Speymalt Whisky profits ‘boosted by staycationers’
Speymalt Whisky Distributors, which trades as Gordon & MacPhail, has boosted profits by almost 40% as the global economic downturn inspired burgeoning swathes of Scottish staycationers to purchase its brands in increasing quantities, it has said.
However, Michael Urquhart, a co-director at Elgin-based Speymalt, also told The Herald that as the ravages of recession have receded around the world, Speymalt’s export sales roared back 91% during the first six months of its current financial year.
Meanwhile, pre-tax profits climbed to £961,436 at the maker of Benromach whisky for the year to the end of February, compared with £697,897 the year before.
Turnover at the company, which exports to 50 markets around the world - with Benromach now in 35 of those markets - rose 20% to £18.9 million, compared with £15.8 million last time.
Mr Urquhart said: “Last year turned out be a pretty good year for us - thanks to the home market.
“Exports were down about 7%, partly because of some destocking but much of that year was also devastated by a pretty severe recession.
“What saved us was the popularity of our brands in the UK. Sales in the UK last year were up 27% because of the good summer for tourism in Scotland.”
Sales of Benromach increased by 22% during the year to February.
Mr Urquhart also said the company was delighted to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category last year in recognition of a 92% increase in overseas sales in the previous five years.
The company’s wine and spirit distribution division had won a number of new contracts, including one to supply the Nicolas chain of wine and spirit outlets in the UK.
Meanwhile, Speymalt earlier this year launched its Gordon & MacPhail Generations brand, a 70-year-old Speyside single malt from Mortlach distillery in Dufftown.
The whisky is world’s oldest bottled single malt, and was filled into the cask on October 15, 1938 by John Urquhart, the grandfather of Gordon & MacPhail joint managing directors, David and Michael Urquhart.
The company added that its strategy was to “continually build and premiumise its portfolio of key whisky brands, developing new markets around the world”.
For the first time in its 175 year history Glengoyne will have a special cask finish as a permanent addition to their multi-award winning core range, with a different limited edition finish always on offer to the consumer.
The first of the new cask finishes to be launched is a limited edition 13 Years Old Port Cask Finish which takes Glengoyne’s subtle, complex Highland Single Malt to a new level whilst still capturing the authentic ‘Real Taste of Malt’, created by the slowest distillation in Scotland and untainted by peat smoke. Only 2817 bottles of the 13 Years Old Port Cask are available and will be replaced by a different cask finish when sold out.
The new addition to the core range is described as having a nose of soft malt and gentle amber wood with notes of gingerbread and cloves. The fruity body of the Port wood Finish hits the palate with hints of lemon zest and spicy bubblegum before leaving a taste of citrus and peppermint in its wake.
The branded wooden presentation box clearly shows the bottle and label, whilst tasting notes, history of the Glengoyne Distillery and notes on the whisky making process bring the new Port Cask Finish to life.
Previously Glengoyne cask finishes have only been available to specialist retailers who opted to buy whole casks exclusively for their customers. This addition to the core range means that special cask finishes will now be available to a larger number of consumers through a greater number of channels including www.glengoyne.com
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: ‘There is a growing demand for Glengoyne Cask Finishes, by including a different finish in the core range at all times we can make it easier for Glengoyne drinkers to access a variety of finishes.
“Glengoyne Cask Finishes only ever enhance and add to the flavour and character, and never detract from or mask the high quality taste of our whisky.”
The new Port Cask Finish will be available throughout the UK and worldwide from specialist retailers and online at www.glengoyne.com RRP £65, 70cl.
Award-winning Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. The Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 12 Years Old at 43%, 17 Years Old , 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as other limited edition special bottlings.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
August 2010 Scotch Whisky News
30 Aug
2010
Balblair Launches Stylish Jazz Campaign as Global Vintages Showcase
“Jazz was born in a whisky barrel” Artie Shaw
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has collaborated with internationally acclaimed Jazz and Blues singer Niki King for the launch of The Balblair Vintage Lounge – a new event that will match Balblair Vintage expressions with classic jazz performances in an evocative lounge setting.
The Balblair Vintage Lounge promises both jazz and whisky enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, and plans are currently in place to stage events at luxury venues in Paris and New York, following the official campaign launch in Edinburgh during the festival season this month.
The Edinburgh event saw an exclusive range of media and guests attend the prestigious National Museum of Scotland venue on Thursday 26th August to enjoy an hour-long intimate performance by Nikki King and her three piece band. Hosted by Distillery Manager John Macdonald, guests sampled a selection of Balblair Vintage single malts in a specially created bespoke lounge, which recreated a classic vintage style and atmosphere.
Balblair is the only distillery to solely produce vintage expression whiskies which are handpicked by the Distillery Manager after a complex tasting and nosing process. Only the finest whiskies – those that have reached the peak of their perfection – are chosen and named by the year that they were laid down in cask. Like Balblair whiskies, jazz is all about perfect timing and this new creative partnership provides the ideal platform to showcase classic vintages which are timed to perfection.
Scottish born singer Niki King was a natural choice to launch the first of the Balblair Vintage Lounge events. Catapulted into the international spotlight in 2001, when she won the prestigious Perrier Jazz Vocalist of the Year award, she has since released four critically acclaimed albums. Hailed by reviewers for her beautiful reworking of Jazz classics, Niki’s enthusiasm for vintage jazz sees her perfectly placed to launch the first of Balblair’s unique experiences.
With further events to be scheduled globally over the next two years fronted by a selection of leading jazz artists, the initiative aims to introduce Balblair’s award-winning whiskies to new international audiences.
Andy Hannah, Brand Manager, Balblair Highland Single Malt Whisky says: The Balblair Vintage Lounge provides a real opportunity to introduce our multi award-winning malts to whisky enthusiasts worldwide. In Jazz and at Balblair distillery timing is everything, and it is this link that provides the perfect platform to host events which combine style, class and vintage luxury.
Balblair has become established as the quality choice for discerning malt whisky drinkers worldwide. Its contemporary design and celebrated taste reflects the time-honoured and un-rushed methods of production that have remained virtually unchanged over the years.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
27 Aug
2010
Whisky sales soar in Asia to boost profits at Diageo
Surging sales of Johnnie Walker whisky in Asia and the Middle East helped Diageo to achieve modest growth in sales and profits, despite facing challenging conditions in the developed markets of Europe and the US.
The blended Scotch was the star performer in Diageo’s stable in the year to June when sales of the whisky increased by 7%, by value. Total sales of all whisky in Diageo’s portfolio, which also includes malts like Lagavulin, increased by 5% during the year.
The strong performance helped the drinks giant to increase operating profits before exceptionals from £2.6bn to £2.75bn. Sales increased from £9.3bn to £9.8bn. Diageo said it achieved 2% organic growth in sales and profits.
Diageo booked a £93m exceptional charge for restructuring its supply operations, most of which was due to the cuts in the company’s Scottish operations that were announced last July.
The company provoked an outcry when it decided to close its bottling plant in Kilmarnock and a grain distillery in Glasgow with the loss of around 900 jobs. The proposed closures may come under renewed scrutiny in view of the growth of the firm’s whisky operations.
However, a senior executive in Diageo’s European business defended the decision.
Richard Bee, finance director for European supply, said Diageo had acted to ensure the long-term cost competitiveness of its business.
Pressed on whether the closures were necessary in view of the prospect of strong growth in sales of whisky in coming years, he said: “We still had significant excess capacity from a packaging perspective.”
Bee said Diageo has had more than 900 “aspiration conversations” with people who will be affected. The company hopes to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies by giving people the opportunity to transfer to other plants.
It will create around 450 jobs as a result of expanding its packaging facility at Leven in Fife. Diageo is also increasing capacity at the grain distillery at Cameronbridge.
Bee said that Diageo had sanctioned capital investments totalling £500m in Scotland in the last five years, including spending on these facilities.
Both should benefit if Diageo can maintain growth in sales of Scotch. The company is using its huge marketing muscle to promote a portfolio of favoured brands across the world.
Johnnie Walker is one of a number of “global priority brands”, which also includes J&B Scotch, Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan rum and Guinness beer.
The company uses its global reach to tailor its offer to suit local markets. For example, it promoted the Harp brand of beer in Nigeria to help compensate for any fall in sales of higher priced Guinness in response to the downturn.
Chief executive Paul Walsh said the strategy had allowed the firm to make good progress against a difficult economic backdrop.
“We have outperformed and delivered share gains across most of our biggest markets,” he said.
“Our performance in the developing markets drove overall growth while markets in North America and Europe remained weak.”
Diageo was a big beneficiary of the continued growth in the economies of countries of the Asia Pacific region during the year. Sales of Johnnie Walker Red Label increased 19% by volume in Australia.
The company was also boosted by resumption of growth in the Middle East and increased air travel.
Sales volumes in the Global Travel and Middle East division rose by 15%.
“The stand-out brand performance was from Johnnie Walker, particularly Black Label where net sales grew 38%,” said Diageo.
Sales of vodka, which are concentrated in mature markets, fell 1% globally.
Diageo said Europe remained a challenging region, impacted by weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty.
However, the firm did well in Britain, where volumes rose 9% compared with 1% across Europe.
Diageo said it had grown its share of the key off-trade by using promotions.
Volume sales in North America fell by 2%, “mainly driven by lower volume in US spirits”.
Walsh said Diageo could accelerate growth this year. “The global diversity of our business, together with the strength and range of our brands and the agility we have demonstrated gives us confidence that in fiscal 2011 we will be able to improve on the organic operating profit growth we have delivered this year.”
Glenrothes is launching a global cometition giving four consumers a chance to become Glenrothes whisky makers for a week.
The successful candidates will be recruited to work as ‘The Glenrothes Whisky Makers' in the heart of single malt production, Speyside, Scotland.
As part of this opportunity, they will learn the time-honoured art of making The Glenrothes and the time-honoured skills that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The winners will spend time working at each stage of the whisky-making process, be involved in making casks at the cooperage and have the opportunity to create their own selection of The Glenrothes.
The whisky makers will stay in Rothes House, a private home belonging to the family that owns The Glenrothes will enjoy some of the simple pleasures that Speyside has to offer.
The competition will run from October 2010 to the end of January 2011. www.theglenrothes.com
International artists will put their creations on show at Glenfiddich event
A MORAY distillery is launching a second exhibition by its artists in residence this week.
International artists have been living and working at the Glenfiddich Distillery at Dufftown throughout the summer as part of the distillery’s residency programme, which has been running since 2002.
Members of the group have drawn inspiration from the distillery, its surroundings and whisky-making processes.
The first exhibition closed on Sunday, while the second display will open on Friday, featuring new pieces by five of the artists living at the Glenfiddich Distillery.
Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the residency programme, said: “This is a wonderful and diverse showcase of new artworks inspired by what the artists have seen and experienced during their time at Glenfiddich.”
He added: “The first show was great. It is one of the busiest times of the year for the distillery, and the exhibition was well received by visitors.”
There are eight artists at the distillery, but only some members of the group are displaying artworks at the latest exhibition, due to the different timescales involved in their projects.
Carrie Iverson, from the US, will display a variety of glass sculptures, which include cast-glass versions of whisky cask bungs.
Meanwhile, Canadian Damian Moppett has created a mixed-media sculpture based on the mythical Highland creature called the Brollachan.
The three artists featured in Glenfiddich’s first exhibition, Hayoung Kim from South Korea, Matthew Sandager from the US, and Shiau-Peng Cheng from Taiwan, will also display fresh artworks.
A special opening event will launch the exhibition on Friday at 6.30pm. All visitors are welcome to attend.
The display will then be open from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Thursdays to Sundays until September 18. Admission is free.
A third and final exhibition is planned for late September, which will coincide with Glenfiddich’s whisky festival.
Smokehead Takes Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Hot on the heels of a Gold Medal for its explosive, peaty flavours from the highly respected Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), SMOKEHEAD, has been honoured with another Gold Medal, this time from the prestigious expert judging panel at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Deemed the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world the SFWSC honoured Smokehead, the powerful Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Ian Macleod Distillers, for its innovative, edgy packaging. This great design award perfectly compliments the recent BTI International Review of Spirits win, in which Smokehead was awarded an ‘Exceptional’ rating of 91/100 for taste.
Celebrating its 10th year, the 2010 SFWSC was the biggest in its history with 30 judges gathering in downtown San Francisco in March to recognise excellence in spirits. The judging panel, comprising of spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, spirits journalists, buyers and consultants, evaluated 1024 different spirits from 58 countries.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented; “We are thrilled that the style and individuality of Smokehead’s packaging has been recognised by such an esteemed judging panel.
“Smokehead has enjoyed a number of successes recently by combining high quality and unique flavours with the product’s standout designer packaging. It has also proved popular with its target market of the young, discerning and adventurous ‘modern drinker’.”
Since launching in 2006, Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has won a number of awards for both its eye-catching packaging and balanced, seaweedy flavours, including two Gold Medals from BTI in the 2009 International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition, the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Gold Medal, Wine & Spirits Design Awards for Best Dark Spirit and the overall Trophy for Design of the Year.
Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive combination of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. The single malt flavour is described as fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt. The taste hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, before exploding with peppery spice and more earthy peat. Other products in the range include the Smokehead Extra Rare 1 litre bottle (Travel Retail Exclusive) and the premium 18 Years Old Smokehead Extra Black.
Smokehead is available worldwide, details of stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.co.uk for inquiries in the U.S see www.impexbev.com
Curious to discover more, visit www.smokehead.co.uk or visit www.sfspiritscomp.com
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
19 Aug
2010
Whisky Galore Bottle Makes £4,200 at Bonhams Scottish Sale
A bottle of whisky salvaged from the “Whisky Galore” ship, The SS Politician, was sold today for £4,200 on the second day of Bonhams annual Scottish Sale in Edinburgh. It was retrieved from the wreck of the ship in the 1950s or 1960s and was estimated to fetch £1,200 – 1,800. The sale made a total of £92,000 and practically every bottle was sold.
The story of the SS Politician and its cargo of whisky is known round the world thanks to the novelist Sir Compton MacKenzie who based his book ‘Whisky Galore’ on the real life events. The novel was later made into a very popular Ealing Comedy film.
In 1941, the ship set sail for Kingston, Jamaica with a cargo which included pianos, motor parts, bedding and 28,000 cases (264,000 bottles) of whisky. It ran aground in a gale off the Outer Hebrides near the island of Eriskay. Islanders, from Eriskay and beyond, starved of whisky by war time rationing, systematically salvaged around 24,000 bottles before the authorities caught up with them. Some of the looters were fined; some ended up in jail; few of the stolen bottles were recovered. The hull of the ship was blown up by a frustrated local customs officer to put the whisky beyond temptation, prompting one anguished islander to exclaim, “Dynamiting whisky! You wouldn’t think there’d be men in the world so crazy as that!”
Whisky from the Politician rarely appears at auction. In 1987, 8 bottles were retrieved from the wreck which still lies submerged off the coast of Eriskay and sold for £4,000. Despite extensive salvage efforts in 1989 only 24 more bottles were recovered.
Glengoyne Distillery Celebrates Eat Scottish Venison Day
What: Glengoyne Distillery celebrates Eat Scottish Venison Day
When: 2 September from 10am
Where: Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow, Scotland G63 9LB
Glengoyne Distillery is looking forward to Eat Scottish Venison Day (4 September 2010) with its own celebration on Thursday 2 September with support from renowned chef Tom Lewis of nearby Monachyle Mhor.
Tom will be unveiling a selection of brand new recipes using venison and Glengoyne, specially devised to celebrate Eat Scottish Venison Day, showing visitors how easy it is to create impressive and tasty dishes using venison.
Throughout the day from 10am a cooking demonstration will be hosted by Tom, who is an ambassador for Glengoyne and Scottish Venison, offering visitors the chance to sample classic venison dishes along with his brand new creations. The Glengoyne team will be offering guests samples of the award-winning Glengoyne 10 Years Old and explaining why Glengoyne is the perfect accompaniment for venison dishes.
Joint organisers of the event, The Scottish Venison Working Group, will also be on hand to offer visitors advice on venison such as what cuts to buy, how to cook it and where to buy it from.
Glengoyne Distillery is open to the public from 10am with the last tour at 4pm. Tours start from just £6.50.
For more information see www.glengoyne.com or www.scottish-venison.info
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
17 Aug
2010
Whisky 'petrol' for cars developed by university
Edinburgh Napier University has developed a new biofuel made from whisky by-products.
It is the result of two years work by the universities biofuel research centre.
The £260,000 project was funded by Scottish Enterprise's Proof of Concept programme.
It has been welcomed by WWF Scotland's director Dr Richard Dixon who said it would help a "clean environment" industry to reduce transport emissions.
As part of the research, the centre was provided with samples of whisky distilling by-products from Diageo's Glenkinchie Distillery in Edinburgh.
The team focused on the whisky industry to develop biobutanol, the next generation of biofuel which gives 30% more output power than ethanol.
It uses the two main by-products of the whisky production process which are "pot ale", the liquid from the copper stills, and "draff", the spent grains.
Each year the whisky industry produces 1,600 million litres of pot ale and 187,000 tonnes of draff.
Unlike ethanol, the nature of the innovative bio-fuel means that ordinary cars could use the more powerful fuel, instead of traditional petrol.
The university plans to to take the new fuel to market in the bid to make it available at the pumps.
'Innovative ideas'
Director of the biofuel research centre at Edinburgh Napier University, Professor Martin Tangney, said: "The EU has declared that biofuels should account for 10% of total fuel sales by 2020. We're committed to finding new, innovative renewable energy sources.
"While some energy companies are growing crops specifically to generate biofuel, we are investigating excess materials such as whisky by-products to develop them."
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "By proactively taking innovative ideas from the laboratory to the global market place, Scotland can continue to compete at the highest level and successfully boost its economic recovery."
WWF Scotland's director, Dr Richard Dixon, said: "Last year the whisky industry published plans to help lower its impacts and it is clear that this scheme could assist them in doing just that.
"Since the whisky industry relies on Scotland's clean environment for its main ingredients it would be great if the industry could help Scotland reduce its emissions from road transport."
Explorer's thawing whisky reveals one final mystery
The oldest whisky in the world is finally giving up some of its secrets, but there is still one mystery that remains.
The crate from Antarctica belonging to explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton has spent the last month defrosting at the Canterbury Museum, watched closely by museum curators and an extremely interested whisky buff.
Today a bottle of Mackinlays Rare Old Malt, a century old and remarkably well-preserved, was revealed.
“It’s exceptionally exciting and just about as rare as you can get,” says whisky connoisseur Michael Fraser Milne.
“I think we should crack open a bottle, because there is a lot of them.”
The case of whisky was discovered under Sir Ernest’s hut in Antarctica.
It has sat there, encased in ice, since his expedition in 1907.
Conservators have cleaned and dried the protective straw and removed them from the crate – only to find 11 bottles and one empty wrapper.
“It is very curious because it was right at the back of the crate,” says Artefact Programme Manager Lizzie Meek.
“It’s not a modern extraction, obviously it was taken out a long time ago.”
Did they take the bottle out when they were supposed to, or did someone sneakily take one out and then put the wrapper back in behind it?
That mystery may never be solved, but at least whisky buffs will one day get to answer the big question; how does it taste?
The plan is to syringe a few drops from one of the bottles so the famous explorer’s tipple can be recreated back in Scotland.
After a sample is taken and the conservation work is done, the bottles will be put back in the crate exactly as they were found and returned to Shackleton’s hut in Antarctica.
The Co-operative’s own brand Scotch whiskies have scooped a number of awards in international competitions. The Co-operative 5 Year Old Premium Scotch Whisky collected a Silver - “Best in Class” award at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and a Silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC). Judges at the IWSC said that the whisky had “pronounced aromas of malt, honey and sweet spice” and a “good floral backing”. They also commented that the “addition of some toffee and fudge gives extra complexity along with some spicy oak” and said that the whisky had a “smooth, creamy texture and a lively finish”.
The IWSC aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. In the same competition, the retailer’s 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt and the standard Finest Blend Scotch Whisky both collected Silver medals, whilst picking up Bronze awards at the ISC. Now in its 15th year, the ISC leads the way in tasting and promoting outstanding quality spirits from around the world. Each year, spirits are tasted and rigorously judged by the industry's leading international spirits experts.
Vicky Wood, Category Marketing Manager for Beverages at The Co-operative, commented, “Our pride in our own-brand Scotch whisky range is borne out by these results. Well done to the team on these fantastic awards".
Glengoyne is expanding its award-winning whisky portfolio with the launch of two new Limited Edition Single Cask Malts.
The new 13 Years Old and 23 Years Old Glengoyne Highland Single Malts were handpicked by a team of experts at Glengoyne before being personally approved and signed by Distillery Manager, Robbie Hughes. The new limited editions are in response to growing demand from Glengoyne enthusiasts, curious to discover new expressions from the highly respected distillery.
Both limited edition single malts bring their own unique characteristics to the Glengoyne range, enhancing its famed reputation as the Real Taste of Malt, untainted by peat smoke. Presented in a handcrafted dark wood presentation box, showcasing its deep amber colour, the 13 Years Old has a nose of ripe strawberry and banana, molasses, hazelnut and a hint of mint. The palate opens with spice, before liquorice, milk chocolate and toffee overtake, slowly moving around the tongue and pleasantly lingering with sherried flavours and nut oils.
Displayed in a varnished oak case with copper plate, the 23 Years Old Single Malt has the appearance of old gold and a fresh nose of lemon sherbet and champit neeps, accompanied with oily, rich butter and freshly ground black pepper. The malt offers an elegant palate of crème brûlée with a grapefruit and custardy sweetness, before a long finish of burnt sugar and short crust pastry.
256 bottles of the 13 Years Old and 548 bottles of the 23 Years Old are available worldwide from select specialist whisky outlets. Recommended retail prices for these very limited bottles start at £120 for the 13 Years Old and £195 for the 23 Years Old, reflecting their rarity.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, brand owners of Glengoyne commented: “Much to the delight of our customers, over the past few years it has become something of an annual tradition, that we delve into the Glengoyne warehouses and release a couple of rare and exceptional single casks. Both the 13 and 23 Years Old are great examples of Glengoyne craftsmanship and quality and we expect them to be very well received.”
Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery for over 175 years. Only the slowest distillation process, untainted by peat smoke, creates Glengoyne – THE REAL TASTE OF MALT. The new single casks join the award-winning core range, which includes the Glengoyne Single Malt 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old, a Cask Strength 12 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
11 Aug
2010
Chivas Regal takes 'key position' at London's Vinopolis
Chivas Regal has launched a new branded space at Vinopolis named The Chivas Room.
The luxury space is located in a key position during the tour and offers consumers the opportunity to engage with the brand during the experience.
Set beneath the arches of a Victorian viaduct, in London's Bankside, Vinopolis offers a unique and versatile space that retains much of its original splendor with architectural features such as exposed brick work, high vaulted ceilings and soaring Victorian arches.
Approximately 100,000 visitors will pass through the tour, with a significant number being Chivas Regal's core target audience of 25-34 year old men.
The Chivas Room will also be used for consumer events, educational and trade tastings and new product launches. There will also be the opportunity to sample other Pernod Ricard UK whisky brands such as The Glenlivet malt whisky.
The back bar features an ornately detailed Chivas pattern, whilst the front bar will have a hand crafted, gilded glass top and translucent Chivas pattern.
The bar was built by hand and the pattern laser cut and sprayed with a liquid metal finish to create a solid structure with the appearance of a fluid strip of embossed metal. The tasting table has traditionally hand turned legs and the antique chandeliers have been restored with lead glass crystals to refract the light with greater clarity than pressed glass crystals.
The classic Louis chairs have been designed in the custom Chivas 18 blue. The mix of hand-crafted skills and contemporary technology creates a more authentic feel to the space and helps bring the brand values
The Chivas Room hosts an 'education' wall with a plasma screen showing the 'Live with Chivalry' advertising, and a 'heritage arch' that will display a lifestyle collection of images telling the story of Chivas' rich heritage.
Chivas Regal will be available in all Vinopolis restaurants and bars onsite and there will also be an opportunity to purchase the brand via The Whisky Exchange.
Phil Huckle, brand ambassador for Chivas Regal, said: "This is an ideal opportunity to educate consumers who are new to the brand, while also showcasing new styles and expressions to visitors who have a genuine interest in whisky. I'm looking forward to hosting tastings and consumer events in this appealing and engaging space."
Nicky Stanley, wine development and sponsorship manager at Vinopolis, said: "The new Chivas Room at Vinopolis is a great and welcome extension to our consumer tour experience, and we very much look forward to the joint collaboration, enhancing not only the tour itself, but also the range of Masterclass and tasting events on offer."
The Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky range will feature a redesigned packaging from August
Kuwait's customs department has foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 37,000 bottles of whisky into the conservative Muslim Gulf state where liquor is totally banned, an official says.
The liquor had been hidden in six containers in a ceramic shipment coming from Jebal Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai in favour of a Kuwaiti company, Kuwait Customs Department Mubarak al-Qattan said on Tuesday.
The bust was made on Sunday at the southern Shuaiba port and it took authorities almost two days to search the entire shipment, he said.
Qattan estimated the value of the liquor on the black market at more than two million dinars ($A7.63 million). He described the haul as one of the largest liquor busts in Kuwait's history.
A security source said that two Kuwaiti businessmen were arrested in connection of the liquor shipment.
Although liquor is banned in the oil-rich conservative emirate and its use or sale carries prison terms, it is available on the black market through smuggling by ship from Dubai and by land from neighbouring Iraq.
Alistair Cunningham; Whisky executive who became known as “Mr Ballantine’s”
Alistair Cunningham started work at Ballantine’s distillery in Dumbarton as a general apprentice straight out of school on the day before his 16th birthday.
In his 50-year career, all spent in offices at the same distillery, he became a Scotch whisky legend. He learned everything there was to know about the industry and ended up running the company, Hiram Walker, owner of Ballantine’s at the time. To his staff and others in the industry, he became known as “Mr Ballantine’s,” seen as the custodian of the famous whisky’s unique blend.
In his forties, Mr Cunningham became managing director of Hiram Walker (Scotland) and, by the time of his retirement in 1992, headed the new parent company, Allied Distillers (since taken over by Pernod-Ricard and its Scotch Whisky division, Chivas Brothers). Mr Cunningham was most proud of retaining the constancy of the Ballantine’s brand and blend, which became first choice of anyone from kings, presidents and Hollywood stars.
During his 50-year career, Mr Cunningham was involved at every level of Ballantine’s. During his rise from bottom to top of Hiram Walker, Mr Cunningham, though not a master blender, won a reputation as one. But he also monitored every phase of distilling, travelled the world marketing the product and kept a keen eye on the company’s famous bonded warehouses – protected by security guards and noisy white Chinese geese nicknamed “the Scotch watch” – at Dumbuck, on Dumbarton’s outskirts.
Having gained a degree in chemical engineering as part of the company training scheme, in 1955 Mr Cunningham invented and, along with Hiram Walker’s draftsman Arthur Warren, designed what became known as the Lomond Still at the Dumbarton distillery – a major breakthrough in Scotch whisky production. Following the war years and a scarcity of whisky, there was a resurgence in demand, particularly in the US. The demand required a new ingenuity among distillers.
Mr Cunningham came up with the idea of what he called the Lomond Still. It maintained the traditional bulb-shaped bottom of a standard copper still but had a wider neck resembling a coffee can with a flat top. It was dumpy, but it was easier to assemble and operate and was more flexible in its uses. Sales of Ballantine’s flourished at home and abroad and Mr Cunningham rose to be managing director of Hiram Walker (Scotland).
With demand continuing to rise, he oversaw the opening of a new complex for Ballantine’s and other Hiram Walker brands in 1977. The project, widely seen as “Cunningham’s baby,” started off as the most advanced whisky blending plant in Europe. “As always, Alistair brought that major project in on time, and on budget,” said Jim Lawrie, who was hired by Mr Cunningham, worked by his side for 32 years and retired as assistant managing director of Allied Distillers in 1996.
After Hiram Walker merged with Allied Lyons in 1987, Mr Cunningham was named corporate affairs director, and later, in 1990, managing director of the firm’s spirits’ branch Allied Distillers. Despite the expansion to Kilmalid, he remained based at the old Dumbarton Ballantine’s distillery where he finished his career on retirement in 1992.
Alistair Archibald Cunningham was born on February 3, 1926, in Bonhill, just outside Dumbarton, to local machine printer John Cunningham and his wife Margaret (nee Cowan).
He joined Hiram Walker at Ballantine’s distillery immediately on leaving Dumbarton Academy in 1942, but, towards the end of the Second World War, served for a time with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. After his retirement, Mr Cunningham spent most of his time travelling, painting, amusing his friends with his impersonations and what they called his wicked sense of humour and, more recently, caring for his ailing wife.
To mark his retirement, and 50 years of involvement with the brand, Ballantine’s issued a commemorative special edition whisky, Alistair Cunningham’s, in 1992.
Alistair Cunningham died in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley. He is survived by his wife Ella and their son Iain.
Whisky executive who became known as “Mr Ballantine’s”;
The Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky range will feature a redesigned packaging from August
New bottle for Dewar's White LabelLiquor supplier Bacardi Global Travel Retail has announced that the Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky range will feature a redesigned packaging. The new bottles have the brand’s signature D in the Dewar’s font and a contemporary look, which the supplier claims “better emphasizes the artistry and craftsmanship that defines Dewar’s”.
The redesigned package also has John Dewar’s signature, the date the company was founded and gold medallions to represent the awards the brand has gathered. The full portfolio, which includes Dewar’s 12yo, Dewar’s 18yo, Dewar’s White Label and Dewar’s Signature, will be presented in the bottles that share the same identity for the first time in its history.
Dewar’s White Label (pictured) and Dewar’s 12yo will be the first products to feature the redesigned packaging, being introduced in duty-free and travel-retail markets from August to November. Among the retailers to receive the new bottles during the roll-out are World Duty Free shops in the UK, DFS Group outlets in Singapore and Dubai Duty Free.
Bacardi Global Travel Retail global marketing director Trent Russell said: “The updated, modern exterior of Dewar’s fully captures the vigour that defines the brand and its founder Tommy Dewar, a world traveller. In the energetic spirit of Tommy Dewar, the new packaging is launching in travel-retail worldwide, starting with the Americas and Europe.”
Dalmore distillery to invest £1million in visitor centre
Company aiming to improve whisky experience for consumers
The Dalmore distillery, north of Inverness, revealed yesterday it is to invest nearly £1million to make it one of Scotland’s best whisky visitor centres.
The move will create at least three jobs on top of the current 15 and is expected to give a boost to the local tourism industry.
The distillery on the shore of the Cromarty Firth has been producing whisky since 1839.
The Dalmore said it has gone from strength to strength in the last two years after a change of strategy to make the most of its rare stocks.
The firm – which sells around 50,000 cases of whisky a year – said it had successfully repositioned itself as a luxury brand favoured by connoisseurs, collectors and investors.
But David Robertson, rare whisky director at parent company Whyte & Mackay, is quick to admit that the current distillery experience does not meet the exacting standards of wealthy whisky lovers.
He said: “Consumers of luxury products expect authenticity, craftsmanship and a rich heritage.
“The Dalmore has that in spades; definitely more so than any other whisky brand, and arguably more so than many other luxury products.
“But they also expect the best possible experience when they visit the home of a product. We are not there yet, but we will be.”
The company is about to start a two-year programme to refurbish the visitor centre and shop, improve key distillery buildings and signs, and invest in training for tour and distillery staff.
Mr Robertson said: “The aim is to create the ultimate Dalmore experience – the most perfect private members club for our brand and for the distillery.
“Except it won’t be private. It will be a destination attraction which will bring benefits not only for us, but for the wider local economy.”
Success
The Dalmore has had major success with its limited edition products.
The Dalmore Sirius, which costs £10,000 a bottle with only 10 available worldwide, sold out in four days. It is now changing hands for twice that price less than a year later.
The Dalmore Selene, which cost £12,000 a bottle, was launched in February. There are only two bottles left out of 30.
But it’s not all about being expensive.
The Dalmore has a long-standing link with the Mackenzie clan which used to own the distillery. The distinctive stag’s head logo and its advertising strapline “I Shine, Not Burn” are lifted directly from the clan’s crest and motto.
The Dalmore recently launched a limited edition Mackenzie bottling for £100 which aims to raise money to help restore the clan’s ancestral home, Castle Leod.
Mr Robertson said: “With the castle partnership and the distillery investment, we are making some real and tangible contributions to the north of Scotland economy.”
Morag Swanson, tour guide manager at the distillery, said: “This investment and increased sales show that the Dalmore is more than a wee local distillery. It’s a global brand with global appeal, and that is something I am very proud of.
“For example, every year we get a visit from Russian sailors. They come in, and they don’t say too much because of the language barrier, but they empty the shelves in an hour. No matter what we have in stock and no matter how expensive, they will clear the shop out.”
BenRiach has this month released three exciting new Wood Finish expressions from its Speyside Distillery.
The brand new bottlings include:
The BenRiach 16YO Claret Finish – 46%
The BenRiach 17YO Rioja Finish - 46%
The BenRiach 17YO Burgundy Finish – 46%
Matured in the traditional style in American bourbon barrels, these whiskies have then been ‘finished’ in either Rioja, Claret or Burgundy wine barrels. During this additional period of maturation, the whisky derives a number of additional flavours and aromas specific to the ‘finishing’ cask.
The tasting notes spell out what makes these single malts so special.
BenRiach 16YO Claret Finish
Nose – clean and fruity. Stewed plums and damsons with sweet oak nuances. Embracing but with real finesse.
Colour – bright sparkling orange gold.
Taste – Spiced fruit scones, enrobed in a fig and date syrup. Fairly light acidity, yet with lovely mouth-cleansing fruits. A whisky with the flavours standing in perfect equilibrium.
BenRiach 17YO Rioja Finish
Nose - dry and robust with wild flower characteristics. Sweet oak follows with elegant vanilla bean extract and ripe fermented grape juice.
Colour – Full gold with distinctive amber traces.
Palate - subtle floral elements including, violets, rosehip and dandelion. Creamy oak notes, married with vanilla and nutmeg round off the mix partnered with ripe peaches and apricots.
BenRiach 17YO Burgundy Finish
Nose – summer red berries, including fermented strawberries and raspberries. This is complemented by bitter cocoa bean nibs and freshly-cut wild flowers.
Colour – Full gold with a subtle tawny hue.
Taste – Vanilla crème-brulée with a distinct butterscotch component. Redcurrant jelly and quince flavours interact with toasted oak to bring excellent clarity and weight. A fruit and oak marriage of great elegance.
Sales director Alistair Walker said: “BenRiach operates an extensive finishing programme, and a five-minute stroll around the distillery’s Warehouse 13 will testify to that! The current BenRiach range already includes expressions finished in Pedro Ximinez Sherry, Tawny Port, Madeira, Dark Rum, Sauternes, Gaja Barolo and Moscatel.
“BenRiach has always been an experimental distillery, even under previous owners, and we have continued that tradition. We try and keep the range fresh and interesting by releasing new finishes and single casks each year, but in very limited quantities.”
The three new BenRiach finishes will be available in over twenty export markets, and in the UK through specialist, independent whisky retailers.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
02 Aug
2010
Glendronach releases four new wood finishes
More good news from GlenDronach. On top of the news that its sales have soared since the launch of its 12, 15 and 18YO core range last year, the Aberdeenshire distillery has announced the forthcoming release of four new wood finishes – the first of their kind ever to be released by the distillery in its one hundred and eighty-year history.
This month they’ll launch the much-anticipated Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel and Tawny Port Wood finishes.
Each unique expression was initially matured in European oak and thereafter finished its maturation in a very small batch of the respective wine barrels (or in one case, virgin oak), which have given the whisky its own unique flavours and aromas.
All are non-chill filtered and of natural colour and are bottled at 46%abv.
GlenDronach 14YO Sauternes Finish
Appearance - bright lemon straw
Nose - juicy and fresh. A blanket of creamed soda and wild strawberries backed up lush late harvest dessert wine. Hints of sherbet and ripe cherries. Very fruity.
Palate - apples and rhubarb drenched in home-made custard. Sweet dessert wine influences emerge with ripe sultanas and a lovely creamy heart.
Conclusions - sweet fresh and fragrant with balanced acidity. Lots of finesse and elegance, whilst still maintaining the lively youthful elements.
GlenDronach 14YO Virgin Oak Finish
Appearance - light gold. Freshly harvested straw.
Nose - toasted oak elements which are so intense that smoky attributes emerge. Sweet and lush tropical fruits rise with prominence. Banana and cacao, with roasted coconut.
Palate - spiced ginger and cinnamon cake with a beautiful smoky twist. Creamed dessicated coconut and fresh buttered toast with a handful of hazelnuts on the side.
Conclusion - a glorious nut feast with superb depth.
GlenDronach 15YO Moscatel Finish
Appearance - light gold.
Nose - golden syrup and nutmeg. Poached peaches and apricot flavours with fresh figs and dates. Subtle marzipan on the tail intensifies the aromatics.
Palate - sweet summer fruits of melon and pineapple intertwined with sweet ripe raisins and alcohol infused figs. Subtle marzipan adds a smooth round nutty edge.
Conclusion - a warming mix of fruit, nuts. Lovely length and balance.
GlenDronach 20YO Tawny Port Finish
Appearance - bright amber with a subtle tawny edge.
Nose - lashings of fine fortified wine elements and a generous portion of Mediterranean fruits including figs and dates.
Palate - stewed fruits of prunes, pears and apples. The stewed fruit is balanced with an injection of liquorice and subtle aniseed flavours. Massive power and definition.
Conclusion - a complex dram with a fantastic fortified backbone.
The release of a series of non-sherry wood finishes is certainly quite a departure from the norm for GlenDronach, where the tradition is to mature the whisky in big, rich sherry casks such as Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez.
As MD Billy Walker explained: “We’re not looking to change the style of GlenDronach. Our focus will continue to be on richly sherried malts, but we were interested to see how the whisky would react to different types of wood. It was important that the whiskies we selected for ‘finishing’ were not typical GlenDronach (richly sherried); instead we opted for whisky that had been maturing in lighter casks – this meant we could experience in full the impact of the second cask, be it Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel or Tawny Port.
“Each of these ‘finishes’ has been bottled in relatively small quantities, ranging from 340 cases of the Tawny Port Finish to 860 cases of the Virgin Oak Finish.”
The wood finishes will available in over twenty export markets, and in the UK through independent specialist whisky retailers, as well as at the distillery shop.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
02 Aug
2010
Seven single cask bottlings from Glendronach this month
GlenDronach, the richly-sherried Highland malt, has released Batch 2 of its single cask bottlings which includes seven rare and very limited expressions.
In chronological order, they are:
1971, cask 489, 39YO
Oloroso Sherry Butt, 48.8% vol
Liquorice and cloves partnering flawlessly with classic oloroso notes and lashings of chocolate orange nuances. Depth is built upon a layer of walnuts and almonds.
UK RRP £379.99
1972, cask 718, 38YO
Oloroso Sherry Butt, 51.5% vol,
Fruity and long. A tremendous concoction of sweet stewed fruits, nuts and chocolate. Fine old oloroso notes with terrific balance and acidity create excellent depth and definition.
UK RRP £359.99
1978, cask 1040, 31YO,
Oloroso Sherry Puncheon, 51.2% vol
Dense and long. Very elegant and smooth with classic sherry influences. Walnut flavours emerge which align perfectly with ripe citrus fruits.
UK RRP £184.99
1989, cask 3315, 20YO
Pedro Ximinez Sherry Puncheon, 53.2% vol
Offers baked apples with sweet brown sugar syrup. Nutty, with almonds and hazelnuts bringing weight to the mix.
UK RRP £79.99
1990, cask 2621, 20YO
Oloroso Sherry Butt, 57.9% vol
Chocolate orange and coffee mocha mouse. Delightful balance and complexity with excellent length.
UK RRP £79.99
1991, cask 3182, 18YO
Pedro Ximinez Sherry Puncheon, 51.7% vol
Bursting with stewed fruits, particularly sweet prunes. Date and dried fig characteristics add lovely depth and concentration.
UK RRP £70.99
1993, cask 529, 17YO
Oloroso Sherry Butt, 60.5% vol
Spicy and long. Superb mocha and hazelnut influences emerge, leading to a sweet rich finish.
UK RRP £66.99
Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Each year we specially select a handful of individual casks from the warehouses at GlenDronach to be bottled as our ‘Limited Releases’.
“We believe that the 2010 releases are excellent examples of the quality, richly-sherried style for which the GlenDronach distillery is famous.
“Batch 2 is being shipped to over twenty export markets and will also be available in the UK through independent specialist whisky retailers.”
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
July 2010 Scotch Whisky News
31 July
2010
Potter’s creation is shrine to Scots whisky
Artist will enter her work in competition at Potfest in the Park this weekend
THE Scottish whisky industry will be represented in an unusual way at a major pottery event this weekend in England.
Renowned potter Fiona Duckett has created a ceramic shrine to whisky for the Potfest in the Park event in Cumbria. The Whitehills-based artist has fashioned a piece that depicts columns holding a pagoda-style roof to hold four miniature copper stills.
She said: “Part of the event is a competition on a theme and this year it is altars and shrines. I thought that since I am from Banffshire, which is world famous for whisky, I would make a ceramic shrine to it.”
Ms Duckett, of Chapel Street, Whitehills, near Banff, created different elements of her piece separately and then fitted them together.
She added a lustre glaze to help bring the finished article to vibrant life and is hopeful it will catch the judge’s eye at the competition.
Potfest in the Park is staged annually at Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith, Cumbria. The event on Saturday and Sunday will host more than 100 exhibitors from throughout Britain and Europe who will display a range of pottery skills and styles.
Smokehead whisky creates ad for Classic Rock sponsorship
Smokehead, the single malt whisky by Ian Macleod Distillers, is marking the start of its official sponsorship of Classic Rock Magazine with a new ad campaign.
The ad, created by Robertson Darby Advertising which is based in Moray in East Scotland, will feature heavily in Classic Rock and its sister mag Prog Rock throughout 2010.
As "the Whisky of Choice for Classic Rock magazine", Smokehead will command a high presence in the monthly music publication and on its website.
Iain Weir, marketing director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Smokehead is powerful, intense and not for the faint hearted. The perfect match for a Classic Rock lover.”
Along with the extensive advertising campaign the brand will sponsor the readers' letters page and take part in promotions.
Angus Robertson, managing director of Robertson Darby Advertising, said: “Our latest treatment for the Smokehead brand was created with Classic Rock Magazine very much in mind. Inspired by the powerful imagery of rock album covers, it uses Smokehead’s stunning typographical packaging to deliver a haunting and lasting impact.”
Keeping up the rock theme Smokehead was the VIP sponsor of London’s High Voltage Festival last week and will back the Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2010 Awards in November, attended by, and celebrating, rock icons.
Moray’s family distillery makes its top deal an occasion to remember
A MORAY distillery has sold its most expensive bottle of whisky for £10,000.
Glenfiddich Distillery, at Dufftown, Speyside, made a record sale when Ian Martin, an IT consultant from Lancashire, bought a bottle of rare Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old.
It is the priciest bottle ever sold in the distillery’s on-site shop, which has been open since the early-70s. A nip of the malt would cost more than £374.
The 144-year-old distillery, owned by William Grant and Sons, released just 50 bottles of the rare malt to locations around the world last year.
Distillery shop manager Duncan MacDonald said: “We were thrilled when Mr Martin contacted us to buy a bottle of Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old.”
He added: “As there are so few bottles available, the distillery shop was allocated just one. We wanted to make his purchase a memorable occasion so invited him to collect the bottle in person, stay for a few days in one of our cottages and enjoy a VIP tour of Glenfiddich as part of his visit.”
Mr Martin has a collection of more than 200 single malts which he keeps at a bank in secure storage. The Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old is his most exclusive purchase yet. The 46-year-old said: “ I love Glenfiddich whisky. It is a superb single malt made even more special by the fact it is one of Scotland’s few remaining family-owned distilleries.
“It will be the most prized bottle in my collection and one that – for the moment at least – is certainly not for drinking.”
Mr Martin added: “I did taste a sample at the distillery and it is truly remarkable.”
New Zealand's premier whisky connoisseur got a whiff of what may lie inside a crate of century-old whisky belonging to explorer Ernest Shackleton.
The frozen bottles from Antarctica are being thawed out at the Canterbury Museum as everyone waits to find out what's inside the case of liquid history.
Expert Michael Fraser Milne couldn't stop smiling at his first glimpse of the whisky.
"Look at it – it's liquid history, it is absolutely fantastic and the association with Shackleton makes it even better for some reason – well, to me anyway," says Mr Milne.
"I wonder what it is like – it's a pity there is a padlock on there."
The crate of McKinlay's Highland Malt Whisky is 114 years old. It was discovered beneath Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds, encased in ice and in desperate need of restoration.
"If I got a whiff of it, it would be just heaven," says Mr Milne. "I don't know, we will have to wait and see – I may get an idea."
He didn't have to wait long for his first sniff.
"Floral," says Mr Milne. "It's quite floral – it's not a smoky smell. Nice, floral."
It was then moved from the freezer to be weighed and taken inside a cool room to thaw.
Watching its every move was Charles Usher, a descendent of the MacKinlay's whisky family, now living in Christchurch.
"It would be fascinating when they open on it and see what is on the bottle, and if the bottles are intact that would be marvellous," he says.
"If it is a full, untouched crate, I expect to find 12 bottles, but that is still a bit of a mystery," says artefact manager Lizzie Meek.
The secrets of what lies inside the crate that now spans three centuries could be unlocked by the end of the week.
Whisky firm’s profits plunged by 68% after major business overhaul
The firm behind one of Scotland’s best-selling single malt whiskies suffered a 68% plunge in annual profits after it launched a restructuring of the business, its latest accounts reveal.
The Glenmorangie Company, which distils the iconic Glenmorangie single malt whisky at Tain, had a pre-tax surplus of £12.74million last year on turnover of £73.14million.
In 2008, profits came to £39.33million on turnover of £112.58million.
The figures were released by Companies House yesterday.
Glenmorangie, which also makes Ardbeg single malt, said the results reflected a major overhaul of the company and its operations during the latest period as well as its withdrawal from the bottling and sale of blended whisky and third-party bottling activities.
It added: “Set against a tough economic background and challenging trading conditions, which affected the Scotch whisky industry in 2009, our branded Glenmorangie and Arbeg businesses performed well.”
“Most encouragingly, trading in our key strategic markets saw an upturn, with increased sales of our brands – notably in Asia, continental Europe and the US, supporting our business decision to increase investment and resources.”
In July 2008, the firm announced plans to transform its business from a broad-ranging whisky-maker to a “highly-focused, premium-branded” single malt company.
The revamp was to be underpinned by substantial investment, including £20million on increased ware-housing at Tain and the Ardbeg distillery on Islay.
A further £10million was to be spent on ramping up production capacity at Tain and an upgrade for the firm’s visitor centres at Tain and Ardbeg.
But the company also revealed that it was selling its Glen Moray Distillery at Elgin.
Glenmorangie’s change of strategy was prompted by growing overseas demand for premium single malts.
In its 2009 annual report, signed off within the past fortnight, Glenmorangie said: “The group has made significant progress and is on target to successfully complete the first phase of activity to transform the business model.”
Work on a new bottling plant at Livingston got under way last year and Glenmorangie, which is majority owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy, the world’s biggest luxury products group, said the project would be completed during 2010.
Meanwhile, Glenmorangie said it was on track to relocate its HQ, which is currently at Broxburn, West Lothian, to The Cube building in the east end of Edinburgh in the third quarter of this year.
Glenmorangie also said it had invested heavily in product innovation, which was already paying dividends.
It added: “In the US, Glenmorangie has recently become the fastest-growing single malt whisky brand and we continue to increase its market share in other key strategic markets across Europe.”
Distilleries vie to land deal to produce Trump’s first whisky
American billionaire in talks with drinks producers to make single malt
North-east distilleries are battling for a multimillion-pound contract to produce Donald Trump’s first single malt whisky.
The US billionaire has started talks with “several” drinks producers as he looks to expand his luxury merchandise brand to Scotland.
Following the success of Trump Vodka, the Manhattan-based businessman is keen to launch a range of whiskies as his £750million Aberdeenshire golf resort plans take shape.
Last night Sarah Malone, who is overseeing his plans to create the “world’s greatest golf course” at the Menie Estate near Balmedie, said that bottles would be sold around the world, and that other merchandise could follow.
“We will definitely have a few single malts in the years to come, and perhaps a couple of special blends too once the clubhouse is up and running,” she said.
“We are meeting with companies regionally and nationally to identify the very best products for Trump International Golf Links, Scotland and we look forward to commissioning and manufacturing a wide range of products over the coming years.
“There are tremendous opportunities for Scottish suppliers and the Trump Scotland brand will be synonymous with Scotland’s finest.
“We are talking with a number of different distilleries and we hope to have a whisky ready for 2012.”
Trump Vodka launched in 2006. The spirit, which is produced by renowned Dutch master distiller Jacques de Lat, sold about 20,000 cases in its first year and is priced at about £60 for a litre bottle.
Miss Malone also revealed that the businessman has applied to the Court of the Lord Lyon so that a Trump coat of arms can be created.
The organisation famously fell victim to Scotland’s ancient heraldic laws in 2008 and had to stop using its previous insignia.
Work has now started on the championship course at Menie, which lies be- tween Balmedie and Aberdeen.
Mr Trump believes the course, which he hopes will host the Open Championship in the future, will become a “national jewel”.
Thefts
However, some of the people living around the estate remain opposed to the plans, including local quarryman Michael Forbes.
Yesterday it emerged that Mr Forbes has been questioned by police about thefts from the estate.
The 57-year-old was quizzed after officers received reports of marker flags – used to map out the course – being taken from the site.
Mr Forbes, of Mill of Menie, refused to comment.
A spokesman for Grampian Police said: “We can confirm a 57-year-old man was spoken to in connection with the theft of identification flags at Menie Estate.
“He received an adult formal warning letter.”
No further legal proceedings will be taken against Mr Forbes and he will not be required to attend court.
From the highest of the Scottish Highlands now come varieties of single malt whisky manufactured by Tomintoul Distillery and newly certified by OU Kosher.
Tomintoul, located in the community of the same name, the highest village in the Highlands, is owned by Angus Dundee, an independent company with over 50 years' experience in producing, blending, bottling and distributing top-quality Scotch whiskies and other spirits. These Tomintoul varieties, known in the industry as "the gentle dram," include Tomintoul 10, 16 and 33 years old; they also include Peaty Tang, which is crafted using peated malted barley to impart a distinctive smoky and heathery flavor to the product.
Medek Wine & Spirits, a division of Royal Wine Corporation, is distributing this "Gold Medal" line of whisky that now is available to a wider audience worldwide thanks to its OU certification.
"Given the growing popularity of Scotch whisky among kashrut observant Jews, Medek feels that providing the highly regarded OU kosher certification adds value to the Tomintoul offerings," Gary Landsman, public relations spokesman for Royal Wine Corp, said.
Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, OU Kosher's Vice President of Communications and Marketing, commented that the Orthodox Union is pleased to add Tomintoul to the growing number of highly regarded OU certified scotch liquor products, and is gratified that the-ever growing kosher market place will now also be able to enjoy this 'Gold Medal' line of whisky.
Teacher's whisky gets a bottle makeover for stand out on-shelf
Teacher's whisky is to receive a makeover with the launch of new, more contemporary packaging, which highlights the high malt content of the blend.
Maxxium UK's brand manager for Teacher's, Janette Peat, said: "Teacher's has a rich history in pioneering packaging, from being the first whisky to invent the self-opening bottle without the use of a corkscrew in the 1910s, to inventing the jigger cap in the 1960s. Our new pack reflects this heritage by maintaining the very distinct and recognisable trademark shape which has changed very little over the past 92 years, but is now bolder and sleeker, while the clarity of the label offers better stand out on-shelf.
"We decided to highlight the 45% malt content as it sets Teacher's apart as one of the highest of all blended Scotch whiskies and gives Teacher's its distinctive malty, peaty full flavour. The high malt content also makes Teacher's excellent value for money."
The newly designed bottle is available in 70cl and one litre sizes.
Distiller raises a glass to rise in single malt sales
Morrison Bowmore’s whisky brands buck trend in declining market
Whisky maker Morrison Bowmore Distillers said yesterday it bucked the trend of a declining market for single malts last year, with increased sales in the category boosting the firm’s turnover and profits.
It said it also benefited from increased demand for the Japanese single malts it sells in the UK and Europe, revealing a growing appetite for high-quality whiskies “produced in beautiful and unique locations”.
Morrison Bowmore said sales volumes of its Bowmore Islay single malt last year were up 12% on 2008, to 164,000 cases, and its Auchentoshan Lowland brand added 2% t0 39,000 cases. The sales growth helped pre-tax profits grow by 7% to £3.8million on turnover that was up by 6% at £39.32million.
According to market analysts, the global demand for single malts declined by 5% during 2009.
Chief executive Mike Kieller said: “The company continues to focus on building its single malt whisky brands and investment in recent years, in both Bowmore and Auchentoshan, is starting to pay off with significant growth in the brands’ performance in 2009 despite difficult economic conditions.”
Mr Kieller said the first six months of this year had got off to a “very strong start”, with all the company’s brands showing double-digit growth. He added: “Profits are strong and full-year expectations look very good. In addition, the development of our sales and marketing teams has strengthened our ability to take the products to market, along with our commitment to developing world-class brands.”
Founded in 1951 by Stanley Morrison and J. Howat, Morrison Bowmore’s ultimate parent is now Japanese drinks giant Suntory.
The Scottish firm operates the Bowmore Distillery in Islay, Auchentoshan Distillery near Glasgow and Glen Garioch Distillery at Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire.
Its Glen Garioch brand was relaunched last year, with a larger product range and new packaging. Other developments last year included the firm investing £1.5million in production and bottling facilities, and sealing a five-year deal with the Drambuie Liqueur Company.
Under the Drambuie contract, Morrison Bowmore took on the delivery of services including whisky procurement, blending, bottling, warehousing and logistics.
The whisky maker invested a further £500,000 in a visitor centre at Auchentoshan Distillery
First minister welcomes pledge by Beijing as further incentive to increase exports
Scotch whisky is to be given improved legal protection against imitation in China, it was confirmed yesterday.
The Chinese government is to introduce geographic indication (GI) of origin status for the spirit aimed at ensuring all products labelled as Scotch whisky come from Scotland.
It follows talks this week between First Minister Alex Salmond and Shuping Zhi, the Chinese government’s deputy minister for general administration of quality supervision, inspection and quarantine.
After the meeting in Beijing, Mr Salmond said: “Mr Zhi has reassured me that this important legal protection for one of Scotland’s premium global exports will be introduced shortly, helping to further increase exports and secure jobs.
“It is a tremendous boost to our whisky industry as producers seek to expand their presence in the hugely important Chinese market, and further recognition of the internationally renowned quality of Scotch whisky.
“I am grateful to the Chinese government for its continued commitment and work to approve the designation, which of course will enable an increasing number of consumers in China to enjoy genuine Scotch whisky with confidence.”
Global exports of Scotch whisky reached record levels last year, rising by 3% in value to £3.13billion.
The Scotch Whisky Association applied to the Chinese government for GI status in 2007.
Association chief executive Gavin Hewitt added: “The Chinese government’s commitment to protecting Scotch whisky and consumers from imitations is welcome.
“We have been grateful for the support of the Scottish and UK governments, as well as the British embassy in Beijing, for our efforts to secure this additional protection for Scotch whisky.”
The Six Isles launches new limited edition Pomerol finish
Independent bottler and distiller, Ian Macleod Distillers, has launched a new Limited Edition Pomerol Finish of its award winning Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, The Six Isles.
Finished in the finest French oak Pomerol wine casks, the Limited Edition Six Isles brings a new dimension and depth to the original Blended Single Malt Scotch Whisky, enhancing its rich, peaty and honeyed flavours with spicy, red fruit notes.
Described as having a smoky, spicy nose with notes of strawberries and wine gums, the fruity, peaty body of the Pomerol Finish brings in herbal and chocolate undertones before a fresh, salty and minty finish.
Masterfully blending six full-bodied Single Malts from each of Scotland’s whisky producing islands of Islay, Jura, Skye, Mull, Orkney and Arran, The Six Isles is unique. Bringing together every distinctive style and flavour of each island, from the smoky peat from Islay to the soft, heathery and iodine notes of the Orcadian malt, The Six Isles is as a sensory voyage through the malt whiskies of the islands of Scotland.
Taking its lead from original Pomerol wine casks, the tube and bottle label of the New Limited Edition Six Isles is an eye-catching deep red with embossed gold lettering, reflecting the high quality of the Island Blended Malt’s heritage.
Just 3,266 bottles of The Six Isles Limited Edition Pomerol Finish will be available throughout the UK and worldwide from select specialist retailers. RRP £37.49 70cl.
Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of the largest and most widely respected independent family companies within the spirits industry. The award winning Ian Macleod portfolio, which includes Glengoyne, King Robert II, Langs, The Six Isles and Smokehead, as well as gin, rum, and vodka, currently has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 markets worldwide
Scotch whisky to get better legal protection in China
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
02 July
2010
Grant completes £250m Irish acquisition
Dufftown family firm adds whiskey brands including Tullamore Dew
PREMIUM spirit business and independent family distiller William Grant and Sons said yesterday it had completed the acquisition of C&C’s spirit and liqueur business for about £250million.
Dufftown-based Grant has taken over a portfolio of Irish spirit and liqueur brands, including Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Carolans, Frangelico and Irish Mist.
This business will operate as William Grant and Sons Irish Brands and has 63 employees. Tullamore Dew – which at 600,000 cases annually – is the world’s second largest Irish whiskey brand, will become Grant’s sixth core brand in a portfolio which also takes in Glenfiddich and The Balvenie single malt whiskies, Grant’s whisky, Hendrick’s gin and Sailor Jerry spiced rum.
Grant chief executive Stella David, speaking from the new operation’s production site at Clonmel, said: “Today is a historic day for William Grant and Sons as this acquisition provides us with a complementary portfolio of brands and a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth in non-Scotch and enter the dynamic Irish whiskey category.
“We shall invest significantly in the Irish operations and are committed to building a strong business in Ireland and to maintaining and developing current operations here in Clonmel.
“We look forward to working with the team in Ireland to ensure a successful integration of the two businesses.
“One of our key strengths is the ability to nurture brands, so we are excited about the future of these brands and are very confident that we can maximise their potential.”
Dublin-based C&C Group is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of cider and also has the Tennent's beer brand.
