Gordon & MacPhail Managing Director wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Michael Urquhart, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, has won a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States.

Credited with leading the team who released a whisky “that shone like a beacon round the world”, Michael was awarded the title by Whisky Advocate, the biggest selling whisky magazine in the USA and organiser of WhiskyFest, the largest whisky festival in America.

Michael Urquhart is the final member of the third generation to take on the mantle of Managing Director of the independent family-owned firm which was established in 1895. The company offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts and exports to more than 55 countries.

Fewer than twenty people, working in the various whisky industries across the world, hold a Whisky Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award. In conferring the award Jonny McCormick commented: “Michael is impeccably well-mannered and gracious company, yet he commands instinctive, razor-sharp business acumen too: what better qualities to represent Scotland and Scotch whisky around the world?

“A Master of the Quaich, Michael’s tireless energies are focused on driving forward exports of Scotch whisky, particularly Benromach, to new and existing markets. This ensures he is constantly traveling to the fifty or more markets they supply.”

A century on from its beginnings in a shop in Elgin, Gordon & MacPhail bought and subsequently re-opened the Benromach Distillery. Sales of its flagship 10 years old single malt have seen exceptional growth since its launch in 2009 and in this current year sales of the Benromach portfolio have continued the same trend. Total sales for the period March to November are up 23% on the same period last year and export sales have increased by 26%.

In 2010 the company launched its Generations range of the world’s oldest single malt whiskies, one of the reasons cited for Michael’s award.

As Jonny McCormick explained, “For the whisky community, the unrivalled release of the Generations Mortlach 70 year old 1938 and Generations Glenlivet 70 year old 1940 shone like a beacon around the world. It was Michael who led the team that designed and launched these exceptional whiskies.”

Michael Urquhart said: “I am deeply honored to receive this award which I see as recognition for the whole team at Gordon & MacPhail. It’s provided a wonderful finish to what has been an outstanding year for the company, with the visit of HRH The Princess Royal to present our second Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

Whisky Advocate magazine covers all the whisky industries across the globe including Scotch whisky, Canadian whisky, Irish whiskey and Bourbon. It has more than 200,000 readers and its blog attracts more than 125,000 visitors each day.

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

A second Queen’s Award for Enterprise was presented by HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony in 2013 at the company’s bottling hall in Elgin.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing 100 70cl and 175 20cl decanters of 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011. They have now released the remaining 100 70cl decanters from this cask.

Gordon & MacPhail is proud of its Moray roots and the company, its directors and its staff play an active role in their local community by supporting local charities and sponsoring local events.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Victoria Whisky Festival Called Best in World

According to a Scottish brand ambassador at Tales of the Cocktail recently, whisky professionals love visiting Canada. There is a group of paid whisky ambassadors who travel the globe promoting whisky.

The one event they all want to see on their schedule is the four-day-long Victoria Whisky Festival held each January. Not only is it Canada’s biggest whisky festival, now we know it’s the brand ambassadors’ favourite too.

The next Victoria Whisky Festival is being held January 16 - 19, 2014 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Limited Edition Lalique Decanter Pays Homage to The Macallan's Spiritual Home

The Macallan and Lalique are delighted to present the latest masterpiece from their prestigious collaboration, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection. The fifth decanter in the collection, The Macallan in Lalique “The Spiritual Home”, marks the penultimate decanter in this global sell out series. The whisky featured within the decanter is an exquisite and very rare 62 years old Macallan single malt whisky.

Designed and created by the legendary French crystal house Lalique, exclusively for The Macallan, and limited to only 400 individually numbered decanters, the Spiritual Home edition will be highly desired and eagerly anticipated.

David Cox, Director of Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan commented, “Our inspirational partnership with Lalique is widely regarded as one of the ultimate luxury partnerships. This fifth collaboration in The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars collection further reinforces our commitment to working together to create beautiful and desirable objets d’art.

The Six Pillars of The Macallan are the inspiration behind this wonderful collection; they comprise those elements which combine to give our exceptional single malt whisky its supreme quality and distinctive character. This is the penultimate decanter on an inspirational journey to the heart of The Macallan. Easter Elchies House is the only manor home of its kind to be part of a distillery estate in Scotland and dates back to 1700 when it was built by Captain John Grant.

This collection has inspired interest from connoisseurs and collectors since its inception in 2005, representing a marriage of the finest and rarest Macallan single malt whisky and bespoke designed decanters, interpreting the Six Pillars, from the master crystal craftsmen at Lalique. There are very few distilleries that have the aged stock profile that we do, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to produce a magnificent 62 years old, originally filled to American oak sherry seasoned casks in November 1950. This is the second oldest Macallan ever released by the distillery since its foundation in 1824.”

Inspired by the artistic genius of Rene Lalique’s legacy and Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home, Lalique’s Marc Larminaux interpreted the harled surface applied to the sandstone walls of Easter Elchies House by creating a textured frosted surface on three sides of the decanter, an effect created through the use of a ‘digital stamp’ of the actual wall; in contrast three sides of the decanter have been left in clear crystal. One of the frosted sides features the bold initials, JEG, replicating the initials which are incorporated in the original date stone, which can be seen high up on the western elevation of Easter Elchies House. These are the initials of Captain John Grant, who oversaw the building of the present manor house in 1700.

The date stone itself, with both initials and date, is replicated in its entirety at the base of one of the side panels of the decanter. Finally, the distinctive “crow-steps” at the gable ends of the house are interpreted through the steps on the neck of the decanter, leading up to the proud standing stopper, representing one of the chimneys. A striking, unusual design, this fifth decanter in the Six Pillars series again exemplifies the artistic creativity and inspiration of Lalique.

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “Following the resounding success of the first four decanters in The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection, Lalique is proud to unveil the fifth. After months of collaboration on the design of the new decanter, Lalique has created a superb example of craftsmanship that encapsulates the spirit of Easter Elchies House, the distillery’s spiritual home at the heart of The Macallan Estate.

“The spectacular shape and exquisite detail of this Fifth Pillar represent countless hours of painstaking work by Lalique’s master craftsmen. We sincerely hope that the fortunate few owners of this sumptuous new decanter take as much pleasure in admiring it as we have done in creating it”.

In 2010 the relationship was taken to new heights with the creation of the Cire Perdue decanter containing the oldest ever Macallan ever released, at 64 years old. This unique decanter and its rare contents were auctioned by Sotheby’s New York in November 2010, raising a staggering US $460,000 for charity: water, an innovative charity dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water for people in developing countries, as well as smashing the world record price for a bottle of scotch whisky.

The Spiritual Home decanter is available in the UK from December 2013 at specialist whisky retailers, RRP £16,000.

Colour – Rich cherry

Aroma – Rich and aromatic. A strong opening of treacle toffee leads into raisin and blood orange. Later aromas of apple pie, sprinkled with ginger, cinnamon and chocolate, with layers of darker vanilla, embellished by soft burnished oak.

Taste – Rich dried fruits open up, with strong raisin flavours. Layers of sweet ginger figs and cigar leaf in viscous suspension are followed by woody oak flavours, polished yet showing complexity of age.

Finish – Long and embracing

Alcohol Strength – 53.1%

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home
Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills
The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut
The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.

Exceptional Oak Casks
The Macallan’s selection of the finest and most expensive maturation casks fundamentally influence the product’s final outstanding quality and distinctive character.

Natural Colour
The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit
The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Judy Clark's New Clothing Line Inspired by Ardbeg Scotch Whisky

Multi-award-winning Scottish fashion designer Judy R Clark has unveiled a stunning new range of tweed clothing for Islay single malt whisky, Ardbeg.

Judy – who was named Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Scottish Style Awards 2013 and has commissioned bespoke pieces for leading global brands – has designed a collection of clothing which will be worn by Ardbeg staff worldwide.

The “edgy” collection includes bespoke waistcoats and shorts for women, and matching waistcoat and trousers for men, which have been inspired by Ardbeg.

Ardbeg is revered worldwide as the peatiest of the Islay malts and Judy has drawn inspiration from the herringbone pattern effect of the peat stacks found on the isle of Islay on the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, where Ardbeg is distilled.

She incorporated the design into the bespoke, proprietary Ardbeg tweed, which was weaved at the family-run Islay Woollen Mill established in 1881.

The colours of the beaches, hills, trees and peat are the tapestry of Islay and Judy has creatively woven these earthy tones through her designs.

To enhance the luxury outfits, Judy added a triple lapel on the waistcoats to reflect the number of World Whisky of the Year awards Ardbeg has won. The brushed gold rivets along the collars represent Ardbeg’s logo and knotwork.

Judy explains: “Creating a new line with Ardbeg has been wonderful as the inspiration from the whisky and location were endless. From design to the woven cloth, everything was produced in Scotland which really reflects Ardbeg’s almost 200-year heritage on Islay.

“In addition, Ardbeg has always has always pushed the boundaries of whisky marketing and I was delighted to be able to come up with an edgy line that combines heritage and style in equal measure.”

After graduating from Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University in 2006, Judy worked with legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen before going on to launch her own label.

As well as her most recent award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, Judy has also won the prestigious JOLOMO award for Innovation and Creativity and the award for ‘Best New Designer’ at The Scottish Variety Awards in March 2012. In addition, she was selected by a panel of fashion experts at ‘Scotland Re:Designed’ to showcase her collections in New York, Chicago, London and Glasgow.

Carolyn Sanchez, Ardbeg Brand Manager explains: “Judy’s beautiful tweed pieces clearly show how she has been inspired by Ardbeg’s attitude and its Islay heritage. Both brands are extremely innovative in their fields and the combination of both elements has created something truly distinctive.”

The new range of clothing will be used as uniforms for Ardbeg trial and sampling teams around the world at whisky events.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.

Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

For more information on Ardbeg please visit: Ardbeg.com

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Unveils Rare 1975 Expression

Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has released a rare limited edition of the 1975 expression exclusively to travel retail. With only 500 bottles in existence, only the lucky few will be able to savour this rare, cask strength non-chill filtered Single Malt, which has been aged in hand-selected, north American bourbon casks for over 38 years.

Following on from the success of the first batch released in the domestic market in 2011, this second release of the vintage has been matured for an additional year giving it its particularly fresh, dewy fruity qualities. It becomes part of a series of superb vintage releases from the late 1970s including the 1979 sherry matured and the 1974 bourbon matured.

Presented in a premium slate grey double fronted box, both the carton and the bottle deliberately retain a subtlety and understated luxury best reserved for higher aged vintage releases. Once opened the box reveals a stunning design using barrel staves. Labeling is minimal with both the name and label appearing slimmer to reveal the liquid as the true hero. The neck of the bottle is also clear exposing the natural cork. The date of bottling is written on each of the bottles.

Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour.

Auchentoshan Master Blender Rachel Barrie says “Having spent an additional year maturing in the highest quality North American bourbon casks, the 2013 bottling of Auchentoshan 1975 allows the drinker to experience the complexity and ripe, developed fruit flavours associated with a whisky of this vintage.’’

Tasting notes:

To the eye: Copper gold.

To the nose: Ripe, sun-drenched fruits: pears, figs and honeydew melon.

To the palate: Papaya and pink grapefruit, with baked pineapple and almond cake.

The finish: Subtle notes of white grapes, elderflower & almonds.

There will be 500 bottles available globally in a range of international airports priced at £500+ with an ABV of 45.6%.

For more information visit Auchentoshan.co.uk

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Thousands Vote and Select Exotic Taste Next for The Glenlivet Single Malt

Thousands of votes across 37 countries have been cast by whisky lovers to select a new limited edition from The Glenlivet, with its Exotic expression revealed today as the winner, with 39% of the vote.

The announcement follows a global campaign by The Glenlivet, during which the brand reached out to whisky fans around the world giving them the chance to select the next The Glenlivet expression for the first time ever. The winning expression will be named “The Guardians’ Chapter” in recognition of the significant part the distillery’s fan club – The Guardians of The Glenlivet – has made to the voting. The new whisky – which is non-chill filtered, 48.7% proof and described as a rich, indulgent single malt – will be bottled in limited quantities and distributed around the world from March 2014, priced at $85 (or equivalent).

The winning ‘Exotic’ single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist. The resulting whisky displays the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet with the addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it offers aromas of moist and sweet, candied apples balanced with a hint of orange marmalade. The taste combines juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well balanced with a subtle warmth of spice, complementing a long and slightly dry finish.

The campaign began in September 2013, with Master Distiller Alan Winchester revealing the three expressions he had hand-picked for fans to choose from. The three expressions – which were selected to spark debate over single malt style preferences – were named according to their taste profile, with the options being Classic, Exotic and Revival. Fans of the brand were invited to tasting events held across the globe where they sampled and voted for their favourites.

In addition to the tasting events, a series of special evenings entitled the ‘Expression Sessions’ were held in London, New York and Mumbai. Designed to bring the styles of the three expressions to life through aligned cultural interests, the events included a range of speakers, including artists, academics, musicians and explorers. The London event saw design expert, Stephen Bayley, talking about ‘classic’ car design whilst explorer Benedict Allen described what encountering the ‘exotic’ meant to him. Videos and findings from the events, alongside the percentage breakdown of the final results, can be found on the brand’s website, TheGlenlivet.com.

Alan Winchester comments: “The story of The Guardians’ Chapter doesn’t end here. This is an opportunity to savour a unique, limited edition, single malt that’s already been admired and desired by thousands of whisky lovers. Our Guardians have written a new chapter in the distillery’s distinguished history; this will be their legacy and I’m really pleased with the enthusiastic response we received and the selection the Guardians have made.”

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, adds: “Deciding on a new Scotch whisky expression is normally a privilege reserved for a very select handful of experts, revered for their knowledge and experience. With The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter, we wanted to recognise the passion and expertise of our Guardians in an original and inspiring way by inviting them to write the next chapter in The Glenlivet’s history. We’ve had an excellent response from fans across the world, particularly in the USA, the world’s no. 1 single malt market, and we are sure that our founder, George Smith, would be proud of the smooth and complex whisky that will bear his and The Glenlivet’s name when it goes on sale next year.”

To become a member of The Guardians of The Glenlivet community, please visit: TheGlenlivet.com/guardians

Tasting Notes

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter ‘Exotic’ – 48.7% ABV – Non Chill-Filtered

Nose: Rich and indulgent with hints of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with a tang of orange marmalade.

Taste: Plump, juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness. Well balanced with the subtle warmth of spice permeating through.

Finish: Long and slightly dry

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is Top Seller at Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh

A bottle of The Glenfiddich 50 year old was sold for £13,750 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh last week making it the most expensive lot of the day.

It was bottled on 26th July 1991, carried the number 416 and came in its own wooden presentation case.

A bottle of the Macallan Select Reserve-51 year old-1948, which had been estimated at £4,000-6,000, made £7,500 and The Macallan-1938 also exceeded its estimate of £3,000-3,500 selling for £4,375.

There was fierce bidding on a bottle of Ardberg 15 year old (est £250-300) which eventually sold for £3,500 and also on a bottle of Bowmore 1955 which went for £3,125 against its estimate of £900-1,000.

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, commented:” Interest in whisky auctions remains high not just in the UK but across the world. This year we’ve seen a particular increase in bidders and buyers from Europe and the Far East.”

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland.

Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to Bonhams.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Heathrow Airport Presents Worlds First Whisky Inspired 3D Art Exhibit

You will no doubt have heard of a message in a bottle but perhaps not a 3D art exhibition on a bottle. Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whisky, has launched an immersive experience for travellers with the creation of its own art galleries with a difference, one of which is now being showcased in Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

These creative gallery spaces, which are being installed in international airports worldwide, are designed to exhibit some of the world’s most talented and upcoming artists’ unique interpretations of ‘The Rare Blend’ and pay homage to the rarity and craftsmanship synonymous with Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Exhibiting the artists’ remarkable work in the airport environment reflects the true and unique travel credentials of the brand. To date, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Galleries have launched in Singapore Changi Airport and Miami International and this latest gallery in London’s Heathrow airport has been extremely well received by passengers, who have been enjoying exploring the space and discovering more about one of the world’s rarest whiskies.

To celebrate the opening of the travel retail exhibition and in conjunction with World Duty Free Group, Johnnie Walker has created 750 limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottles, etched with the London skyline in a rare gold liquid imprint. These will be available exclusively for purchase in World Duty Free stores in all Heathrow Terminals between now and the end of February 2014, covering the key purchasing periods of Christmas, the increase in Russian and Chinese flights in the New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Commenting on the arrival of the new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Galleries, Paul Downing, Regional Director, GTME Key Accounts, Diageo said, “We are delighted to unveil this immersive art experience to Heathrow travellers. The creation of this unique Johnnie Walker Blue Label Gallery in Heathrow airport reinforces our true commitment to the travel retail sector and to providing our customers with unique and innovative travel experiences and products.”

Eugenio Andrades, Chief Commercial Officer at World Duty Free Group adds, “This exciting initiative demonstrates the strength of the relationship we have with Diageo and Heathrow. We have worked in close collaboration with the brand and the airport, to help bring this experiential event to travellers visiting Terminal 5. This is a very customer focused activity and we are delighted to be able to offer passengers the unique opportunity to sample one of the world’s most exceptional whiskies; Johnnie Walker Blue Label. In addition, we have secured exclusivity on the exceptional London Limited Edition bottle, with its artistic interpretation of the London skyline making it the perfect product to gift, or to keep as a personal memento of a trip to this inspiring city!”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Arran Bourbon Premium Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky Has Arrived in USA

The Arran Distillers take great pride in all of their whisky, but occasionally James MacTaggart, the Distillery Manager, discovers a cask that truly stands out as the finest example of the Distillers art and oak cask in perfect harmony.

The influence of the cask on the final character of whisky is widely acknowledged and one of the key aspects of his job is to determine when the right balance between the spirit and the wood has been achieved. Only the most exceptional examples of Single Malt are approved for bottling as Premium Cask Selection.

Colour: Straw-Gold

Nose: Sweet oak and honey are immediately apparent in the aroma. Hints of coconut and candy appear when water is added with butterscotch and liquorice also evident.

Palate: The taste is crisp and malty with a slight nuttiness. With time the malt begins to open and the Arran hallmarks of citrus and sweet fruit emerge to coat the tongue.

Finish: Clean and fresh with a lingering creamy sweetness. Best described as mellow, smooth and bursting with flavour.

Cask #498/96 49.8% abv.

RRP $129.99

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Elijah Wood Teams with Bushmills to Offer Whiskey Headphones

The best and most ambitious ideas often come late at night, between friends and fuelled by a glass of amber nectar. Imagine how the conversation went down between Elijah Wood, his DJ partner Zach Cowie and the Bushmills Irish Whiskey team, following their DJ set at Bushmills Live festival.

The question posed, born out of a shared love of music and handcraftsmanship, was of how to create the perfect sound? Their response – a limited edition line of bespoke headphones created from the barrels used to age Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

This symphonic synergy of high fidelity audio, hand-made from authentically-aged whiskey barrel wood by Brooklyn-based Grado Labs, was inspired by generations of craftsmanship and a dedication to producing supreme sound. They are available globally from Turntable Lab here at an RRP of $395 USD.

United by their love of music, the two friends worked together to design the headphones to fit their specific aesthetic vision. They chose to work with Grado Labs, a family-owned company that ranks as the leader in design engineering for high-end audio and recording. Owned by the same family, working out of the same Brooklyn factory for more than 50 years, Grado makes every set of headphones by hand, delivering an award-winning level of quality and authenticity that meshed perfectly with Wood and Cowie’s vision.

Elijah Wood commented: “Working with Bushmills Irish Whiskey on this project enabled Zach and I to take our shared love of music and build upon it. We worked closely with Grado to develop a line of headphones that we’re proud to wear and to share with design and music enthusiasts. It’s been a very rewarding process to get to collaborate on the creation of these headphones with such a respected, and family owned, company - between us, Grado, and Bushmills Irish Whiskey, we each have our own aesthetic, and it is so gratifying to see it all come together.”

Elijah Wood has a longstanding relationship with the Bushmills Irish Whiskey brand, performing with Zach at Bushmills Live 2012, the first time the pair had performed together outside of the United States. He also appeared in its ‘Since Way Back’ initiative that celebrates the stories of influences and friendships that have led each member to success.

Widely known for his acting, Elijah Wood is also a music lover, DJ, and record collector. Elijah’s passion for music transcends genres, and together with his good friend Zach Cowie (aka DJ Turqoise Wisdom), they often DJ together under the moniker Wooden Wisdom.

Featuring an all-new design, these custom-made headphones include a premium leather headband and wooden bodies made from Bushmills Irish Whiskey barrels. Designed to offer greater clarity and deeper bass, these one-of-a-kind headphones must be heard to be believed.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Vote to Decide New Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky Label

For the first time ever, whisky aficionados worldwide get to vote on the packaging design of a new single malt which they have helped to inspire.

The initiative is part of Glenmorangie’s world first Cask Masters whisky creation programme which aims to get members of the public involved in the process.

It was launched on 1 March 2013 and will run for 18 months with the new Limited Edition Glenmorangie whisky ready for release in the autumn of 2014.

The whisky, extra-matured in exclusive Manzanilla sherry casks, had already been selected when three casks of whisky were put to a public vote earlier this year.

Whisky fans have also selected the name Taghta (Tuh-ta), Gaelic for Chosen, after thousands of suggestions were whittled down to a shortlist of three names translated by Gaelic expert Dr Aonghas MacCoinnich and put to an online vote.

Following a month-long period when whisky fans worldwide uploaded pictures and design ideas to a special online gallery, three new packaging designs have been produced by branding expert Jon Davies from leading London design agency Butterfly Cannon.

Today the designs are put to the public vote with Glenmorangie fans able to choose the label and carton which, from next September, will be available for online purchases world-wide.

Cask Masters is the brainchild of Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation, who is accompanied by an expert in each field of the five-step process.

Dr Bill Lumsden commented: “This is a wonderful opportunity for fans of Glenmorangie to really help create a new single malt whisky and the plans for its launch. Some of the ideas uploaded by the public have been truly inspirational, from lighthouses to parachutes to contestants competing in a Highland Games.”

Butterfly Cannon Founder, Jon Davies, commented “It has been amazing to get the chance to involve so many consumers in the creative process: I feel I have had a studio full of hundreds of creatives rather than tens! The images and ideas have been perfect for the designers, sparking compelling brand and product stories which have been brought to life in three unique packaging designs. I am fascinated to see which one Glenmorangie aficionados will choose.”

For more information visit: glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Voting closes on 6 January and the chosen packaging will be revealed on 7 January. One of the voters will win an Apple iMac.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Glenglassaugh Launches New 40 Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glenglassaugh distillery proudly launches its sumptuous 40 year-old single malt whisky.

With sherry notes complementing the fruit medley and array of spices, it’s typical, classic, gorgeous Glenglassaugh, a 40 year-old marriage of malt and oak and an outstanding representation of this rare and enduring Highland-style dram.

It has an initial run of around 800 bottles but it will be an ongoing product in our range, says Managing Director and Master Blender Billy Walker.

His personal tasting notes show that this is a truly magnificent malt where flavours and styles interlink beautifully to deliver seductive silky sweetness. At 42.5% vol, cask strength, non-chill filtered and at natural colour, this unique expression is full of character and complexity.

Colour: Deep gold.

Nose: An abundance of sweet, syrupy tropical fruits; banana, pineapple and mango in perfect harmony with gentle Oloroso sherry.

Palate: Sweet, rich, syrupy and complex. Oloroso sherry, toffee apples, mango and banana sit beautifully in the mouth alongside ginger and cocoa spice.

Finish: Rich, spiced sherry.

Founded in 1875 by local entrepreneur James Moir, Glenglassaugh has stocks dating back to 1963 and was taken over by BenRiach earlier this year. In August, the owners released their first Glenglassaugh bottling – a superb 30 year-old single malt – and the new 40 year-old continues the Portsoy distillery’s ability to subtly merge tropical fruits with sherry and gentle oak spice.

Billy Walker said: “We’ve inherited some astonishingly fine whisky at Glenglassaugh and we’re delighted to launch our second expression almost nine months after taking over the distillery. There is very strong demand for Glenglassaugh around the world.”

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Ballantine's Enters the Flavoured Whisky Market with the Launch of Ballantine's Brasil

Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has today announced an exciting new addition to the Ballantine’s portfolio, with the launch of Ballantine’s Brasil; a new lime-infused spirit drink.

Made by selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel, Ballantine’s Brasil represents as an innovative fusion of the traditions of Scotland with the passion of Brazil. Featuring a delicate combination of citrus complemented with vanilla notes, the new variant is expected to resonate with consumers who are new to Scotch, as well as existing Ballantine’s drinkers.

An ABV of 35% ensures that the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch balancing the refreshing lime taste.

Ballantine’s Brasil is presented in a clear version of the brand’s iconic bottle with its own unique, eye-catching design cues. The label features the brand’s ‘B’ signifier, a bespoke ‘Brasil’ crest and a lime green closure to complete the Brazilian look and feel, while ensuring strong shelf presence.

Ballantine’s has also developed a signature serve for Ballantine’s Brasil called the Highland Samba, which mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime. A further four Brazilian-themed serves have been created, comprising:

• Glen Rio: a mix of Ballantine’s Brasil and apple juice
• Flower O’Brasil: Ballantine’s Brasil mixed with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower
• Caledinho: Ballantine’s Brasil combined with freshly squeezed lime and mixed with crushed sugar
• Glen Coco: The Caledinho, with the addition of coconut

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “There is a huge opportunity for spirit drinks that are made with whisky, as it’s an exceptionally dynamic new category that is already demonstrating a strong rate of growth. Ballantine’s Brasil is a venture into new territory for us, but we’re excited to have a product that can take advantage of this opportunity and one that can truly inspire those who have not yet found their perfect way to enjoy a Scotch whisky drink. We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”

More information can be found at www.mixitwithbrasil.com, where customers can also view a series of tutorials on how they can ‘Mix it with Brasil’ to create their own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails.

Ballantine’s Brasil will be launching in selected key markets around the world, starting with the Czech Republic and the Netherlands later this month and rolling out globally from February 2014. The RRP varies within each market, with the RRP for the Czech Republic being 379CZK (approximately 14€).

Tasting Notes

• Nose – A balance of rich vanilla and sweet, authentic Brazilian lime; a complex fusion of Scotch whisky, lime and natural vanilla.
• Taste – Soft sweetness, with a perfect balance of refreshing lime and sensation of smooth vanilla. Complementing this perfectly are the delicate sweet and creamy signature flavours of Scotch whisky.
• Finish – Refreshing lime tang with a soft dry finish.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is Reborn

Diageo has announced the rebirth of Mortlach™, one of the most formidable and revered Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to have been created on Speyside.

For decades, Mortlach’s output has been largely captured by Diageo’s blenders to add its unique notes to complex world-class Blended Scotch whiskies – though in recent times, a very limited number of bottles of Mortlach Single Malt Whisky have been available, and sold rapidly to connoisseurs in the know.

But now for the first time, and in response to suggestions over the years that such a rewarding Single Malt Whisky deserved a wider market, it will be available in global markets in four expressions aimed at global travel and the luxury and connoisseur segment: Rare Old, Special Strength, 18-year-old and 25-year-old.

Mortlach has been described by whisky connoisseurs as “The Beast of Dufftown”, for its rich and powerful flavours, produced in an astonishingly complicated and unique distillation process which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 Distilled’.

A famous family had a hand in that.

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.

After playing a role in the shaping of the railway industry in the 19th century, George Cowie applied his pioneering and precise approach to engineering another great challenge, the production of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. He accepted a partnership at the Mortlach distillery in 1852, before becoming sole owner in 1867.

He clearly made an impact as shortly afterwards a local newspaper wrote: “There is not perhaps a distillery in Scotland that has so many private customers as Mortlach from which spirits are sent not only over the three kingdoms to families, but to America, India, China and Australia, in all of which Mr Cowie has customers who prefer his distillation to all others …” (The Elgin Courant, 1869).

In 1896, George died and his son Alexander, who through his own pioneering work had become an enlightened traveller, returned to Dufftown from Hong Kong and assumed full control of the distillery. Harnessing his entrepreneurial energies and scientific background to oversee the development of Mortlach, Alexander paved the way for the creation of a unique distillation system precisely calculated to create the highly complex and richly flavoured whisky that we know today. Alexander developed a profound knowledge and mastery of whisky making. Indeed, his pioneering work on whisky creation and production was soon recognised in the leading role he played in Scotland’s expanding malt whisky world.

As Chairman of the North of Scotland Malt Distillers’ Association, Alexander represented the interests of over 40 distillers in the North of Scotland and spoke on their behalf at the 1908/09 Royal Commission on Whiskey, where he proudly claimed “I am a malt distiller of high flavoured whisky, a thick type of whisky”.

In a golden age of Victorian expansion and improvement, George and Alexander Cowie were typical of those generations of Scottish engineers, scientists, surveyors and entrepreneurs who, with a energetic sense of purpose, made a confident and lasting mark not just in Scotland and Britain but around the world.

At the helm of the Mortlach distillery for over half a century, the Cowies’ innovative spirit shaped the brand and liquid for centuries to come. In the spirit of these pioneers, the reborn Mortlach whiskies are a celebration of those audacious thinkers who shaped today’s world, just as their forefathers did in the era in which Mortlach was born.

Just as both generations of Cowies made major investments to expand and improve their distillery, so they would undoubtedly be proud to note that its present owners (as announced in April 2013) are investing to double the distillery’s capacity and promote its whiskies widely – a statement of intent and ambition that George and Alexander would surely endorse. The expansion will include the building of a new stillhouse, which will replicate the bewilderingly complex distillation process which makes Mortlach™ unique.

The new Mortlach expressions will be available in selected markets in mid-2014. Further details of pricing, distribution and packaging will be released in early 2014.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Ballantine's 12 Scotch Whisky at Home on the Bookshelf

Ballantine’s, the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, has unveiled an innovative new gift pack for its Ballantine’s 12 Year Old expression, which will be available to the off-trade around the world throughout the festive season.

The new limited edition pack – which contains a bottle of Ballantine’s 12 – invites whisky enthusiasts to celebrate the authenticity and originality of traditionally printed books, mirroring the authenticity of the spirit that is housed inside.

Using slight variations of the iconic Ballantine’s blue, the new pack challenges customers to look closely and discover four hardback books nestled together on a bookshelf. Each book relates to the history of Ballantine’s 12, and text has been applied horizontally and vertically across the pack to enhance its realistic appearance and on-shelf appeal. The sides, rear and lid of the pack all contribute to its visual effect, while the overall finish and embossing of the spine adds a tactile experience.

To generate customer engagement, the limited edition can be brought to life in local markets via a series of dynamic marketing initiatives, including print and online advertising, social media campaigns and in-store displays.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s commented: “This year, we have created a limited edition for Ballantine’s 12 that echoes the authenticity and originality of the whisky blend inside. The festive period is notoriously competitive and, with this innovative and eye-catching design, we are offering retailers an opportunity to achieve stand out on-shelf. We hope that whisky fans all over the world will enjoy this unique collectible”.

The gift packs, which have been designed for the 70cl and 75cl bottles, are available now from 28 markets around the world, including Portugal, Chile, Thailand and Sub-Sahara Africa. The creative design has already started winning awards for Ballantine’s 12, with a Gold Award recently achieved at The Canmaker Magazine ‘Cans of the Year’ Awards; internationally renowned for celebrating, promoting and rewarding the huge amount of innovative work that takes place within the metal packaging industry each year.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Burn Stewart Distillers Unveils New Black Bottle Scotch Whisky

Black Bottle is a premium blended Scotch Whisky which was acquired by Burn Stewart in 2003, and is currently exported to over 30 countries globally.

After 18 months of extensive global consumer research and design development, the new Black Bottle heralds a return to the original Scotch, which the Graham brothers created in Aberdeen at the turn of the 19th Century.

Burn Stewart Master Distiller, Ian MacMillan, was charged with creating a product which would be more in keeping with its original north east recipe. The result is a curiously rich and slightly smoky taste that maintains the distinctiveness of Black Bottle but adds another layer of depth to the liquid.

Ian MacMillan said: “The challenge was to develop a liquid that was more in line with the original character of Black Bottle while maintaining all of the quality for which the brand is renowned. I wanted to reintroduce a richness to balance the smokiness of the blend and in turn allow each component to contribute to the overall flavour.

“This whisky will appeal to the experienced blended drinker who enjoys drinking Scotch neat as well as those exploring whiskies for the first time and who prefer to add a mixer. Restoring the blend to its former glory has been a rewarding and nostalgic experience as it has given me the opportunity to revisit the original identity of Black Bottle.”

Burn Stewart will launch Black Bottle in new packaging, re-introducing the distinctive black glass bottle which was the original inspiration behind the name of the brand. This iconic bottle was used by the Graham brothers up until the outbreak of the First World War when supplies from the German manufacturer ceased and they were forced to revert to a standard green glass bottle which has remained until the present day.

“It was thought that no examples of this once-famous black glass bottle survived,” says Marco Di Ciacca, Senior Brand Manager for Burn Stewart. “However, after months of searching, we managed to find a bottle dating back to 1906, which then became the inspiration for our new design. This new look is in line with the growing global consumer trend for premium spirits with authentic and compelling brand stories.”

Black Bottle has been available to buy in the UK from October 2013 in selected on and off trade outlets. The brand was also launched internationally into selected export markets from October.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Old Pulteney Announces Peaty 1990 Vintage

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky proudly presents the latest limited addition to its award winning range – the 1990 vintage. The new whisky from the Northern Highland distillery follows a string of recent highly successful releases, including Old Pulteney 40 Year Old and the travel-retail exclusive Lighthouse Collection.

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage is a mature and full-flavoured addition to the portfolio. It’s bursting with the coastal maritime character, the depth and the complexity found in other expressions, while offering an interesting twist which is sure to excite and delight single malt drinkers around the world. The 1990 Vintage was matured in both American ex-bourbon casks and Spanish sherry casks which were previously used for ageing heavily peated malt. This residual peatiness has added an unexpected dimension and allowed the whisky to develop an exquisitely rich and exciting taste profile.

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage is bottled at 46% ABV. The whisky has not been chill-filtered and is presented at its beautiful natural colour. It’s a strictly limited offering, only 900 cases of this unique spirit will be made available world-wide from November 2013. The recommended retail price in the UK is £120.

The Maritime Malt

Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage was matured for around 23 years, from the 1990 to 2013, in Pulteney Distillery’s warehouses in the town of Wick, right on the windswept Caithness coast. The northern, coastal location of the distillery and its bonded warehouses plays a vital role in developing Old Pulteney’s unmistakable character.

The town of Wick where Pulteney Distillery was established in 1826, was once a busy herring fishing port with as many as 1,000 vessels in its harbour at peak times. In-keeping with Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage, the 1990 Vintage is presented in a tube featuring a ship decking effect, a porthole stamp and Old Pulteney’s classic herring drifter.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke commented:

“After a very exciting year for the brand, which included a global partnership with Clipper Round the World Race, it’s great to finish off 2013 by adding a very special expression to our award-winning portfolio. With its eye catching maritime design and rich intense taste, we are confident that the 1990 Vintage will be a hit with global whisky connoisseurs.”

Notes

Old Pulteney’s core range includes Old Pulteney 12 Year Old, Old Pulteney 17 Year Old and Old Pulteney 21 Year Old. Old Pulteney 30 Year Old and a super premium 40 Year Old are also available. Old Pulteney 21 Year Old was named by Jim Murray as the World Whisky of the Year in the 2012 edition of his popular Whisky Bible. Pulteney Distillery was established by James Henderson in 1826, at the peak of the local herring fishing boom. The distillery uses one pair of stills, the wash still featuring a very large boil bulb, and condenses spirit with the use of traditional worm tubs.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Whiski Rooms Crowned Whisky Bar of the Year 2013

Thursday 7th November saw Scotland’s top licensed venues crowned at the annual SLTN Awards in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s Whiski Rooms was honoured as Whisky Bar of the Year. Only two years after opening, the venue was clearly delighted with the accolade.

“This award is testament to the hard work put in by all the staff and the unique way we promote whisky with daily whisky tastings and our focus in championing our national drink, whisky. I think it is clear to all that we are absolutely delighted”, said Anne Still, director and co-owner.

Background
Whiski Rooms was created from a gift shop, art gallery and former bank and is a hybrid concept consisting of a restaurant, bar, and bistro, specialist whisky shop with its own dedicated tasting room. With stunning views over the Edinburgh, it is a great place to enjoy food and have a lovely cocktail or whisky.

Whiski Rooms is the sister venue to Whiski Bar & Restaurant on the Royal Mile who were also awarded Whisky Bar of the Year 2011 at the Dram awards and has also received a string of awards since its inception in 2007.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Johnnie Walker House Comes to Korea

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky, is opening the Johnnie Walker House Seoul, Diageo’s third global embassy for luxury Scotch whisky. Located in the capital of one of Asia’s most affluent and culturally influential cities, the Johnnie Walker House Seoul resides in the luxury retail district of Cheongdam, an area known for leading-edge fashion and lifestyle trends.

Like its sister properties in Shanghai and Beijing, opened in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the Johnnie Walker House Seoul is expected to provide consumers with bespoke experiences to immerse themselves into the world of whisky and Johnnie Walker. It will bring together traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to create highly engaging experiences for our guests to grow in their appreciation for whisky.

Gilbert Ghostine, President, Diageo Asia Pacific said, “We are delighted to launch our third Johnnie Walker House concept in Korea, a market we have been in since 1949. As sophisticated consumers of luxury, Korean consumers are looking for brands that have true heritage, craftsmanship and exceptional quality. These can all be found in the Johnnie Walker House Seoul with our limited edition rare Scotch whiskies, custom designed whisky dinners, and other exclusively-Korean modern whisky offerings.”

“Being the largest Scotch and Super premium Scotch market in Asia Pacific and with a growing luxury market, Korea was the clear market to expand the Johnnie Walker House footprint and to help us strengthen our lead in Scotch whisky. This is also in line with Diageo’s strategy to invest in new and growing opportunities with luxury consumers”, added Mr Ghostine.”

Trendsetting A Luxurious Whisky Culture

The Johnnie Walker House Seoul will bring the best Scotch whisky from Scotland to discerning Korean consumers, who are known for their cultural influence in Asia. At Johnnie Walker House Seoul, we look forward to collaborating with Korean influencers in the creation of a whisky culture that is distinctively Korean and has global appeal. To further foster this whisky culture, we will train and inspire bartenders through the World Class Academy to create new whisky signature cocktails and service rituals so that these experiences can be enjoyed in outlets around Korea.

A Bespoke Whisky Experience

The Johnnie Walker House Seoul will offer exclusive ‘by invitation only’ events, such as whisky pairing dinners and mentoring sessions at the VIP Lounge and lifestyle events at The Sky Bar and The Distillery. It will also feature exclusive products, such as 1949 – a unique limited edition blend that commemorates the first year that Johnnie Walker was available in Korea, Zodiac – a series of Johnnie Walker Blue Label featuring animals from Asian mythology and the Korean National flower (Mugunghwa), and Signature Blend – a bespoke cask of whisky created by our Masterblender to suit the individual’s taste preferences.

A Winning Platform to Grow Super Premium Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker House is a bold statement of Diageo’s leadership in super premium Scotch whisky. The concept started in Shanghai as an experiment in finding new ways to engage with whisky consumers and showcase the brand’s history, provenance, heritage, and pioneering spirit. The Johnnie Walker House Seoul aims to replicate the success we have achieved in engaging local luxury consumers through innovative ways of showcasing and appreciating Scotch whisky.

A Customised Luxury Whisky Experience

Set over six floors, the Johnnie Walker House Seoul provides guests with distinctive and exclusive luxury whisky experiences, such as customised retail, bespoke blending, whisky and cocktail classes, and whisky bar culture. The Johnnie Walker House Seoul is dedicated to providing every single guest with an unprecedented luxury whisky experience.

The different sections of the House include:

• The Blending Suite, where visitors can use a unique blending table to identify the subtle aromas of whisky, and a customization area to select a bottle of Johnnie Walker and create bespoke pieces through engraving, packaging, or wrapping. This is also the only place in Korea where the fortunate few can create their own Signature Blend of Johnnie Walker, skilfully crafted by our Masterblender
• The World Class Academy, a training school for consumers and Korea’s best up-and-coming bartenders
• The VIP Lounge, where esteemed members of the Johnnie Walker House Seoul can enjoy one-of-a-kind whisky & dining experiences created exclusively for the Johnnie Walker House Seoul
• The Sky Bar, a rooftop space where guests can take a break from their hectic everyday life in Seoul
• The Distillery, where invited guests can attend locally curated events featuring World Class guest bartenders

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Loki Challenges Thor to Lay Down His Mighty Hammer

Loki, one of the most treacherous and mischievous characters in Norse mythology has turned on his adopted and earnest brother Thor for taking all the glory in last year’s whisky launch stakes by trying his hand at creating his very own Highland Park expression.

Highland Park Loki, a 15 year old limited edition single malt bottled at 48.7% abv, comes housed in the same unique and award winning wooden frame as Thor, echoing the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.

Loki is the second in The Valhalla Collection of four unique whiskies from Highland Park, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old and continues the ground‐breaking achievement of creating Thor – a 16 year old malt actually designed around the personality traits of an individual. The Orkney whisky maker has now created a unique flavour profile for its follow up. While unquestionably Highland Park, this time it mirrors the unpredictable, shape‐shifting LOKI character and as with the trickster god of fire himself, all is not as it seems.

There are classic traces of sweetness and spice, but it has been matured in both traditional Spanish sherry casks and also some heavily peated casks, giving it a smoky punch, while retaining a light colour. The finish is intriguing and complex. It is a whisky constantly changing, chameleon‐like, from appearance to finish and the few lucky and expert palates who have savoured it describe it as “enigmatic” and “truly another whisky of the Gods.”

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says,

“Thor was the first of its kind, a true quality malt built around an individual’s personality. This proved massively successful and it sold out globally. LOKI will continue to take Highland Park and The Valhalla Collection into new territory.

While everyone will recognise the definite ‘Highland Park‐ness’ of this 15 year old single malt, it will be the unexpected and surprisingly smoky dynamics that will really get palates excited and mouths talking. This is unlike any expression that has come before and will beguile and fascinate with its complexity and trickery. Remember, all is not as it seems.”

Loki will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and HighlandPark.co.uk at a RRP of £130.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A spirited lift of dried bitter orange which quickly turns into lemon peels. Cardamom notes trick then tease the nose, before an enticing hit of gingerbread develops. With water, liquorice and aromatic smoke are both unleashed.

Palate: The true shape‐shifting ability of Loki springs to life on the palate: its waxy texture is amplified by an intense smoke that doesn't appear on the nose, shattering the light citrusy illusion of the aroma. All is not what it seems. The smoke fades as liquorice and rich spiced apple flavours come out to play. Lemon and grapefruit are consistent throughout this elusive, yet intriguing character. With a touch of water, lingering notes of melted dark chocolate over spent embers leave a soft smoky impression.

Finish: As Loki departs, he leaves behind toasted cloves, hickory smoke and soft vanilla. It is constantly changing, from appearance to finish. Loki is an enigma and truly another whisky of the gods.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Auchentoshan Whisky Introduces Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Limited Release

Auchentoshan Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky, the only single malt in Scotland to triple distill every single drop, introduces Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Limited Release. This complex, non-chill filtered expression is Auchentoshan’s first ever whisky to be exclusively matured in virgin North American oak casks, wood which has previously been untouched by any other spirit. This aging technique is quite unusual in Scotland, where the majority of the whisky is matured in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks. Approximately 2,100 bottles of Auchentoshan Virgin Oak (46% ABV) will arrive in the US in late November/early December and will retail for a suggested $129.99.

Intuition and industry knowledge led the team at Auchentoshan to believe they could challenge the firmly entrenched belief that Scotch whisky must be matured in casks that once held bourbon or sherry. Since the millennium, Auchentoshan has placed small batches of its unique, triple distilled spirit in virgin North American oak casks whose charred surfaces have held neither bourbon nor sherry. Time and patience revealed that the lightness of the triple-distilled spirit made it perfectly suitable to absorbing the unique qualities of the charred virgin oak casks. The result is Auchentoshan Virgin Oak, a Lowland whisky that is subtle with layer upon layer of complex flavors like spiced apple and candied notes.

Auchentoshan is the only distillery in Scotland dedicated to triple distillation, offering consumers an accessible single malt that’s smooth and easy to drink. This inventive approach to whisky production has led the brand to embrace innovative ideas and processes such as maturing whisky in virgin oak. Its fusion of Lowland heritage and modern sensibility makes this versatile whisky approachable to younger emerging whisky drinkers, who enjoy it straight up and in cocktails, as well as whisky aficionados looking for an unpeated (read: not smoky), softer style.

TASTING NOTES: Virgin Oak Limited Release 46%ABV
To the eye – Sienna orange
To the nose – Cinnamon and nutmeg, toasted vanilla and candied orange
To the tongue – Spiced apple, chocolate caramel, maple candy and velvety mouthfeel
The finish – Warm with spiced orange and brown sugar

The Auchentoshan Distillery Auchentoshan, pronounced “ock-un-tosh-un,” heralds from a unique distillery founded in 1823 and situated between the Kilpatrick Hills, Loch Lomond and the modern cosmopolitan city of Glasgow. It is known for its pure and smooth taste with delicate character and flavor due in part to its triple distillation, a practice more common to Irish whiskey than single malt whisky.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

New Japanese TV Series About Whisky Distillery

Wanted: A female aged 25 to 40 who grew up in the West and boasts a better than average singing voice. The opening is for an actress to play the heroine in a new NHK morning drama.

It will be the first time the broadcaster will have a non-Japanese play the female lead in the legendary 15-minute time slot that starts at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday, NHK spokeswoman Kaori Fujieda said in Osaka.

The upcoming series will be titled “Massan,” and will be about a Scottish woman who married a Japanese trying to start a whiskey distillery during the Taisho Era early in the 20th century.

The morning slot has entertained the nation for more than five decades. Its leading female roles have been the springboard for a number of young actresses’ careers, including Ayako Kobayashi, whose “Oshin” series has been aired in more than 60 countries.

Each series runs about 150 episodes over six months. “Massan” is to air from next September to March 2015. The current series “Gochisosan” ends next March and will be followed by “Hanako to An” before “Massan” starts.

The story will be set in a time when whiskey was little known in Japan. The heroine will meet Massan, the son of a sake brewer, in Scotland, follow him to Japan and marry him at a time when international couples were a rarity. She learns the language and local manners, lives as a Japanese and supports her husband and his employees at the distillery he establishes in Hokkaido.

Spokeswoman Fujieda said NHK is asking domestic and overseas talent agencies to hunt for female candidates aged 25 to 40 who grew up in Western society. The network “basically” wants a Caucasian, but is open to a half-Japanese — or even three-quarters Japanese, if she is qualified, Fujieda said.

Experience won’t be a requirement, but someone confident in her singing is desirable, as Scottish folk songs sung by the couple will be a key element of the drama, Fujieda said.

The screenplay will be written by Daisuke Habara, known for his work on films such as “Pacchigi!” (“Break Through!”) and “Hula Girls.”

The drama will be based on the life of Masataka Taketsuru, the pioneering whiskey maker from Hiroshima Prefecture who strove to make the first Japanese whiskey at what is now Suntory Holdings Ltd. in Kyoto and later founded what is now Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.

The son of a sake brewer, Taketsuru went to Scotland in 1918 to study the art of how to make whiskey. There he met the love of his life, Jessie Roberta Cowan, known as Rita, who accompanied him back to Japan and provided him with vital support in his endeavors, according to his biography on the Nikka Whisky website.

from The Japan Times

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

AuctionWhisky.com Scotch Whisky Auction Opens for Business

How can whisky collectors and connoisseurs buy and sell fine whiskies now that eBay® has banned Scotch sales? Today, AuctionWhisky.com opens for business, offering an easy to use, safe and secure platform for collectors, connoisseurs and professionals to bid for and sell rare Scotch and world whiskies in real time.

AuctionWhisky.com is powered by award winning, Edinburgh based, international Scotch whisky retailer TheWhiskyBarrel.com the favourite international whisky outlet for online shoppers. With a zero buyer premium and fast shipping to over fifty countries including the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, the Auction Whisky web site makes buying and selling whisky collections really simple.

According to Alastair Brown, founder of The Whisky Barrel®, collecting and investing activity has never been so buoyant. “The pace of demand in 2013 for collectable whiskies from distillers such as GlenDronach, Glenfarclas and Bruichladdich has been frankly remarkable. Our retail demand is outstripping supply as the world’s thirst for, in particular, the finest vintage single malt Scotch booms, leading to very active third party resale. Operated by one of the world’s leading international whisky retailers AuctionWhisky.com provides the platform for matching whisky collectors and connoisseurs enabling them to easily and safely bid for and sell their whisky bottles.”

There is an increasing interest with collectors for whiskies from Scotland’s lost distilleries. These single malts include Port Ellen, Rosebank and Brora. In addition whiskies from closed Japanese distilleries such as Karuizawa and Hanyu are much sought after. Demand is also strong for fine and rare American Bourbon whiskey.

Uniquely, AuctionWhisky.com arranges uplift of seller’s whisky collections from their home or workplace in over 50 countries with full customs clearance to repatriate rare Scotch back into Scotland for sale at the live internet auction.

Offering zero buyers fees, free registration and an introductory listing promotion, buying and selling collectable whisky has never been easier. AuctionWhisky.com is the first place whisky collectors should click-on to add to their collections or sell their bottles for cash.

The real advantage to sellers is the AuctionWhisky.com commitment to prompt settlement of funds in the sellers own currency within days of their auctions ending.

AuctionWhisky.com accepts payments using VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Win the Ultimate Sailing Experience from Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch, boat sponsor in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, introduced a new retail promotional pack, giving U.S. fans the chance to win the “Ultimate Sailing Experience.” One lucky fan with a thirst for both whiskey and adventure will join the Old Pulteney Clipper crew for a day sail on its newly designed, state-of-the-art yacht, and polish their sailing skills while hearing the crews’ tales of adventures at sea.

Consumers who purchase a bottle of the Old Pulteney 12 Year Old promotional pack can enter at http://www.clipper-oldpulteney.com/competition by submitting the unique code found on the inside of the canister and answering five questions about Old Pulteney. Submissions will be accepted between November 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014. The winner and one guest will receive a round trip and two-night stay to San Francisco, California during the month of April 2014 when The Old Pulteney yacht will be docked between race legs six and seven. Guests will be treated to an Old Pulteney whisky experience.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race began in September 2013 and will finish in July 2014. Conceived by Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the race invites the general public to join the adventure and circumnavigate the globe in an eleven month-long marathon, regardless of their sailing experience. Each boat has a fully-qualified skipper which leads the crew around the world, facing the same challenges as would a pro racer.

No previous sailing experience is required. The promotion is open to all residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. See the official rules at clipper-oldpulteney.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Whiskey Lovers Rejoice: Wild Turkey 101 Rye Makes Its Highly-Anticipated Return

Ask and you shall receive. That’s the mantra from the Wild Turkey team, as the brand brings back its highly-coveted Wild Turkey 101 Rye. After an absence from the market for about a year due to unexpected high demand, Wild Turkey 101 Rye is making its way back into the hearts and back bars of the best whiskey accounts in the country beginning this month.

In this day and age, it’s no surprise that Wild Turkey’s loyal fans took to Facebook and Twitter to express their disappointment with 101 Rye’s vanishing act. Earlier this year, a group of 101 Rye fanatics banded together and demanded the return of their beloved Rye. Bartender Erick Castro led the charge on Facebook by creating the group “Bring Back Wild Turkey 101 Rye.”

"It was definitely a tough blow to the cocktail world when Wild Turkey 101 Rye disappeared. I always found it worked beautifully in cocktails, both stirred & shaken,” said Castro. “Because of this, I am elated to hear that it will be available again for craft bartenders looking for a quality rye that shines in drinks we serve across the bar."

Wild Turkey is eager to bring its bold 101-proof Rye back to the bartending community and ardent Rye drinkers alike. Due to very limited stock, the brand will re-introduce one liter bottles targeting on-premise accounts in 21 markets across the country with the same peppery, bold flavor that cuts through any cocktail.

What one could call a perfect storm of events led to the temporary disappearance of Wild Turkey 101 Rye. Increased demand for Rye Whiskey and growing enthusiasm for classic cocktails played a role in the depletion of 101 Rye’s aged stock. As a whole, the Rye Whiskey category has exploded faster than distillers have been able to keep up - jumping 41 percent in the past 52 weeks (according to Nielsen data). Due to the time and care it takes to craft all Wild Turkey products, distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell could not simply turn a tap to release more liquid as the unexpected demand grew.

“I have been working in this business for 60 years and if someone told me just five years ago Rye Whiskey was going to be one of the hottest categories in the spirits industry, I would have balked at the notion,” said Jimmy Russell. “To be completely frank, we didn’t realize bartenders had such a passion for it. Given the bartending community can be directly attributed for the current resurgence in Rye and classic cocktails, we had to listen and take the necessary steps with our available aged stock to bring 101 Rye back.”

The Wild Turkey Distillery will continue to make Wild Turkey 81 Rye, a distinct Rye whiskey launched in March 2012 made from a mingling of four to five year old Rye whiskey that is available nationally.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a whisky enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.