, the original Chicken Cock was infamously a staple of Prohibition-era speakeasies, including the Cotton Club, where it would be smuggled inside in non-descript tin cans. After almost a century-long hiatus following the destruction of its original distillery, Chicken Cock is back with a vengeance, selling more than 150,000 bottles (12,000 9L cases) in 2013, making it one of the hottest craft liquor brands to launch (or rather re launch) last year.

"As a brand originally launched 19 years before Jack Daniels, it was only appropriate that we dig through the archives to introduce our next flavor. We've given our Cherry Bounce flavor a modern spin by making it a cherry cola infusion," said Matti Anttila, president of Island Club Brands, which owns Chicken Cock. "We think our Founding Fathers would approve, and that is cause for some serious celebration."

Cherry Bounce joins the current Chicken Cock flavor range featuring Southern Spiced, Cinnamon and Root Beer, all launched in 2013. Flavored whiskeys are the fastest growing segment in the bourbon industry, accounting for nearly 75 percent of growth among all whiskeys (Source: New York Times and Nielsen).

Cherry Bounce can be enjoyed as a cold shot, benefiting from Chicken Cock's specially designed, quick-chill aluminum bottle, a nod to the brand's distinctive bootlegged tin cans. It can also be served with cola and other similar beverages.

Cherry Bounce is now available at select retailers in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Virginia and Florida.
.

Read More

Beam Inc. Stockholders Approve Acquisition by Suntory Holdings

Deerfield, IL -

At a special meeting today, stockholders of Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) formally approved the pending $16 billion acquisition of Beam by Suntory Holdings. Upon completion of the transaction, each share of Beam common stock will convert into the right to receive $83.50 in cash (subject to applicable withholding taxes).

“Shareholder approval of the acquisition by Suntory is a reflection of the substantial value created for our investors over the past several years, culminating in this transaction,” said Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam Inc. “We appreciate the confidence Beam shareholders have placed in our company over the years, and we’re pleased that confidence is being rewarded. Indeed, at the acquisition price of $83.50 per share, total shareholder return will stand at 106% since Beam began trading as a standalone spirits company in October of 2011. We look forward to joining with the spirits business of Suntory to create the world’s #3 premium spirits company, and to capitalize on the significant opportunities for our combined portfolio, routes to market, and innovation capabilities.”

The transaction remains subject to regulatory clearance in the European Union and customary closing conditions, and the companies expect the acquisition will most likely be completed during the week of April 28^th.
.

Read More

Diageo Wins Distiller Of The Year For Investing In Scotch

Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company, has been named Distiller of the Year 2014 by Whisky Magazine in recognition of the company’s investment in its Scotch whisky business.

The coveted accolade was awarded at Whisky Magazine’s annual Global Icons of Whisky awards, with Diageo congratulated on “putting its money where its mouth is” with its £1billion investment in expansion Scotch whisky production capacity across Scotland.

Whisky Magazine Distiller of the Year is judged by a panel of independent whisky commentators and is one of the most highly prized titles in the industry. The judging panel’s citation read: “Production capacity increased at many of its sites, an investment of nearly £150 million across the Highland Council area and more expansion plans to come, increasing grain capacity, a raft of new expressions and building new distilleries – Diageo has been putting its money where its mouth is for its brands and the category, proving that with great size comes great responsibility.”

The award of the overall title came after Diageo had earlier been named Whisky Distiller of the Year in the Scottish category of the Icons of Whisky awards in an earlier round of judging.

The award adds to the Distiller of the Year title which was given to Diageo by the US-based The Whisky Advocate magazine in December 2013, citing the company’s investment and commitment to its brands.

David Cutter, Director of Diageo International Supply Centre, who runs the company’s Scotch whisky production business from Edinburgh, welcomed the award on behalf of all the employees who work to produce Diageo’s portfolio of world leading brands.

“We are very proud of our Scotch whisky business and of the investment we are making in its future and it is gratifying to have that recognised and acknowledged by independent industry commentators and by Whisky Magazine.”

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach, who accepted the award on behalf of Diageo at the Global Icons ceremony, added: “We are grateful to the judges and to Whisky Magazine for this significant global award, which I was delighted to accept on behalf of all my colleagues in Diageo whose commitment, vision, skill and sheer hard work makes everything possible.”

Diageo produces Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand, as well as a portfolio of other leading blended Scotch whiskies including Bell’s, J&B and Buchanan’s. The company also produces award-winning single malt whisky brands such as Talisker, Lagavulin, Cardhu and Dalwhinnie. Recent distillery investment announcements are linked to the growth of key Scotch whisky brands. Glen Ord Distillery near Inverness will see its capacity doubled to support the Singleton of Glen Ord brand, which is the fastest growing single malt in Asia. A major expansion investment at Mortlach Distillery in Speyside will support the launch of Mortlach as a global single malt brand later this year.

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.

In January the company announced the latest phase of the investment with a £30million plan to double capacity at the iconic Clynelish Distillery in Sutherland, taking the company’s capital programme in the Highlands to around £150million.

This adds to previous major investments by Diageo, including building a new malt whisky distillery at Roseisle in Speyside and a new state of the art cooperage at Cambus in Clackmannanshire.
.

Read More

Blank & Booth - Hot Mess Hatch Green Chile Flavored Whiskey

Blank & Booth - Hot Mess Hatch Green Chile Flavored Whiskey -- 40% ABV, 375 ml.

Read More

Winter Park - Bear Gully Classic Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

     

Winter Park - Bear Gully Classic Reserve Bourbon Whiskey -- 53.5% ABV, 750 ml

Read More

Presenting the Glen Grant 50 Year Old. The Time has Come.

LONDON, 18 March,- This year Glen Grant is releasing an exceptionally rare edition, the Glen Grant 50 Year Old – a fitting tribute to the innovation and whisky craftsmanship woven into the legend of Glen Grant.

On 28 October 1963 a rather special cask was hand filled by a young man who, at the time, was unaware that this liquid gold would ultimately shape his destiny. It would slowly mature for 50 years until 25 November 2013, when it reached its zenith – a robust, full-bodied and perfectly balanced single malt of distinction.

That young man, Dennis Malcolm, became the Master Distiller of one of Scotland’s finest distilleries, Glen Grant. The cask he watched over for half a century, containing a true masterpiece, is now ready to be presented to the world – once again proving that Glen Grant excels at making single malt – from barley to bottle.

Dennis Malcolm comments, “Only time measures our pursuit of perfection. Maturation cannot be rushed. Like people, casks mature at their own pace. I have protected and cared for this barrel for 50 years, letting it breathe and patiently waiting for the magic and interaction of whisky and wood.”

Only 150 bottles of this exclusive timeless collector’s item will be released globally. Each piece is unique and handcrafted in every sense – presented in a hand-blown crystal glass decanter, masterfully created and individually refined by the skilled craftsmen at Glencairn Crystal, the last family-owned crystal glass company in Scotland. Each decanter is hand engraved, hand numbered and finished with the number 50 in 18-carat gold lettering. The design of the decanter is an exact replica of Glen Grant’s tall, slender pot stills – a creation of Glen Grant’s legendary innovator, James ‘The Major’ Grant.

It is housed in a copper-lined Scottish oak box – made from new oak, worked by a skillful cabinetmaker with a practiced carpenter’s hand and an astute eye for detail.

Each Glen Grant 50 Year Old comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Dennis Malcolm and every craftsman involved.

In an age beset by instant gratification, that which has been expertly crafted by hand – with skills honed and passed down through the ages – is a true rarity.

The Glen Grant 50 Year Old is the apotheosis of master craftsmanship: a wide array of age-old skills creating a collective masterpiece that is unquantifiable. It is both aged and timeless. But now, the time has come.

The Glen Grant 50 Year Old will be launched in Asia’s Travel Retail Market. It will be available in Hong Kong from Friday 21 March and shortly following in Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing and Taipei. As of June 2014, it will be launched internationally in other duty free and domestic markets.
.

Read More

Diageo Defends Honor and Quality of Early Times Whiskey

TULLAHOMA, Tenn., March 17, 2014  -- Claiming the integrity of Tennessee whiskey is "under attack" Brown-Forman's Jack Daniels asserts the only way for Tennessee whiskey to be a "premium product representing a world-class standard and utmost quality" is for it to be aged in new oak barrels.  Interestingly, according to the website of Brown-Forman owned Early Times whiskey (www.earlytimes.com/heritage/whisky.aspx), the brand is aged and barreled in "used oak barrels".  Therefore, by their logic, Brown-Forman has deemed its own product inferior.

Despite being a competitor to Early Times, Diageo has rushed to Early Times' defense.  George Dickel Master Distiller John Lunn provided perspective on the issue.  "At George Dickel we use new oak barrels, but that is because we choose to make whiskey that way.  We don't think there should be a law that says this is how we, or anyone else, have to make whiskey," explained Lunn.

Diageo firmly believes a single company should not be able to unilaterally determine the definition of an entire category.  At its base, it is anti-competitive and protectionist.  Diageo supports a return to the flexibility that Tennessee whiskey distillers have had for the past 125 years, up until last year when Brown-Forman convinced the Tennessee legislature to define Tennessee whiskey as the Jack Daniel's recipe. 

Guy L. Smith, IV, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America, and a former resident of Tennessee said, "Brown-Forman's sleight of hand legislation they managed to get passed last year, which many refer to as simply 'The Jack Daniels recipe law', creates an anti-competitive situation that will stifle innovation from skilled Tennessean distillers, both large and small."

Brown-Forman's assertion that rejuvenated barrels produce a lower quality product is false and the billions of dollars that consumers spend across the world on scotch and other whiskeys that are commonly aged in rejuvenated barrels is a testament to that.  The process of rejuvenating barrels is a technical and sophisticated practice and years of wood industry science have shown the maturation of whiskey in rejuvenated barrels produces the highest quality liquid. 

Continued Smith, "We feel that allowing distillers flexibility within a general set of guidelines helps create a thriving and competitive Tennessee whiskey industry.  And that is in the best interest of all distillers, large and small, as well as the state ofTennessee."
.

Read More

Temperance - Black Swamp American Blended Whiskey

   
Temperance - Black Swamp American Blended Whiskey -- 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Read More

Lyon Full Moon Shine Corn Whiskey

Lyon Full Moon Shine Corn Whiskey -- 50% ABV, 750 ml.

Read More

Griffin Claw - Indiana Bourbon Whisky, Indiana Rye Whisky

Griffin Claw - Indiana Bourbon Whisky (50% ABV, 750 ml, Indiana Rye Whisky (40% ABV, 750 ml).

Read More

Jameson Reveals Limited Edition St. Patrick’s Day Bottle

“In addition to its smooth, balanced taste, one of the things that whiskey fans around the world tell us they love about Jameson is its intrinsic Irish character. Jameson embodies the down-to-earth character of Dubliners so with this new limited edition, we wanted to bring that to life and celebrate the great city which inspired John Jameson to make his now iconic whiskey for the first time over 230 years ago. The new bottle design has been very well-received by our customers around the world resulting in more markets than ever selling this year’s edition, so we’re hopeful that Irish whiskey fans around the world will love it too and make it a part of their special St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, wherever they may be.” — Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson

)

Read More

Jack Daniel Distillery Announces Limited Test Launch of “Tennessee Fire”

LYNCHBURG, TN-The Jack Daniel Distillery announced today it will test a new red hot cinnamon spirit called “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire,” beginning in April. Crafted with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey and naturally infused with a proprietary red hot cinnamon liqueur for a smooth and delicious taste, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will be available in three states – Oregon, Pennsylvania and the distillery’s home state of Tennessee.

Based upon the tremendous success of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and the explosive popularity of the flavored whiskey category, distillery officials said they wanted to offer existing and new friends another Jack Daniel’s flavor option.

“The flavored whiskey category continues to grow and we think the time is right to offer our Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey with the heat and spice of our own red hot cinnamon liqueur,” said John Hayes, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Jack Daniel’s. “We’re always listening to our friends and look forward to this test launch to let them try it, make sure it meets their expectations and then we’ll go from there. But we think they’re really going to like it.”

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will be available at 70 proof and priced in line with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. Company officials did not give a timeframe for how long the limited market test of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will take place.

Follow @JackFire for more information.
.

Read More

Flat Rock StillWrights Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Flat Rock StillWrights Straight Bourbon Whiskey -- 45% ABV, 750 ml.

Read More

Wiggly Bridge White Whisky

Wiggly Bridge White Whisky -- 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Read More

Soundscapers Drumming & Didgeridoo Soundbath

It’s not often that I write about enlightened experiences that don’t involve a great beverage as well, but after spending an evening with Josh Fonseca of Soundscape Drumming I couldn’t resist sharing my experience.

Josh led our group in a really fun drum circle, and while I did play drums in high school, this was way better.  To lose yourself in the drumming and group dynamic was not only a musical experience but a spiritual one as well.  Josh had a lot of great insight about how the vibrations of the drums and the experience of a drum circle can have a profound effect on your psyche and I’ll admit he’s right.

First off it was simply fun watching how the rhythms of our group morphed and changed as the circle progressed, but more importantly, for that hour in time, I thought about nothing but playing the drums.  No work stress, no to-do lists…just pure rhythmical fun.

As if that were not enough fun, Josh performed a sound bath for our group.  This meditative process involves chimes, a singing bowl, a drum and a Didgeridoo.  If you’re not familiar with this instrument, check out the video below.  The Didgeridoo has an amazing tone and vibration and the feeling you get as Josh passes the Didgeridoo around you literally leaves you bathed in sound.

In the end, the invigorating drum circle and amazing sound bath are a combination that is difficult to describe.  I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the drum circle and sound bath and I’d recommend you try it out for yourself.

Josh and Soundscapers Drumming are based in Rhode Island and they do a number of events, performances and even children’s programs.  You can check out their Facebook page here, their YouTube video here and more about Josh here..

I personally want to thank Josh for opening my eyes to this great experience and sharing his talent and knowledge with our group.

Read More

Mortlach™ Whisky’s New Bottles Revealed

Following last year’s announcement of the rebirth of Mortlach™, one of the most formidable and revered Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to have been created on Speyside, images have now been released that reveal the highly distinctive engineered style of the stunning new Mortlach bottles, along with more distribution and pricing details.

In 1823 Mortlach was the first distillery to be built at Dufftown, now one of the epicentres of Speyside whisky distilling. Its most eminent owners were the entrepreneurial Scottish civil engineer George Cowie, and his gifted and equally ambitious son Dr Alexander Cowie.

In tribute to these distinguished pioneers, the design style of the new packaging is rooted in an engineered world, reminiscent of beautiful man-made structures, whilst also elegant, luxurious and contemporary.

The engineering cues incorporated in the bottle design are most visible in the unique faceted base of the Rare Old & Special Strength bottles, whilst the metal structures of the 18 and 25 year-old bottles protect, enhance and display the fine single malts they contain. The design of the metal structures has been inspired by some of the great engineering feats of the Victorian period, especially the cantilever bridge design made famous on Scotland’s very own Forth Road Bridge.

Georgie Bell, global brand ambassador for Mortlach, said: “Mortlach whiskies are a celebration of those audacious thinkers who shape and make today’s world, just as their forefathers did in the era in which Mortlach was born. These spectacular bottles help tell that story.”

Limited supply

Four new Mortlach variants are designed for global travellers and for connoisseur Scotch whisky drinkers. Due to the very limited supplies of this unique liquid, these new expressions of Mortlach will be sold in 50cl bottles, except for the USA where for legal reasons 750 ml bottles will be used.

In the early years, the distribution of these rare and prestigious whiskies will focus on carefully selected cities. They will first be available in London and Berlin in June, and in a small number of global travel retail channels. They will then roll out  -  again in very restricted volumes  -  to the cosmopolitan cities of Asia-Pacific in August (for example Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore) and at the same time to New York, Chicago and San Francisco in the United States.

Distillery expansion

Meanwhile, to build more stocks of Mortlach for the years ahead, plans are progressing for the expansion of Mortlach distillery with all the strong purpose, ingenuity and attention to detail of the Cowies, doubling the distillery’s capacity.

The expansion will include the building of a new stillhouse. This will replicate the bewilderingly complex process with which Alexander paved the way  -    a unique distillation system (which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 Distilled’)  precisely calculated to create this celebrated, highly complex and richly flavoured whisky.  Mortlach has been described by whisky connoisseurs as “The Beast of Dufftown” for its rich and powerful flavours.

Read More

The Singleton Of Dufftown Single Malt Scotch Whisky Launches Two New Variants, “Tailfire” And “Sunray” In 2014

The Singleton of Dufftown Single Malt Scotch Whisky is adding two new, vibrant and exciting variants to its existing range, Diageo has announced.

Whilst keeping the smooth, rich nature of The Singleton of Dufftown, both “TAILFIRE” and “SUNRAY” have been created using specially selected casks to enhance particular elements of the flavour profile of this classic Speyside malt whisky. We want to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers by putting flavour at the heart of everything we do and continuing our quest to create amazing tasting whiskies.

TAILFIRE has a vibrant and enticing character, which comes from maturation in a higher proportion of European oak casks specially selected to enhance the juicy red berry freshness and sweet aromas of vanilla and fresh cut grass. This variant will be launching in both grocery and whisky specialists in March 2014 across a number of markets in Western Europe (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and Germany in July 2014). The Recommended Retail Price of TAILFIRE in the UK market will be £33.

The smooth yet intense character of SUNRAY comes from maturation in a higher proportion of toasted Bourbon casks specially selected to deliver a honeyed, vanilla sweetness with aromas of blackcurrant and baked apple. SUNRAY will be launching exclusive to whisky specialists in March 2014 across a number of markets in Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark). The Recommended Retail Price of SUNRAY in the UK market will be £36.

Colourful packaging indicative of the taste profile, and clear flavour descriptors have been chosen to facilitate the demystification of single malt whisky, a category with historically fewer younger consumers. We want to clearly communicate what flavours people can expect to enjoy.

TAILFIRE and SUNRAY have both been created by Diageo Master Blender, Dr Matthew Crow. Matthew comments, “I am immensely proud of these two single malts.

TAILFIRE and SUNRAY embody the future of whisky, and have been created to inspire a new generation of whisky drinkers. The Singleton is a much loved Speyside whisky, and has always put great taste and flavour at the heart of their single malts.”

The names TAILFIRE and SUNRAY are derived from the names of salmon flies, inspired by the world of our icon, the leaping salmon and fly fishing near our home on the River Spey. The names are colourful, vibrant and interesting whilst also being indicative of the flavour profile of each whisky. TAILFIRE and SUNRAY join The Singleton family alongside the 12, 15 and 18 year old expressions.

NOTES

Tasting Notes:

Tailfire

A vibrant evocation of Dufftown’s fruity character with notes of fresh red berries and sweet vanilla aromas. Best enjoyed with a dash of water.

Nose: instant sweetness, ripe red berry fruit – strawberries, stewed plums and raspberry jam, vibrant cut grass emerges with rounded maltiness, giving way to vanilla and toasted oak

Palate: notes of malt and green grass soften quickly with the richness of the fruit with a hint of spice amongst the sweet oak notes

Finish: sweet with slightly drying oak and a creamy hint of coconut

ABV: 40%

Sunray

A smooth and elegant example of Dufftown’s honeyed intensity, golden and rich on the palate with notes of blackcurrant and heather honey on the nose.

Nose: incredibly soft, starting deep with demerara sugar and baked apple heather honey rises with floral top notes, blackcurrant and bramble striking the balance with soft malt

Palate: sweet and rounded, soft spice builds amongst the fruit

Finish: sweet, with blackcurrants and vanilla

ABV: 40%

About The Singleton^TM of Dufftown

Distilled in the Dufftown distillery of Speyside, where fine single malts have been produced since 1896, exceptional care is taken at every stage of producing The Singleton^TM to create the best taste possible.  Longer fermentation and slower distillation ensures exceptional smoothness and depth of flavour that creates a whisky regarded by many as the single best tasting single malt whisky in the world.  The liquid is then matured in a combination of American and European oak casks to ensure extra flavour and perfect balance. The Singleton^TM word and the Fish and Gate device are Trade Marks owned by Diageo. @singletonwhisky

Read More