Archives for May 29, 2012

New Look for Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky

May 29, 2012 by Gary Leave a Comment

The New Look Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky

The Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range has been given a label makeover by it’s owners: Ian Macleod Distillers.

The new look of the award winning Isle of Skye 8 Years Old and 12 Years Old takes direct inspiration from the majestic scenery and romance of Scotland’s famous ‘Misty Isle’.

The New Look 8YO Isle of Skye

The New Look 12YO Isle of Skye

Evoking the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains, the new label design introduces a striking watercolour sunset over the Isle of Skye and is coupled with a newly designed bottle.

Based on a family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts, Isle of Skye was created by the company’s founder Ian Macleod.

While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 or 12 years.

Jim Murray in the 2012 Whisky Bible, rated Isle of Skye 8 Years Old as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.

Iain Weir, Director of Marketing for Ian Macleod Distillers said: “Skye has an infinite romantic appeal that we wanted to capture in the Isle of Skye re-packaging. The imagery of the sunset over the Cuillin Mountains suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment. Whether you are toasting your success conquering a Munro or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward.”

You can buy Isle of Skye Whisky from:-

Tasting notes

Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Stunningly evocative. Deep peaty tones waft from the glass, like the reek from a crofter’s lum. But there is a lot more beyond: the grains intermingle deliciously with oaky, vanilla notes and something malty and even slightly honeyed. The stuff of dreams.
Palate:Sweet at first, and remarkably viscous. This seems to be the peat hanging around and there is intense barley sugar and spice. Massively flavoured. This creaminess continues for what seems hours.
Finish:Remains sweet, spicy and chewy and at the end faintly nutty. The oak returns at the end.
Comments: The stuff of dreams.
Jim Murray, Classic Blended Scotch

Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Ripe, fruity and well balanced. Sherry, dried fruits and a hint of smoke. Water brings out a butter edge. A lot going on.
Palate: Overall, a little drier than the nose suggests but with excellent, soft, mid-palate weight. Light smoke all the way through.
Finish: Ripe and soft.
Comments:Very well balanced. A lovely blend.
Dave Broom in Whisky Magazine (Issue 22)

Cuba Gooding Jr. Backs Chivas Regal’s Campaign to Raise Awareness of Filmaid International

May 29, 2012 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cuba Gooding Jr. ©Olivia Arthur/Magnum Photos

Chivas Regal, the official sponsor of the 65th Festival De Cannes, announced a new global fundraising programme with FilmAid International.

To mark the first year anniversary of the Chivas Regal FilmAid partnership, Chivas unveiled a new short film documenting the amazing work of FilmAid focussing on a FilmAid project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

FilmAid is a non-profit organisation that uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need.

Oscar winning actor and FilmAid supporter, Cuba Gooding Jr., joined FilmAid UK Chair Iliane Ogilvie Thompson and Chivas Regal Brand Director, James Slack on stage for an exclusive screening of the new short film commissioned by Chivas.

(left to right) Iliane Ogilvie Thompson, Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Slack

The film was also supported by an exhibition of images captured during filming by distinguished Magnum Photos photographer, Olivia Arthur.

Cuba Gooding Jr. praised FilmAid’s unique work in using the power of film to bring hope and joy to refugees. He said: “Communities in crisis need information and empowerment. FilmAid provides both through the power of film, and I am delighted to be here to support their work and the generosity of Chivas Regal.”

Cuba was in Cannes for a special screening of the film, Red Tails, which he stars in and which tells the true, heroic story of the Tuskegee airmen. He was joined by George Lucas, director Anthony Hemingway, and producer Rick McCallum for a special screening on the Cinema de la Plage.

James Slack, Chivas Regal Brand Director, said, “After a successful first year of the partnership, we are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to FilmAid. Generosity of spirit lies at the heart of the Chivas brand and we are proud to play a continued role in providing financial support to projects worldwide.”

“The FilmAid film will help kick-start our fundraising plans for the year ahead but equally as important raise awareness of the charity’s amazing work by bringing FilmAid’s inspirational story to Cannes.”

Caroline Baron, FilmAid Founder, said, “FilmAid was formed in 1999 with the belief that movies could have a healing effect on refugees and displaced people, specifically those fleeing war in Kosovo.”

“More than a decade later, FilmAid’s work exhibiting and producing educational and inspirational films is thriving in communities affected by war and natural disaster in Haiti, Kenya, Thailand and beyond. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of organizations like Chivas Regal. We are deeply grateful.”