DEWAR'S LAUNCHES NEW BESPOKE APP AS PART OF ITS ABERFELDY DISTILLERY TOUR

Dewar’s has announced the launch of a new bespoke multi-media app, as part of its award-winning tour experience at its Aberfeldy Distillery in Perthshire.

The app was inspired by similar innovations in some of the world’s leading museums and art galleries. Delivered via iPads for visitors to the distillery’s heritage exhibition, this new addition to the tour allows them to build their own experience rather than the more linear audio tour previously offered.

Dewar's launches new App as part of its Aberfeldy Distillery Tour

The app uses the latest technology to recognise visual trigger points, accessing additional information, imagery, sound and video when held over them. Provided in 11 languages, the app also enhances the experience for the distillery’s many overseas visitors.

Developed by Glasgow creative branding and digital agency Contagious, the app uses a simple interface with icons on screen to access specific room-based content throughout heritage exhibition. Access to the heritage exhibition and use of an iPad is included in all the distillery’s tour options, which also offer a guided tour through whisky production and the atmospheric warehouse, before concluding with a whisky tasting.

Commenting on the news, Jonathan Wilson, Visitor Operations Manager, said: “It’s exciting to see our historical archives presented in such a contemporary way. Whilst an iPad can never replace the personal interaction provided by our distillery tours, the new experience is a wonderful added bonus that allows whisky lovers, visitors and locals alike to delve deeper into the Dewar’s story.”

Visitors will also able to view items, that due to their fragility, are not currently on display to the public.

For more information on the tour, visit: dewarsaberfeldydistillery.com

Posted by Steve Rush

BASIL HAYDEN'S LAUNCHES NEW STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY EXPRESSION

Beam Suntory has announced the launch of a new limited edition rye whiskey expression, from its Basil Hayden’s brand.

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (40% ABV) was produced using four year old traditional rye whiskey, which was then dumped out and further aged for an additional seven years in newly charred quarter cask oak barrels.

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Inspired by its high rye bourbon, this is the first ever addition to the award-winning Kentucky based brand. Basil Hayden's bourbon has long been known for its trademark spicy finish, resulting from the use of twice as much rye as traditional bourbons. This new release is said to be a natural progression for the brand.

Commenting on the news, Rob Mason, Vice President of Bourbon at Beam Suntory, said: "The spicy character of rye has always been a signature part of what makes Basil Hayden's special, so creating a rye whiskey was a natural fit. This limited-edition release gives our fans a chance to experience everything they love about Basil Hayden's Bourbon -- its spicy character, smoothness and approachable nature -- in an interesting rye whiskey expression."

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, will be available later this month from specialist retailers across the US, for a RRP of $44.99.

Posted by Steve Rush

HIGHLAND PARK LAUNCHES COMMEMORATIVE REBUS BOTTLING

Highland Park, has announced the launch of a new special edition 10 Year Old expression, as part of a collaboration with crime writer Ian Rankin, to help mark the thirtieth anniversary of John Rebus, one of crime fiction’s best loved creations.

Highland Park Rebus30 (40% ABV) which was created by their Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, is said to be intensely balanced and delivers notes of citrus fruits, creamy vanilla, along with a hint of peppery sauce.

Highland Park Rebus30

This special commemorative release from the Orkney based distillery, will only be available to members of Highland Park’s Inner Circle tribe. Bottles will be delivered in time for the launch of RebusFest at the end of June 2017.

In addition for those who will be in Edinburgh for the RebusFest, Highland Park’s Senior Brand Ambassador Martin Markvardsen, will be hosting two whisky Master Classes on Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh. Guests will be given a unique opportunity to sample the Highland Park Rebus30.

Commenting on the news, Jason R. Craig, Highland Park, Brand Director, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to produce this exclusive bottle to celebrate the 30th anniversary of a great crime icon. This is a very special partnership for the brand as we were involved ten years ago when Ian celebrated the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first ‘Inspector Rebus’ novel Knots and Crosses.  At that time, Ian was invited to visit the distillery on Orkney where he chose a special single cask.  The whisky’s flavour profile was chosen according to what Ian felt Rebus would prefer – cask no 3272, was ‘dark, complex and with a long finish”.

He continued by saying: “To celebrate Rebus30, our brief was to craft a 10 year old single malt fit for an iconic detective who truly stands apart. The result is stunning single malt created by Gordon Motion, our Master Whisky Maker and a tribute to those with a strong independent spirit and those who know their own mind. Best shared with friends or when enjoying a dark crime novel!”

Highland Park Rebus30, RRP £30.00, will be available later this month for those who have registered via www.highlandparkwhisky.com/Innercircle

Posted by Steve Rush