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Archives for August 2018

Chivas Announced as Official Spirits Partner of Manchester United!

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Manchester United captain, Antonio Valencia, celebrates on a golden throne during a Chivas film shoot in July in Los Angeles, United States. The film was released to announce Chivas as the “Official Global Spirits Partner” of Manchester United. Photographer: Monroe Alvarez

Chivas has teamed up with the world’s biggest football club, Manchester United, in a three-year global partnership.

The collaboration will see Chivas and Manchester United join forces to celebrate their collective belief that blended is better – in life, football and Scotch.

Manchester United teammates Sergio Romero, Antonio Valencia and Chris Smalling (L-R) raise a glass to the new partnership between Chivas and Manchester United during a film shoot in July in Los Angeles, United States. The film was released to announce Chivas as the “Official Global Spirits Partner” of Manchester United.
Photographer: Monroe Alvarez

Just as Chivas brings together Scotland’s best malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary in the bottle, Manchester United brings together the world’s best footballers, a dedicated club team and a legion of fans all around the world to create extraordinary results on the pitch.

The partnership was revealed to fans in advance of the Club’s first Premier League home game of the 2018/19 season on Friday 10th August, through a film that explores the unique blend of characteristics that make up the Manchester United team.

Shot in Los Angeles during the Club’s pre-season tour, the film stars an array of Manchester United first team players revealing an often unseen side to them, showing what defines who they are, both on and off the pitch.

Throughout the season, Chivas will be collaborating with Manchester United to demonstrate that blended is better – by encouraging fans to celebrate the blend that makes them unique, and showing that when players collaborate with their teammates they can achieve the greatest success.

Blending has been in our DNA ever since James and John Chivas pioneered the art in 19th century Scotland. Partnering with Manchester United was therefore a natural fit; we both firmly believe that great things can be achieved when we come together – from balancing the perfect blend of malt and grain whiskies that go into our Scotch, to using the perfect combination of players’ skills on the pitch to create a winning team.

We look forward to using our spirit to help showcase the spirit of the Club and its fans all around the world.
– Jean-Christophe Coutures: Chairman and CEO at Chivas Brothers

Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling, celebrates in front of a wall of speakers during a Chivas film shoot in July in Los Angeles, United States. The film was released to announce Chivas as the “Official Global Spirits Partner” of Manchester United. Photographer: Monroe Alvarez

Manchester United’s history is built on teamwork and we embrace Chivas’ belief that ‘blended is better.’ Our success both on and off the pitch allows us to bring together the best mix of people who help to make our Club the global name it is today. Each individual has their own skills but the way in which they blend together is what makes us a united team.

It is a pleasure to welcome Chivas as Manchester United’s Global Spirits Partner and we look forward to working together to share this belief with our fans.
– Richard Arnold: Group Managing Director at Manchester United

The partnership will be brought to life through a 360 campaign activated across all touchpoints globally from August 2018. Chivas branding will also be displayed on digital perimeter boards at Old Trafford as well as throughout the stadium from the first game on Friday.

Find out more about the partnership and why blended is better at Chivas.com.

Chivas is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

The Lakes Distillery Breaks World Records At Whisky Auction!

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(L to R) Nigel Mills CBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery and Whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi

The first bottle of single malt whisky from The Lakes Distillery has sold for £7,900, breaking the world record for the most expensive whisky from a new distillery, and the most expensive bottle of English whisky sold at auction.

The Lakes Distillery auctioned 99 of its first bottles

WORLD RECORD: Most expensive bottle of whisky from a new distillery.
WORLD RECORD: Most expensive bottle of English whisky.
LANDMARK: Average of £900 per bottle for the batch of 99 auctioned.

The Lakes Distillery auctioned 99 of its first bottles of single malt whisky, Genesis, with bottle number one selling for £7900.This surpassed the previous record of £7,100 for the first whisky to come from a new distillery, which was held by a Scottish distillery.

Genesis was sold at cask strength in a bespoke rosewood presentation box, each individually numbered and hand signed by Dhavall Gandhi, the Whiskymaker. Genesis comes from the Greek word meaning origin. The name pays homage to the distillery’s beginning, and gives a tantalising glimpse into its future.

The auction, which was hosted on whiskyauctioneer.com, started on 29th June and ran until noon on Tuesday 10th July.

Genesis signifies an important milestone in our history, because the first spirit we laid down is now more than three years old and we can finally call it whisky. The auction was fascinating and it exceeded all our expectations.

We are proud to have not only produced a wonderful malt whisky but to have seen such a demand for the first bottles.
– Nigel Mills CBE: Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery

We don’t just bottle our whisky because it is three years old; instead, I look at each cask to assess them individually until I find the right flavour profile. We have reached a peak for some casks and that is why we released a limited number.

It’s an amazing feeling that people are finally recognising whisky as art. People have a lot of faith in what we are doing and it’s amazing to see the prices showing that faith.
– Dhavall Gandhi: Whiskymaker

This is an historic moment and the success of the auction and the interest in Genesis demonstrates that the Lakes single malt whisky is a credible alternative to whiskies from the world’s established distilleries.
– Paul Currie: Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery

Our expectations for the auction were high and we are thrilled that we were not disappointed. There was tremendous interest and this is reflected in the price and the records broken. I am very proud that 99 people will have the opportunity to taste this very special malt whisky.
– Alan Rutherford OBE: Chairman of The Lakes Distillery

The whisky was first matured in Oloroso hogsheads giving it a vibrant character full of dried ginger and wood-spice. After the initial period of maturation, the whisky was finished in casks made-up of American and European oak to add a layer of dried fruit and vanilla. Finally, these two components were married together in Orange wine casks from the Andalucía region of Spain, giving it a spicy and chocolate-orange character.

For more information on the auction, please visit: www.lakesdistillery.com. Watch a video of the auction.

Lakes Distillery is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Oslo Håndverksdestilleri Joins The Maverick Drinks Portfolio!

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OHD crafts a collection of distilled akevitts

Oslo’s renowned artisanal spirits distillery OHD (Oslo Håndverksdestilleri) has named multi-award-winning Maverick Drinks as the exclusive UK distributor for its collection of traditionally-made Nordic spirits.

The OHD Range

Established in 2015 in Oslo’s Bryn district, OHD crafts a collection of distilled akevitts, gins and bitters using Scandinavian customs, time-honoured distilling methods and locally-foraged ingredients.

OHD was set up by Marius Vestnes of Cask Norway and Marcin Miller of Number One Drinks, with head distiller Matt McMillan overseeing production.

The first OHD product released was Marka Nordic Bitter, crafted with 16 botanicals to offer a taste of the Nordic landscape. This was followed by VIDDA Tørr Gin, made according to a traditional ‘dry’ style but with local botanicals, Akevitt Blank, an unaged akevitt, and simply Akevitt, which has been aged for 12 months in American oak casks.

All four products will join the Maverick Drinks portfolio and are available to UK partners immediately, with new release Fjæra Rosé Gin to follow in the coming months.

I’ve always been impressed by how the Maverick team goes about its business; talented people working with excellent spirits is a great combination.

We are thrilled to be joining the portfolio at this exciting juncture in OHD’s development and Maverick’s growth; the timing could not be better.
– Marcin Miller: OHD Co-Founder

In the short time that OHD’s spirits have been available in the UK market, they’ve already found their way into the hands of some of the country’s best bartenders.

We see a lot of promise for the akevitt (otherwise known as aquavit) category and think the OHD craft spirits are well-positioned to lead that category.
– Michael Vachon: Head of Brand Development at Maverick Drinks

OHD joins the Maverick Drinks’ growing portfolio of inspiring craft spirits brands from around the world including Widow Jane, the Kyrö Distillery Company, Balcones, Brenne, Bluecoat Gin, FEW Spirits, Filliers, the New York Distilling Company, Smooth Ambler, St George Spirits, Wolfburn, Ableforth’s, That Boutique-y Gin Company and That Boutique-y Whisky Company.

OHD was set up by Marius Vestnes of Cask Norway and Marcin Miller of Number One Drinks, with head distiller Matt McMillan overseeing production.

As part of its #ForwardDrinking campaign, Maverick Drinks continues to challenge how brands work with bars up and down the country. The distributor has engaged bar communities throughout the UK with the first in a series of seminars, The Relationships Between Brands and Bars is Broken, to stir up conversation and drive meaningful change.

This philosophy, coupled with the strength of the Maverick Drinks portfolio, played a substantial part in Maverick Drinks being named Spirits Distributor of the Year for the third time in four years at the 2017 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The Whyte & Mackay Roaring Review Booth Is Officially Open!

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Chris Forbes and Richie Brown

To celebrate their title as Lead Sponsors of Comedy at this year’s Underbelly, Whyte & Mackay have built an interactive pop up called the Roaring Review Booth – where festivalgoers can give their reviews of Fringe shows for a chance to win prizes.

The build is open from today until Monday 27th August (10am to 4am) and is at the heart of their Surprisingly Smooth Fringe Bar in Bristo Square.

To launch it, Whyte & Mackay enlisted the help of comedians Chris Forbes and Richie Brown, with some hilarious results: youtu.be

The sponsorship is part of Whyte & Mackay’s #FunnyAsFolk 2018 campaign, which sees them celebrate the everyday funny people throughout the UK.

Head of Whisky Blends at Whyte & Mackay, Ruairi Perry

InchDairnie Distillery Visited By Spanish Coopers!

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Juan Manuel Rodriguez

Spanish cooperage Toneleria J.L. Rodriguez visited InchDairnie Distillery in Fife to inspect the quality of their Andalusian wine casks that were recently imported to the distillery from southern Spain.

This follows a visit from InchDairnie Managing Director Ian Palmer to the cooperage earlier this year to ensure the casks are fit for the distillery’s meticulous approach to making whisky.

(l-r) Henk Meijer, José Luis Rodriguez, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Ian Palmer (Photo, Eddie Baird)

Father and son coopers José Luis Rodriguez and Juan Manuel Rodriguez along with their export manager Henk Meijer travelled to Fife to meet Ian Palmer and agree plans for the next five years of cask production and seasoning.

The casks will be used to mature the summer, autumn and winter InchDairnie single malt whiskies.

José Luis Rodriguez

Fettercairn Distillery Announce Re-launch & Release Of Four New Expressions!

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Fettercairn Distillery announce re-launch with release of four new whisky expressions

Fettercairn Distillery proudly announce the global re-launch of their premium Highland Single Malt whisky with the release of four new expressions.

Reflective of the distillery’s unique production method and befitting of its stock of rare and aged whiskies the exceptionally refined new range of single malts is a must try for all whisky connoisseurs.

Located in the picturesque village of Fettercairn at the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, this hidden gem is found among some of the finest and most fertile farming land in the North East of Scotland. With the purest of mountain water as an ingredient, it is almost no surprise that when the distillery was established by Sir Alexander Ramsay in 1824, the enterprising pioneer chose this location.

Fettercairn Distillery

In the mid-1950s, the whisky-makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection.

With this knowledge they fashioned a unique copper cooling ring around the neck of the stills drenching them with crystal clear mountain water – an ingenious and practical solution to creating their exceptional whisky, a technique which remains unique in Scotch whisky-making to this day.

Not only beautiful to watch and a highlight of the distillery’s breath-taking still house, the technique creates a striking oxidation ‘patina’ on its copper, with colours of teal, white and brushed copper making the stills at Fettercairn a spectacle in their own right.

The stills at Fettercairn

Featuring four new expressions, the new Fettercairn range boasts a house style of tropical fruits, soft spice and sweetness – showcased in melon, pineapple, banana, clove, ginger, treacle, toffee and caramel.

We start with Fettercairn 12 Year Old priced at £48 RSP, followed by the 28 Year Old; at the top of the range the 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old, with the latter retailing at RSP £10,000 and both non-chill filtered and natural colour. Already award-winning, Fettercairn 28 Year Old was presented with Gold at IWSC 2018, and the 40 Year Old Gold awards at ISC 2018 & IWSC 2018.

Each product in the range begins its life in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with the 12 and 28 Year Old expressions resting here until maturity, while the 40 Year Old features a finish in an Apostoles Sherry Cask (no. 6) and the 50 Year Old in a Tawny Port Pipe (no.1). The progression of age and finishing designed to take drinkers on a journey of elegant, tropical fruit flavour intensity.

Indicative of its history, the brand logo has been refreshed to hero the Ramsay Clan unicorn and nod to the copper cooling ring, while each new expression is presented in stylish new bottle and pack designs that feature oxidised copper. The 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old are presented in hand-crafted wooden presentation boxes to reflect their value and prestige.

Fettercairn is simply a beautiful distillery with a treasure trove of aged and rare stocks. I’ve worked here since 1990 and most of the team that started with me then are still on this journey with me today.

It’s a pleasure crafting Fettercairn Single Malt together and we are immensely excited to finally share our exceptional whiskies with enthusiasts the world over.
– Stewart Walker: Distillery Manager

Fettercairn 12 Year Old and 28 Year Old is available from all good whisky specialists. Fettercairn 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old will be available late August. Prices range from £48 RSP to £10,000. The Fettercairn Distillery welcomes visitors during the summer months.

Fettercairn Core Range

The new whiskies are:
· Fettercairn 12 Year Old (40% ABV): RSP: £48 / $60. Aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, Fettercairn 12 Year Old is the colour of sunlight and amber honey, with vanilla, pear and soft spices on the nose and refreshing nectarine, tropical fruit and roasted coffee to taste. To finish, memorable flavours of sultanas and black toffee.

· Fettercairn 28 Year Old (42% ABV): RSP: £500 / $675. Aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels for 28 years, this expression from Fettercairn is deep shimmering gold in colour. With initial bursts of pineapple and melon on the nose before giving way to treacle and banana, and hints of warm ginger and liquorice; this expression opens up to citrus peel and black pepper on first taste, followed by tempered walnuts, coffee, apricot, and a touch of sweet balsamic for a rewarding drinking experience.

· Fettercairn 40 Year Old (48.9% ABV): RSP: £3,000 / $4,000. Distilled on 23rd December 1977 and laid to rest in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a finish in an Apostoles Sherry Cask No.6 for a truly dark and intense whisky with dazzling amber highlights. On first nose, honey, molasses, and ginger, then overtaken by toffee apple, thick treacle, and sherry. To taste liquorice and balsamic vinegar, are balanced with citrus, toffee and raisin for a glorious finish of soft spice and tropical fruits. This forty-year old expression is non chill-filtered with no added colour.

· Fettercairn 50 Year Old (47.9% ABV): RSP: £10,000 / $13,500. Distilled on 11th June 1966 and laid to rest in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a finish in Tawny Port Pipe (Cask No1). This refined single malt showcases a dark and rich colour, like the night enlivened with stars. Enticing aromas begin the drinking experience with ginger, spices, citrus peel, and apple; preceded by nuances of Morello cherry, over-ripe plums, and blackcurrant. A whisper of coconut and a hint of pineapple provide an unforgettable close. To taste warm spiced citrus, ground coffee, and toffee apple, give way to rich notes of port wine and sweet almond; burnt caramel and soft chewy liquorice notes round out this timeless treasure. This fifty-year old expression is non chill-filtered with no added colour.

Fettercairn is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Aberlour “Casg Annamh” – The Latest Premium Single Malt!

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Casg Annamh is a distinctively rich Single Malt

Speyside distillery, Aberlour, has released its latest premium Single Malt, Casg Annamh, to provide adventurous malt lovers with the ideal introduction to Sherry cask matured whiskies.

Influenced by the finest quality, hand-selected Oloroso Sherry casks

With its distinctive Sherry signature, the new expression highlights Aberlour’s commitment to choosing the best casks and maturing liquid of the highest quality to provide a deep and satisfying taste experience.

Translating as ‘Rare Cask’ in Gaelic, Casg Annamh has been created in small batches from a limited number of carefully selected casks. Rare and hard to obtain, the Oloroso Sherry casks have a significant influence on the liquid and perfectly complement Aberlour’s distillate flavour, bringing sweet and rich notes.

Casg Annamh is a tribute to our craftsmen’s passion for sherry and their expertise when it comes to creating a rare and fine Single Malt. We carefully hand-pick our Oloroso Sherry casks from traditional Sherry bodegas in Spain, making sure the wood has exactly the right combination of aromatic qualities for Aberlour.

The end result is a distinctively rich and fruity finish which we’re confident will offer something new and exciting for those looking to explore the Single Malt category.
– Graeme Cruickshank: Aberlour’s Master Distiller

Aberlour’s premium and craft credentials are upheld by Casg Annamh, which comes with Graeme Cruickshank’s signature, a wax capsule bottle, and is part of a small batch production. It will be available to purchase at retailers across the globe, with a RRP of around £53.50.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Rich and sweet with fruity notes of tangy orange, glazed cherries, raisins and a hint of ginger.

Palate: Sweet and fruity flavours of apple and cinnamon crumble and ripe peaches balanced with spicy notes of liquorice and cloves.

Finish: Long and rich. Fruity with a touch of dry spice.

Aberlour is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

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