Don’t worry I am not going to bore you with those IWSC award PR releases, so here are a few PR news items which hit the blog in recent days:
Bowmore releases a 23 year old port cask matured 1989
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.
This non-chill filtered Single Malt Scotch is a whisky to warm the coldest Islay night. A delicious feast of smoke infused blood orange, luscious layered autumn fruits, winter spices, black truffles and walnut oil balanced with the trademark Bowmore sea-salt tang.
European Brand ambassador Gordon Dundas describes the dram as “Truly an exceptional Bowmore. Full maturation in the finest Port casks is rare but gives this bottling an amazing depth and flavour developed over 23 years while importantly still retaining all of the character of Bowmore. Something to be savoured…”
This outstanding limited edition is the ideal whisky to add to any enthusiast’s collection. Presented in packaging that reflects its quality and exclusivity, this revered dram is encased in a deep-red hinged box, which perfectly complements the deep mahogany liquid. A black clasp keeps the whisky locked away. Once opened it reveals a certificate handwritten by the Bowmore Distillery manager Eddie MacAffer. Less than 12,000 bottles have been released worldwide with 120 cases available in the UK priced at £380 RRP, 50.8% ABV.
Auchentoshan celebreates innovation with its First virgin oak matured expression
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.
Intuition and industry knowledge led the team at Auchentoshan to believe they could challenge the firmly entrenched belief that Scotch whisky must be matured in ex-bourbon or sherry casks. Since the millennium,Auchentoshan has placed small batches of the unique, triple distilled spirit in virgin North American oak whose charred surfaces have held neither bourbon nor sherry.
Time and patience revealed the whisky, which had spent its maturation in this virgin oak, to possess a deep orange colour with spiced apple and candied notes as well as layer upon layer of complexity.
Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour. Auchentoshan’s inventive approach to whisky production has led the brand to embrace innovative ideas and processes such as maturing whisky in virgin oak.
Auchentoshan Brand Ambassador Gordon Dundas said: “Auchentoshan is one of the few distilleries to produce a virgin oak Single Malt. The lightness of the triple distilled spirit makes it perfectly suited to absorbing the unique qualities of the charred virgin oak casks. The result is a lowland whisky that is subtle as well as complex in nature.”
Boasting the same classically modern livery as a number of its Auchentoshan Limited Edition peers, the Auchentoshan Virgin Oak packaging is refined yet impactful. The contemporary typography is bright white against the classic grey background of the carton and gives the pack a premium contemporary feel. One that reflects Auchentoshan’s classically modern approach.
Available from specially selected retailers from the end of July at £69.99 / ABV:46%
Jura Releases Virtual Tasting of Unreleased Dram
Jura whisky is providing fans with a unique opportunity to experience a virtual tasting of an unreleased dram, thanks to an illustrative video which captures the taste and flavour of its new 40 year old malt.
The 39¾ – a preview of the soon to be released Jura 40 year old malt – was exclusively sampled to visitors at the Jura Whisky Festival, an established event in the annual “Fèis Ìle” (Islay Whisky Festival) which took place in May. Artist Robbie’s Brown Shoes, of the Puck Collective, has visually captured the tasting session led by Jura’s Global Brand Ambassador Willie Tait, as well as the responses and opinions of those who were lucky enough to taste the vintage malt.
Breaking the mould of traditional whisky tastings, Robbie has brought Willie’s words to life in a short film and accompanying illustrations in his own distinctive style. As well as taking viewers through the history of Jura whisky, Robbie captures the scents of pineapple, coffee beans and old English marmalade and the tastes of manuka honey, sultanas and amaretto liqueur, which can all be savoured in the release.
Jura’s loyal fans will now have the chance to experience the new malt, when the short film is released online from Thursday, 25 July. As well as enjoying a preview of the malt, Jura’s Twitter followers will also have the chance to win a rare sample of the 39¾, in return for retweeting the video.