Latest Whisky News 2013 - Press Releases from the whisky industry 2013

William Grant & Sons - £1BN Global Spirits Distiller Records Continued Growth - 30th September, 2013

Investment across core spirits brands and long term global infrastructure maintains success

Global premium spirits business and independent family distillers William Grant & Sons* has delivered a record turnover, topping £1 billion for the second year in a row (£1.06 bn).  This is up 1.4% on the previous year in total.  Turnover on the Company’s core brands increased by 7% year on year. The Company delivered a Group Operating Profit of £124.8 million for 2012, down from £126.3 million in 2011. Click for more details

Ballantine’s 12 Finds The Perfect 'Ballance' - 27th September, 2013

Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, has partnered with award-winning Swedish design trio FRONT to create Ballance, a unique and limited edition serving ritual for its Ballantine’s 12 expression. Click for more details

New Chapter Written For The Glenlivet As The Guardians Of The Glenlivet Are Invited To Select Its Next Single Malt - 26th September, 2013

The Glenlivet, the original single malt Scotch whisky, is calling on its global community of consumers,  The Guardians of The Glenlivet, to create a piece of history by inviting them to select its next limited edition release, The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter.  Click for more details

Laphroaig Live 2013- Laphroaig, the Whisky That Never Sleeps - Live on 26/27th September, 2013 - 24th September, 2013

Welcome to another special feature on Planet Whiskies for the Laphroaig Live 2013. This year the live web chat is happening in New York on the 26th September. So if you live in the UK the on air time is 1am on the 27th September. Click for more details

Highland Park pairs whisky with music - 23rd September, 2013

Highland Park single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has embarked on an exciting new partnership with Linn to bring award-winning whisky together with the best music systems in the world, celebrating 40 years of exceptional music performance at home. Click for more details 

Chivas Regal Celebrates Craftsmanship And Style With New 'Made For Gentlemen' Limited Edition By Patrick Grant - 20th September, 2013

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, is collaborating for the second year running with an acclaimed British craftsman as it continues its successful Made for Gentlemen campaign.  Click for more details

The Princess Royal Opens New Bottling Facility at Chivas Brothers in Paisley - 17th September, 2013

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened a brand new bottling hall designed to cater for today’s luxury Scotch whisky and gin consumers during a visit to Renfrewshire. Click for more details

Highland Park announces sponsorship of Top 50 Gastropub Awards - 17th September, 2013

Today we have a press release from Highland Park regarding their sponsorship of an award category for their six year at the Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2014 run by The Publican's Morning Advertiser. The award category is 'Front of House Manager of the Year'. Below is the press release received from Highland Park. Click for more details

Makers' Mark - How to Spot an Original Maker’s Mark : The Original Bourbon - 17th September, 2013

Maker’s Mark, the beloved bourbon in the UK, is the original bourbon. Handcrafted and premium with its smooth, rich flavour, Maker’s Mark is one of the fastest growing bourbon brands and has been doubling in sales since 2005. Click for more details

Auchentoshan Launches Silveroak 1990 Exclusively for Travel Retail - 11th September, 2013

Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, will add to its travel retail range with a new limited edition release of the Auchentoshan Silveroak 1990. Following on from the success of the first batch of Silveroak, this limited second release of the 1990 vintage has been matured for an additional year making it 22-years-old. Click for more details

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Launches - The Devil’s Casks - 9th September, 2013

Bowmore, Islay’s first Single Malt Scotch whisky, has announced the launch of The Devil’s Casks – a devilishly delicious dram which has been matured exclusively - and unusually - for 10 years in the finest first fill sherry casks.  This non chill-filtered, small batch release is bursting with Bowmore’s hot and fiery characteristics, deep mahogany colour and rich fruitcake flavour. Click for more details

Old Virginia Smooth Honey off to a promising start - 5th Septmeber, 2013

Last year, OLD VIRGINIA expanded its portfolio with a new honey-flavoured whiskey: OLD VIRGINIA Smooth Honey. After the success of flavoured vodkas, the category of flavoured Bourbon whiskeys has become one of the fastest-growing spirit categories last year – lead by honey-flavoured whiskeys. Click for more details

BenRiach Single Malt Top In China by the China Whisky Guide 2013 - 5th September, 2013

A total of 120 single malts and blends were judged for the first official guide to whisky in Mainland China and the BenRiach 12 year old Sherry Wood Matured expression, scoring 95 points, has won the Platinum Signature Award. This means that it is the best available 12 year old single malt in China according to the China Whisky Guide 2013. Click for more details

Tomatin Distillery | New Product Launch | Cù Bòcan | 4th September, 2013

Today there is a new product Launch by Tomatin Distillery call Cù Bòcan (picture below). This new malt whisky is lightly peated and has been matured in a combination of Virgin Oak, Bourbon and Sherry casks. Cù Bòcan will be released in batches and there will only be 60,000 litres of this malt produced per annum. Click for more details

Latest Whisky News - New Look Label 5 Classic Black - 3rd September, 2013

LABEL 5, the N°9 Scotch Whisky in the world has unveiled a new and modern look bottle for its Classic Black expression. A brand new look designed to maintain the brand’s relevance in today’s Scotch market and to ensure a maximum visibility on shelf. Click for more details

Irish Distillers - New Look And New Whiskeys As Powers Goes Back To Its Roots - 2nd September, 2013

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, the world’s leading Irish Whiskey producer, has unveiled a new look and line-up for its popular Powers range, reflecting the company’s vision for Powers as a contemporary, super-premium whiskey, recognised for its flavor, quality and craft. Click for more details

BenRiach Launches Its First Glenglassaugh Bottling - 30 Year Old Single Malt - 29th August, 2013

The BenRiach Distillery Company, which bought the Portsoy-based Glenglassaugh distillery in March, is today (29 August) releasing its first Glenglassaugh expression – a superb 30YO single malt. Click for more details

World-famous Jim Beam Stillhouse lands in London for two nights only in November- 21st August, 2013

This November, the world’s number one bourbon is set to bring the magic of its famous Jim Beam distillery to the heart of London. On 21 and 22 November 2013, Jim Beam will transport bourbon-loving Londoners over the rolling hills of Kentucky and into the world-class Jim Beam Stillhouse which will stand, for two nights only, in The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, London. Click for more details

Latest Whisky News - The 5 Senses Cocktail : A Sure Standout At Any Occasions - 20th August, 2013

The ultimate and multisensorial celebration cocktail, featuring the combination of LABEL 5 Classic Black, Cranberry Juice shaken with fresh lime and ginger served over ice and completed with some fizz. Click for more details

Springbank Charity Auction - Campbeltown Grammar School's fundraising trip to Gambia - 20th August, 2013

Campbeltown Grammar School are currently in the process of raising funds for a volunteering trip to Gambia in February 2014. The school are working closely with Argyll based charity Firstaid4Gambia to help in a community school in Kalagi. Click for more details

Irish Distillers Release The 2013 Edition Of Midleton Very Rare - 19th August, 2013

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, has unveiled the latest release of its prestigious blended whiskey, Midleton Very Rare. Regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of Irish Whiskey, Midleton Very Rare is made from hand-selected whiskeys chosen by the Master Distiller from the renowned Midleton Distillery. Click for more details

Tomatin Celebrates UK Growth With Double Fringe Win - 16th August, 2013

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating being the first distillery to have ever been awarded the ‘The Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award’ at the Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh for two consecutive years. The Highland company, which has experienced 150% growth in UK sales over the past 3 years, was once again voted the outright winner by visitors to the Fringe last weekend for its 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Click for more details

Jameson launches new city editions travel retail exclusive - 14th August, 2013

Jameson is appealing to the international jet setter with the release of a new special collection called City Editions, which will retail exclusively in Travel Retail outlets from this month for a limited period. Click for more details

Laphroaig's Starring Role At The Queen's Coronation - 7th August, 2013

WORLD’S NO. 1 ISLAY MALT WHISKY TOASTS THE QUEEN’S CORONATION

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has reported strong sampling figures from the Coronation Festival, staged in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation. Click for more details

Fans Encouraged To Share Their Favourite Songs With Launch Of Ballantine’s Soundtrack Of You Competition - 5th August, 2013

In celebration of its new Finest bottle Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, has partnered with legendary British DJ Pete Tong to launch Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You; a global competition inviting people around the world to tell their life stories through music, submitting and sharing a soundtrack of their lives. Click for more details

Auchentoshan Celebrates Innovation With its First Virgin Oak Matured Expression - 31st July, 2013

August 2013: Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is launching an exclusive limited edition - Auchentoshan Virgin Oak. This complex, non-chill filtered dram is Auchentoshan’s first ever single malt to be solely matured in virgin North American oak casks, wood that is previously untouched by any spirit. Click for more details

The Macallan Tees Up For RWBO Golf Sponsorship - Showing off the The Macallan 1824 Series - 31st July, 2013

Luxury single malt whisky brand The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, is teeing up for its summer partnership with one of the country’s top sporting highlights of 2013, the Ricoh Women’s British Open. The Macallan has invested in a bespoke sponsorship package at the event... Click for more details

Double Gold for Glengoyne Whisky at the International Wine and Spirit Competition - 29th July, 2013

Glengoyne scooped the Gold Award in two categories at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Its Cask Strength won the prize for ‘Scotch Whisky - Single Malt - Highland - 50% - No Age Stated’ and the 21yo for ‘Scotch Whisky - Single Malt - Highland - 21-22YO’. Click for more details

Tomatin Wins Gold At The 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition - 25th July, 2013

Tomatin Distillery is delighted to announce that they have won five awards in the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for their core range of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Click for more details

Bowmore 23 Years Old - Port Cask Matured 1989 - 26th - July, 2013

Bowmore, Islay’s first Single Malt whisky, has announced the launch of Bowmore 23 Years Old – a deliciously rich, smoky and complex dram that has been matured exclusively in port casks for 23 years giving it a deliciously dark colour and remarkably rich flavour. Click for more details

Wild Turkey® Bourbon Announces First UK Cocktail Competition To Find Region’s Best Whiskey Bartender - 20th July, 2013

ruppo Campari's Wild Turkey® Bourbon is looking for the best whiskey bartender in the UK.  The iconic American brand, made famous by the legendary Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, announces the launch of the inaugural “UK Wild Turkey Cocktail Competition” to take place in August of this year. Click for more details

Benriach Releases Latest Batch of its Single Cask Bottlings - 17th July,2013

THE award-winning BenRiach Distillery has today, 17th of July, released Batch 10 of its eagerly-anticipated single cask bottlings. Selected by Master Blender Billy Walker, the superlative twelve-expression batch from the Elgin distillery was bottled last month and all bottlings are available as of today. Click for more details

Glengoyne releases new 20cl range in 10, 15 and 18 year olds - 17th July, 2013

Good things come in small packages and the same can be said of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky as it unveils a new selection of 20cl bottlings from its stunning range of world-class malts.  Click for more details

Strathisla 12 Year Old unveiled a new, modern logo and bottle design for its award-winning Strathisla 12 Year Old - 16th July, 2013

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has unveiled a new, modern logo and bottle design for its award-winning Strathisla 12 Year Old single malt whisky to maintain the brand’s relevance in today’s malt market. Click for more details

Wemyss Malts new season's Single Cask Releases - 15th July, 2013

Edinburgh based boutique Spirits Company Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce the release of their latest single cask single malt Scotch whiskies. Click for more details

Laurent Lacassagne Takes Up Role As Chairman And CEO of Chivas Brothers - 10th July, 2013

Laurent Lacassagne this week officially took up his role as Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard. Click for more details

Liquid History Oldest Benriach and Glendronach Single Malt in Existence Released 10th July 2013

DESCRIBED proudly by The BenRiach Distillery Company’s Managing Director Billy Walker as “an iconic moment in the history of BenRiach and GlenDronach”, the two award-winning distilleries today announced the release of their oldest whiskies. Click for more details

Kilchoman - 100% Islay and proud - Kilchoman release its latest edition - 8th July, 2013

8 July 2013: Islay’s independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, is proud to release the latest edition to its popular 100% Islay range.  100% Islay is unique in that it is the only Single Malt in Scotland where every stage of the whisky making process, from the barley grown in the surrounding fields to the malting, distillation, maturation and bottling, takes place at the distillery. Click for more details

GlenDronach releases latest batch of its single cask bottlings - 5th July, 2013

GLENDRONACH has today, 5 July, released Batch 8 of its renowned single cask bottlings. Selected by Master Blender Billy Walker, this latest batch from the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery was filled in May and all eight expressions are available as of today. Click for more details

The Macallan select reserve 1948 fetches £4,400 for charity at masterpiece auction - 3rd July, 2013

The rare and special bottle of The Macallan Select Reserve, donated by Maxxium UK, sold for £4,400 at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party Auction and will benefit Marie Curie Cancer Care; an organisation that cares for terminally ill patients and their families.  Click for more details

Leading Blended Scotch Whisky LABEL 5 receives gold medals at international competitions! - 3rd July, 2013

Already awarded with numerous medals, LABEL 5 Classic Black keeps on its winning story with a Gold medal won at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, the judges have awarded the LABEL 5 Extra Premium 12YO with the coveted Double Gold medal. Click for more details

Ballantine's Finest - Ballantine's New Look Bottle, Same Great Taste - 1st July, 2013

Ballantine’s, the No. 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, has unveiled a bold new-look bottle for its Finest expression, highlighting its suitability to the modern generation of whisky drinkers and ensuring it remains front of mind for customers. Click for more details

Famous Grouse Cocktails - Summer and Coronation Cocktails including The Famous Sunrise, The Long Grouse, Raspberry Grouse, A Highland Fling, Order of the Thistle and Glamis Castle – Fit for a Queen - - 27th June, 2013

There are six excellent Famous Grouse cocktails on this page. The first three are for "summer" and the last three are from The Famous Coronation Menu - Click for more details

Auchentoshan Single Malt Whisky Refreshes Packaging - 5th June, 2013

This June (2013) Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch whisky, will reveal exciting new packaging for its iconic core brands --‐ Auchentoshan Three Wood and 12 Years Old. Read more

Tomatin distillery sponsors Scottish nine-hole open - 5th June 2013

Inverness – 05/06/13 – Tomatin Distillery is to continue its headline sponsorship of the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open held at Carrbridge Golf Club on Saturday 6th July 2013. The Highlands‐based whisky company is also extending its support this year by sponsoring the inaugural Scottish Nine‐Hole Ladies Open, held at the same venue the following day. Read more

Glenfiddich, The Most Awarded Single Malt Whisky is the Perfect Gift for Father’s Day - 4th June, 2013

Celebrate Father’s Day by giving him a bottle of exquisitely smooth Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. For over 125 years, Glenfiddich has distilled whisky deep in the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands, with uncompromising quality making it the perfect gift for any whisky drinker. Read more

Wemyss family starts building Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife - 3rd June, 2013

The Wemyss family is delighted to announce that final planning permission is now in place for its new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre near Kingsbarns in Fife, Scotland.  Restoration and building work will shortly commence at the site. Read more

Ballantine's 12 takes customers beyond with the story of serve - 30th May, 2013

Ballantine's, the No. 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, is aiming to increase awareness of Ballantine’s 12 with The Story of Serve; an interactive online film experience. Exploring the Ballantine’s 12 Serving Ritual – a beautiful crystal decanter created by award winning designer Lee Broom – the film encourages and rewards sharing with friends via social media. Read more

Highland Park - Top Chefs Toast Slow Food Week 2013 with Highland Park - 30th May, 2013

To celebrate this year’s Slow Food Week (1 – 9 June) ten of Scotland’s top culinary stars including Neil Forbes (Cafe St Honoré), Tom Lewis (Monachyle MHOR) and Tony Borthwick (Plumed Horse) will be jointly hosting a special Slow Food fundraising event ‘Meet and Greet the Champions of Scottish Food’, together with the opportunity to sample Highland Park single malt whisky, on 9 June at Summerhall in Edinburgh. Read more

The Macallan Launches Limited Edition Coronation Bottling, 23rd May, 2013

The Macallan is celebrating the 60thanniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation with the release of a stunning limited edition commemorative bottling.  The limited release comprises a beautifully designed box featuring two 350ml bottles of single malt whisky.  Read more

Tomatin Distillery Earns 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence - 22nd May, 2013

Honoured as a Top Performing Distillery as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

Inverness – 22/05/13 – Tomatin Distillery today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews... Read more

Ballantine's Unveils 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition - 15th May, 2013

Ballantine’s, the No. 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky range in Asia and the No. 1 in Global Travel Retail, is launching Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition – one of an innovative and exclusive collection of whiskies from the first limited edition series in the history of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.  Read more

The new Glenrothes Vintage 2001 - A new century in the making -14th May, 2013

It may have taken 12 years but we’ve finally judged an expression worthy of our vintage label and fit to mark the turn of the century. Laid down in 2001, it has been chosen for its wonderful length and dept... Read more

The Macallan stars in Harrods Great Gatsby Cocktail Bar - 9th May, 2013

Inspired by the highly anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic ‘The Great Gatsby’, Harrods have recreated the lavish entertaining and unmistakable glamour of the Roaring Twenties, with the launch of their Great Gatsby Cocktail Bar... Read more

Highland Park 25 Year Old Triumphs Unprecedented 100-Point Score At Ultimate Spirits Challenge - 9th May, 2013

Highland Park 25 year old, distributed by Maxxium UK, was awarded the first ever 100-point score, along with the Chairman’s Trophy for Best of Category, by judges at Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s fourth annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge held March 11-15, 2013, in New York. Read more

The Glenlivet makes whisky history with launch of mystery campaign - 7th May, 2013

The Glenlivet, the world’s No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky, is pioneering an innovative approach to flavour with the launch of The Glenlivet Alpha; a new, mystery expression released without cask information or tasting notes. Read more

Tamdhu Re-Launch Captures The Spirit Of Speyside - 7th May, 2013

One of Speyside’s founding distilleries, Tamdhu has re-launched (Friday 3 May 2013) with a stunning new 10 year old Speyside Single Malt. Read more

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Honours Ambassadors - Friday 3rd May, 2013

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has honoured three stalwarts who have made an outstanding contribution to the event and the wider whisky industry.  Three ambassadors – two of them from overseas - were presented with awards for spreading the word about Scotland’s national drink at home and abroad at the Festival launch last night (Thursday, 2 May 2013). Read more

Jake Bugg to Join the Bill for Bushmill Live 2013 - 2nd May, 2013

SONS AND LOVERS, FOY VANCE, IAIN ARCHER, WILLY MASON AND BEAR’S DEN also set to join JAKE BUGG and previously confirmed headliners OF MONSTERS AND MEN at the only music festival in an Irish whiskey distillery. Read more

GlenDronach Launches Batch Two Of Its New Cask Strength Expression - 2nd May, 2013

JUST five months after the launch of its new Cask Strength expression, GlenDronach, the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery, has this week bottled the second batch of this phenomenal new single malt. Read more

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES -  Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan - 30th April, 2013

The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, has today unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour. Read more

Wemyss Malts new season's Single Cask Releases 6 casks across 4 decades - 30th April, 2013

Edinburgh based boutique Spirits Company Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce the release of their latest single cask single malt whiskies.    Releasing 6 casks simultaneously, distilled across 4 different decades, is a first for the company. Read more

Spirit of Speyside - Rare and Limited Edition Whisky Goes Under The Hammer to Help Worthy Cause - 30th April, 2013

Whisky connoisseurs will raise a glass to the start of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival later this week, and they might well be returning home with a very special souvenir of their visit to the spiritual home of Scotland’s national drink. Read more

Glengoyne Goes Great Guns for Help for Heroes - 26th April, 2013

26 April 2013: Military charity Help for Heroes is in dram fine spirits following a significant donation of £31,000 from Ian Macleod Distillers, owners of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Read more

2013 International Safety Awards Hat Trick for Scotch Whisky Distiller - 26th April, 2013

Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is proud to announce a major coup which has been awarded to the company by the British Safety Council. Read more

Turning Japanese – Whisky Bar In The Heart of Speyside Breaks With Tradition

While some malt whisky enthusiasts claim they will go to the ends of the earth in pursuit of their passion, Speyside hotelier Duncan Elphick has just about done that. Read more

Ballantine's Unveils 2013 Golf Limited Edition Packs - 24th April, 2013

Ballantine’s, the No. 2 Ultra-Premium and Prestige Scotch whisky range in Asia and the No. 1 in Global Travel Retail, is marking the sixth year of its Ballantine’s Championship sponsorship with the launch of a brand new Ballantine’s Golf Limited Edition Pack for its 17 and 21 Year Old blends. Read more

Kilchoman Machir Bay Named Whisky of the Year - 23rd April, 2013

23 April 2013, Islay:  A new release by Islay’s only farm distillery, Kilchoman, is already receiving rave reviews, having been named Whisky of the Year at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC). Read more

Wemyss Malts Celebrates Double World Whisky Awards - 22nd April, 2013

Edinburgh based boutique Spirits Company Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce that it is celebrating a second World Whisky Award from Whisky Magazine as Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. Read more

Ginger Grouse Leads UK into New Taste Adventure - 22nd April, 2013

Ginger Grouse, a new and adventurous breed of alcoholic ginger beer is now available across the whole of the UK. Launched by the makers of The Famous Grouse in Scotland last September, Ginger Grouse is now winging its way south. Read more

Wild Turkey Launches Honey Flavoured Bourbon Liqueur, American Honey - 19th April, 2013

The makers of premium whisky brand Wild Turkey are introducing an exciting honey-flavoured bourbon, American Honey to the UK this month. American Honey, is blended with real Kentucky Wild Turkey bourbon and hand-selected American honey and has been developed to be shared with friends, chilled from the bottle as a shot. Read more

Auchentoshan Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Presents Auchentoshan Switch - 15th April 2013

It’s Europe vs. North America in this second AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH, a bartender talent search presented by Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky... Read more

Whisky News - Tomatin Distillery Wins at World Whiskies Awards - 4th April, 2013

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating winning in two categories at the World Whiskies Awards 2013. The Tomatin 12 Year Old won the Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under category, while the Tomatin 18 Year Old won the Highland Single Malt 13 to 20 Years category. Read more

Ballantine’s Releases Unique Blend To Mark 2013 Ballantine’s Championship - 3rd April, 2013

Ballantine’s, the No.2 ultra-premium and Prestige Scotch whisky range in Asia-Pacific, has unveiled the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship Blend after exclusively bringing together Master Blender Sandy Hyslop and winner of the 2012 Ballantine’s Championship, Bernd Wiesberger, to create the sixth unique expression of the prestigious blend. Read more

Talented musicians to feature at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival - 3rd April, 2013

As thousands of international visitors prepare to flock to the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, whisky isn’t the only thing on their minds. From May 2-6 2013, the region will come alive with the sounds of Scotland as musicians truly help to get the party started by taking to the stage. Read more

The Spirit of Amsterdam, International Whisky Festival, May 25 2013 - 3rd April, 2013

The international whisky festival and business event “The Spirit of Amsterdam” will take place on the 25th of May 2013 in the Industrieele Groote Club (IGC) at the Dam in the centre of Amsterdam. Read more

BOWMORE® ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES - THE BOWMORE WATER PROGRAMME -
FOR KEY ON-TRADE ACCOUNTS ACROSS THE GLOBE - 2nd April, 2013

Islay, Scotland (March, 2013) – Bowmore®, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, introduces The Bowmore Water Programme, a global whisky and water education programme featuring hand-crafted water dispensing units and staff trainings to key on-trade accounts around the world. Read more

Tantalise your Tastebuds at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2013 - 2nd April, 2013

Scotland's rich whisky heritage might take centre stage at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, but visitors can also get a taste for some other national delicacies during the five-day festival from May 2 - 6, 2013. The region – known throughout the world as being the spiritual home of Scotland’s national drink – has some first-class restaurants and food producers and many will be playing a major role in the festivities. Read more

The Glenrothes Triumphs In World Whisky Design Awards - 28th March, 2013

Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits is delighted to have won two awards in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whisky Design Awards. The Glenrothes Single Cask 1970 #10573, the inaugural release in the Extraordinary Cask Collection, won World’s Best Single Malt – Limited Edition as well as the overall title of World’s Best Design. Read more

Eddie MacAffer, voted Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2013 Icons of Whisky Awards - 27th March, 2013

This week (25th March 2013) Morrison Bowmore Distillers are raising a dram to Bowmore Distillery Manager Eddie MacAffer as he scoops a Whisky Magazine’s Global Icon Award. Read more

Bowmore Distillery - Launch of Tempest 4 - 27th March, 2013

Bowmore, Islay’s first Single Malt whisky, has announced the highly anticipated launch of Tempest 4. This complex and rewarding dram is non-chill-filtered and aged for a decade in first fill bourbon casks. Read more

Cutty Sark Whisky Takes Flight for 2013 - Loch Lomond Seaplanes - 26th March, 2013

Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky, acquired by Edrington just over three years ago, is truly taking flight, with the announcement of their first ever seaplane partnership with Loch Lomond Seaplanes - coinciding with the re-introduction of the brand to the UK. Read more

Let me tell you about whisky - Taste, try & enjoy whisky - Neil Ridley & Gavin D Smith - 26th March, 2013

As with any subject, the more you know about whisky, the more you can appreciate and enjoy it. In Let me tell you about whisky, we aim to equip you with enough knowledge to be able to find your way around the whisky section of a specialist drinks retailer and to help you feel... Read more

Choose a more adventurous gift this Fathers' Day with Mackinlay's the journey - Shackleton's Whisky- 25th March, 2013

Mackinlay's “The Journey”, also known affectionately as ‘Shackleton’s Whisky’  is a replica of the century-old whisky discovered under explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut in the Antarctic. Read more

Drinking in class? Only at the 2013 Spirit of Speyside Whisky School - 26th March, 2013

With not a school dinner or blackboard in sight, the 2013 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival School could be the most alternative school you ever attend. The curriculum is whisky, talking is encouraged and, yes, you may sit with your friend. In the run up to this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Read more

The Macallan Set To Auction 1962 Bottle For Skyfall Charity - 25th March, 2013

As the James Bond franchise celebrates 50 years, and SKYFALL becomes the highest-grossing Bond film ever, The Macallan has announced its intention to celebrate these achievements by donating a bottle of The Macallan 1962 from its Fine and Rare collection to be auctioned for charity. Read more

Sentebale And Royal Salute Celebrate Third Year Of Polo Cup Partnership In Greenwich - 25th March, 2013

The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup is set to take place for the first time in Greenwich, Connecticut in the US on Wednesday 15 May. Read more

Irish Distillers Sweeps the Board at Whisky Awards - 25th March, 2013

St. Patrick’s Day may be over for another year but Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, maker of the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, Jameson, is continuing its celebrations having been named Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards - Global 2013, for the second year running.Read more

Benriach Acquires Glenglassaugh Distillery - 22nd March, 2013

THE BENRIACH Distillery Company has today (22 March 2013) completed the acquisition of the Glenglassaugh whisky distillery in Banffshire. Read more

Tomatin Distillery New Product Release - 21st March, 2013

When Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897, the isolated and idyllic setting of Tomatin was almost perfect. However there wasn’t a local workforce; the local inhabitants were scattered shepherds and cattle drovers. The company began a project of construction to accommodate its workforce. Since that time the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. Read more

Diageo Partners with Cruise Lines to Shake Up Cruise Line Cocktails - 21st March, 2013 

Miami, Fla. 21st March 2013; Diageo Global Travel and Middle East today announced a new partnership for 2013 with Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line to deliver an exciting on-board cocktail training program, as part of one the of world’s most prestigious mixology competitions - DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS. Read more

Global sensation ‘of monsters and men’ set to rock bushmills live 2013 - only indie music festival in an irish whiskey distillery - 11th March, 2013

Bushmills Village: 11th March 2013: The Old Bushmills Distillery today announced that it will throw open its doors to play host to world class headline acts and emerging indie talent at ‘Bushmills Live’ - a unique two-day festival celebrating handcrafted whiskey and music. Read more

Stars Set To Discover The Legend At 2013 Ballantine’s Championship - 7th March, 2013

American Ryder Cup stars Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson, plus 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, will headline the field for this year’s Ballantine’s Championship. The trio of major winners will join home favourites YE Yang and KT Kim for the Championship’s sixth edition, which takes place from 25 - 28 April 2013, at the prestigious Blackstone Golf Club in South Korea. Read more

Jameson Irish Whiskey Spreads Spirit of the Irish - 25th February 2013

Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, is bringing St Patrick’s Day celebrations to life across the world for consumers by hosting Jameson ‘St Patrick’s Live’ events throughout March and on Sunday 17th March. Read more

Chivas Launches Drifting Part 2 - Watch Video - 22nd February 2013

Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, has released the conclusion of Drifting, a two-part short film co-directed by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, produced in partnership with Mexican art house film company, Canana. Read more

Jameson to Continue its Legendary Pace With Iron Horse TV Advertising - 21st February, 2013

Jameson has launched the next instalment of its award-winning* advertising campaign, Legendary Tales of John Jameson, with a new TV commercial which aired for the first time in the USA this week. Read more

Irish Distillers - Midleton launches exclisive single pot still single cask whiskey 12th February, 2013

Irish Distillers Ltd has reinforced its commitment to rejuvenating the Single Pot Still whiskey style with the release of ten exclusive Single Pot Still single cask whiskeys under the celebrated Midleton brand. Read more

The Macallan Reaches Strong Numbers in the Art World - 6th February, 2013

The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has reported strong sampling figures after attending its third art show. Providing over 20,000 samples and cocktails, The Macallan introduced consumers to the newest edition of The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold. Read more of this press release

Irish Distillers - Master Distiller Barry Crockett To Retire after 47 Years - 6th February, 2013

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard today announced that Barry Crockett, Master Distiller of Jameson Irish Whiskey, will retire this March, bidding a fond farewell to the Midleton Distillery in Cork after 47 years;31 of which he spent as Master Distiller. Read more of this press release

Wemyss Malts signs up new sales manager, Jacqueline Sutherland - 5th February, 2013

.Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce the recent appointment of a new regional sales manager, Jacqueline Sutherland. Jacqueline will be responsible for the key markets of North America, UK and Scandinavia for the Wemyss Malts portfolio of Scotch whisky... Read more of this press release

Chivas 18 launch collaboration with Pininfarina - 30th January, 2013

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old and Pininfarina have come together for the first time to create a series of limited
editions: Chivas 18 by Pininfarina. The aerodynamic, limited edition design ‘The Drop’ is inspired by air and liquid. Read more of this press release

Wemyss Malts new season's Single Cask Releases - 30th January - 2013

Edinburgh based boutique Spirits Company Wemyss Malts is delighted to announce the release of their latest single cask single malt whiskies. Read more of this press release

St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal presents Whisky-Fête 2013

Montreal, January 21, 2013 – The St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal, in collaboration with OUIDRAM Whisky Tastings, announces the premiere Scotch Single-Malt whisky tasting event of the year, Whisky-Fête 2013, to raise funds for McGill University’s new Chair in Canadian-Scottish Studies. Read more of this press release

New Zealand Prime Minister Repatriates Shackleton's Whisky - 20th January, 2013

Yesterday, (Saturday 19 January 2013) New Zealand Prime Minister John Key returned 3 bottles of more than 100 year-old whisky to the Antarctic Heritage Trust in Antarctica. The 3 bottles are from whisky crates excavated from under explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s only Antarctic expedition base by Trust conservators in 2010. Read more about these 3 whisky bottles

Cutty Sark Tam O'Shanter - Toasting the Bard - Robert Burns Birthday - 25th January - 19th January, 2013

If you’re looking to raise a toast to Scotland’s national poet this Burns Night (25th January) then look no further than the award winning Cutty Sark Tam o’Shanter Blended Scotch Whisky. This expression is a development of the acclaimed Cutty Sark 25 year old with a distinctly darker, wilder side befitting of Burns’ famous Tam O’Shanter tale. Read more the Cutty Sark Tam O'Shanter

Glengoyne Scottish Single Malt Newsletter for January 2013 - 16th January, 2013

2012 was an extremely busy year for Glengoyne with the launch of our new re-packaged premium range.We’ve got lots of exciting things in the pipeline this year and with Burns’ Night just round the corner, you’ll love our Macsween hamper competition in this issue. Read more of this press release

Glenmorangie introduces Ealanta - A limited 1993 whisky with an American twist - 15th January, 2013

Glenmorangie is proud to announce the fourth annual release in its Private Edition range. Scots Gaelic for ‘skilled and ingenious’, Ealanta is a 19 Year Old Glenmorangie, fully matured in virgin American white oak casks. Read more of this press release

Chivas and Canana Present a Partnership Inspired by Friendship - 14th January, 2013

Chivas Regal, the original luxury whisky, is excited to announce a unique collaboration with Canana – the arthouse Mexican production company, founded by life-long friends Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna and Pablo Cruz, and led by Julián Levin. Read more of this press release

Robert Burns Night - Chivas 12 Burn's Night Cocktails - Videos - Made by Claridge’s Oliver Blackburn,The Ritz’s Walter Pintus, Benares’ Giovanni Spezziga and Novikov’s Theo Veremis - 14th January, 2013

Ensure your merriment while paying homage to Scotland’s famous bard, Rabbie Burns, this January 25th with delicious Chivas 12 cocktails designed by the wonderfully charming bartenders of Claridges, The Ritz, Novikiov and Benares. Read more of this press release

Glenlivet - Definitive Compact Guide to Burn's Night - Address to the Haggis - The Selkirk Grace - 12th January, 2013

For all who have wondered how you really go about doing Burn’s Night, here is the definitive compact guide to ensure your merriment while paying homage to Scotland’s famous bard, Rabbie Burns, this January 25th! Just add fine company and even finer whisky – The Glenlivet of course! Read more of this press release

Wemyss Malts - Wemyss family to build new distillery in Fife - 9th January, 2013

The Wemyss family is delighted to announce that it will shortly begin building a new single malt whisky distillery and visitor centre by Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland. Read more of this press release

Royal Salute Cup - Maharaja of Jodhpur Toasts Diamond Jubilee Year as the 61st Cavalry Team Claim Victory- 3rd January, 2013

The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup came to an exciting close this New Year as the 61st Cavalry team claimed victory after an exciting week of 10-goal polo. From 26 – 31 December, patrons and players alike enjoyed the annual tournament, raising a glass to commemorate His Highness Gajsingh II, The Maharaja of Jodhpur’s 60 year reign in the Blue City. Read more of this press release

Chivas 18 Launches Exclusive Limited Editions with top Designer Pininfarina - 2nd January 2013

Chivas 18, the world’s No. 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky, is highlighting its luxury credentials with the launch of Chivas 18 by Pininfarina, a series of exclusive limited editions created in collaboration with the prestigious Italian design company. Read more of this press release