JAVIER BARDEM VISITS STRATHISLA DISTILLERY AS PART OF NEW CHIVAS REGAL CAMPAIGN

Chivas Brothers, has announced that Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem, visited the home of Chivas Regal blended whisky last week, to take part in the filming of a video which will be used by the brand as part of a social media campaign later in the year.

The Spanish born ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Skyfall’ actor, explored the Speyside based Strathisla Distillery - the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, with Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott and Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop, who presented the actor with his own exclusive bottle of the brands latest release, Chivas Regal Ultis.

Javier Bardem with Colin Scott

As one of the global faces of Chivas Regal, Javier’s experience in Scotland was captured on film, and will be shared on the Chivas Regal social media channels later this year.

Javier features in the latest instalment of the global Chivas Regal Win the Right Way advertising campaign, which is a demonstration of the power and impact of working together to achieve success. Through his work with Chivas Regal, Javier aims to reinforce this belief, and inspire a new generation to succeed while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Posted by Steve Rush

ARDBEG ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW COMMITTEE RELEASE BOTTLING AHEAD OF ARDBEG DAY

Ardbeg has announced the launch of its 2017 limited edition Committee Release bottling, ahead of its annual day of celebration (Ardbeg Day) on the 3rd of June.

Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Release (51.7% ABV) was initially matured in Virgin Black Sea oak casks, before being transferred into ex-bourbon barrels.

Ardbeg Kelpie

This latest limited release form the Islay based distillery, is the first Ardbeg expression to be matured in Virgin Black Sea oak casks.  Renowned for the deep flavours that they impart and rarely used in whisky making, these casks are said to bring a distinct intensity to its smoky whisky.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, in his continuing search for intriguing casks, was inspired by the depth of flavour imparted by the Black Sea casks. Grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic, which leads down to the Black Sea coast.

As part of this year’s Ardbeg Day festivities, begin on Islay, Committee members and their friends across the world will be invited to join underwater-themed events which pay tribute to the whisky’s namesake – the kelpie, this legendary water demon is said to lurk in the Atlantic Ocean off Islay’s shores.

Commenting on the launch, Michael Heads, Distillery Manager at Ardbeg, said: “Ardbeggians and their smoky malt friends will have the chance to celebrate with a dram or two of Ardbeg Kelpie.  With a heart matured in Black Sea casks, this whisky’s extraordinary depth and its waves of salty seaweed and tarry rope, hint at what might be hiding under the sea.”

He went on to say: “For now, the finer details of our plans for will remain a closely guarded secret, but rest assured Ardbeg Day 2017 will be another legendary worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg.”

Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Release, will be available exclusively from Ardbeg.com from 9am on March 16th. A general release variant bottled at 46% ABV, will then be available on Ardbeg Day (June 3rd) from Ardbeg Embassies, for a RRP of £98.00.

Posted by Steve Rush

 

TOMATIN LAUNCHES NEW ELEMENTS INSPIRED SERIES OF SINGLE MALTS

The Highland based, Tomatin Distillery has announced the launch of a new series of limited edition single malts.

Tomatin Five Virtues, is a collection of five whiskies, which are said to draw their inspiration and take their names from the elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

Tomatin Five Virtues

Each of the bottlings are said to be distinct in complexity and character; Wood has been aged in French, American and Hungarian oak casks, while Fire is matured in heavily charred oak, simulating fresh vanilla flavours.

Earth exhibits rich and intense peaty flavours as a consequence of maturing in peat-dried malted barley casks and Metal is expressed by the distillery's 12 copper stills. Completing the series, Water is distinguished by its naturally pure soft water from the Alt-na-Frith burn, which is drawn year-round but employs a winter-distilled spirit to enrich the final flavour.

Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Marketing Manager, said: "As our brand grows we are increasingly inspired by global concepts and the Five Virtues series was born out of this inspiration. We wanted to release a creative limited edition series focussing on the effects of different cask maturations, while linking it to a wider concept. That is something that we have achieved with Five Virtues and we are incredibly proud to be launching the series onto the market this month."

All five expressions have been bottled at 46% ABV, and each are limited to a run of 6,000 bottles.

Tomatin Five Virtues - Wood and Fire expressions will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £49.99. The Earth, Metal and Water expressions will be released later this year.

Posted by Steve Rush