Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Aberlour 10 Year Old Single Malt

Aberlour lies at the heart of Speyside and its distillery was first noted in 1826, although whisky was almost certainly made on the site before this time, drawing water from St Drostan’s well. St Drostan (or Dunstan) was made Archbishop of Canterbury in AD 960.

The distillery was rebuilt after a fire in 1898. Much of the existing building dates from this time, with extensions in 1945 and more recent modernisations by Pernod Ricard (Campbell Distillers), which acquired it in 1974.

Aberlour Distillery uses only Scottish barley and has uniquely broad-based stills: the product is matured partly in sherry casks, partly in bourbon casks. Cork bungs are used instead of wooden ones; these, it is believed, allows the harsher spirits vapours to evaporate more easily.
Aberlour is the leading malt whisky in France - the world’s number one Scotch malt market – and its multi-faceted and distinctive single malt whiskies have proved a consistent favourite with international awards panels. Aberlour ranks in the top 7 largest selling Single Malt Scotch whisky in the world. It is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to have won both the Pot Still Trophy (3 times) and the International Wine and Spirits competition (more than 10 times). Strangely, the week the first award was announced, St Drostan’s Well, which had dried up, gushed forth once more.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Gold.
Nose: The dry, fresh, fruity aromas of early autumn apples and pears are subtly enhanced with sweet notes of vanilla and mint toffee
Taste: Exceptionally smooth and creamy, with spicy-sweet nutmeg and honey combining with the dewy freshness of autumn fruits.
Finish: Long, soft and warming.

Tasting notes extracted from the whisky critic Charles MacLean notes: Aberlour possesses a rich nose, with a strong caramel aroma when nosed straight (it is delicious drunk neat), with traces of pine (fresh sawdust) and smoke, and a hint of peat as in a mountain burn. It has voluptuous body, and a typical Speyside flavour: sweet, estery, bubblegum and pear-drops. Well balanced, with a clean, sweetish finish.


What the critics say about Aberlour:
"Lovers of the richer style of Speyside malt rightly regard Aberlour as being in the top echelon." Michael Jackson, Malt Whisky Companion
"A first rate Speyside single malt . . . a beefy 10 year old . . . with a multi-layered complexity . . for admirers of neater, thicker expressions." - F Paul Pacult, editor of Spirit Journal
"A smooth, rich, sherried Speyside malt which is an ideal after-dinner drink."- Carol P Shaw, Classic Malts
"This whisky has a voluptuous body, and a typical Speyside sweet, estery, bubblegum and pear-drops flavour that is well-balanced with a clean, sweetish finish." - Charles Maclean, Malt Whisky
"Aberlour is a beautiful amber single malt." - Helen Arthur, The Single Malt Whisky Companion "Few distilleries in the world fill me with such a plethora of warm memories and experiences as Aberlour. Inside and outside the glass." - James Murray, whisky writer and broadcaster.
"I am a huge fan of Aberlour 10 year old single malt. Aberlour is a consistent gold medal winner at all internationally recognised competitions. In my opinion, it is THE finist 10 year old Single Malt whisky that is often better than many single malt whiskies of superior age." - Mark Backhouse


To produce a whisky as consistently good as Aberlour Single Malt, year after year, requires experience, craftsmanship, patience and dedication. The whisky-makers at the Aberlour Distillery have them all.




Visit http://www.aberlour.com/ for further information on this great single malt.






Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Jameson Reserve Range Collectors pack

Too Special to Reserve

Answering the ever-increasing market demand for luxury goods, Jameson has created an exclusive handsomely packaged Reserve Collection to suit all tastes. The range is a remarkable expression of all that is supreme about Jameson whiskey.

The special pack of 3 x 200ml bottles of Jameson Speical
Reserves includes: Jameson 12 year old Special Reserve, Jameson Gold
Reserve and Jameson 18 year old Limited Reserve

Created from rare and limited whiskey stocks, the Reserve Collection showcases Jameson's unique art of whiskey-making.This Jameson Reserve Collection Christmas gift box includes three of the four exquisite Reserve Collection whiskeys:

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve
An assertive, complex whiskey of honey golden textures with a smooth rounded body, Jameson 12 YO Special Reserve won ‘Best Irish Blended Whiskey 12 Years and under’, at the World Whiskies Awards, staged by UK Whisky Magazine, in the category ‘World’s Best Blended Whisky’.

Jameson Gold Reserve
Jameson Gold Reserve is a whiskey of exceptional harmony with a marvellous rich pot-still character. The inspired choice of virgin oak – in one of the three whiskies blended - accounts for both its honey-toasted sweetness and creamy spiciness.

Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve
A rich, smooth, masterful whiskey of great fluency which boasts a wonderfully mellow and complex taste and lingering finale of wood, spice and toffee, Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve was lauded with a prestigious Gold Award in the ‘Whiskies of the World Category’ at the 2008 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) held in London recently.

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Finish

The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve brings new expression to pioneering spirit

Master Distiller Jim Cryle said of this acclaimed single malt: “This is a beautifully balanced, rich and mellow whisky with a long creamy finish that both connoisseurs and enthusiasts will savour.”

He continued: “Selective maturation in new Limousin oak casks, usually reserved for wine, has added delicate overtones of the spices highly prized in fine wines, while perfectly complementing the subtle elegance of the original single malt.”

The Glenlivet is the only whisky distillery to bring to market the distinctive French Oak maturation which adds a rich and teasing, spicy dryness to the soft fruity and floral characteristics for which The Glenlivet is renowned.

First, the whisky is matured in traditional oak, then a portion is taken out and aged in new specially-coopered French oak before marrying the two. It is a typically innovative combination that reflects the pioneering history of The Glenlivet itself.

A priority brand for Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky company of Pernod Ricard, The Glenlivet is the leading single malt in the dynamic US market and the number two premium malt whisky in the world by volume.

Tasting notes

The Glenlivet 15 year old French Oak Reserve single Malt Scotch whisky is beautifully structured, with a well balanced interplay of fruits and spices. The aroma is intense and sweet with hints of citrus fruit. A full palate contrasts notes of ripe mango with cinnamon and white pepper, leading into a long, creamy finish.

Signature aroma: Cedarwood, Secondary: Ripe mango, Tertiary: Spices

The Glenlivet XXV Twenty Five Year Old

The oldest permanent release within The Glenlivet range.


An authoritative and supremely premium expression of both packaging and product. A 1980 vintage selection which has been “finished” in first fill sherry butts, giving a nutty spiciness to the multi-layered flavour of the spirit and enriches its colour.


Each individually numbered bottle is presented in a solid wooden box, reinforced by limestone and sealed by a removable brushed ingot. The use of a wax seal on the bottle reinforces the precious nature of the contents within.

A certificate of quality gives details of the story of the craftsmanship which goes into the whisky, displaying the signatures of those responsible for ensuring the required standard has been met at the four key stages of the production process and the accompanying booklet which tells the product story. Limited annual volume


Tasting Notes


Nose: Soft round fruity oakiness with hints of dried spices combined with subtle oloroso sherry aromas


Palate: Intense raisin and fruity flavours finishing with a balanced dry oakiness.

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive


The use of a wooden frame provides a perfect display opportunity for the bottle and is a unique piece of secondary packaging. The new broad shouldered clear bottle has a heavy glass base to emphasis its stature and the embossing of the distinctive Glenlivet Arch and the name of the founder into the bottle provides its uniqueness. The precious nature of the whisky is communicated by a removable seal which carries the individual batch number.

This special limited release is awash with the hallmarks of The Glenlivet, offering depth and multi-layers of fruits and floral sweetness, with an almost creamy texture that can only be attained over years of patient ageing. The finish is rich, long and lingering


Tasting Notes:


Colour
Amber with sparkling shades of copper.

Nose- Unreduced
Opulent and mature displaying a clear Sherry influence. There is an intricate array of fruit and wood; Christmas cake, sultanas, Maraschino cherry. Then thick-cut marmalade, oak panels in an old church. There is a touch of cedar, balsamic spices and a hint of eucalyptus.

Oak soon gives way to malty notes; toasted granary bread and the freshness of citrus, orange and kumquat peel. There are also cake-like notes and a reminder of Grand Marnier soufflé.

Nose - Reduced
Water highlights the fruity bouquet and brings out vanilla notes. There are lighter notes of ripe peaches, pear and marzipan pie and luscious barley sugar aromas.

Palate
It is unctuous, mouth-coating and almost syrupy; full-bodied with sultana cake and ginger biscuits. Oak holds the reins back, releasing a drying spiciness. The whisky also has cinnamon and ginger, a touch of hot paprika and walnut and raisins dark chocolate.

Finish
Everlasting; warming and nutty with toasted hazelnuts and a full layer of liquorice.

Comment
A distinguished maturity has been achieved through age and cask selection; Sherry notes give additional depth to the distillery character and a cake-like sweetness. Wood is well integrated but firmly frames the aromatic palate.


The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old is a very special dram to linger over and enjoy.

The Glenlivet 1969 Cellar Collection

2006 Edition: 1969 release


A unique vatting of just 10 casks. Each bottle is individually numbered and the labels carry the bottling date and whisky strength. The use of a solid wood frame and case together with materials such as leather and brass combine to showcase the premium nature of the Cellar Collection. Bottled at natural cask strength of 50.8%, and without the use of chill-filtration, it is the definitive Speyside single malt whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft, luscious aromas of sweet orange marmalade and seasoned orchard fruits, encompassing a subtle balance of spices and hazelnut.

Palate: Velvety, creamy texture with fruity, sweet orange flavours.

The Glenlivet 1972 Vintage Cellar Collection

2005 Edition: The Glenlivet 1972 Vintage



A unique vatting of just 10 casks / 2015 bottles. Each bottle is individually numbered and the labels carry the bottling date and whisky strength. The use of a solid wood frame and case together with materials such as leather and brass combine to showcase the premium nature of the Cellar Collection. Bottled at natural cask strength of 52.3%, and without the use of chill-filtration, it is the definitive Speyside single malt whisky.

THE GLENLIVET CELLAR COLLECTION 1972
The Glenlivet unveils eagerly anticipated Special Edition

The launch of The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1972 was welcomed by whisky experts, enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Now in its tenth year, The Cellar Collection is the ultimate expression of single malt Scotch whisky from the most famous distillery in Speyside.

For centuries, the whiskies from the ‘glen of the River Livet’ have been renowned for their quality, none more so than The Glenlivet itself. Celebrated internationally for its complexity, The Glenlivet is respected the world over as the Speyside single malt whisky of unparalleled quality and heritage; of all its award-winning expressions, the Cellar Collection has become the most collectable.

Since the creation of the series, the whiskies which form the Cellar Collection were identified and hand-selected by Master Distiller, Jim Cryle. He sought out casks which were capable of displaying the unique distillery character of The Glenlivet; they had to be of the utmost quality and suitable for further, prolonged maturation at the distillery. After selection, the casks lay undisturbed in the Cellar Collection Warehouse, one of the oldest at the distillery.

The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1972 is a unique vatting of just 10 casks. The newly-made spirit from a single day’s distillation was filled into hogsheads on 24 August 1972 at The Glenlivet Distillery. After filling, the parcel of casks was placed into Warehouse 5 at the distillery and initially stored in the lower tiers of stows 87 and 89.

The interaction of The Glenlivet spirit, local climate and cask selection allowed the wholly natural flavour of The Glenlivet to fully develop and to be further enhanced by the gentle wood character of refill hogsheads. As a result, The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1972 has a richness and fruitiness that only prolonged maturation can impart. Bottled at natural cask strength, and without the use of chill-filtration, it is a definitive Speyside single malt whisky.

Latest In A Distinguished Series
The Glenlivet Cellar Collection comprises a series of limited releases of often unique batches of Scotch whisky sometimes aged for 40 years or more. Often never to be repeated, each expression enjoys the distinctive personality of The Glenlivet whilst displaying different characteristics.

Its editions are prized and award winning: the 1959 Cellar Collection won the Best Single Malt Trophy at the International Spirits Challenge in 2002 and reached up to $5000 at auction in the USA for a single bottle. More recently The Glenlivet 1964 Cellar Collection also won a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2005.

With the release of this unique 1972 vintage, The Glenlivet Cellar Collection will also evolve in its appearance to emphasise the elevated position older expressions of The Glenlivet occupy in the world of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A new, broad-shouldered, clear bottle emphasises the stature of these whiskies as well as the beautiful, deep colours derived from extended maturation.

In addition, the use of materials such as leather and brass, together with a new ash frame, combine to highlight the premium nature of The Glenlivet Cellar Collection and to provide the perfect physical showcase for a whisky of such finesse and undisputed heritage.


Tasting notes

Nose: Fruity, reminiscent of a sweet, juicy pear; with the perfume of heather in bloom on a warm summer’s day on the hills surrounding the distillery; a hint of gentle, sweet spiciness and citrus; and with an underlying, balanced, mature wood note.

Palate: A beautiful, rich fruitiness; velvety smooth; the creamy sweetness of warm fudge; a gentle whiff of smokiness; a long, smooth aftertaste of maltiness, and after, a sense of calm and well-being.

Comments: This is a perfect combination of distillation excellence and traditional maturation. This is a malt whisky that is not dominated or influenced by sherry, bourbon or port, but a malt whisky that is the epitome of the art of distillation. The refill hogshead casks contributes a gentle mature oakiness, with sweetness and gentle spiciness, combining beautifully with the fruity, floral, citrus notes of the distillate.

AvailabilityAround 2000 bottles in total available in the over 20 counties including: USA, Canada, UK, France, Japan, Taiwan, Germany and Australia.

The Glenlivet 1964 Cellar Collection

2004 Edition: 1964 release


Bottled 26th May 2004, in total 1,824 bottles will be released for sale from this exclusive Glenlivet selection. 15 casks were selected for this release which has been bottled at cask strength of 45.05% and without chill-filtration. Exceptional ageing of single malt whisky requires careful attention to ensure the wood does not overpower the original distillery character.

Mark Backhouse's comment: Due to the limited number of bottles originally produced - the The Glenlivet 1964 release is highly collectable and extremely rare to find.

Tasting Notes:

‘The Glenlivet 1964 Cellar Collection, Limited Edition, displays rich fruity aromas of raisins and ripe bananas; notes of sherry and walnuts interplay with a spicy oakiness. The palate is full and beautifully smooth with the perfect balance of sweet plums and the full floral extravagance of heather in bloom. The finish is rich and warming with a gentle fruity spiciness’.

The Glenlivet - The Single Malt that started it all

Lawless times and the character of Glenlivet


During the early 1800s, large areas of Scotland were brought to the brink of anarchy by the activities of whisky smugglers. Excisemen, armed with pistols and cutlasses, fought bloody battles with the smugglers. Thousands of illicit distillers were prosecuted each year and close to 400 people were convicted and fined in just one sitting by an Inverness Justice of the Peace for breaking the Excise laws.

By 1820 there continued to be some 200 illicit stills in Glenlivet; the glen of the Livet reaches deep into the mountains which separate Speyside from Royal Deeside in the far North-East of Scotland. Today it is relatively remote; in the 18th and 19th centuries it was virtually inaccessible and it bred a bold and self-reliant people who clung to the old tradition of whisky-making.

The whisky made in Glenlivet had the highest reputation of any in Scotland, for several reasons. First, you can’t make good whisky in a hurry and the Glen’s remoteness made it almost impossible to police. Excise officers could be spotted miles away, leaving plenty of time to hide equipment, and, more importantly, plenty of time to carry out the distilling.

Second, nature’s essentials for making the finest malt whisky – barley, peat and a copious supply of good, clean water – were all abundant. The fertile valley-bottom of Glenlivet provided barley. The hills around are clad in peat. The water that rushes down the hills surrounding Glenlivet is perfect: cold, soft, melted snow. Whisky smugglers would travel from Glenlivet to the Lowlands on drove roads and across bridges that can still be found today.

The legacy of George Smith

It took a remarkable man to break the tradition of illicit distilling: in 1824 George Smith took the unswerving step from farmer-distiller to first
licenceholder in the glen, the first step on Scotch whisky’s march to global success.

In those lawless times, he had to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his life and his property. He armed his brothers with “two or three stout fellows” whom he employed, and they mounted a guard on the distillery, night and day, for several years. In his later years he claimed that he often “had rough times of it among the glen people,” when he went to church or visited the market at Tomintoul.

When he went legal he also had to go armed. His former colleagues in the illicit trade swore they would “burn down his distillery and him at the heart of it.” But the winds of change were with him. The fame of his whisky spread even beyond Scotland, nurtured by his Edinburgh agents who began to market it as Old Vatted Glenlivet - the very first ‘brand’ of Scotch.

On the back of this success, in 1858 Smith built a new distillery on a larger site further down the glen, supplied with water by Josie’s Well, a now legendary spring rich in minerals. He also invested in a pair of unusually shaped stills, uncommonly high and wide, of a novel ‘lantern’ design – both factors which make for increased purity and elegance.


The Reputation of The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet has long been synonymous with the finest single malt Scotch whisky. In 1822, King George IV made a triumphant visit to Edinburgh. Sir Walter Scott, who arranged the event, made sure to procure the best whisky Scotland had to offer for the King’s delectation: the whisky of Glenlivet. Throughout his week-long jaunt, the King would drink nothing else, and by the end it was reported that “he is an admirable judge of glen livat”. He was not alone in his enjoyment. The same year, John Stein, one of the leading distillers in Scotland, wrote enviously: “There are some people in the higher stations of life who prefer Glenlivet whisky and who would pay almost any price for it”.

The fame of Glenlivet’s now well-respected fruity, floral style encouraged other distillers to attach the name to their own, even though some of them were miles from the Glen itself. Understandably, George Smith’s son was not happy about this. In 1884 he obtained a settlement which required that only his malt can describe itself as ‘The Glenlivet’. And to this day, there is still only one single malt whisky that has the unchallengeable right to call itself The Glenlivet.

Dozens of Speyside distilleries have, at some stage, used the name Glenlivet.

The Glenlivet in the 20th century

Maintaining the pioneering instinct, The Glenlivet was the very first malt to be promoted in the United States: as soon as Prohibition was lifted in America, George Smith’s great-grandson went there to promote his whisky, the first single malt ever seen in the U.S. Over the next few decades it caused such a stir that he featured on the front page of Time magazine with the line: ‘The heart of Great Britain’s export trade is the Scotch whisky industry. The heart of the Scotch industry is The Glenlivet’. The Pullman Company of Chicago begged The Glenlivet Distillery for supplies of miniatures for their luxury trains.

The Glenlivet developed a strong following among Hollywood stars in the 1950s. Stars like Yul Brynner and Robert Taylor, who had (to quote the latter) “come to consider all other brands of Scotch whisky second rate”, insisted that stocks be available in their hotels – even if they were filming in Europe.

The Glenlivet’s reputation was not confined to the UK and the US. In 1956 the manager of the renowned George V Hotel in Paris wrote to the distillery: “Our President requires, for his own personal use, a case of 12 bottles of your Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky, as he was agreeably impressed by this whisky during his recent visit to America.”

For nearly 200 years the legendary whisky of Glenlivet has been prized, celebrated and fought over. But there is only one whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called: The Glenlivet: the single malt that started it all.


Product Information

The Glenlivet range in our portfolio includes the 12; 15; 16; 18; 21 and 25 year old.

The Glenlivet 12YO is the standard offering and is the benchmark by which all other single malts are measured.

The Glenlivet 15 year old French Oak Reserve is beautifully structured with an interplay of fruits and spices.

The Glenlivet 16YO Nàdurra (Nàdurra means “Natural” in Gaelic) is non-chilled filtered, bottled at Cask Strength (plus 54% alcohol by volume), matured in 100% first-fill ex-Bourbon casks (Bourbon barrels release vanilla and toffee notes and because the casks are first fill after being used once before for bourbon aging only, the wood contributions and notes are more pronounced).

The Glenlivet 18 YO has a golden track record with an award winning reference – 3 IWSC gold medals & 3 ISC medals within 4 years. Packaged in Nubuck (Suede Leather touch)

The Glenlivet 21 YO Archive is matured in several different types of Oak Casks and is bottled in batches, therefore, slightly different characteristics per batch. To assist collectors, individual batch numbers are displayed on the box and bottle.

The Glenlivet 25 YO is “Finished” in first-fill sherry butts for last 2 years of maturation & is subject to limited annual volume. The packaging is a handsome award-winning wooded box (the reinforced limestone and sealed by removable brushed ingot will surprise you).

The Glenlivet Cellar collection is detailed in the individual The Glenlivet range pages.

General Notes of Interest.

Jim Cryle is the Master Distiller at The Glenlivet explains:

Mineral Rich Waters: Josie's Well provides water uniquely rich in minerals. It extracts sugars more easily from the malt. The high proportion of sugars creates a unique composition of flavour compounds during fermentation when the yeast is added.

Taller, Wider Stills: George Smith created a true innovation in the form of “The Glenlivet’s” lantern-shaped stills. During distillation this shape fosters great interaction between the aromatic esters. Hence, the distinctive, sweet, fruity aromas of the new distillate that eventually becomes The Glenlivet – the quintessential single malt.


In the perfect location: at over 900 feet above sea level, ensures fresh temperatures all year round - offering perfect conditions for maturing 12 year old, and older, single malts.
The Single Malt that Started it all: The Glenlivet inspired a whole region, today called Speyside, which provides the world's favorite style of malt whisky - nay, even the worlds favourite blended whiskies.

A REMARKABLE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Recommendations from the Experts

The Glenlivet Range

Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion: “A whisky of structure and complexity”

Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion: “What Grande Champagne is to Cognac, the glen of the river Livet is to Speyside. The only whisky allowed to call itself "The Glenlivet" is historically the most famous Speyside malt."

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Dave Broom – Wine International, May 2005: “Never underestimate this distillery.”
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Paul Pacult – Kindred Spirits: “This is one of Speyside’s definitive malts. Deceptively complex, The Glenlivet 12 is one of the classiest, most sophisticated malts.”

Wallace Milroy – The Original Malt Whisky Almanac: “A first-class malt. One of the most popular malts in the world – deservedly so.”

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old

Dave Broom – Handbook of Whisky: “A superb, complex dram.” (5 stars)

Phillip Hills – The Scotch Whisky Directory: “A very fine, fruity malt.”
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Cask Strength Edition

Dave Broom – Wine International, December 2004: "My whisky of the year. It’s only available from the distillery, comes in a 50cl bottle at £30 a pop and is a sublime example of what is great about Glenlivet. Delicate, yet complex and bursting with notes of wild flowers, cooked apples, coconut and spice. It’s the bottle I keep going back to. So much so that I'm on my third bottle of the year already."

The Glenlivet Archive 21 year old

John Hansell – Malt Advocate Magazine: “…the ‘Sean Connery’ of whiskies - mature, sexy, rich, and debonair. Savour it after a long and successful day. Just don't rush the experience.”



Visit the official The Glenlivet webiste by clicking on the link below.
http://www.glenlivet.com/



A scene around The Glenlivet distillery during winter.

Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original

The first whisky to ever carry the Chivas Regal name was launched in 1909. It was a 25 year old, designed as the first luxury whisky targeting the booming cities of North America.Chivas Regal 25 Year Old was an immediate success and became “one of the most talked about new imported consumer goods among the well to do stratum of society in the New World”. Upper echelon hotels and restaurants up and down the Eastern seaboard hounded Chivas Brother’s agents for a single bottle or two whose contents, they promised, “would be meted out solely to their best and wealthiest clientele”.


Today’s Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original is inspired by the original luxury Scotch launched by Chivas Brothers in 1909.


Master Blender

'It has been a great privilege to create Chivas Regal 25 years old because as a Master Blender we do have our dreams, and for me this is a dream come true. Hopefully this will also be a dream come true for many people when they taste this luxurious Scotch whisky.'

Tasting Notes:

Blend
Elegantly smooth and perfectly balanced. Rich character yields an abundance of flavour and aromas

Nose
Enticing fruity aromas of sweet orange and peach, followed by notes of marzipan and nuts

Palate
Hints of rich mik chocolate orange and a fondant creaminess

Finish
Smooth, rounded and luxuriously long

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Gold Signature

Chivas Regal already has a reputation as the most prestigious Scotch whisky in the world and with its pedigree comes a wealth of experience, inspiration and patience dating back 200 years. So when the makers of Chivas Regal decide to create a new whisky, it has to live up to this fame, and honour one of the finest reputations in premium whisky and luxury goods.

The Creation of a Great Whisky
Chivas Brothers has continued the tradition set down by James and John Chivas by building an unsurpassed inventory of aged whiskies – malts from every region of Scotland and fine grain whiskies, each with their own individual characteristics. From these Chivas Regal and other famous blends are made.

When Chivas Brothers produces Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, they are looking for a blend which bears all the hallmarks of the Chivas Regal style - smooth, stylish, impressive. You might assume it is simply a question of ageing the highly acclaimed Chivas Regal 12 Year Old for a further six years and bottling it. Not at all; Chivas Regal 18 Year Old must exhibit the Chivas Regal style, yet offer a different facet of its personality.

Two Very Special Single Malts
Two very special malts are especially reserved for Chivas Regal 18 - Strathisla and Longmorn, two of Chivas Brothers' famous line of malt distilleries set in Speyside.

Strathisla, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, and the first distillery bought by Chivas Brothers in 1950, has long been at the heart of Chivas Regal. Purchased to secure it for blending, Strathisla is a rich, fruity malt with a hint of nuttiness, whilst retaining the smooth and mellow characteristics for which Speyside is famous. Strathisla has predominantly been reserved for the Chivas Regal 12, but now, at 18 years old, it has the chance to show an even greater mellow, nutty sweetness and creamy smoothness.

Longmorn distillery is located to the north of Strathisla on Speyside, on the flat gentle farmland that runs down to the sea. It has long been prized for its rich, floral notes and its long, mellow finish. Despite its limited availability, Longmorn has still managed to win some of the industry's top awards, including two Gold Medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, the most recent in 2003. Longmorn, matured for at least 18 years old, was an obvious choice to bring depth and exceptional richness to the new blend and contribute to its long finish.

Both malts are bottled in very small quantities as single malts, but at 18 years old, they are reserved exclusively to add exceptional richness to Chivas Regal 18.

Finishing Touches
Once the final selection of whiskies has been made, the Master Blender adds one final touch to allow the full palette of flavours to develop for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old. Once the malt whiskies, and separately the grain whiskies, are vatted, they are put back into oak casks for a further period of maturation called 'marrying'. This allows the malt whiskies, and separately the grain whiskies, to merge harmoniously over time, before finally being blended together ready to be bottled as Chivas Regal 18 year old.

It is important to do this with older whiskies according to Chivas Brother’s Master Blender. Older whiskies are more complex and it takes time for those flavours to intermingle. This further maturation brings out the full expression of the flavour, finesse, balance and smoothness that makes Chivas Regal 18 distinct.

“Chocolate, lush and fruity - a beauty”
The result is impressive indeed. When first introduced, the new whisky was immediately awarded a Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (1998). Accolades from the most renowned of judges poured in. Michael Jackson marked it 8½/10, Whisky Magazine’s Dave Broom called it “Chocolate, lush and fruity - a beauty” and gave it 9/10. Both famous for their love of malts, they warmed to this sumptuous blend.

In the US, spirits editor of Spirit Journal, Paul Pacult, announced,“This whisky possesses the rare quality of having strength and elegance balanced in harmony” and concluded “This is already a classic; you can take it to the bank that blended Scotch does not get any better; Hats off to Master Blender Colin Scott of Chivas Brothers.”


A Final Accolade

Today this achievement is further recognised in a luxurious new packaging, the finest in its category, and a new name for the brand. To recognise the achievement of creating Chivas Regal 18, each bottle now bears the ‘Gold Signature’ of its creator, Colin Scott. The work of the master blender and his team continues as they hand-pick the finest whiskies for Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature ensuring it remains the richest, most elegant Scotch whisky in the world.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old

THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE



Royal Salute 21 Year Old is the original reference and the anchor of the range. Handcrafted over six days by master porcelain makers, each ceramic flagon of Royal Salute 21 Year Old is crafted in red, green or blue to mirror the jewels in the Queen’s crown, and adorned with the majestic image of Robert The Bruce, Scotland’s hero-warrior king. It is then cloaked in an elegant velvet pouch, ensuring that it evokes a powerful statement, whether or not it is unveiled.



BRAND HERITAGE



In 1953, Chivas Brothers celebrated the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by creating a limited edition of a very special blended whisky. Only 2,500 cases were produced for worldwide distribution, and the first flagon, adorned with the royal crest, was presented to the new Queen on the day of her coronation. The name chosen was considered a fitting tribute to the new monarch. It was called Royal Salute, after the 21-gun salute, the ultimate mark of respect, created by the Royal Navy, to pay tribute to dignitaries and nations alike.


Today, Royal Salute continues to pay homage to accomplishment, in all walks of life. It is the Ultimate Tribute and mark of respect for powerful men and women, who demand the very best.

Royal Salute 100 Cask Selection

One hundred carefully chosen words to describe one hundred carefully selected casks
From our rarest, oldest whiskies, our Master Blender selects one hundred casks that have reached perfect maturation for blending. He then blends these characterful whiskies to create Royal Salute The Hundred Cask Selection. A limited edition, each release is bottled just once. Whisky connoisseurs will savour it, collect it and compare it with former and future releases. Like other releases, it has The Hundred Cask Selection’s signature warmth and oaky fi nish. Unlike other releases, it has its own unique nuance – never to be repeated again. Demonstrating their skill and prowess, connoisseurs will enjoy experiencing the fine distinction of each release.

Precious
Chivas Brothers has, for more than two centuries, established a tradition of laying down whiskies for future generations. Kept securely under lock and key, this unique wealth of aged spirit is carefully monitored and nurtured over the years. It is from this precious reserve – practically impossible to match in the world of Scotch Whisky – that The Hundred Casks are selected.

Exclusive
Every release of The Hundred Cask Selection is limited, literally, to a hundred casks. Each houses a blend that owes its noble distinction to a combination of a hundred casks – carefully hand-selected by the Master Blender from our reserve of exceptionally aged whiskies. While each release pays homage to the distinctive style of The Hundred Cask Selection, it will have a unique, subtle nuance never to be repeated.

Selection
From time to time the Chivas Brothers Master Blender will select one hundred very old whisky casks of fi ne breeding and noble character that have reached perfect maturation for blending. It takes three types of cask of extremely aged whisky to produce The Hundred Cask Selection. Old Sherry butts bring rich fruitiness, hogsheads bring dry nuttiness and former Bourbon barrels add a touch of spicy oakiness. Selecting such precious whiskies with different characters and balancing them to a given taste profile is a considerable challenge – and an art in itself.

Collectable
Each release and selection of one hundred casks will create around twenty five thousand bottles. Only when the Master Blender judges that his selection is ready can a new release be made available to connoisseurs.
The blend is decanted into porcelain flagons that are individually numbered and given the mark of the release. It is a privilege to own a bottle from The Hundred Cask Selection; it is a rare privilege to own bottles from more than one release.

Distinctive
The Hundred Cask Selection is a rare and exclusive blended Scotch Whisky with a deep, smooth flavour. Long-lasting, luscious aromas mingle with a fruity sweetness leading to a finish with the Hundred Cask Selection’s signature warmth and mellow, smoky oakiness – the result of exceptional ageing. Each release of Royal Salute The Hundred Cask Selection has a distinct style. The Inaugural Release offers rich aromas of sweet plums, marzipan and vanilla. Release No.2 is round and rewardingly warm, with rich and creamy fondant orange aromas and underlying silky coconut flavours.

Connoisseurship
It takes supreme craftsmanship to create The Hundred Cask Selection. The result is always magnifi cent and a true connoisseur will relish the challenge of detecting the subtle nuances that distinguish each Limited Release.

Character
Whiskies considered for The Hundred Cask Selection must be of strong and noble character. They must have the potential to stand above all others if they are to be granted extensive periods of ageing. As they mature in casks of oak, each whisky must stand the test of time, resolutely maintaining its character and power.

Craftsmanship
Since 1801, the Chivas Brothers business has relied on fine craftsmanship. Distilling, the starting point of the whisky-making process, calls on the stillman’s prowess, while crafting oak casks still relies on the unique hand skills of the cask-maker or Cooper. Whisky blending requires rare talent, and decades of practice to make harmonious blends from different, aged casks.

Mastery
Born and raised in Scotland to a family with nearly 100 years of whisky making experience spanning three generations, our Master Blender has refined his craft for over 30 years with Chivas Brothers. Like his predecessors, he can detect the subtlest differences between almost identical whiskies drawn from similar casks.

The Hundred Cask Selection is a tribute to this mastery of the art of blending.
“Wood is natural, whisky is natural. We are working with a living, changing thing. It is the result of working with tools and processes that are a hundred per cent traditional and natural.” MASTER BLENDER

Provenance
Whisky is the Water of Life (Latin: Aqua Vita). Uisge beatha is Gaelic for water of life and for whisky. The Hundred Cask Selection is created from Scotland’s natural ingredients. The finest spring water is the foundation of all the Scotch Whiskies in our Selection. Harnessed within the finest crops of barley are the origins of The Hundred Cask Selection’s sweet and subtly fruity flavours.

Heritage
Our ‘Exceptionally Aged Reserve’ includes whiskies with a rich and illustrious heritage. Each of our distilleries has its own history and distinctive pot stills that produce whiskies with their own unique character, aroma and flavour.

Legacy
For over 100 years, Chivas Brothers has built and nurtured a special reserve of maturing whiskies. The legacy of this foresight is a magnificent reserve of exceptionally aged spirit, unique in the world of Scotch Whisky. The most exceptional of which finds its way into the Royal Salute Range and most notably into The Hundred Cask Selection.

The last word…Royal Salute The Hundred Cask Selection is a jewel of a whisky – rare, precious and supremely enjoyable.

Royal Salute 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny


Made from a rare selection of whiskies aged for 38 years or more, Royal Salute 38 Year Old is the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.The Stone of Destiny is the most powerful symbol of Scottish royalty. At every coronation since time immemorial it has been placed beneath the royal throne as a symbol of power and influence and a confirmation of every monarch’s right to his or her regal position. With a very limited quantity released every year, Royal Salute Stone of Destiny drives luxury and prestige.






The 4 John Jameson Masters

The Masters

We believe Jameson brings people together… In fact we believe that our 4 Jameson Reserves in particular, are a perfect example of how working together can achieve superb results. The Reserves have their origin in the world class craftsmanship and on-going collaboration of our 4 Masters… a meeting of minds to create something unique, to be enjoyed by people who love whiskey… After all, that’s what they are too! Here are some of their thoughts…

Barry Crockett ~ Master Distiller
“Learning to appreciate the pure, elemental character of whiskey, as I did under the guidance of my father, Max Crockett, who I succeeded as Master Distiller, is part of a life-long academy, from which I’m happy to say I will never finally graduate…”

Billy Leighton ~ Master Blender
“The very term ‘blend’ suggests the creation of something harmonious, balanced and fundamentally social… It draws on and draws together the finesse and artistry of distillation, the consistency of science and the generous dimensions bestowed by fine timber and time. A reserve whiskey is by its nature, true history in the making…”'
Brendan Monks ~ Master of Maturation
“The secret of maturation is knowing that the choice of cask, that will be home to the whiskey for a number of years, will imperceptibly nurture its fl avour, enhance its unique, unerring character and foster its generosity of spirit right through to the fi nish. A reserve whiskey inherits so much from time…”

David Quinn ~ Master of Whiskey Science
“There is undoubtedly an art to distilling whiskey… It brings together the mastery of the process with the mystery of its humble ingredients. It is this indefinable nature that makes a reserve whiskey far more than the sum of its parts.”



Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve


There is something hugely exciting about the creation of this Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and the 2007 Vintage will be greeted by connoisseurs with great anticipation, as it is all that is excellent in Jameson Whiskey… This initial expression of maturing rare pot still whiskey in traditional fortified wine casks is a triumph of the collaboration between the 4 Jameson Masters, whose artistry and craftsmanship have been richly rewarded. All the whiskeys in this magnificent Reserve are of an advanced age and have an immense collage of flavours to impart from their time in the wood. It is here that something extraordinary has taken place.
The pick of our older grain whiskeys were brought together with some rare and charismatic pot still whiskeys that had been matured in hand picked second fill bourbon casks. These were carefully married with a rare pot still whiskey that was aged to a fantastic mellow sweetness in specially commissioned port pipes… The resulting union has a glorious fruit rich character.
The question remains; is it art?... Its sculpted bottle, tapering neck and dark amber hue are undeniably beautiful, but it’s the treasure trove of complex tastes and its fruit and spice encore that should be savoured with friends to fully appreciate its inestimable inner beauty.
At 46% vol, the only concern is whether this Rarest Vintage Reserve will have enough of its limited stocks to last out the time before the eagerly anticipated next vintage is ushered in.
Since its release in 2007, Jameson Rarest Vintage could not have been more highly revered, receiving numerous prestigious international accolades, including being acclaimed Irish Whiskey of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2009 Whisky Bible, as well as at the 2008 Malt Advocate Whiskey Awards in New York. Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve’s Gold Medal at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition follows on from its Double Gold and ‘Top Irish Whiskey Award’ at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve

There is something hugely exciting about the creation of this Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and the 2007 Vintage will be greeted by connoisseurs with great anticipation, as it is all that is excellent in Jameson Whiskey… This initial expression of maturing rare pot still whiskey in traditional fortified wine casks is a triumph of the collaboration between the 4 Jameson Masters, whose artistry and craftsmanship have been richly rewarded. All the whiskeys in this magnificent Reserve are of an advanced age and have an immense collage of flavours to impart from their time in the wood. It is here that something extraordinary has taken place.
The pick of our older grain whiskeys were brought together with some rare and charismatic pot still whiskeys that had been matured in hand picked second fill bourbon casks. These were carefully married with a rare pot still whiskey that was aged to a fantastic mellow sweetness in specially commissioned port pipes… The resulting union has a glorious fruit rich character.
The question remains; is it art?... Its sculpted bottle, tapering neck and dark amber hue are undeniably beautiful, but it’s the treasure trove of complex tastes and its fruit and spice encore that should be savoured with friends to fully appreciate its inestimable inner beauty. At 46% vol, the only concern is whether this Rarest Vintage Reserve will have enough of its limited stocks to last out the time before the eagerly anticipated next vintage is ushered in.

John Jameson's Gold Reserve


Since its creation in 1996, Jameson Gold Reserve has been revered by whiskey critics, most notably Jim Murray, who unashamedly ranks it amongst the "top 10 of the world’s whiskeys and the top 5 of the world’s blends." Such genuine praise is uncommon, as indeed was the whiskey itself, which until recently, was only to be found in travel retail outlets.
Jameson Gold Reserve is a creative blend of 3 whiskey’s of advanced years, 1 of which is uniquely matured in virgin oak barrels. It is the inspired choice of this virgin oak, coupled with the bourbon barrels and sherry casks that account for the whiskey’s satisfying complexity and honey toasted sweetness. It is a marvelously rich pot still character whiskey.

Tasting Characteristics

NOSE: Fragrant wood, rich pot still with a touch of sherry sweetness.

TASTE: All the creaminess and honey sweetness come together to create a taste sensation of spicy character.

Finish: A very long finish with a pleasantly peppery finale.
TheMaster: "...a superb whiskey that is creamy, spicy and crisp." - Brendan Monks, Master of Maturation
TheCritic: "If you don’t enjoy this, then you just don’t get what Irish whiskey is all about..."
Jim Murray, Whisky Bible 2007

Monday, October 5, 2009

Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve


Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve was first introduced in 2002 and was referred to as the ‘Old Master Selection’ as the Master Blender hand picked his personal selection of three very old and very fine Jameson Irish Whiskeys. These whiskeys have been aged in oak casks for at least 18 years.
In the words of Master Blender, Billy Leighton, "Only the very finest old whiskeys from our warehouses have been chosen for the Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve. They are matured for up to 18 years in oloroso sherry casks, before being transferred to bourbon barrels for a further 6 months to put the finishing touches to this taste sensation."

This whiskey has everything. It is extremely rich and complex and as its name suggests, only limited stocks are available, thus each bottle is individually numbered. It is a masterful whiskey of great fluency with a rich smooth taste and lingering finish.

The design of this new look Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve reflects the superb craftsmanship and premium nature of this whiskey within.

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve is a fantastic entrée into this collection of four magnificent reserve whiskeys and remains true to the Jameson tradition of maturing fine whiskey in bourbon and sherry casks. Originally named ‘1780’, to honour the year John Jameson founded his distillery in Dublin’s Bow Street, this 12 Year Old Special Reserve abounds with rich pot still flavours.

Master of Whiskey Science, David Quinn describes it as… "Superbly matured by age, emphasising the flavours of toasted wood, spice and sherry. Every drop of this whiskey spends twelve years in wood, including bourbon and seasoned sherry casks, acquiring its own distinctive and complex taste."

The finished result is an assertive, complex whiskey of honey golden textures with a smooth rounded body. It is warm, welcoming and perfect for any social gathering.

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve is the first of the newly designed Reserves range to be made available and reflects the superb craftsmanship and premium nature of this whiskey.

Jameson Launches Reserve Whiskey Range in RSA

…Too Special to Reserve!



The Jameson Reserve collection has recently been given a magnificent new look and further enhanced with the introduction of a new whiskey, Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve. This prestigious whiskey represents the ultimate in distilling excellence and as the pinnacle of the range, is the most exclusive expression of Jameson ever created.

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve was brought together and married by our four Masters, as it contains some of the oldest grain and rarest pot still whiskeys available for individual selection. For this single distillery Jameson Reserve, the fortified wine casks used for maturing one of the pot still whiskeys were port pipes, giving it a glorious fruit rich character. The combination of the oldest whiskeys and the characterful ageing process has delivered a supremely lavish taste experience, which brings with it a wonderful both depth and complexity.

Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve is a fantastic entrée into this collection of four magnificent reserve whiskeys and remains true to the Jameson tradition of maturing fine whiskey in bourbon and sherry casks. Originally named 1780, to honour the year John Jameson founded his distillery in Dublin’s Bow Street, this 12 Year Old Special Reserve abounds with rich pot still flavours.

Jameson Gold Reserve was introduced in 1996 and is a whiskey of exceptional harmony, notable for its delicate balance and gentility. The inspired choice of the virgin oak, accounts both for the honey toasted sweetness of this marvellous rich, pot still character whiskey. This is what makes Jameson Gold Reserve so unique and special. Any opportunity to enjoy its abundance of rich pot still flavours should not be passed over.

Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve was first introduced in 2002 and is referred to as the ‘Old Master Selection’ as the Master Blender hand picked his personal selection of three very old and very fine Jameson Irish Whiskeys. These whiskeys have been aged in oak casks for at least 18 years. This whiskey has everything. It is extremely rich and complex and as its name suggests, only limited stocks are available, thus each bottle is individually numbered. It is a masterful whiskey of great fluency with a rich smooth taste and lingering finish.

These 4 Reserves are a remarkable expression of all that is great about Jameson whiskey. They are a triumph of the collaboration between the Jameson Masters, whose artistry and craftsmanship have been richly rewarded with whiskies of resplendent flavour and magnificent finesse. The 4 Masters comment on the new Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, is equally applicable to the collection as a whole… “ Our goal has been to bring whiskey lovers together amidst something we are proud of and they will truly enjoy…”