Wednesday, November 29, 2017

BOWMORE LAUNCHES ITS LATEST 50 YEAR OLD VAULT LEGENDS COLLECTION BOTTLING

Beam Suntory, has announced the launch of a new limited edition 50 Year Old expression, from its Bowmore single malt Scotch whisky brand.

Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old (41.5% ABV) has been aged for 50 years in a single ex-bourbon hogshead cask, and nurtured over the years by legendary Bowmore Distillery Manager Eddie MacAffer.

Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old

Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old, is the third expression from Bowmore’s 50 Year Old Vault Legends Collection, a series honouring the rare single malts that were first distilled and began aging in the No. 1 Vaults during the 1960s, an era known for producing some of Bowmore’s most collectible bottlings.

Limited to just 74 bottles, this latest release from the Islay based distillery, is said to deliver notes of lychee, pineapple and watermelon on the nose. Followed by a light floral, syrupy smooth, dry finished palate.

Commenting on the launch, David Turner, Bowmore’s Distillery Manager, said: “To this day Eddie MacAffer is renowned at the Bowmore distillery for his passion and knowledge, which he so proudly showcased throughout his 50 years at the distillery. I am honoured to celebrate such a pivotal year in Bowmore’s history and launch this incredible whisky, which was not only nurtured by Eddie himself but also created the very year Eddie joined us. The Bowmore 1966 50 Years Old demonstrates the rewards of our meticulous aging process and proves the unparalleled quality of the whiskies coming from our passionate and dedicated distillery team. This single malt whisky is set to be treasured among Bowmore fans and will undoubtedly build upon Bowmore’s legendary collectors status.”

Bowmore 1966 50 Year Old, will be available next month from specially selected, specialist retailers, for a RRP of $30,000.

Posted by Steve Rush

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

GORDON & MACPHAIL APPOINTS ITS FIRST DIRECTOR OF PRESTIGE

Leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail, has announced the appointment of the company’s first Director of Prestige.

Stephen Rankin, formerly the company’s UK Sales Director, will now be responsible for promoting and building relationships for Gordon & MacPhail’s rare and aged single malt whisky expressions.

Gordon & MacPhail's Director of Prestige: Stephen Rankin

In addition to attending events and working with trade customers, Stephen will host high-net worth consumers to help build their knowledge and support their exploration of the Gordon & MacPhail whisky portfolio.

Commenting on his new appointment, Stephen Rankin, said: “It is a privilege to take on this new role as it provides a wonderful opportunity to share the story of our whiskies with new customers and consumers around the world. As we increase our profile in the luxury sector, we will be building key partnerships with organisations that share our passion for provenance, expertise, craftmanship and authenticity. We’ve recently invested in beautiful new facilities above our historic shop in Elgin’s South Street. As the emotional home of the brand since 1895, it is the ideal location to host premium tastings for key customers and consumers.”

Last month, Stephen Rankin selected and unveiled the Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s oldest and rarest single malt whiskies. In February 2018, visitors to Glasgow’s The Whisky Show: Old & Rare, will have the opportunity to meet Stephen and sample a unique selection of limited edition vintages.

Posted by Steve Rush

Friday, November 24, 2017

BENRIACH LAUNCHES NEW 30 YEAR OLD PEATED EXPRESSION

The multi-award winning, Elgin based BenRiach Distillery Company, has today announced the launch of a new 30 Year Old, peated single malt whisky expression.

BenRiach Authenticus 30 Year Old (46% ABV) has been produced using densely peated malted barley and matured in ex-bourbon barrels.

BenRiach Authenticus

During the 1970s, BenRiach began distilling a proportion of its whisky using peated malted barley, marking a return to the original Speyside character and flavour of malts made during the nineteenth century.

Today the distillery holds a rare inventory of peated single malt casks, dating as far back as 1975. Research by leading whisky expert Charles MacLean indicates BenRiach was the first Speyside distillery to release a peated expression since World War II. This came in the form of BenRiach Curiositas 10 Year Old in 2004, which remains part of their peated range.

BenRiach peated single malt whiskies are distilled from peat cut in the North-East of Scotland, which contains a prevalence of wood derived from ancient trees, heather and bracken.

Commenting on the news, Rachel Barrie, Whisky Maker at the BenRiach Distillery, said: “At the BenRiach Distillery we pride ourselves on our unconventional distilling philosophy, creating unpeated, peated and triple distilled malt whisky. As the oldest expression in our peated range, we believe Authenticus 30 years old will impress with its distinguished profile. It is a more intense Speyside malt which carries a delightful balance of wild honey and peat on the nose. The combination of the soft, creamy vanilla, summer fruits and slight hint of cocoa coax the palate, while the infused sweet peat builds gradually to complete the unique character.”

BenRiach Authenticus 30 Year Old, will be available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £400,00.

Posted by Steve Rush