Speymalt Whisky Distributors, which trades as Gordon & MacPhail, last week received its latest shipment of barley for its Benromach Organic product.
Millions upon millions of tiny golden grains of local organically-grown barley arrived at Benromach Distillery in Forres to boost production of the fast-growing whisky brand’s innovative organic malt whisky.
Since 2006, Speyside’s smallest distillery has been using this barley to produce Benromach Organic, which was the first bottled single malt to be fully certified by the Soil Association.
The award-winning malt, which has been described in whisky circles as “an absolute treat” and proved popular with drinks enthusiasts worldwide, was created last year.
Benromach Distillery manager Keith Cruickshank said: “It’s a pleasure to be taking delivery of 30 tonnes of organic barley grown just a few miles from where I stand.”
Cruickshank added: “It will be several years before the spirit produced from this particular batch will be bottled and presented as Benromach Organic, but in the meantime we hope fans of our whisky continue to enjoy the stock we have already laid down and continue to bottle every year.”
In December, the company revealed that one of the biggest drivers behind its announced 13% sales increase was Benromach Traditional, as the company attempted to innovate its way out of the slump.
Speymalt’s strategy demonstrates how a small distiller can manoeuvre its way through a global downturn.
Michael Urquhart, a director at Speymalt, said: “We look to be flexible and innovative.
“We were the first to introduce a fully certified organic whisky in the world, for example.”
He also said sales were supported by Benromach Peat Smoke and Benromach Origins, an “innovative series of special bottlings, crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can make a difference to the final character of the malt.”
Five crates of Scotch whisky and brandy belonging to the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton have been recovered after more than 100 years in the ice.
They were buried beneath Shackleton's Antarctic hut, built in 1908 for a failed expedition to the South Pole.
Some of the crates have cracked and ice has formed inside, which means experts will face a delicate task in trying to extract the contents.
The ice-bound crates were first discovered three years ago.
The master blender at whisky company Whyte and Mackay said the find was a "gift from the heavens" for whisky lovers.
Richard Paterson, whose firm supplied the Mackinlay's whisky for Shackleton, said: "If the contents can be confirmed, safely extracted and analysed, the original blend may be able to be replicated.
"Given the original recipe no longer exists this may open a door into history."
The alcohol was removed from the ice by the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, which had initially believed there to be just two crates.
Al Fastier from the trust said: "To our amazement we found five crates, three labelled as containing whisky and two labelled as containing brandy.
"The unexpected find of the brandy crates, one labelled Chas Mackinlay & Co and the other labelled The Hunter Valley Distillery Limited, Allandale, are a real bonus."
Mr Fastier said the trust was confident the crates contained intact alcohol, given that liquid could be heard when the crates were moved.
The smell of whisky in the surrounding ice also indicated full bottles of spirits were inside, albeit that one or more might have broken.
Shackleton's expedition ran short of supplies on their long trek to the South Pole from Cape Royds in 1907-1909 and they eventually fell about 100 miles (160 kilometres) short of their goal.
Shackleton's expedition sailed from Cape Royds hurriedly in 1909 as winter ice began forming in the sea, forcing them to leave some equipment and supplies, including the whisky, behind. However, no lives were lost.
The pole was first reached in 1911 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.
Wine and spirit merchant Berry Bros and Rudd (BB&R) said yesterday it had agreed to sell its Cutty Sark blended whisky brand to Edrington Group.
The deal also sees BB&R acquiring The Glenrothes Speyside single malt brand from Edrington.
Meanwhile, the Glasgow-based maker of The Famous Grouse and The Macallan, has signed long-term supply agreements with BB&R and will retain ownership of Glenrothes Distillery at Rothes.
The value of the transaction, due to be concluded by April, was not disclosed.
An Edrington spokesman said the deal could see a small number of BB&R workers transferring to the new Cutty Sark owner, while job cuts – if any – would be kept to a minimum.
He added: “Employment opportunities are the subject of ongoing discussions.” Edrington will take over all distribution contracts in force for Cutty Sark at the time of completion.
Sales-and-distribution joint-venture Maxxium will continue to distribute The Glenrothes in key international markets.
Maxxium is also expected to provide a distribution option for other brands within BB&R’s “super-premium” spirit portfolio.
London-based BB&R, said its sale of Cutty Sark and acquisition of The Glenrothes – “one of the world’s fastest growing single malts” – were in line with a long-term vision. Managing director Hugh Sturges said: “We are convinced that future growth will come from us focusing even more on our strengths.
“That means targeting our sales and marketing efforts on brands and sectors where we can compete most effectively and develop market positions that will drive real value long-term.”
Edrington chief executive Ian Curle said the deal would bolster his group’s position in the whisky industry via an unrivalled and well-established portfolio of leading blended and single malt brands.
He added: “It improves our distribution in key territories and strengthens our position as an independent premium brand company.”
Edrington has supplied blended whisky for Cutty Sark for more than 70 years and is currently responsible for all aspects of producing the brand.
Cheap alcohol ‘damaging’ drinks industry, say distillers
Whisky producer comes out in favour of Scottish government’s minimum pricing plan
Cut-price promotions on alcohol are damaging the drinks industry, says the owner of Scotland’s smallest independent whisky distillery.
Edradour distillery, in Perthshire, is the latest manufacturer to back a controversial Scottish Government plan for minimum pricing.
Last week, Tennent’s announced that the plan could be “part of the solution” to the country’s £3.56billion alcohol problem.
Brewer Harviestoun and the Society of Independent Brewers Scotland, which represents 30 independent breweries, are also in favour of the plan.
Edradour owner Andrew Symington said: “We do not engage in irresponsible promotions and believe the industry is damaging itself when it does.
“On occasions, you can buy bottles of alcohol in supermarkets for less than bottled water, and in some cases alcohol is sold for less than the actual cost of duty and VAT.
“It does not make any sense or do the industry any good at all. We hope that the Scottish Parliament passes sensible legislation on this soon.”
Harviestoun Brewery owners Sandy Orr and Donald MacDonald said most medical opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of minimum pricing for alcohol.
Douglas Ross, of the Society of Independent Brewers Scotland, said: “Minimum pricing is potentially a way of protecting our pubs, their customers and, ultimately, the health of the nation.”
Drinks giant Diageo and brewer SABMiller are against minimum pricing, while the Scotch Whisky Association has claimed it may be illegal under EU law and may damage the whisky industry.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said there was a “growing coalition” in favour of minimum pricing, which included the four chief medical officers of the UK, the BMA, the police and the pub trade.
“Minimum pricing is not a magic bullet,” she added, “but it is a step in the right direction.”
Labour yesterday pointed to recent government-commissioned research which showed that supermarkets were in for a £90million windfall as a result of minimum pricing.
Health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “We need to consider radical measures to reduce the level of problem drinking, but minimum unit pricing is not the answer.”
Tory spokeswoman Mary Scanlon said minimum pricing would hit responsible drinkers rather than those who had a problem.
Glenfiddich has released a new batch of its 30-year-old whisky and a limited number of bottles of 40-year-old.
The annual release of 30-year-old will bear an individual bottle number and batch number for the first time with the precise casks used to create the whisky identified.
The spirit used in the whisky has been matured in Bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and the whisky has updated packaging design for the 2010 bottling.
The 30-year-old is being released globally, rolling out from this month and retailing with a guide price of £225 per bottle.
It is bottled at 43% abv.
Just 600 bottles of 40-year-old are being released, the sixth edition of the malt.
Peter Gordon, chairman of brand owner William Grant, said: "It is a great honour to release such a distinguished whisky to enthusiasts around the world and add to our existing portfolio of rare and precious aged single malts."
Glenfiddich 40-year-old is bottled at 45.8% abv and has a guide price of £1,700 per bottle.
New evaporation system drives efficiency at leading whisky distillery
A new evaporation system based on Alfa Laval plate heat exchanger technology has helped one of Scotland’s largest independent malt whisky distilleries increase the concentration and quality of its Pot Ale.
Glenfarclas Distillery on Speyside was established in 1836 and is still owned and run by the Grant family who originally acquired the business in 1865. The distillery uses traditional processes and skills to produce its world-renowned single-malt whiskies, but it also invests heavily in the latest technology to maintain efficiency and quality. Consequently, while the still house glows with the reflected warmth of the traditional copper pot stills –the largest on Speyside - the Pot Ale area bristles with modern technology.
Pot Ale – or spent wash - is a by-product from the first distillation stage in malt whisky production. In the early days of distilling this valuable product was simply poured away. Once its value was appreciated, however, more effort was made to recover it and improve its quality. Concentrated into a syrup and rich in proteins, carbohydrates and yeast residues, it makes a highly-nutritious livestock feed; either on its own or mixed with Draff - spent malted barley grains - to produce what are known as Dark Grains. These days, Glenfarclas produces around 4 tonnes of Pot Ale syrup a day for sale to feed producers around the UK.
At Glenfarclas, Pot Ale is concentrated to around 45% solids using evaporation. Prior to the installation of the Alfa Laval system, Glenfarclas employed a conventional falling film, shell & tube evaporator for this duty.
As Shane Fraser, the distillery’s production manager explains, it was very inefficient and extremely difficult to maintain.
“The old evaporator gave us a lot of problems simply because it fouled so easily,” Shane said. “It was extremely difficult to clean and maintain because it was over 6 metres high and impossible to access. Towards the end, we were probably operating at 50% efficiency because the evaporator was fouling so badly.”
In the autumn of 2007, Shane contacted Alfa Laval to discuss the installation of a new Pot Ale evaporation system. The brief was for the equipment to offer high levels of thermal efficiency yet to be low fouling and easy to access for maintenance and cleaning. Alfa Laval’s plate heat exchanger technology suited this description and provided the added advantage of compact size and low weight which kept the space needed for the total installation to a minimum.
Since Alfa Laval is also a leading supplier of sanitary flow equipment, they were able to design a plant which incorporated all of the sanitary pumps, valves and ancillary controls in addition to the core heat transfer technology. The complete system was assembled and readied for installation in the Alfa Laval workshops before delivery to Glenfarclas in mid 2008.
At the heart of the system are two Alfa Flash evaporators, providing two effects; an M6 Plate Heat Exchanger which is used as a pre-heater and an AlfaCond condenser. The Alfa Flash’s high wall shear keeps viscosity low and the risk of fouling to a minimum, which, in turn, extends cleaning intervals, while the true counter-current flow of all three heat exchangers ensures optimal heat transfer efficiency between the media and enhances the efficiency of the CIP system.
As a first step in the concentration process, Pot Ale, at roughly 4%, enters the 2nd Effect evaporator and is part concentrated using vapour from the 1st Effect as the heat source. From the 2nd Effect, it then travels to an M6 Plate Heat Exchanger where it is further heated using heat recovered from the condensate from the 2nd Effect. Finally, it is pumped to the 1st Effect evaporator where it is concentrated to the desired thickness of 45%. The AlfaCond semi-welded plate condenser is used to condense the vapour from the 2nd Effect AlfaVap. Its cooling water channels induce high turbulence while the welded vapour channels feature a wide gap with extremely low pressure drop.
The Scotch Whisky industry has always been clever at recycling products and energy. As well as recovering and marketing Pot Ale and Dark Grains, distilleries have, traditionally, used steam or hot water recovered from firing the pot stills to power other processes. Glenfarclas is no different in this respect, except that with the new evaporator system, they have taken energy recovery to a higher level. The energy required for evaporation is recovered from the distillation process, but they now also collect exhaust flue gases from two of the principal pot stills to pre-heat boiler water.
The new Alfa Laval evaporator system started operating in August 2008. Initially, there were teething problems, with one of the evaporators losing efficiency due to fouling. However, according to Shane Fraser, this was where the decision to go with plate evaporators was vindicated. “We were able to open up the unit very easily and quickly clear the accumulated product . It was apparent we had over-concentrated the wash and so it was simply a question of adjusting the concentration to the optimum level. “
“With regular CIP, there has been no repetition. Apart from a scheduled summer close-down, the system has run without interruption, producing the quality and consistency of Pot Ale we want. In fact, when we inspected the heat transfer surfaces during the summer shut-down, they were clean as a whistle.”
Legal win for ‘Scotch Whisky’ in key Asian markets
Efforts by the whisky industry to ensure that only products made in Scotland can bear the name “Scotch Whisky” have paid off with legal victories in two key Asian markets.
Malaysia and Thailand, which together account for more than £40m of exports of the drink from Scotland, have granted applications for “Scotch Whisky” to be protected as a “geographical indication of origin” (GI).
The victories come as representatives of the Scotch Whisky Association, which was behind the cases, jet off to India this week to support an identical action there, and weeks before the association visits China to further an application for GI status which was made there in 2007.
Alan Park, legal adviser at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch whisky has broken new ground in Malaysia and Thailand. Consumers will be better protected from imitations and Scotch whisky’s international reputation for excellence is being recognised.”
Scotch whisky is the first spirit drink from the European Union to receive such a high level of protection in Malaysia.
In China, seen as a key market due to its rising middle class, Scotch whisky is protected by domestic laws, which include a collective trademark granted in 2008. GI status would bolster this protection.
World Trade Organisation rules mean that countries must protect GIs.
Chivas whisky bonds’ roof repairs at Keith could take up to six years
The job is also likely to result in a bill of millions of pounds
The repair job to fix the snow-damaged roofs of 38 football pitch-sized whisky bonds could take up to six years, it emerged last night.
Roofs of the Chivas Regal brand’s Keith buildings, where French company Pernod Ricard is maturing 100million gallons of malt whisky, collapsed under the weight of snow earlier this month.
Last night, a source close to the company, who asked not to be named, estimated a six-month repair job for each roof.
He said each bond stored 100,000 casks which would have to be painstakingly lifted out one by one.
He added: “We can’t put people into the sheds for the safety aspect.
“They are going to have to crane people in from the top and they are going to have to be on a platform.
“They cannot go inside with forklifts and take them out six at a time because of the safety aspect of it.
“It is going to amount to millions for the repair job.
“Hiring helicopters and cranes and digging their way in with men and machines. It is going to cost a fortune.”
It is understood casks of high-value whisky destined for the Asian market will reach maturity in three warehouses next week.
The source said: “They have been a priority.
“They were worried that they would get lost, that would be a lot of money down the drain.”
A spokesman for Chivas Regal said last night the damage was still being assessed.
He said: “It will probably be quite a bit of work.”
Haiti earthquake miracle survivor lived on whisky and sweets
A British rescue worker has told how she crawled through the rubble of the Haitian earthquake to free a survivor who had been entombed for 11 days.
Carmen Michalska, 36, from Sheffield, squeezed down a tiny hole to get to Wismond Exantus Jean-Pierre, 24, who was trapped under a 20ft heap of tangled concrete slabs, wooden beams and corrugated iron.
When the 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck on Jan 12 he was working as a cashier in a grocery shop called Tapolin under the two-storey Napoli Inn hotel on Port au-Prince's Rue de Centre. He survived by drinking whisky, beer and Coca-Cola, and nibbling on sweets.
As she emerged from the wreckage moments after the rescue on Saturday, Scottish-born Miss Michalska told The Daily Telegraph: "To save somebody's life was amazing.
"When we got here we started pulling away the rubble with our hands and tools we found in the street. People were saying 'There's someone alive down there' and we were saying 'Are you sure? Are you sure?'
"We got communication with him and then, when the heavy equipment turned up, they made a gap but it wasn't very wide. The guys were too big to get in so I said 'I'll go' because I'm only 5ft 5ins."
Rescue co-ordinators sent her and a French woman colleague into the tunnel they had dug with chainsaws and drills.
"It was a tight squeeze and rather smelly and claustrophobic with concrete overhead," said Miss Michalska. "When we got down to the bottom I could see his head behind a piece of wood. He smiled and was so happy to see us.
"I think he had climbed up some shelves to get to where he was and he was covered in hair dye.
"He held our light for us while we sawed the wood in front of him away. I couldn't talk to him because I don't speak French but he said 'Merci'." While he was trapped Mr Jean-Pierre heard other people knocking from below him in the rubble.
"He said there were four guys and a girl in there and we're going to keep looking for them," said Miss Michalska. However, rescue workers later said they had no indication that anyone was left alive inside.
Miss Michalska, who works in security, was attached to the Hellenic Rescue Team from Greece, who were first on the scene. They fought their way through gangs of machete-wielding looters just to get there after hearing reports of a survivor.
"There were guys with knives. It was horrendous. We had to run from across the street," she said.
Her Greek colleague Apostolos Dedas said: "We nearly died on the way here. We were attacked by the locals. They were looting and police were shooting." During the two-and-a-half hours it took to extract Mr Jean-Pierre looting continued nearby.
Close to tears, the rescued man's brother Enso Jean-Pierre, 23, who lost six relatives in the earthquake, said: "I had a dream that my brother called to me and told me he was alive. He told me to come get him and I have been coming every day."
Later, lying on a camp bed in a tent at a French field hospital, his arm attached to an IV drip, Mr Jean-Pierre looked healthy and said he felt "good".
He said: "I was hungry but every night I thought about the revelation that I would survive. I would eat anything I found. I didn't know when it was day and when it was night. I prayed.
"It's a big miracle for me. When I leave the hospital I will give my heart to the Lord because he saved my life."
He was knocked out by the earthquake and woke up to find himself under the rubble. He had a mobile phone in his hand but the battery had run out so he could not call for help.
Nearby he found a large bottle of Dewar's White Label whisky which he drank when he was in pain. He also consumed large quantities of Coca-Cola, and ate sweets and crisps. Every time he thought he would pass out he sniffed soap to stay awake.
Gilles Gueney, a French paramedic, said: "He has no fractures, just some cuts on his arms. He is tired and a bit dehydrated."
Edderton distillery a ‘dram’ fine wedding location
THE home of Balblair malt whisky at Edderton, near Tain, has hosted its first wedding.
Lynne Keating and Gregor Black, both police officers from East Lothian, thought the picturesque Easter Ross distillery would be a “dram” fine place to tie the knot after friends who own the nearby Carnegig Lodge Hotel recommended it.
The couple visited, met distillery manager John MacDonald and were so impressed by the beautiful location that they booked it for the big day.
After arriving fashionably late in a Rolls-Royce, the bride was piped in by renowned local piper Willie Fraser before minister Susan Brown, from Dornoch – who married Madonna and Guy Richie in 2000 – made them man and wife.
Accompanied by 20 friends and family, the ceremony took place in the barns of the distillery, which were decked in tartan drapes, flowers and candles.
Mr MacDonald said: “This is the first wedding to take place at the Balblair distillery, which is remarkable considering what a lovely setting it is.
“When Lynne and Gregor approached us, we were delighted to let them have their special day here and to join in a celebratory dram to congratulate them.”
For further details on Balblair, the second oldest working distillery in Scotland, call 01862 821273, or see www.inverhouse.com
200 events at Speyside festival featuring three-day masterclass
AN ALCOHOL-INSPIRED musical and a three-day malt school will be among the highlights at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
The programme for the 11th annual whisky event, which will run from Wednesday, April 28, to Tuesday, May 4, was announced last week.
More than 200 events will take place around Speyside, including the prestigious annual whisky awards, professional and student chef competitions, and tours and tastes from distilleries which are not normally open to the public.
This year will also feature the second annual Malt Whisky School, a three-day masterclass for a select number of whisky enthusiasts.
Highland theatre company Right Lines Productions will also stage its world premiere of musical Whisky Kisses during the five-day event.
The show, which will be held at the Glenfiddich Distillery, tells the story of two international whisky collectors who battle it out for the last bottle of a 100-year-old malt whisky, called The Glenigma.
Other activities will include ceilidhs, music events and concerts.
Tickets for the festival’s events went on sale on Friday night and many of the events have sold out already.
A festival spokeswoman said: “The programme of events went live at 8pm on Friday and some popular events sold out within one and a half hours.
“A record number of tickets were sold this year in the first few hours, with almost 500 tickets in just three hours and just under 1,000 tickets in one day.
“As expected the most popular were the unique tours and tastings at distilleries not normally open to visitors.
“The launch attracted interest of many international visitors from around the world and judging by the online bookings made so far we will be seeing many visitors this year from Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Holland, US, India and Japan, emphasising the international character of this festival.”
The festival was established in 1999 to celebrate Scotland’s malt whisky country and to help promote tourism to Moray.
For more information and to book tickets for any of the events, visit www.spiritofspeyside.com
Two family-owned Scottish treasures, who put ingredients, passion and taste at the heart of what they do, picturesque Glengoyne Distillery and the fabled Monachyle Mhor hotel, are offering two exceptional culinary travel breaks, perfect for the ultimate food and whisky lover.
The packages, designed to embody Glengoyne’s ‘Real Taste of Malt, Real Taste of Food’ credentials, are available as a one night break from £280 per couple or a two night Master Class packed with fine food and rare whisky from £684 per couple.
The Mhor Food and Whisky Master Classes have been designed with the food-loving whisky fan in mind. Taking food and whisky pairing to the next level, this exclusive two-night break includes not only the finest food the area has to offer but a taste of Glengoyne’s oldest, rarest and most valuable whisky – The Glengoyne 40 Years Old, worth over £200 per dram!
Hosted by renowned chef, Tom Lewis, and Glengoyne Brand Heritage Manager, Stuart Hendry, these special events encompass the finest seasonal ingredients from Mhor hill farm, cottage garden and shooting estate, old and rare Glengoyne whiskies, great wine and a touch of fun.
Included in this very special event are:
Two nights dinner, bed and breakfast at Monachyle Mhor Hotel
A welcome dram of Glengoyne 21 Years Old on arrival at Monachyle Mhor served with a traditional Scottish delicacy, created by Mhor to match the whisky
Seasonal cooking demonstration and lunch with Tom Lewis at his Mhor Fish cafe in Callander
A Master Blender Session at Glengoyne, Scotland’s most beautiful distillery
Transport through the Trossachs with the mobile tutored nosing session using Glengoyne’s specially designed kit, along with a guide to talk through the history of whisky making in the local area
Rare opportunity to taste the exceptional Glengoyne 40 Years Old
Evening meal at Monachyle Mhor, hosted by Stuart Hendry and introduced by Tom Lewis, pairing the best local ingredients that Scotland has to offer with Glengoyne whiskies and Glen Guin wines, another quality brand with its history rooted in the local area.
These very exclusive, two night special events take place four times per year on 6 March, 16 June, 8 September and 10 November with prices starting from £684 per room based on two sharing.
Alternatively, the one night Whisky, Food and Mhor break includes dinner, bed and breakfast at the sumptuous Monachyle Mhor Hotel. On arrival at the hotel enjoy a dram of the exceptional Glengoyne 21 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, together with a traditional Scottish Black Bun specially created by Mhor to complement the rich honey flavours of the whisky.
The following day guests make their own way through the picturesque Trossachs for a unique experience at Glengoyne Distillery. The Master Blender Session will guide enthusiasts through the distillery and into the spectacular Sample Room where each guest will create their very own unique blend with a word of encouragement or two from the expert blender. The creation is then bottled to take home and enjoy.
The one night Whisky, Food and Mhor break is available all year with prices starting from £280 per room based on two sharing.
Glengoyne and Mhor are within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh, set in the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
13 Jan
2009
Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Announces Sponsorship of 2010 United States Curling Association
Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch, the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies, is proud to announce its 2010 official sponsorship of the United States Curling Association (USCA) just in time for the 2010 winter games. The sponsorship kicks off a year-long celebration of Scottish heritage by one of the world's most popular single malt Scotch whiskies.
"We're excited Laphroaig has been named the official scotch of the United States Curling Association," said Michael Cockram, senior director, Laphroaig. "We look forward to sharing the rich, flavorful taste and history of our classic whisky with curling fans."
"There are few brands out there that have as deep a Scottish history as Laphroaig," said USCA President Leland Rich. "We are honored to have such a respected brand sponsor the United States Curling Association. This truly brings the spirit of the winter games to new heights."
Starting February, whisky enthusiasts across the country can visit www.Laphroaig.com to register as a Friend of Laphroaig and receive updates regarding the Laphroaig sponsorship and regular product news.
"This sponsorship gives new meaning to the phrase 'scotch on ice,'" said Scotch Malt Master Simon Brooking. "It is always a pleasure seeing two grand traditions from my homeland, Laphroaig and curling, enjoyed in America."
"Chess on Ice"
Often referred to as "chess on ice" or "winter golf," curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century and has recently gained a significant following in the United States. During the past two Winter Olympic Games, curling led television ratings for all Winter Olympic sports*. For more information on the USCA, visit www.USACurl.org.
Friends of Laphroaig
The Friends of Laphroaig began in 1994 as a way to communicate news about the distillery and connect with other Laphroaig lovers around the world. Today it has grown to more than 300,000 members from more than 150 countries. Each fan receives a lifetime lease on a square foot of land next to the distillery that they can visit, view online and collect a dram of 'rent' for, should they ever visit the island. Membership is free with proof of purchase of 10 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old, Quarter Cask or Cask Strength Laphroaig. For more information, visit www.Laphroaig.com.
About United States Curling Association
The United States Curling Association (USCA) is the National Governing Body for this Olympic sport. The USCA's mission is "to grow the sport and win medals in world championships and Olympic Games." The USCA is headquartered in Stevens Point, Wis., and has nine regions and 145 member clubs across the nation. For more information, visit www.USACurl.org.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
12 Jan
2009
Whisky could be stored at RAF base
Snow damages roofs of bonds
THE RAF was ready last night to fly to the rescue of millions of gallons of whisky stored under snow-damaged warehouse roofs.
William Grant is considering transferring casks from three huge warehouses whose roofs have suffered damage from unprecedented snowfalls to spare hangar space at RAF Kinloss in Moray. Talks have still to take place between the company, which distills, processes and stores the famous Glenfiddich and Balvenie malts and other whiskies at Dufftown, and the base.
An RAF spokeswoman confirmed last night it had been approached as a possible site for storing of casks of whisky. She said: “We have been approached and I believe we do have some space available if it is needed and if we can come to some arrangement, but at the moment it is only a potential solution.”
A spokesman for William Grant said the roofs of three warehouses at the complex had suffered damage but there is no immediate threat to their valuable contents.
He said: “We are looking for potential storage space, but we are still at the early stages looking at contingencies.”
He said discussions were under way with Moray Council, and customs and excise would need to approve the transfer of bonded goods to another site.
The difficulties facing the distillery were revealed by Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson, who said: “The whisky industry is crucial to Speyside and the extreme weather conditions are causing problems. I am pleased that both the RAF and Moray Council are able to work with William Grant to find a solution to the problem, just as in the community where people are coming together to help each other.”
Moray Council spokesman Peter Jones said: “As the local authority we are keen to minimise the impact of the weather conditions on local businesses, particularly one so important as the whisky industry.
“To that end we initiated contact between the RAF and the distillery.”
THE Scotch distiller behind Famous Grouse and Macallan has fired a furious broadside at Gordon Brown’s Government for imposing “swingeing” export taxes on whisky.
Sir Ian Good, chairman of The Edrington Group, said in the company’s accounts that plans to raise excise duty by 30 per cent by 2013 were “very disappointing”.
His comments came as Edrington revealed the financial pressures that led it to close its site in Speyside last November. Profits fell 17 per cent in 2008/9 as the global recession flattened sales, the accounts show.
Sir Ian said: “On the one hand, politicians claim they want to encourage leading industries in the UK to be world-class yet impose swingeing domestic taxes on a truly world-class industry.
“It is particularly harmful as we argue for fair treatment from governments abroad.”
Edrington’s exports to the US market fell 11 per cent in the year to March, with worldwide volumes down 5 per cent. Famous Grouse managed to increase its volumes and profits partly thanks to two new blends.
Whisky warehouse roofs collapse under weight of snow and ice
Companies throughout Moray monitoring conditions as they battle against the big freeze
The roofs of 21 football pitch-sized whisky warehouses where more than 100million gallons of malt whisky are stored have collapsed under the weight of snow.
Many of the valuable casks lay hidden beneath metal roofing sheets last night in the Chivas Regal brand buildings of the French company Pernod Ricard, which also owns the Strathisla Distillery at Keith.
The company was said to be considering spraying de-icing chemicals that are normally used on airport runways and using ton-sized heaters in their battle against the ice.
A source close to the company said the roofing had given way in 20 buildings at the company’s 120-acre maturation site called Malcolmburn at Mulben, near Keith.
He said the roof of another warehouse in Alexandra Road had also caved in.
He said: “The ice has frozen on the roof and it can’t go down the drain pipes and get away. It just lies there. The weight of the fresh snow just adds to it.”
A company spokesman last night said the damage was still being assessed and he could not confirm the number of buildings damaged.
He added: “We are experiencing issues with some of our warehouse roofs under the weight of snow and ice.
“There have been no injuries and no spirit loss has been detected. As a precaution Chivas Brothers’ two major maturation sites in Speyside (Mulben and Keith) have been closed to day-to-day operations until the weather abates.”
The company employs about 200 staff in Moray and the product is exported to some 200 countries. The most expensive whisky maturing is the 38-year-old £350-per-bottle Royal Salute, a spokesman said.
Moray MP Angus Robertson said: “With the impact of the whisky industry to Speyside as a whole, everyone will be hoping that the damage is not serious.”
A Scotch Whisky Association spokesman said member companies had been warned to be vigilant.
Whisky giant Diageo, which also has maturation warehouses in the area, said they were monitoring the situation regularly but currently had no issues.
Heavy snow at Keith also threatened the roof at the town’s Tesco store at Moss Street.
A company spokeswoman said the store was closed briefly on Wednesday afternoon to carry out roof checks as a precaution but was “absolutely fine”.
Snow and ice are also wreaking havoc across other parts of Moray yesterday.
Two steadings roofs are believed to have caved in at two farms at Dallas. It is not known if cattle were injured.
Both farmers were unavailable for comment.
Cattle on a Banffshire farm escaped uninjured after the roof of the steading in which they were kept collapsed under the weight of snow.
The 100 cows and 40 weaned calves at Torbay Farm, Dufftown, were transferred to other housing after the building’s roof fell on top of them. Owner Allan Ross, of Wardhead, Strichen, said it was a “miracle” all the animals escaped.
Almost half of Moray’s 53 schools are expected to remain closed today. Buckie and Speyside High Schools, and Keith Grammar School will be shut, as will 22 primaries.
Moray College has also been affected, with all students advised to stay at home until Monday at the earliest. Staff have been advised to attend if possible.
Seafield Primary at Bishopmill, Elgin, opened as usual, but one parent decided to keep her 11-year-old daughter Brooke off, claiming the school’s heating supply was not up to scratch.
Alison Kennedy, of the town’s Whytes Place, said pupils had been forced to sit with their jackets on when the heating broke down before Christmas, and claimed a burst pipe meant the youngsters were left in the cold again yesterday.
The 47-year-old said: “If they wanted to open the school they should have made sure everything was OK first. I’m not prepared to send my daughter back until the heating is fully up and running.”
A spokesman for Moray Council said a pipe had burst, affecting the heating in two classrooms which was being sorted.
“Meantime pupils have been moved to other rooms and extra temporary heating has been introduced,” he said. “The classrooms must achieve 60 degrees by 10am, and this is happening. It may be a little chilly to start with and the pupils may choose to wear extra layers for that period, but that's all.”
The bad weather also affected rail travel as the Inverness-Aberdeen line closed between Inverurie and Elgin.
Passengers were stranded as ScotRail was unable to provide alternative transport due to the severe weather.
A spokeswoman for the firm apologised for the inconvenience.
Network Rail issued a reassurance that the country’s 130 level crossings were safe after the control panel in the Elgin one froze, meaning the barrier was stuck in a closed position.
Ninety years after Johnnie Walker stopped making Scotch in Annandale, David Thomson wants to put the distillery back on the whisky map of the world.
The plant, 19 kilometres from where he grew up in southern Scotland, closed in 1921. With £5 million ($11 million) in cash, Thomson plans to open it up again next year.
"We can make so much more of malt whisky as an industry," said Thomson, 54, who submitted plans for local government approval on November 12. "We haven't even begun to tap into the potential interest."
More money is being invested in whisky than at any time since the late 1960s, according to the Scotch Whisky Association in Edinburgh.
The reason, producers like Diageo say, is to make sure they have enough of it to serve China and India, as well as to cater for the growing demand among malt buffs.
"The Chinese have bought into Scotch whisky," Gavin Hewitt, chief executive officer of the association, said at his office in the Scottish capital. "There's a huge new middle class and they want to make a statement about themselves."
Companies announced expansion plans during the past two years costing more than £500 million, according to the industry group. Whisky is Scotland's biggest export, excluding oil and gas, it said.
The liquor being distilled today can't be called Scotch whisky until it's three years old and then often has to age for at least another seven before it's bottled as a single malt. It also has to be made in Scotland.
The largest single investment during the past two years was by London-based Diageo, the world's largest liquor maker and biggest producer of Scotch.
Its net revenue from whisky, including top brand Johnnie Walker, rose 7 per cent to £2.42 billion for the 12 months to June 30, the company said.
Diageo, whose best-selling malt is Talisker, spent £40 million on a plant at Roseisle in northern Scotland, part of £100 million of investment.
"It's about growth over the next two or three decades," said Ken Robertson, Diageo's head of corporate relations for whisky. "You have to lay products down well in advance."
Glenmorangie, which Paris-based LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA bought in 2005 for £300 million, is increasing capacity at its plant at Tain in the Highlands by 50 per cent.
Along with new bottling and warehousing, the investment over two years amounts to £45 million, Glenmorangie said.
Thomson said he first had the idea to go into the whisky business in the late 1980s and early 1990s when 25 distilleries closed as more liquor was produced than the world could drink.
Scotch whisky makers show spirit of survival despite Johnnie Walker closure
When workers at Diageo's Johnnie Walker packaging plant in Kilmarnock agreed a redundancy deal days before Christmas it ended six months of bitter protests over the drinks group's decision to sever links with the Ayrshire town after 189 years. The plant's closure marks the culmination of a tough year for the scotch whisky industry which has been forced to slash jobs in the face of a deep recession.
As with many of its consumers, scotch producers partied through several bumper years only to face a major financial headache last year. Demand for the spirit began to slow in early 2009 and cracks began to appear in some of the industry's traditional export markets. Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) figures show sales, by value, were down 3.5% at £2.1bn for the first nine months of 2009.
After the high of three boom years, which culminated in record exports of £3.1bn in 2008, last year was one of the toughest in recent memory for the industry. Diageo prompted union fury by pushing through restructuring that will eliminate 900 jobs and end Johnnie Walker's historic links with Kilmarnock. Whyte & Mackay, owned by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, cut a third of its workforce, while in November the Edrington Group announced plans to mothball Tamdhu, the Speyside distillery – whose malt is a main component of Famous Grouse – for only the second time in its 112-year history.
But SWA public affairs manager David Williamson says the figures for 2009 were "encouraging" as conditions had improved after a "tough" first quarter: "Scotch whisky has been recession-resilient if not recession-immune." A surge in exports to countries such as Venezuela, which jumped 83%, helped offset problem markets such as Singapore where sales slumped 20%.
Diageo says the restructuring of its Scottish operation was not a defensive move but the magnitude of the global recession is seen to have hastened its progress. Johnnie Walker sales fell 11% last year while J&B, a favourite tipple of Spaniards when mixed with Coke, was off 13% as whisky exports to the recession-ravaged country plunged 26%. Edrington said the mothballing of Tamdhu was to "rebalance its distillation capacity" after the downturn "flattened" sales.
It is not the first time the industry has faced a hiatus. In the late 1970s, exuberant sales estimates resulted in the so-called "Whisky Loch". But distillers were forced to turn down production and mothball sites after growth fell short of expectations. Exports also slumped during the Asian economic crisis: dropping from £2.4bn in 1997 back to £2bn in 1998.
About 9,500 people, many in economically deprived parts of Scotland, are employed directly by the industry – though the UK supply chain has more than 60,000 workers. Geography was a significant factor in the political firestorm that followed Diageo's decision to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, even though 400 new jobs are being created at its Cameron Bridge grain distillery in Fife. The bitter six month-long dispute was only resolved in recent days when workers voted to accept the redundancy package.
Diageo says history is not repeating itself and that its strategy remains unchanged despite straitened times. "The industry got it badly wrong in the 70s," says Ken Robertson, head of corporate relations at Diageo Whisky, who says consolidation and sophisticated forecasting methods mean the industry is a leaner, more efficient beast today. "The restructuring was not driven by the recession but by a long-term view of our business and the way we see investment panning out in the future."
Scotch accounts for a quarter of Diageo's sales with the lion's share of its whisky output, which also includes Bell's, Bushmills and Benmore, destined for export. "We need to get our business to a place where we can meet long-term sustainable growth," adds Robertson.
He says the industry learned a harsh lesson from the "Whisky Loch" years as they were followed by two decades of tough love, when growth bumped along at 0.5%. It was only five years ago that flowering demand from India, China and emerging markets gave the industry grounds for optimism.
"We have had to put on capacity to meet long-term demand and I'd argue that is the right call to make," says Robertson, who adds that the company has factored several recessions into its growth plans. "Individual companies will be making adjustments based on what they see ahead and the amount of stock they are sitting on."
The SWA insists that scotch producers still have a bright future. The export figures for 2009 will not be available for several weeks but Williamson says the final quarter is an important period accounting for 40% of malt sales and 30% of blended scotch.
He adds that making whisky is a marathon not a sprint: to be labelled scotch whisky, the spirit must mature in oak casks for at least three years. "It is a long-term business," he says. "What is distilled today will not be scotch whisky by law until after the London Olympic Games [in 2012] – or bottled by the Rio de Janeiro games in 2016."
Despite the gloom that descended last year, SWA figures suggest investment is running at its highest level since the early 1970s, with more than £500m earmarked for new distilleries, extensions and bottling plants in the past two years. After the drastic cuts in the 1980s the number of licensed distilleries has risen to 109, with a further seven in prospect, including Diageo's new malt whisky distillery at Roseisle in Speyside, which will open in the spring.
The export potential of scotch has been boosted by sophisticated marketing that has helped shed the bagpipes-and-shortbread image and acquire a luxury cachet. Mallya's £600m acquisition of Whyte & Mackay in 2007 was viewed as a defensive measure ahead of the eventual opening-up of the vast Indian market, where just 1% of whisky drunk is scotch, and there is a burgeoning middle class.
"Right now things are difficult on a global basis," adds Robertson. "The industry has to hold its nerve and keep its long-term perspective."
New world whiskies put Scottish pride on the rocks
A tough year for exports of scotch whisky coincided with some big blows to Scotland's distilling pride. In the awards stakes, 2009 was a year of success for overseas whiskies and Scotland's claim to be the world's finest producer came under threat from distilleries in America, Japan, India and even England. Early this year international whisky authority Jim Murray named 18-year-old Sazerac Rye from Kentucky in America the finest whisky in the world.
Its top billing in Murray's 2010 Whisky Bible pushed Ardbeg Supernova from Islay into second place, while there was further upset for the scotch industry with his third place choice – it went to a single malt distilled in Bangalore called Amrut Fusion. Japanese producers have also been enjoying widespread acclaim for their malts, piling up awards and exporting their whiskies around the world, including onto the shelves of UK supermarkets. England got in on the act in 2009, as the English Whisky Co bottled the first English whisky for more than a century at its distillery in Norfolk and has even been shipping to Scotland.
VisitScotland says performance had benefited from strength of euro and ‘staycation’ effect
SCOTLAND’S tourism industry has performed well this year, according to the body responsible for driving the sector forward.
Despite the continued impact of the global economic crisis, particularly on leisure travel, VisitScotland said the country had bucked world trends.
Scottish tourism businesses have also outperformed their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, the agency added. VisitScotland said the industry had benefited from the strength of the euro, the so-called “staycation” effect of people taking holidays closer to home and the Homecoming campaign.
A spokeswoman said: “The north of Scotland has seen some very successful events and festivals over the course of the past year.”
Highlighting Aberdeen’s Word Festival, the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, at Portsoy, Beauly’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, she said: “Many of these events attracted record-breaking visitor numbers.”
Belladrum, for example, attracted more than 12,000 festivalgoers and Turriff Show had about 40,000 visitors.
Tourism Minister Jim Mather hailed the “outstanding success” of Homecoming events and said snow had added a special touch for visitors spending the festive period in Scotland. Organisers have said Homecoming is on track to exceed the target of increasing tourism revenue by £44million.
An independent analysis of 25 events found tourism spending totalled £19.4million.
Ken Massie, north-east regional director for VisitScotland, said the latest tourism figures in the region were encouraging. He said Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire attraction visitor numbers were up 7.2% on last year by the end of October, while accommodation occupancy levels remained high.
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland’s regional director for the Highlands, said attractions across the north had seen visitor numbers grow by around 10%, adding: “These figures back up what many businesses have told us anecdotally; more people are choosing to enjoy a staycation and have enjoyed some great family days out.”
A former illicit still has been put back into use by an island's whisky distiller.
Mark Tayburn, who runs the Abhainn Dearg Distillery in Uig, on Lewis, is able to operate the small still under the distillery's licence.
Whisky was illicitly produced across the Highlands and Islands until distilling was legalised by the Excise Act of 1823.
Mr Tayburn hopes to make a distinctive whisky using the old still.
He was granted a licence for his distillery by HM Revenue and Customs in November 2008.
Mr Tayburn's decision to put the small still back into use has been welcomed by Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan.
He said: "I am happy to say Lewis has now started producing one of Scotland's most unusual whiskies in almost certainly the country's smallest licensed still."
In 2006, whisky distillers at Glenlivet recreated history by legally using a similar style illicit still and the same methods as illicit distillers once employed in Banffshire.
Ballantine's whisky brand partners with artist Julian Beever for Heathrow campaign
Ballantine's, Pernod Ricard's Scotch whisky brand, has collaborated with international pavement artist Julian Beever as part of a marketing push outside London Heathrow Terminal 3 this Christmas.
The campaign, booked with JCDecaux Airport's experiential division Sphere and devised by communication agency Circle IMC, extends Ballantine's "Leave an Impression" campaign and claims to be the first of its kind at a UK airport.
Through the work, Pernod Ricard hopes to increase awareness of Ballantine's Finest by word of mouth.
Beever finishes his drawing today (18 December), after which it will be opened to the public until Christmas.
Updates on Terminal 3's digital network will showcase the development of the drawing from its initial stages through to the final piece.
In addition to driving customers to the World Duty Free store in T3, coupons will be handed out offering the chance to win a Ballantine's branded watch.
Travellers will also have the opportunity to sample the Ballantine's range, while a gift is available with any Ballantine's reference purchased.
Nicola Greene, head of Sphere Sales at JCDecaux Airport, said: "A campaign with this level of creative flair demonstrates yet again the potential for experiential advertising at airports.
"We are really proud to be able to deliver a passenger experience that will delight travellers during their airport journey and that can only increase the brand perception of exclusive products like Ballantine's whisky."
Before the launch in London, the Ballantine's Finest Street Impression campaign was first executed in Uruguay outside a shopping mall in Montevideo, followed by Las Condes in Chile in October.
Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky has announced a new sponsorship deal with Scottish Racing.
The exciting new partnership, to commence in January 2010, will name Isle of Skye 8 Years Blended Scotch Whisky as the sponsor of the Scottish Racing ‘Trainers’ Championship’ and official whisky partner at all five Scottish Race courses - Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth.
The sponsorship deal includes award presentations at race days throughout the year, to the top National Hunt and top Flat racehorse trainer at each individual track, as well as to the top overall Scottish Flat and Jump trainer with runners at all five Scottish racecourses over the year. In addition, Isle of Skye 8 Years Old will be stocked in bars at all of the courses. Promotional activity will also include a range of joint marketing initiatives such as on course advertising support, website promotion and point of sale.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: “The sponsorship of Scottish Racing will form a key part of our 2010 (and beyond) marketing programme. We are delighted to be working with Scottish Racing to promote Scotland’s unique, popular and highly regarded racecourses. Scottish Racing is built on a commitment to tradition and excellence, values that sit very well with Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky.
Commenting on the new sponsorship deal, Jonathan Garratt, Commercial Manager of Scottish Racing said: “Isle of Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky will be our official whisky partner for 2010 and we could not wish for more enthusiastic supporters. Whisky is one of the major ingredients within Scotland’s hospitality experience and we are very proud to be associated with this top quality blend, which I am sure will go down very well with all our customers.”
The Scottish Racing partnership is an integral part of Ian Macleod Distillers’ brand development strategy for Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky, which aims to raise the profile of the award-winning whisky throughout Scotland and beyond. This builds on last month’s announcement that Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky was stepping up its sponsorship of Scotland’s number one National Hunt racehorse trainer, Lucinda Russell and her team at Arlary House Stables.
The five Scottish racecourses stage approximately 100 fixtures each year and welcome more than 320,000 visitors for both Flat and National Hunt (Jump) racing.
Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky will be available at all of the public bars at the five racecourses, along with three other Ian Macleod brands, award-winning Glengoyne Highland Single malt, London Hill Gin and Watson’s Trawler Dark Rum.
Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch whisky is available at 8 Years Old, limited edition 21 and 50 Years Old. An exceptionally smooth and mellow Scotch whisky containing a high proportion of carefully selected Island and Speyside Malts, the 8 Years Old has been described by whisky expert Jim Murray, as “an absolute must for any Islay-philes out there – in fact, a must for everybody. Your taste buds are beaten up and caressed simultaneously. One of the most enormous yet brilliantly balanced whiskies in the world.”
The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes - 1.5 litre, 70cl, 35cl and 5cl with a recommended retail price of £13.99 for 70cl.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
15 Dec
2009
Highland Park Reveals New Bottling The Earl Magnus Edition 1
The internationally acclaimed and award winning distillery, Highland Park announces the launch of its latest premium single malt whisky, The Earl Magnus Edition 1 - a perfectly-balanced natural strength bottling taken from hand selected casks from the turn of the last century.
This limited edition expression provides lovers of this award winning single malt liquid with the opportunity to experience or collect a very distinct bottling that captures a time in history through its tasting and the story that is told.
The bottling celebrates the life of Earl Magnus, an 11th century Christian; a man of peace and great authority who shared the rule of the Orkney Earldom with his treacherous cousin Haakon. Envious at the increasing popularity of his cousin, matters between the two reached a crisis and in a bitter twisted rivalry, Haakon had his cousin slaughtered. Magnus’s body was laid to rest on Egilsy and later at Birsay it was said that miracles of healing were experienced around his tomb.
The story is legendary as is the new edition from Highland Park. Bottled at 52.6% abv this unique 15 year old full natural strength expression delivers a beautiful balance of ginger and lemon notes, cumulating with delicate aromatic blends of ginger and vanilla, combined with the signature heather peat smokiness of Highland Park. Distinct in taste, the bottling and gift box combines current artisan design elements of the classic Highland Park style and these have been skilfully maintained and blended with historic drawings taken from preserved archive bottles at the Highland Park distillery.
Key design elements include the composition of the light brown glass itself. With natural looking flaws, bubbles and an unusual orange peel texture the glass making reflects the techniques used over 150 years ago.
The bespoke light brown glass bottle is offset with an archive inspired label that depicts Earl Magnus in a stained glass window. It is sealed with a black stopper, coated in black wax stamped with the classic Highland Park ‘H’. Stoelze Flaconnage, the specialist bottle makers have created this ancient looking bottle that consumers can keep long after the liquid has been savoured.
The bottle is presented in an open window wooden gift box that is simple in design and etched with modern Highland Park branding and the historic tale of Earl Magnus – the story of his remarkable life, how he came to his brutal and tragic death and how years later his life was eternally remembered through his canonisation and the building of St Magnus cathedral, a magnificent structure that stands not far from the distillery – the home of Highland Park.
Jason Craig, Global Controller of Highland Park, said: “Orkney has a wonderful and magical heritage born out of an incredibly colourful history; with troubles, strife, heroism and a lasting legacy of historical structures and ancient and mysterious standing circles on our island. We hope our Highland Park drinkers and collectors will love this limited edition bottling that captures a period of remarkable history, delivers a full strength 15 year old and is big on flavour and aroma which is succinct and distinguished in taste.”
Earl Magnus Edition 1 will be available from late December in the UK from specialist independent whisky retailers throughout the UK, the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £85.00.
Earl Magnus Detail:
Age: 15 year old from 1994 and earlier years
Strength: 52.6% abv
Appearance: Golden honey, clear and bright
Aroma: Cedarwood and lemon. Mango chunks with hints of ginger and cinnamon bark
Palate: Vanilla, balanced smokiness, milk chocolate and crystallised ginger
Aftertaste: Medium sweet with lingering spiciness
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
15 Dec
2009
Glenfiddich offers a true taste of Scotland
The world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich, distributed in the UK by leading drinks company First Drinks, is investing in a heavyweight integrated Christmas communications campaign worth over £1 million.
The number one malt whisky brand in the UK, Glenfiddich has a heavyweight advertising campaign planned across top end glossy magazines and newspaper supplements, reaching 3.5 million target consumers.
Off-trade in-store support is also being upweighted this year, focusing on the point of purchase. The creative will run under the strapline "Discover the true taste of Christmas" referencing Glenfiddich's Christmas Day beginnings in 1887 when the first spirit ran from the Glenfiddich stills.
The brand's status as the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky will also be communicated to consumers, reinforcing the brand's quality credentials.
"Glenfiddich continues to pioneer the single malt category with a comprehensive range. From the iconic 12YO through the 15YO, 18YO and 21YO expressions, Glenfiddich is the essential malt whisky.
"Other rare, exclusive bottlings and limited editions such as the 50YO, a flawless expression priced at £10,000 per bottle, have cemented our status as a favourite with consumers the world over.
"The brand really is a must-stock for retailers whether they are targeting the lucrative gifting market or consumers buying their favourite malt for themselves, as well as bars looking to capitalise on the Christmas season," says Andy Corris, Senior Brand Manager for Glenfiddich at First Drinks.
"Our Christmas programme this year will communicate the fact that due to our heritage, we are the ideal malt whisky for the festive season.
"Our advertising campaign will reach millions of consumers, and outlets must make sure they have adequate stock of the number one malt whisky brand in the UK as we will be top of mind with drinkers, and actively sought out".
The campaign will also incorporate an online focus from Glenfiddich Explorers, the brand's relationship marketing programme, which seeks to drive brand engagement with drinkers and demonstrate new and exciting ways to enjoy Glenfiddich.
Target consumers will be contacted via the brand's customer database and invited to pick their favourite variant of Glenfiddich.
A subtle hint is then emailed to friends and family, encouraging them to purchase Glenfiddich as the perfect Christmas present.
Glenfiddich will wrap up its 2009 activity with The Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards, which take place in Edinburgh on Tuesday 8th December. Now in its twelfth year, the event recognises individuals who are leading the way within Scottish culture.
English whisky goes on sale for first time since 19th century
It is hardly whisky galore, but English whisky will go on sale next week, the first time in more than 120 years that a distillery south of the border has produced the drink.
The St George's distillery in Roudham, Norfolk, will be hoping to do for English whisky what wine producers in the home counties have done for sparkling wine, which has proved more than a match for French champagne.
St George's single malt has already received favourable reviews in its pre-whisky form – the spirits have to mature for three years before being officially designated whisky.
Keir Sword, proprietor of Royal Mile Whiskies, the whisky retailer in Edinburgh, has tasted the peated and non-peated varieties of St George's and thinks English whisky has what it takes to become a decent tipple.
"Both should improve over time and they will be good whiskies," he said.
The English Whisky Company, which owns the St George's distillery, was started by farmer Andrew Nelstrop and his father James. After deciding on what some might say was a crazy venture in 2005, they distilled the whisky in November 2006. In a publicity coup for the Nelstrops, their distillery was officially opened in March 2007 by Prince Charles.
Andrew Nelstrop, managing director, recently took the product to Paris for the Whisky Live show and came back heartened by the response.
"This is a spectacular event, again our first ever whisky show," Nelstrop wrote on his company's website, "and one that I was very proud to be a part of, although a little scary watching a whisky buff taste whisky older than myself on the neighbouring stand and then head over to our stand to taste 18-month old spirit.
"With enormous relief, not one person showed disdain. Given the French are normally not shy in showing their disapproval, I have declared the show a roaring success!".
St George's, which has cost £2.4m to produce so far, uses barley from East Anglia and water from the Breckland aquifer, through a 160ft borehole in the garden. The company plans to produce between 150,000 and 200,000 bottles a year, holding back about 1,000 barrels for 20-year-old whisky.
The whisky is being shipped to Japan, Singapore, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Next year, the company hopes to crack the US market and Hong Kong.
The Scotch whisky business is not quaking yet. As the Scotch Whisky Association pointed out, there are 109 distilleries in Scotland, one in Wales, one in Northern Ireland, and one in England. Scotch outsells the next largest whisky category (US) by more than three times worldwide.
"It is testament to the global success of Scotch that other countries are also looking to make whisky and we welcome our Norfolk friends to the world whisky family," said a spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association.
A NORTH-EAST auction centre will be this weekend’s setting for a whisky galore sale, with almost 400 lots going under the hammer.
Saturday’s 11am auction at the Thainstone Centre, near Inverurie, is expected to attract brisk bidding.
The Thainstone specialist auctions event annually attracts interest from connoisseurs and collectors from around the country, with local people looking for a special New Year celebration dram.
As usual the sale will feature whiskies from almost every distillery in Scotland.
Among the collectable items on offer will be an unboxed, but listed as very old, bottle of John Thompson, to number five in a limited edition of only 200 bottles of special Armistice Day whisky.
Bells decanters to be sold will include royal commemoratives celebrating events from the births of Prince William and Princess Eugenie and the late Queen Mother’s 100th year to the Queen’s golden wedding. Among the final lots of the seasonal sale will be a series of Bells Christmas decanters dating from the 1980s into the present century.
The collectable and limited-edition Scotch whisky items will on view from 9am on the day of the sale. A big turnout is expected at the auction, while enthusiasts from throughout the UK and overseas will be able to bid online through the centre’s eBid@liveauction site.
Staff at Glen Dronach Distillery at Forgue, near Huntly, are celebrating two awards for its 15-year-old Revival single malt.
The north-east whisky was voted best single malt whisky of the year at the annual Dutch Whisky Awards from a line-up of 300 whiskies.
It has also taken a top accolade in this year’s Malt Maniacs Awards, an annual web-based international competition.
Revival is matured in sherry casks to produce a distinctive full-bodied flavour.
Shipments increase but value drops as customers opt for cheaper brands
SHIPMENTS of Scotch whisky abroad are up despite the recession, according to industry figures.
Exports grew by 1.5% in the first nine months of this year, accounting for more than 807million bottles.
The value was down 3.5% to £2.11billion on the same period last year, which was an industry record, but was still the second best performance to the end of September.
The reduction of about £80million was blamed on drinkers switching to cheaper brands.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reported that, despite weak economic conditions and a reduction in stocks, which hit exports in the first quarter of the year, the industry was confident of future growth as international conditions improve.
SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt said the industry was looking forward to a good last quarter of the year now that the Christmas and New Year period was in full swing.
“Distillers have been resilient through the recession, investing for future opportunities and underscoring Scotch whisky’s increasing importance to the domestic economy,” he said.
“Scotch whisky exports, which already represent 20% of Scotland’s manufactured exports, are showing the way in bringing the Scottish economy out of recession.”
The SWA said the international spread of exports helped mitigate the impact of weaker economic conditions in certain countries. Within the top 10 markets the value of exports increased in France, South Africa and Venezuela, but was down in the US, Spain and South Korea.
The UK market continued to struggle with releases from bond down 11%.
The SWA said this raised questions over plans for minimum pricing of alcohol in Scotland.
It pointed to “negative impact” of trade barriers being introduced against whisky overseas if a precedent is set with minimum pricing at home.
The export figures were announced as the SWA held a reception at Dover House, the Scotland Office HQ at Westminster last night.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “This is another impressive performance from the Scotch whisky industry and I congratulate everyone involved for generating such high sales during a global recession.
“It’s greatly encouraging that the sector is continuing to punch above its weight on the international stage.”
Liberal Democrat MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Jamie Stone said whisky’s success in bucking the recession could be undermined if the SNP get their way on minimum pricing.
“The slightly cheaper brands, which have been flourishing during this recession, would be hit hardest by these proposals,” he said.
“This argument has been put to me by the likes of Whyte and Mackay who own the Invergordon Distillery in my constituency, which provides vital jobs in a remote part of Scotland.”
Award-winning Glengoyne Distillery has challenged some of Scotland’s best known and highly respected independent whisky retailers to select a rare limited edition single cask from the Glengoyne warehouses that they would be proud to name The Scottish Merchants’ Choice.
Taking place in Glengoyne distillery’s state-of-the-art Blending Room, the group of six whisky connoisseurs nosed, sampled and debated a wide range of Glengoyne’s finest malts before collectively selecting a 12 Years Old, Sherry HHD cask 57.8% vol. to have the honorary title of The Scottish Merchants’ Choice.
Not only tasked with selecting this exceptional single cask, the merchants’ had to unanimously agree on all of the Merchants’ Choice values, from the bottle, packaging and label design and wording, to its name and tasting notes.
With a great first impression of butterscotch, cloves, leather, spice and Seville oranges, the nose of the Scottish Merchants’ Choice is described as fabulously balanced with an underlay of chocolate. An elegantly rich and fresh palate with sundried fruits, pears and a hint of pepper that plays nicely to the finish.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, brand owners of Glengoyne commented: “These fine gentlemen are the experts and the critics. It is their job and passion to know and understand Scottish malt whisky better than anyone else. We are delighted to have been able to give them the opportunity to showcase their expertise and skill in choosing the perfect dram.
“We have already had enquires from some of our English independent whisky retailers as to when they will get the chance to make their Merchants’ Choice. I think a bit of healthy North-South rivalry has some great potential.”
Just 284 bottles of this limited edition bottling are now available (just in time for Christmas), from the six selection panel whisky specialists (see below), with an RRP of £99.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
04 Dec
2009
Ballantine's launches whisky bottle that flashes to the music beat
Pernod Ricard-owned blended Scotch whisky brand is launching a bottle that flashes like a graphic equaliser in time to the music.
Designed by London-based packaging agency The Core, the Ballantine's Finest self-illuminating bottle, which can be powered by batteries or mains, is only available to the on-trade.
The bottle design is modelled on a graphic equaliser, the dark blue spray coated bottle appears to react to the tonal quality of audio passing through it, by lighting up intermittently to achieve back-of-bar standout.
The working bottle forms part of an on-trade campaign for Ballantine's Finest, entitled ‘Listen to Your Beat'. Rolling out across bars and nightclubs in the UK and other markets, the campaign is based on the idea that ‘by listening to your own beat and following your own instincts, you will make choices that leave an impression on others.'
Global marketing director for Ballantine's, Peter Moore, said "The ‘Listen to Your Beat' campaign will energise our on-trade accounts by engaging consumers in a creative and eye catching manner."
Another 'Unfiltered' Success for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Glasses were raised at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society this week as it added yet another trophy to its long list of accolades, scooping the Periodical Publishers Association Scotland (PPA) award for Best Magazine Design: Business & Professional.
The award went to the Society's internationally renowned members' magazine 'Unfiltered', and was presented at a gala evening held in Edinburgh. The event was hosted by BBC Scotland's Cathy MacDonald and was attended by a sell-out audience of almost 400 leading figures from the Scottish magazine industry.
Kai Ivalo, sales and marketing director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, comments: "We are thrilled to have won. While we already know how much hard work goes into creating a wonderful magazine, it's fantastic to hear that other people believe the same.
"As one of the many ways in which we engage with our members, Unfiltered represents the quality that the Society has to offer malt whisky lovers."
Alan Ramsay, deputy managing director of Connect Communications, which publishes Unfiltered, said: "Unfiltered's success is a real feather in the cap for our head of design Renny Hutchison, project manager Jim Byers and everyone who contributes to the magazine editorially and creatively."
Unfiltered provides the Society's 26,000 members worldwide with an entertaining insight into the world of whisky, with recommendations on the finest drams and curious stories on all things malt.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
01 Dec
2009
Recession continues to hit Speymalt
Elgin whisky group predicts profits may fall to about £650,000 in current year
The worldwide recession is continuing to hit profits at Speymalt Whisky Distributors.
The firm, which trades as Elgin-based Gordon and MacPhail and owns Benromach distillery at Forres, said yesterday that pre-tax profits for the year to February 2009 were just under £698,000.
This compared with £1.349million for the previous 12 months, however, the latest profits were affected by more than £272,000 of repairs to the stonework of the company's retail premises in South Street, Elgin, built in 1895.
Turnover in the past financial year was down 4.1% to £15.822million, with sales in the UK and export markets both down.
Joint managing director Michael Urquhart said yesterday that the impact of the recession may lead to profits dropping again to about £650,000 in the current financial year.
He added: "Hopefully, the world will be out of recession in the next couple of years, but we are not out of the woods yet as current financial events in Dubai show."
On a brighter note, Mr Urquhart said sales of Benromach had risen by 13% during the last financial year.
Turnover in the current financial year is also expected to rise to about £17.5million.
He said: "Despite a slight drop in overall sales, the company has continued to invest in stocks of new spirit, both in distillation at Benromach and the purchase of new spirit from other distilleries. Investment in the Benromach brand continued."
Mr Urquhart said Benromach 10-year-old, launched in September, had been well received by all sectors of the trade.
Benromach is now exported to 35 countries.
Mr Urquhart said the company was delighted to be awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in April in recognition of a 94% increase in overseas sales in the previous five years.
He added: "Trading in the new financial year has been very buoyant in the UK, with sales increasing 30%, due in part to the excellent tourist season in Scotland and the company's wine and spirit distribution division winning a number of new contracts including one to supply the Nicolas chain of wine and spirit outlets in the UK with all their spirits."
Speymalt employed an average of 129 people during the last financial year.
An American rye has been voted the world's top whisky, knocking Scotch off its long-held top spot.
The 2010 edition of the Whisky Bible has voted Sazerac Rye from Kentucky the world's finest dram, ahead of last year's winner, Ardbeg, an Islay malt.
In a further blow to the Scotch whisky industry, an Indian single malt has made it into the top three for the first time. The elevation of Amrut Fusion, produced in Bangalore, signals the emergence of whiskies from previously unheralded countries of origin as a growing threat to the dominance of Scottish brands in the global market.
Jim Murray, who publishes the annual whisky guide, which is regarded by connoisseurs as the most authoritative, accused some industry figures of being complacent in the face of stiffening competition from abroad.
Earlier this year, a Japanese single malt and a blended whisky lifted awards in an annual competition run by Whisky Magazine.
"There is still a sneering attitude in some quarters that, if it is not made in Scotland, then somehow it is not proper whisky," said Murray. "I don't think the Scots have a lot to be complacent about at the moment in terms of whisky.
"There are some very, very poor casks of Scotch whisky in circulation just now.
"While the best is still exceptional, there is a lot of Scotch whisky out there which is really not good at all."
Murray awarded the Indian single malt 97 points out of a possible 100 and declared it "whisky genius".
"Hopefully the arrival of Indian whisky will act as a wake-up call for the Scotch whisky industry. If these guys in Bangalore can produce exceptional, world-class whisky, why can't Scottish distillers who have been around for 100 years or more?
"Very often, the answer is that distilleries don't take a huge amount of bother in choosing the casks they use and it has become a numbers game for them."
Whiskies produced by Ardbeg have dominated the top spot for the past three years. Rob Allanson, editor of Whisky Magazine, said Scots had to come to terms with no longer being undisputed masters of the whisky trade.
"There are some truly phenomenal non-Scottish whiskies out there just now," he said. "Some whiskies, especially those being produced in oak casks in Japan, are incredible and completely beyond anything that is produced in Scotland."
Allanson suggested a surge in the price of materials in recent years may have affected the quality of native brands.
"Because of this, maybe some distillers weren't as scrupulous when they were buying casks. We are now starting to see some of those casks coming into the market.
"You can always learn lessons from others, but the smaller Scotch whisky companies are still punching well above their weight."
Ian Hudghton, the Nationalist member of the European parliament who led a campaign to gain "protected" status for Scotch whisky, said most consumers still regarded Scottish-produced brands as the best in the world.
"The international market is the ultimate test and it shows that, if anything, the desire for genuine whisky made in Scotland is stronger than ever."
A spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association said: "Landmark regulations to protect and promote Scotch whisky show Scottish distillers are continuing to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of the production process."
Ashok Chokalingam, Amrut's international sales manager, said the first consignment of Fusion sold out within weeks of its arrival in June.
The firm is planning to introduce two more whiskies to the British market next year.
Alexandria whisky plant forced to relabel bottles over new ruling
A WHISKY plant boss has spoken of his two-year battle over new regulations which will "devalue" the firm's blended whisky.
Loch Lomond Distillery faces threats because of new government rules defining how traditional malt whisky is made.
John Peterson, distilling director of Loch Lomond Distillery, says the rules are "unnecessary" and damning on the green factory.
The Alexandria plant has been implementing innovative distillation methods in a bid to be environmentally-friendly for the last two years, and bosses say they have already smashed government climate targets.
But the company face a hazy future because their malt whisky can no longer be called by this name.
Under the new definition of Scotch malt whisky, which came into force on Monday, a true malt is classed as this if it is made in old-fashioned pot stills.
Instead the factory produce an environmentally-friendly malt mash in a single still.
Mr Peterson continued: "I've been trying to get our views across to the Scottish Whisky Association (SWA) and to local MPs for the past two years and nobody is prepared to listen.
"We are being treated unfairly and I think these regulations are unnecessary."
He said the factory will carry on as normal and confirmed that no jobs will be affected – but it will be forced to relabel its bottles.
"The SWA want us to call it grain whisky but this is misleading because it's not grain whisky. Our stock will be devalued.
"We are trying to be innovative and environmentally-friendly, and instead we are being penalised for it. It's nonsensical."
A spokesman for SWA, which has been helping to draw up the amendments to the Scotch Whisky Order 1990, said: "Loch Lomond Distillery's practice of producing a malt mash in a single still is not traditional. A single malt scotch whisky now has to be made according to traditional processes and that involves the use of pot stills.
"It will protect Scotch whisky from fake products around the world and the new regulations will ensure that consumers get clear and consistent information.
New guidelines to protect whisky from foreign imitation, including new rules on labelling and bottling, are coming into force in Scotland on Monday.
There will be a new requirement to only bottle Single Malts in Scotland, and tighter rules on the use of distillery names on bottle labels.
There will also be better protection of traditional regional names such as "Highland" and "Lowland".
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) described it as "landmark legislation".
The regulations have been drawn up by the UK government.
Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said: "It is vital that we protect our key industries. We cannot allow others to trade off our good name and to pass off inferior whisky as being produced in Scotland.
"These regulations will help protect whisky customers across the globe.
"New labelling rules will also mean that customers will have a clearer understanding about precisely where and how their drink has been produced. This will enhance the education of many whisky drinkers as well as their enjoyment."
SWA Chief Executive, Gavin Hewitt said: "This is landmark legislation for Scotch Whisky delivering important benefits for consumers, distillers, and the economy.
"Additional protection, including the requirement to bottle Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Scotland, helps safeguard Scotch from unfair and deceptive practices; the new labelling rules provide a unique opportunity to promote consumer understanding of Scotch worldwide.
"These regulations have the strong backing of the Scotch Whisky industry."
Regulation details
Some of the details of the new legislation include:
Five categories of Scotch Whisky are defined for the first time; Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.
These compulsory category sales terms will be required to appear clearly and prominently on all labels.
A requirement to only bottle Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Scotland.
New rules to prevent the misleading labelling and marketing of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
A ban on the use of the term "Pure Malt".
A ban on the use of a distillery name as a brand name on any Scotch Whisky which has not been wholly distilled in the named distillery.
Protection of five traditional whisky regions of production; Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown.
A requirement that Scotch Whisky must be wholly matured in Scotland.
Clear rules on the use of age statements on packaging.
Designation of HM Customs & Excise as the verification authority for Scotch Whisky.
Tamdhu, the 112-year-old Speyside whisky distillery whose malt is a major component of Famous Grouse, is to be mothballed as part of its owner Edrington Group's strategy to combat the impact of tough economic times on its brands.
Whisky-maker Edrington, which has its headquarters on Great Western Road in Glasgow, said the "restructuring follows a decision... to rebalance its malt whisky production levels in direct response to the global economic recession, which has affected all of the Scotch whisky industry".
The company said that as part of the restructuring, 31 jobs would be cut across five sites - Macallan and Glenrothes distilleries on Speyside, Highland Park in Orkney, its Buchley warehouse in Bishopbriggs, as well as Tamdhu.
The company said it was currently consulting with the employees who would be affected by the proposals, and that it hoped "any job losses required could be achieved through voluntary measures".
Meanwhile, the Tamdhu distillery - which is situated in the town of Knockando, Banffshire, and joined the Edrington stable with the group's £601 million takeover of Highland Distillers in 1999 - is to be put on a "care and maintenance" basis, along with its malting operation, the company said yesterday.
Tamdhu is the only distillery in Speyside to malt all its own barley on the premises.
The last distilleries to be mothballed were Springbank and Glengyle distilleries in the once-famous whisky-making area of Campbeltown, as the rocketing cost of fuel, transport and barley had forced its owners, J&A Mitchell, to call a halt to distillation of spirit for a period of up to two years, in the hope that the cost of the raw materials used to make whisky will eventually fall and allow the company to start distilling again.
Asked about the impact of Tamdhu's closure on essence and taste of Famous Grouse, the spokesman said: "Famous Grouse is made from a secret recipe, and there are many different constituents that go into it. We have a range of other malt whiskies and they will be sufficient for our blended products."
Tamdhu's traditional single-malt bottling does not mention its age, but a recent addition to its product line included a 10-year-old distillery bottling.
Edrington said that the proposed changes, which are scheduled to come in to effect in April next year, would see production concentrated at its three core distilleries - Macallan and Glenrothes in Speyside and Highland Park on Orkney.
Earlier this year, Ian Curle, Edrington's chief executive, said while announcing the group's annual results that there had been a softening of demand in a number of main markets because of the global economic slowdown.
The company also went on to say that this would affect the group's growth ambitions in the short term.
A responsible drinking message is to be included in all future adverts and printed point of sale materials for Scotch whisky, it has been announced.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is imposing the measure to help discourage the misuse of alcohol and help tackle Scotland's problem drinking culture.
The responsible drink plea will be seen across the EU.
The SWA also supported most of the Scottish Alcohol Bill, but put forward an alternative minimum pricing plan.
The body proposed that a ban on alcohol sales below tax (duty and VAT) to prevent loss-leading would be an alternative and better floor price mechanism than the Scottish Government's minimum price proposal.
Gavin Hewitt, the SWA's Chief Executive, said: "Scotch Whisky distillers are determined to tackle alcohol misuse and support much of what is likely to be in the forthcoming Scottish Government's Alcohol Bill.
"An even tougher SWA Code of Practice - with a responsible drinking message in every Scotch Whisky advert - complements the wide range of initiatives backed by the industry.
"The Code continues to be well used by SWA members seeking advice on how to ensure compliance with its provisions. It is a good example of how self-regulation can be an effective mechanism as we work to change cultural attitudes to the misuse of alcohol."
Mr Hewitt added: "We also believe a floor price mechanism to tackle loss-leading could be introduced in the form of a ban on alcohol sales below tax. This would be a better way forward than an illegal mechanism such as minimum pricing."
A unique whisky created from blends spanning 140 years has sold at auction for more than £22,000.
The Dalmore Oculus beat its estimated price of between £15,000 and £20,000 with a hammer price of £23,000. With the buyer's premium the lot cost £27,600.
It was part of 3000 lots which went for £211,518, including buyer's premium, at the whisky sale at Bonhams in Edinburgh.
Bonhams said the price paid for the Dalmore Oculus was the highest price ever paid for a bottle of Dalmore at auction and the buyer wished to remain anonymous.
Speaking after the sale, Martin Green, whisky specialist at Bonhams, said: "There was a fantastic atmosphere in the sale room today and the auction has far exceeded our expectations.
"The Dalmore Oculus reached a fantastic sale price, especially in view of the current economic climate."
The Dalmore Oculus was created by Whyte & Mackay's master distiller Richard Paterson, who combined a rich, spicy orange zest core from cask 1781, distilled in 1951, and trace elements of the taste and smell of dried fruits, ripe bananas, toffee and almonds from an original fifty-year-old.
Rare malts were also selected from vintages distilled in 1868, 1878, 1922, 1926 and 1939.
An "incredibly intense oak, spice and bitter dark chocolate" long matured distillate from cask 1782 was added to the mix alongside the whisky's "capstone" - a "judicious amount of the revered 64-year-old" with aromatic spices and citrus zest.
Mr Paterson said: "The Dalmore Oculus is a truly exceptional expression and we knew demand would be incredibly high today.
"The sale price reflects the quality and uniqueness of the whisky and the bidder has most certainly invested in something truly magnificent that they can treasure."
Regulations protecting Scotch whisky producers are set to be to be tightened next week.
Under new measures the bottling of single malt outside Scotland will be banned while labelling is to become clearer for customers.
Use of the word 'Pure' will be banned because the term 'Pure Blend' is used to disguise the fact that the product is a blend of malts rather than a superior Single Malt.
HM Revenue & Customs will enforce the rules, which come into force next Monday (November 23). The regulations are aimed at protecting the Scotch whisky brand - particularly from imitations brewed overseas.
There will also be a tightening up of the use of distillery and regional names.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "The Government has worked closely with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) on these regulations which introduce a stronger legal framework to protect one of our most cherished products.
"It is vital that we protect our key industries. We cannot allow others to trade off our good name and to pass off inferior whisky as being produced in Scotland. These regulations will help protect whisky customers across the globe."
Spirit of adventure for Highland distillery making gin
Scottish product contains locally-grown plants
A HIGHLAND distillery that has produced fine whisky for years now has another string to its bow.
Balmenach Distillery near Cromdale in Speyside is now also turning out gallons of gin, a spirit more usually associated with being made south of the border.
The Balmenach gin is very much a Scottish product, to the extent that it has a Gaelic name and even uses plants grown locally including rowan berries, heather, bog myrtle, dandelion and coul blush apple.
A novel copper berry chamber, made in the 1920s, has been transformed by gin aficionado Simon Buley, one of the distillers at Balmenach, to create a premium Scottish gin called Caorunn - Gaelic for rowan berry - with the vapours of the grain spirit becoming infused with the flavours of the "botanicals".
Mr Buley had toyed with the idea of making a truly Scottish gin at the working malt whisky distillery using the ancient skills and recipes to harness the Highland water and the age-old Celtic botanicals that grow in the surrounding hills.
He said: "Our gin is made of pure Scottish Highland water, six traditional and five Celtic botanicals, and is infused in a copper berry chamber. We use traditional methods and it is a very hands-on process using our eyes, taste and expertise to ensure a quality product."
He said the advantages of making gin were that it did not have to be aged for years like whisky, and can be consumed virtually straight from the chamber.
The gin has been launched in Scotland and England and has already had a gold award in the super premium category of the Gin Masters 2009.
Marketing manager Iby Bakos said they were building up a distribution network and would be hosting Christmas promotions in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Balmenach Distillery is part of Inver House Distillers Ltd.
A team of New Zealanders will drill on the frozen continent for vintage Scotch. They will try to free bottles from two crates of McKinlay and Co whisky which were shipped there by British polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton as part of his abandoned 1909 expedition.
Whyte & Mackay, which now owns McKinlay and Co, wants a sample of the 100-year-old Scotch for a series of experiments. New Zealand's Antarctic Heritage Trust will use special drills to reach the crates, caught in ice under the Nimrod Expedition hut near Cape Royds.
GLASGOW is to become the toast of the global whisky industry.
The golden dram's movers and shakers are to jet in to the city next year to plot sales growth at the prestigious World Whiskies Conference.
It's a major event for the sector's decision makers which will include managing directors, chief executive officers and finance directors of some of the top distilleries from Scotland to India and from America to Japan.
Up to 120 delegates are expected to fly into Glasgow to attend the two-day event at the Radisson Hotel in April - many more than last year's event in London which conference director Ian Buxton admits was disastrous.
He said: "We were in the middle of an economic downturn and everyone was talking as though the world was coming to an end. We only had 80 delegates.
"But now the optimism has returned and that is likely to be reflected in the numbers who will attend. We expect between 100 and 120 delegates. We're getting a very good response.
"We held our conference in Glasgow two years ago. Everyone was impressed with the city. It's got good facilities and everyone's looking forward to returning in April."
The Radisson in Argyle Street was also the 2007 venue. Billed as the sector's "global summit," it's said to be an ideal way for industry chiefs and their suppliers to work together to meet sales, marketing and production challenges in an attempt to grow whisky sales.
Scotch Whisky Association officials are raising their glasses to the return to the city. A spokesman said: "Glasgow has a long and proud connection to the Scotch Whisky industry. It is the perfect place for a gathering of the world whisky community."
Distillery bosses at Glasgow-based Edrington, producers of Famous Grouse, reckon the city has stolen a march on conference centre rivals. A spokesman said: "It is a tremendous coup for Glasgow to attract a conference of this calibre.
"The event is bound to attract a high quality audience and provide spin-off benefits and provide a shop window for Glasgow to sell itself to the rest of the world."
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: "Glasgow produces more Scotch whisky than anywhere else in the world and it is fitting the World Whiskies Conference returns to its homeland."
Two crates of Scotch whisky which belonged to the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton are to be recovered after a century buried in the Antarctic ice.
The McKinlay and Co whisky was found buried under a hut built and used during Shackleton's unsuccessful South Pole expedition between 1907 and 1909.
The crates, which are encased in ice, were first found three years ago.
New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust plans to use special cutting tools to remove the crates from the ice.
The crates and bottles are expected to undergo conservation work in New Zealand before being returned to the remote hut at Cape Royds, which the trust is trying to restore to the same condition as when Shackleton's team left it.
I personally think they must have been left there by mistake, because it's hard to believe two crates would have been left under the hut without drinking them
Trust spokesman Al Fastier said he would not be tempted to sample the Scotch, saying he preferred to allow the century-old spirits to retain their mystique.
"It would be terrible to sample it and find that it was off," he told Radio New Zealand.
Distillers Whyte and Mackay, which owns the McKinlay brand, are keen to get hold of a bottle, or at least a sample of the now-extinct blend.
The company's master blender Richard Paterson said: "We might even get enough to be able to take a stab at recreating it."
Shackleton's expedition ran short of supplies on its long trek to the South Pole from Cape Royds.
They eventually fell about 100 miles (160 kilometres) short of their goal, although one team did reach the magnetic South Pole and the expedition carried out valuable scientific work.
No lives were lost, vindicating Shackleton's decision to turn back from the pole, which was first reached in 1911 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.
Shackleton later said to his wife: "A live donkey is better than a dead lion, isn't it?"
The expedition's ship left Cape Royds hurriedly in March 1909 as winter ice began forming in the sea, with some equipment and supplies, including the whisky, left behind.
"I personally think they must have been left there by mistake, because it's hard to believe two crates would have been left under the hut without drinking them," Mr Fastier said.
Smokehead takes the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards by storm
Style icon of the whisky world, Smokehead was the drink of choice at the fifth Classic Rock Roll Of Honour awards gala ceremony, which took place on Monday 2 November at the Park Lane Hotel, London.
"Smoke and Coke" was the star of the show along with rock superstars such as Iggy Pop, who was named 'Living Legend', and Ronnie Wood, who was presented with the 'Outstanding Contribution' award. Other winners sampling Smokehead on the evening included Band of the Year, Iron Maiden and Album of the Year winners, AC/DC.
Aimed at the modern, discerning and adventurous drinker, like the music, Smokehead is powerful, intense and not for the faint hearted. Guests sampled the whisky's immense peaty flavours simply with a drop of water, over ice or in a classic combination - "Smoke and Coke".
Classic Rock Magazine's Editor in Chief Scott Rowley said, "It was amazing to see a contemporary Scottish whisky go down so well with our international rock idols."
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, Smokehead's brand owners commented: "It was fantastic how well Smokehead was received by the living legends of rock. The stylish and edgy personality of the whisky combined with powerful smokey flavours is perfectly suited for the heavy hitters of rock music."
Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive combination of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. The single malt flavour is described as fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt. The taste hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, before exploding with peppery spice and more earthy peat.
Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £29.99. Details of all stockists, including Sainsbury's can be found on the website www.smokehead.co.uk
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
11 Nov
2009
Glendronach acquisition puts BenRiach in the red
Distiller makes £1.88m loss after deal incurs impairment charge
BenRiach Distillery Company slumped into the red following a major acquisition by the whisky firm during 2008, it emerged yesterday.
Accounts from Companies House revealed BenRiach made pre-tax losses of £1.88million last year, against profits of £1.95million in 2007. But the 2008 figures were severely impacted by a £5.53million impairment charge against the value of goodwill at Glendronach, which is at Forgue, near Huntly. Had it not been for this exceptional cost affecting the balance sheet, Larbert-based BenRiach would have made further profits.
BenRiach was formed through the 2004 acquisition - from French drinks giant Pernod Ricard - of the previously mothballed BenRiach Distillery, near Elgin. The buyers were Billy Walker, who is now BenRiach's managing director, and two South African businessmen.
Glendronach was acquired from Chivas Brothers - Pernod's Scotch whisky subsidiary - in the autumn of 2008 in a deal believed to be worth £30million.
In September, Mr Walker revealed BenRiach was to pour £7million into restoring the Glendronach brand.
He said he wanted to re-establish Glendronach to its status of 40 years ago, when it was among the five most popular malts in the world.
BenRiach is investing £5million in sherry casks over four years and a further £2million on brand promotion and extra staff to boost the "sleeping giant". By 2014, the company hopes to be selling some 250,000 bottles of Glendronach annually.
But the plans for developing the business have recently been hit by floods.
Earlier this month, Mr Walker said he felt he was "pouring money down the drain" after the visitor centre and offices at Glendronach flooded for the second time in three months.
BenRiach's 2008 accounts showed turnover of £12.08million, against £8.13million a year earlier. The firm's net debt at the end of last year was £15.76million, up from £3.4million at the end of 2007.
A report from the directors said continued investment in BenRiach's products, with "particular emphasis on quality and employing people with the relevant experience", would help the company to improve its market position.
Maxxium UK launches Teacher's School of Whisky campaign
Maxxium UK announces details of its Teacher's School of Whisky campaign, including the creation of a comprehensive guide to blended Scotch, a national advertising campaign and consumer master classes.
Designed to inform consumers about blended Scotch whisky and to highlight the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Teacher's, The Dram Good Whisky Guide will be distributed with The Independent newspaper in November.
The guide includes information on Teacher's heritage, tasting notes and serve suggestions, with contributions from master blender, Robert Hicks, descendent of William Teacher, William Burguis and whisky specialist, Dominic Roskrow.
A series of Teacher's press advertorials, created to raise the awareness of the quality of blends will appear in lifestyle magazines such as Top Gear, Golf World, Car Magazine and Readers Digest in the run up to Christmas.
Teacher's master classes will be hosted in November in Kent, Shropshire and Manchester, with tickets available via local newspapers. The events will be hosted by Robert Hicks, who will explain the role of Teacher's in the history of Scotch whisky over the last 175 years, inspire participants on how to enjoy blended Scotch and lead them through a tasting.
The chief executive of Diageo was met with angry workers at the Johnnie Walker whisky plant in Kimarnock who say they would continue to fight to keep it open.
Unite union members issued the warning after Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh and managing director David Gosnell visited the Kilmarnock and Port Dundas plants on November 9, to outline reasons for the proposed closure.
Unite also accused the firm of threatening them with a lesser severance package if they continued the campaign.
The Famous Grouse launch the famous St Andrew's day celebrations
The Famous Grouse, Scotland's favourite whisky, has announced further details of activity in the run up to St Andrew's Day, which will encourage Scots to observe their national saint's day with a proper knees-up. Forming part of the Winter Grouse Season, The Famous Grouse have invested in a support package to give the on trade all they need to create a festival atmosphere on Scotland's national day.
A major campaign of consumer engagement to persuade whisky fans to come forward and share their favourite thing about Scotland, whether it's something that makes them smile, something that makes them proud or a unique Scottish experience, is to be launched at www.3011makeitfamous.com. Here users can share their favourite, upload a photo and find a local pub participating in St Andrew's Day celebrations.
Teams will be hitting Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverly train stations on the 17th and 19th November to invite commuters to join the campaign and create a photo mosaic of their suggestions in the form of a giant saltire.
From Thursday 26th through to Monday 30th November, The Famous Grouse is inviting Scots to celebrate in 860 selected outlets which will be dressed with traditional bunting, posters, table talkers, outdoor banners and flags. The top 40 top bars in key cities including; Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling and Falkirk will feature handpicked bands which will perform in each venue over the five days to get the crowds in the spirit with a mixture of upbeat Scottish classics and modern hits.
The shindig will culminate with the much loved four piece Ceilidh band Kilter taking over Glasgow venue Òran Mór on St Andrew's Day. The band which consists of accordion, pipes and whistles, piano and drums, is a favourite at the The Famous Grouse tent at Murrayfield stadium during the six nations where they regularly play to a packed out dance floor.
All venues taking part will benefit from a dedicated PR campaign, a listing as part of a wider sponsorship package in Daily Record's St Andrew's Day supplement and online survey on dailyrecord.co.uk.
As well as POS kits and entertainment, The Famous Grouse is running a promotional mechanic offering consumers the chance to redeem a branded scarf is to encourage trial and reward loyalty.
Linda Sooprayen, Brand Manager for Maxxium UK, said: "We really want to encourage Scots to recapture the spirit of the country's national day. This provides an excellent opportunity for trade stockists to present the best aspects of Scottish hospitality and create a real sales drive over this festival period."
This activity comes on the back of the announcement of the 'Winter Grouse Season', the most comprehensive package of marketing activity yet from The Famous Grouse. Expected to be the highest investment in marketing activity within its competitive set, this package to support the trade runs not only during the vital sales period over Christmas but all the way through from November to March.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
09 Nov
2009
Trina Glen; Accountant and whisky company director
Trina Glen (nee Arcari), who has died aged 40 following a prolonged battle with breast cancer, was a shining light in the Scotch whisky industry, serving latterly on the main board of The Edrington Group as group strategy director.
She was born in Paisley and her formative years were spent at Ralston Primary School and Paisley Grammar, before moving on to Glasgow University to complete a degree in accountancy.
As a consequence of winning the accounting prize at Glasgow, she was offered a place with the then Deloitte Haskins & Sells in 1989, where she excelled equally in training as a chartered accountant.
DH&S were to merge with Coopers & Lybrand with the happy consequence that she met David Glen, whom she married in 1993.
The life of an auditor was not for Trina and she left the firm for a brief spell with the WM Company in Edinburgh before joining The Edrington Group in 1994 as financial controller with Robertson & Baxter. She then held a number of positions within the company, including commercial director and finance director for Highland Distillers and The Macallan, before being appointed to the Edrington board in May 2008.
In a warm tribute, chief executive of The Edrington Group, Ian Curle said that "such was Trina's sheer strength of character and personality that she touched the hearts of everyone with whom she came in contact and was much admired by everyone within the business as well as our trading partners and competitors".
Glen had been a driving force in many aspects of the business and had played a major role in turning Edrington into a leading player in the international drinks industry. In particular, she had recently overseen the transition and development of the group's distribution arrangements following the restructuring at Maxxium Worldwide.
During her time as commercial director, Glen led the commercial team at Perth and oversaw the successful development of the group's business in two important export markets: Asia and America.
Mr Curle added: "Trina's intellect, enthusiasm and commitment to the business was a major driving force in the ongoing development of the group, and her appointment to the main board reflected the high esteem in which she was held.
"She will be remembered fondly as one of the group's finest ever servants who was respected by colleagues, friends and competitors. She was a wonderful human being, a warm and considerate friend and she will be sadly missed."
Outside work, Glen was a keen sportswoman, particularly hockey, and enjoyed travelling the world with David, meeting friends
regularly and doting on her nephews and niece.
First diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34, she faced many personal battles over the next six and a half years with such dignity and positive outlook that at times it was hard to believe she was ill.
Self-pity was not for her and she would say: "Where there is hope we all have a duty to be hopeful."
Her passionate belief in the need to maintain and support a positive mental attitude led her to found The Living Trust, a charity committed to funding projects which facilitate cancer patients continuing to lead normal lives. Such an action was typical of Glen: thinking of others before herself and using her own experiences to benefit others.
Granted her final wish, she died peacefully at home with David by her side.
As well as her husband, Trina is survived by her mother, Margaret, and sister, Sharon.
New rules outlawing the bottling of single malt whiskies outside Scotland are to be introduced as part of a drive to protect the industry and consumers.
They are part of a number of regulations which were announced by Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy.
The changes, which will come into force on 23 November, will also ban the use of the term "pure malt" and introduce improved labelling of products.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) called it landmark legislation.
Speaking at a Scotland Office food and drink seminar in Edinburgh, Mr Murphy said the regulations introduced "a stronger legal framework to protect one of our most cherished products".
He added: "It is vital that we protect our key industries.
"We cannot allow others to trade off our good name and to pass off inferior whisky as being produced in Scotland. These regulations will help protect whisky customers across the globe."
Welcoming the regulations, SWA chief executive, Gavin Hewitt, said: "This is landmark legislation for Scotch Whisky delivering important benefits for consumers, distillers, and the economy.
"Additional protection, including the requirement to bottle single malt Scotch whisky in Scotland, helps safeguard Scotch from unfair and deceptive practices.
"The new labelling rules provide a unique opportunity to promote consumer understanding of Scotch worldwide."
Five years ago, drinks giant Diageo withdrew a whisky brand which was at the centre of a row over the definition of "pure malt".
Its Cardhu Pure Malt, which was a mix of whiskies from more than one distillery, was taken off the market amid concerns that the use of the term "pure" was imprecise and could confuse consumers.
Colin Montgomerie and Gavin Hastings visit Glengoyne Distillery
Colin Montgomerie and Gavin Hastings visited Glengoyne Distillery this week as they set out on a charity walk along the West Highland Way.
The sporting stars, who are walking the famous route along with 30 Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin employees, stopped off at Glengoyne, Scotland's Most Beautiful Distillery, for a warming dram of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky.
Hotel groups Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin organised the walk to raise money for The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation which provides practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer. The team of staff from around the UK are aiming to help raise £100,000 by walking the 94 mile road in five days.
The team at Glengoyne Distillery presented Colin Montgomerie with a personalised bottle of Glengoyne 10 Years Old, displaying The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation logo and a special commemorative message on the label. Colin personally signed the special bottle to be auctioned to help raise even more money for the Foundation.
Glengoyne Distillery's Marketing Manager, Sarah Bottomley said: "We are delighted to help such an important cause in any way we can. We wish the team the best of luck and hope the drams of Glengoyne will help prepare them for the tough challenge."
Glengoyne is one of Scotland's most accessible distilleries, located just 30 minutes north of Glasgow and looking out over the breath-taking Trossachs.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
05 Nov
2009
Minimum alcohol pice plan will slash whisky exports, warn drinks chiefs
Whisky bosses fear introducing minimum prices for booze will slash exports by a fifth.
The Scottish Whisky Association claim the SNP plan will be copied in key export markets.
And they insist that will threaten the £600m-a-year whisky industry and put hundreds of jobs at risk.
MSPs are due to debate the controversial move to charge 40p per unit of alcohol in a bid to tackle booze-related health problems.
But the SWA's David Williamson last night insisted: "Minimum pricing will damage Scotch whisky at home and in our export markets, risking hundreds of jobs.
"International copycat measures against Scotch are of particular concern.
"The industry estimates that £600m in whisky exports every year - four per cent of total Scottish exports - are threatened as the proposal gives the green light to export markets to discriminate against Scotch whisky."
The SNP will need Labour's support if the plans are to succeed.
But Scots Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser has urged Labour to reject the move.
He said: "Blanket minimum pricing is probably illegal, penalises responsible drinkers, damages the Scotch whisky industry and does nothing to tackle the root of the problem."
Glenfiddich launches digital campaign to find brand ambassador in China
SHANGHAI - McCann Worldgroup's boutique agency Can Create is hunting for a brand ambassador for Scottish whisky label Glenfiddich in China and has launched a minisite on a mainland recruitment domain to find its match.
Drawing inspiration from the Queensland state government's 'Best job in the world'' campaign, Can Create has created a minisite for Glenfiddich on zhaopin.com to recruit an ambassador who is passionate about whiskey.
The search will continue over the next two months, with Can Create banking on community forums, blogs and PR events to popularise the campaign.
According to the agency, Glenfiddich's target customers in China are "sophisticated, white-collar men in tier-one cities".
The McCann Worldgroup agency was awarded Glenfiddich's business in September following a credentials pitch that included several undisclosed agencies. Its duties include the management of Glenfiddich's brand positioning, strategy, online and offline brand communications and digital marketing. It will additionally work with IPG sister company GolinHarris, which is Glenfiddich's global PR partner.
"As the client's budget is not substantial, we need to get creative in order to raise the brand's visibility in China," said Canon Wu, chief creative director of Can Create. "We don't want to use typical, traditional PR executions - like having a product-launch, PR party or getting some journalists to visit whisky refineries in Scotland."
"The brand already has ambassadors in different parts of the world, who would represent the brand to the media or take on an educational role at hotel and PR functions to share the brand's stories," Wu continued, adding that Glenfiddich is confident in its regional sales. "The client does not really worry about the sales, as there is only a limited supply of bottles each year - in fact its sales in Hong Kong and Taiwan are pretty good. People buy and enjoy the whisky at home or at piano bars."
Glenfiddich competes with whisky brands Chivas Regal and Johnny Walker in China.
TWO rare bottles of whisky, one signed by the Duke of Edinburgh and one with an accompanying letter from Prince Andrew, will fetch up to £8,000 each at auction tomorrow.
The 50-year-old bottles of single malt, the only ones of their kind, were bottled by Gordon & MacPhail to celebrate the 70th anniversary of RAF bases Kinloss and Lossiemouth this year.
Both bottles will be star attrac-tions in the world's biggest whisky auction at McTear's in Glasgow with the sale tipped to raise over £150,000 from 600 lots.
The RAF malts, distilled in 1939 and bottled in 1989, were gifted by Gordon & MacPhail to Lossie-mouth and Kinloss earlier this year and the bottles will now be up for auction in their original boxes with a booklet detailing the history of both RAF bases.
To mark the milestone the RAF bases have been running a charity fundraising drive with the sale of the malts set to boost this.
Squadron Leader Mick Letch of RAF Lossiemouth, said: "I am delighted that we were able to secure these two fantastic bottles to help us in our fundraising efforts."
Amongst the other lots at the auction are a 50-year-old Glenfiddich which could fetch between £10,000 and £15,000.
William Grant and Sons makes pre-tax profits of £88.94m as sales rise by more than a fifth
Whisky distiller William Grant has reported a record year, with pre-tax profits surging more than a half on sales that were up by in excess of a fifth.
The firm, based at Dufftown on Speyside, said the best financial performance yet was driven by factors including a positive trading environment for its core brands and an improved mix for spirit sales. Accounts released by Companies House yesterday showed William Grant and Sons made pre-tax profits of £88.94million last year, against £86.16million in 2007.
Turnover during the latest period was £458.15million, compared with £392.89million previously.
A spokesman for the company, which is now led by former Bacardi marketing officer Stella David, who took over as chief executive from Roland van Bommel this summer, revealed corresponding figures for parent William Grant and Sons Holdings. Pre-tax profits at the holding company raced ahead 55% to £129.2million, with turnover climbing 21% to £598.3million.
The spokesman said 2009 had been a tougher year but Grant was confident of meeting its expectations for the 12 months.
Grant's whiskies include Clan MacGregor, Glenfiddich, Grant's and The Balvenie. Its other brands include Hendrick's gin, Reyka vodka, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, liqueur Solerno and fruit-flavour Taboo mixers.
The family-owned firm, established in 1887, said in its annual accounts that it continued to develop its core brands during 2008.
Overall cased volumes increased, which was attributed to a strong performance by the Grant's Family Reserve and Clan MacGregor whiskies as well as Hendrick's, Sailor Jerry and Milagro tequila, in which the firm has a 51% stake.
Grant added: "Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Scotch whiskies remained level, with value being emphasised ahead of volume." The firm said its Glenfiddich, Balvemie and Kininvie distilleries at Dufftown, along with grain and malt whisky operations at Girvan, Ayrshire, "met all distilling targets efficiently".
Grant, which last year employed 704 people on average, expected competition to intensify during 2009 following a slowdown in industry exports in a deteriorating economic climate in 2008.
It added: "The company will need to strengthen its efforts to maintain a strong cash flow in order to widen the portfolio."
One of Scotland's most distinguished whisky retailers has received complaints from some customers about its decision to stock an English brand.
Next month, the Norfolk-based St George's Distillery will launch the first English whisky for more than a century.
Hundreds of preview bottles of the "malt spirit" have already arrived north of the border and, despite rave reviews by afficionados, some Scottish traditionalists are unimpressed.
The Edinburgh-based Royal Mile Whiskies said its promotion of the English spirit had failed to please some of its customers.
"We sent out a tongue-in-cheek e-mail bulletin, complete with a picture of a bulldog, announcing we were going to be stocking English whisky," said Arthur Motley, the firm's whisky buyer. "We got some negative feedback, mostly from American Scots, who said things like, 'how could you?' and 'you've betrayed Scotland'.
"Some people were riled but, hopefully, most of the comments were meant in a light-hearted way."
The English Whisky Company's avowedly patriotic packaging has raised eyebrows in the specialist shop, which also has an outlet in London.
It risks further straining cross-border relations by announcing plans for a "commemorative bottling" if England lift the football World Cup in South Africa next summer.
Ian Hudghton, a SNP MEP who has campaigned for the European Union to protect the term "Scotch whisky", has dismissed the Norfolk newcomer as "not the real McCoy".
John Kaylor, the chairman of the Perthshire branch of the Tartan Army, was equally sceptical. "It's flattering that the English want to copy us but what's next, Shakespeare shortbread and the Lake Windermere monster?" he said. "No true Tartan Army member would ever wet their lips with English whisky."
But Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible, praised the southern newcomer.
"Even without the peat, we have a gloriously characterful new make," said his review.
"This first dedicated English distillery for over a century is likely to gain a name for exceptional quality."
The Kentucky-based author was dismayed by the suggestion that the whisky had offended some Scotch whisky purists, adding: "If any Scots start looking over their shoulder and get worried by this then they must be hopelessly insecure.
"This is only one small distillery and it certainly won't make a dent on the combined might of the Scotch whisky industry."
The Scottish Whisky Association has welcomed the venture. "The fact that countries outside of Scotland, including England, are keen to produce whisky is testament to Scotch whisky's continued success around the globe. We wish our friends in Norfolk well," said a spokesman.
Andrew Nelstrop, the co-owner of the English Whisky Company, said he believed the distillery had succeeded in creating a lightbodied malt with a trademark toffee sweetness.
"Much to our surprise and delight, our whisky has already attracted a lot of interest in Scotland," he said. "We are shipping about 500 bottles a month up to Scotland and we expect that to grow.
"There are a lot of Burns suppers going on in England now, and we are hoping to supply them with genuine English whisky come January."
Distillery craftsman celebrates 50-year labour of love
Last coppersmith marks milestone
THE longest-serving coppersmith in Scotland has celebrated his 50th anniversary at a Moray distillery.
Dennis McBain, 67, said his job has changed very little since he became coppersmith at The Balvenie Distillery at Dufftown in 1959, aged just 17.
He said the time-honoured handcrafted techniques are the same as when he first joined the family-run firm.
The father-of-three and grandfather-of-four, who lives at Maclennan Place, Dufftown, with his wife Barbara, said he felt honoured and proud to be known as the last resident coppersmith at a distillery in Scotland.
He said: "Finding an employer who values the old skills and is willing to keep their own craftsmen in order to preserve them is rare these days. I could have retired several years ago but I love the distillery and the people I work with."
The Balvenie is the only distillery in Scotland that still grows its own barley and malts on a traditional floor maltings. The distillery employs its own team of craftsmen, including coopers, maltmen and a coppersmith. Many have worked there for more than 40 years.
A unique whisky is expected to raise up to £20,000 when it is auctioned next month.
The Dalmore Oculus is said to be one of the most precious whiskies ever to come up for sale.
It has been assembled from some of the most exceptional whiskies of the past 140 years, and is therefore the first and last of its kind.
The whisky will go under the hammer at an auction held by Bonhams in Edinburgh on 18 November.
The unique expression of the Dalmore Oculus was created by master-distiller Richard Paterson, who drew on his four decades of experience to create it.
It is said to have been assembled with a rich spicy and orange zest core alongside the taste and smell of dried fruits, ripe bananas, treacle toffee and almonds.
Alongside these elements, rare malts selected from vintages distilled in 1868, 1878, 1922, 1926 and 1939 add a depth of flavour.
'Truly exceptional'
Finally, to intensify the whisky, an incredibly intense oak, spice and bitter dark chocolate was added to the mix alongside the whisky's "capstone" - a judicious amount of a highly-revered 64-year-old blend which offers notes of coffee, aromatic spices and citrus zest.
It will be presented for sale in a Baccarat crystal decanter.
Mr Paterson said: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the Dalmore Oculus is without doubt a truly exceptional expression.
"This is the most exquisite expression I have personally crafted with all the loving reference it so richly deserves to seduce the most discerning and sophisticated plates imaginable. I am confident it will appeal to epicureans, investors and collectors".
Alongside the Dalmore Oculus, Bonhams will also be selling the first section of the largest single-owner collection of whisky ever to appear at auction.
The 3,000-strong Willard S Folsom Collection of Old and Rare Single Malt Whiskies has been amassed over an 18-year period and features wide ranges of Ardbeg, Bowmore, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Laphroaig, Springbank, Kinclaith, Killyloch, Ben Wyvis, Glen Grant, Glenmorangie, The Glenlivet, Strathmill, Mortlach and The Macallan.
Award taste of things to come for Speyside distillery
Owners thrilled by company's success
THE owners of Speyside's smallest distillery have won an award marking its progress since it reopened 11 years ago.
Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery at Forres, received the "distance no object" title at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.
The distillery at Invererne Road at Forres opened in 1898 and produced blended whisky until it was mothballed in the 1980s.
It was taken over by Elgin firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 and transformed into a single malt distillery, which now exports to customers in 40 countries.
It launched its first 10-year-old malt last year and was the first distillery in the world to produce a certified organic single malt whisky.
Ian Chapman, the firm's marketing director, said it had been a landmark year for the company.
He added: "It has been a real journey over the past five years, but we've already seen a very important milestone with our 10-year old malt and there are more to come."
Gordon & MacPhail joint managing directors David and Michael Urquhart said: "We are thrilled that Benromach's success has been acknowledged in this way. This has been a great year for us and we'd like to extend our thanks to all of our staff and customers."
Free drams on offer to shoppers at Inverness centre
Award-winning bar gives out samples
VISITORS were able to sample a wee dram while they shopped at the Eastgate Centre in Inverness on Saturday.
Fresh from winning the coveted crown of Malt Whisky Bar of the Year, Jon Beach, owner of Fiddler's, at Drumnadrochit, handed out tasters of Balblair whisky to passers-by.
Mr Beach said: "The judges were impressed by the range of whisky and the imaginative way we present the drink.
"We serve whisky with spring water, not tap water, and a valinch (a large pipette for adding water). For a top-end whisky, we'll serve it with tablet or chocolate."
Customers at Fiddler's, which has now won the SLTN Malt Whisky Bar of the Year accolade for the third year in succession, can choose from a selection of 523 malts.
Among those to enjoy a dram were chef Albert Roux, who opened his first Scottish restaurant, Chez Roux, at Rocpool Reserve, in Inverness seven months ago.
Other food and drink traders at the centre on Saturday included Ullapool Bakery, Ardersier-based Macleod Organics and Cocoa Mountain, which trades from Balnakeil Craft Village, near Durness.
The event brought the curtain down on the shopping centre's three-day contribution to Highland Homecoming, which featured dancing on Thursday and music on Friday.
The UK's largest whisky retailer, World Duty Free, has launched a website for its World of Whiskies store, offering a range of added benefits to customers who register as members on the site.
UK airport retailer World Duty Free accounts for 25% of all UK whisky sales and will now make its range of more than 300 whisky labels available online through www.worldofwhiskies.com
Benefits to members who register include free whisky miniatures with orders, exclusive competitions, tastings and events, quarterly newsletters with news and reviews, advance notice of product launches and articles from the firm's whisky expert, Charles Maclean.
The site will also feature an interactive facility allowing members to rate and review any of the whiskies available on the website.
Jonathan Kelsey, senior brand manager at World Duty Free said: "We identified an opportunity to help extend the reach and accessibility of our whisky expertise to a much wider audience and deliver added value and benefits."
There are seven World of Whiskies stores in airports across the UK.
Firefighters pump out Brechin premises after downpour
An Angus distillery has been forced to halt whisky production after becoming flooded during Wednesday's heavy rains.
Fire crews spent more than 12 hours pumping water from Glencadam Distillery at Brechin, with staff continuing the clean-up.
Yesterday they were unable to say when production would resume.
The distillery's still room produces 17,800 litres of whisky each week, more than 3,500 litres every day.
The alarm was raised around 10.30pm on Wednesday when water began flooding into the still room.
Staff from Forfar environmental protection unit and 18 firefighters worked through the night to pump water from the still room and the dam on the site. Staff at the distillery cleared remaining water from the still room and used sandbags to block off the main lade bringing water into the building yesterday.
Glencadam manager Douglas Fitchett said work could not restart until the water level has been reduced and damage to the motors and pumps in the still room has been assessed. "Staff on site had the foresight to shut the pumps off as soon as the water started to enter," he said.
"It is purely the motors in the still house. None of the rest of the distillery is affected. But the motors have been under water for a good 16 hours now.
"The main problem would appear to be the water is coming in from our other holding dam, to the main dam within the distillery. It runs right through the distillery in the form of an old stone drain which we think has either collapsed or got blocked because of the volume of water going through it."
A company from Aberdeen was hired to pressure-wash the system last night to remove any blockages that might have built up.
Major Scottish whisky brands Chivas Regal and Glenlivet are seeing sharp falls in sales, parent company Pernod Ricard revealed yesterday.
Year-on-year sales of Chivas were down 17% in volume and 7% in organic growth value terms in the three months to September 30.
Pernod Ricard said yesterday that a quarter of the decline in Chivas was due to bringing Japanese distribution back in-house.
It also pointed out that in the same period of last year Chivas was up 10%, producing high comparative figures.
But it admitted shipments to duty free shops had fallen.
Glenlivet, the world's second best selling single malt behind Glenfiddich, is down 7% in volume terms and 8% in value after a fall in shipments to the United States, where it is the best selling single malt.
Meanwhile, Ballantine's is down 13% in volume and 15% in sales, partly due to losing out to Chivas in Asia.
All three whiskies are major strategic brands for the company.
Overall, Pernod posted a 4% year-on-year decline in sales for the quarter, after a 3% fall in the previous three months. This was in line with the company's expectations, Pernod said.
Chief executive Pierre Pringuet said: "The performance of this first quarter strengthens our confidence for the current financial year."
THE team behind the rescue of a Scots brewery has begun moves to secure part of the doomed Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock.
The move would secure dozens of jobs and see a range of beers and a new adult-orientated soft drinks line bottled within a section of the Kilmarnock site, or on land previously promised to Johnnie Walker's owners Diageo by the local authority.
The firm behind the Arran Brewery, which was relaunched out of receivership last summer, has begun talks about taking on a small fraction of the 700 Johnnie Walker workers facing redundancy when the bottling plant shuts in May 2012.
The decision by Scotland's oldest brewery, Belhaven, to shut its bottling plant in East Lothian, where some of the Arran bottling took place, has led Marketing Management Services International (MMSI) to seek cost-effective alternatives.
Gerald Michaluk, who heads Glasgow-based MMSI, said the closure of Belhaven's Dunbar plant had created a bottling shortage, with his firm confident of securing the contracts to bottle beers from other Scottish microbreweries and expanding to a workforce of up to 100 within five years.
Mr Michaluk has held meetings with East Ayrshire Council, with both sides describing the discussions as positive, although Diageo has yet to offer any feedback to the firm.
The brewing giant said its main concern was addressing issues of severance payments and relocation of its workforce and added it would have a presence in Kilmarnock until May 2012.
Ian Macleod Distillers is building on the success of its award-winning Travel Retail range, with the introduction of an new exclusive, one litre Glengoyne 12 Years Old Cask Strength at this year's TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.
The overall design of the 12 Years Old Cask Strength Single Malt reflects all of the elements at the heart of Glengoyne, especially the brand's commitment to its heritage, authenticity and craftsmanship. Presented in a black matte tube with glossed embossing and gold foiling, additional exclusive luxury cues for the Travel Retail market include greater emphasis on the terms 'Cask Strength' and 'Natural Colour' and a tasting notes neck-tag booklet.
Originally introduced to the core range as a 70cl bottling in 2004, the 12 Years Old Cask Strength has earned a deserved reputation as an exceptional high quality Single Malt, previously winning double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards. From October, the 12 Years Old Cask Strength will also be available in a one litre bottle exclusively through Travel Retail outlets worldwide.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: "Such is the quality and success of the 12 Years Old Cask Strength Single Malt domestically, we feel a luxury litre version has a deserving place in the exclusive Travel Retail market.
The new premium packaging of the one litre Cask Strength is a true reflection of the excellent, award-winning malt within, but also of the distillery's 175 years experience, exceptional whisky-making skill and high calibre ingredients that combine to make Glengoyne - 'The Real Taste of Malt'."
'Cask Strength' whisky is bottled straight from the cask in which it has been matured. There is no addition of water prior to bottling, so that the alcoholic strength remains the same as it was in the cask.
Over the next five years, Ian Macleod plans to increase its travel retail sales from eight to ten per cent of its overall business, continuing to develop exclusive travel retail products on an ongoing basis. Past successes include Glengoyne 14 Years Old Heritage Gold and Smokehead Extra Rare.
The award winning Ian Macleod Distillers portfolio, which includes Glengoyne, King Robert II, Langs and Smokehead, as well as gin, rum, and vodka, currently has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 markets worldwide.
Glengoyne 12 Years Old Cask Strength litre is available globally, exclusively through Travel Retail outlets (1 litre, 57.2% vol., TR RSP of £36.00/Euro39.50/$60.00).
The Glengoyne 12 Years Old Cask Strength and other Travel Retail products in the Ian Macleod Distillers portfolio will be on display at Cannes TWFA, Red Village, Stand K22.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
16 Oct
2009
Whisky plant's closure delayed
DIAGEO is to delay the closure of its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock for six months.
However, the drinks giant could face industrial action if redundancy deals for the 700 workers at Kilmarnock, 140 at the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow and 30 at a bottling plant in Shieldhall are not improved.
Diageo today confirmed the Ayrshire site will be axed in May 2012.
A series of redundancies will now start in October next year, when a phased closure programme begins.
A spokesman said: "The bottling plant was due to close in 2011 but it won't now close until May 2012. However, it will be a phased closure. Compulsory redundancies will not now begin until October 2010."
The decision to push back the date of closure of the plant triggered a lukewarm response from union negotiator Billy Parker, of Unite.
He said: "It would be better if the plant was to stay open. But I suppose the older ones may be jumping for joy if only because they will remain in their jobs for an extra six months.
"Remember a lot of them realise there is little prospect of them working again, while the younger ones know they are unlikely to find another job with the same pay rate."
Diageo is also to stump up loyalty bonuses, and workers who remain at the plant until the closure will pocket an extra £7,500.
Bosses are now under pressure to significantly improve their proposed redundancy terms.
Workers were this morning staging a mass meeting in Kilmarnock and were expected to call for a strike ballot.
Calls for a ballot were also likely to be supported at another mass meeting in a Glasgow hotel later in the day, to be attended by workers from the Port Dundas distillery and bottling plant in Shieldhall.
The Port Dundas distillery is due to close next year. Diageo has yet to give a date but workers predict the shutdown will happen in March.
Protesters against plant closures issue appeal over job cuts
DIAGEO workers appealed to shareholders yesterday to support their cause as the firm's plan to cut hundreds of jobs was branded "corporate greed".
Shareholders arriving at the company's AGM in London were handed a letter by protesters saying the move had been described as "akin to ripping out the heart of the Scottish whisky industry".
The drinks giant announced last month it was pressing ahead with the closure of its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, and its Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, affecting 900 workers across the two sites.
Diageo workers held protests outside the Kilmarnock plant yesterday.
The letter to shareholders outlined an alternative business plan, drawn up by Unite, which the union says would save money and jobs.
Bill Anderson, 59, a shop steward from the Port Dundas distillery, said the job cuts were "corporate greed, big time". Mr Anderson, who has worked for the firm for 20 years, said it was the next generation that would suffer.
He added: "These are quality jobs and I think in the climate today the country can ill afford to lose a skilled workforce."
Mr Anderson said the cuts would be more understandable if the company was in trouble or if "they had been through hard times", but he said the firm posted profits of £2billion this year. He said: "I think it is an absolute disgrace to throw the workforce on the scrapheap."
The cuts will fall particularly hard on Kilmarnock, and Mr Anderson said the move was "the destruction of a town".
The letter to shareholders read: "We know that Diageo's shareholders want a strong and thriving business. So do we, because strong businesses mean good jobs.
"But as shareholders, we think you also want one which can hold its head up high in the towns and the communities that have made you such good returns."
Mr Anderson spoke to shareholders and the Diageo board at the meeting. He said: "We are appealing to you to keep the two distilleries and keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock."
But chief executive Paul Walsh said that while some negotiations would continue, the company would not change its job cuts plans.
"Going forward we will engage in how we execute these decisions but the fundamental decisions will remain unchanged," Mr Walsh said.
He said the firm would welcome the possibility of some Kilmarnock workers moving to the other facilities if they wanted to. Although Diageo will shut its Port Dundas and Kilmarnock sites, it has pledged to create 400 jobs at its packaging plant in Fife.
Mr Walsh met protesters ahead of the AGM and agreed to meet workers at Kilmarnock on the condition they understood that there would be no change in the company's plans.
Alex Howie of the Kilmarnock factory said the closure would have a devastating effect. He added :"It's not only our jobs, it's the children coming out of school who have no prospect. It will make Kilmarnock a ghost town."
Indian group United Spirits is to sell new shares worth £190-£220million to institutions to help reduce its debt pile of almost £890million, according to a report out yesterday.
A large part of the debt was incurred in United's £595million acquisition of whisky distiller Whyte and Mackay (W&M) in 2007.
The report said the company, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, would sell shares after failing to sell a stake to private-equity firms or Diageo, which earlier this year was in discussions to buy a 15% holding in United.
It was also reported at that time that United, led by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, was aiming to sell 49% of Glasgow-based W&M, although that was later denied and United said it was committed to making the Scottish business a major international spirit company.
United, the world's third largest spirit-maker by volume, could place new shares with institutions as early as this week, three different sources suggested, although the company declined to comment.
The firm said earlier it aims to cut its debt to below £500million by the end of March 2010, and in June it sold shares held in treasury to raise about £118million and pay down some loans.
It still has more than 8million shares in treasury which it could sell, but sources said it would opt to issue new shares after gaining shareholder approval last month to raise up to £220million.
Shares in United Spirits, which is valued at £1.33billion, have risen just 3.3% this year compared with a 76% rise in the main Bombay share index.
The Press and Journal reported in August that a Highland distillery was likely to bear the brunt of job cuts at Glasgow-based W&M.
It said about 100 jobs could go as a result of a review being carried out in light of the recession and also a "punitive UK legislative climate".
Up to 85 posts in Scotland were under threat, with a grain distillery at Invergordon, in Easter Ross, thought to be in line for more than 30 job cuts, potentially a quarter of its 133-strong workforce.
W&M said all seven Scottish sites were affected, with about 15 sales posts outside the country also at risk among a total payroll of 574.
The firm has malt distilleries at Fettercairn, in Aberdeenshire; Dalmore, at Alness in Easter Ross; on Jura and at Tamnavulin, on Speyside.
Strategy aims to make Moray as famous as Napa valley
A think-tank has unveiled its vision to make Moray as well known as Spain's Rioja region and California's Napa Valley.
Representatives from major whisky businesses and tourism groups in Moray formed the think-tank, which also includes MP Angus Robertson.
Their aim is to develop a marketing strategy to attract more visitors and make it internationally famous, like France's Champagne region, for example.
Mr Robertson said the group's first meeting had been a huge success.
The brain-storming session was held at the Craigellachie Hotel, in the heart of whisky country.
A number of big names were represented at the table including distillers William Grant and Sons, shortbread makers Walkers, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, the Scottish Whisky Association, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Moray's tourism development group.
Mr Robertson said the aim of the group was clear.
"It's how we can do every-thing we can to make sure we're heading in the same direction, so we make the most of what we have here, which is a tremendous mixture of amazing environment with the best-known industry that Scotland has to offer."
He added: "It's building on existing initiatives to ensure that in a number of years Speyside is as famous as Napa Valley or Rioja. This part of the world needs to market itself and promote itself and become noticed. It's only by everybody working together that we can."
Gordon and MacPhail managing director Ian Urquhart, representing the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said the meeting was a worthwhile venture.
"The whisky festival is delighted to have the opportunity to speak with a wide spectrum of people from the business and public sectors to discuss ways we can help each other to develop tourism in Moray," he said.
FANS of the dram are set to get together in Drymen.
Whisky shop owner and enthusiast Cameron McCann has started a monthly whisky club to compliment his new shop within Ealain Gallery in the village.
The club, held on the last Thursday of the month, is a "relaxed, fun way to discover more about our national drink".
Cameron said: "By bringing in experts and ambassadors from the industry, they take us on a journey through their various different expressions of malts. The club will be guided by the members. If there is a particular distillery they wish to have on a club night we will endeavour to bring it in.
"The new addition to the gallery began in April this year and is proving to be a big hit for those who like a wee dram, from the serious collector to those looking for an unusual gift."
The first club night took place on September 24 when Auchentoshan Distillery were the guests.
They will be followed by: The Arran Malt, October 29; Classic Malts, November 26; Glengoyne, January 21; Bowmore, February 25; and Benriach, March 25.
The cost is £10 per night with £5 off your first bottle purchased. Club nights begin at 7.15pm and last around two hours.
For further information contact Cameron or June McCann at Ealain Gallery on 07712 765615 or 01360 660996, email: info@ealaingallery.com, or go to www.ealaingallery.com
Doing well down under - Glenfarclas 30 Years Old named Best Whisky in Australia
Speyside, October 2009 - Glenfarclas 30 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been awarded the Trophy for 'Best Overall Whisky' at the 2009 Australian Malt Whisky Awards; Australia's most respected Whisky Awards. Conducted by the Malt Whisky Society of Australia, it is the second time the Glenfarclas 30 Years Old has received this prestigious honour, following a win in the inaugural 2003 awards. At the awards dinner the Glenfarclas 30 Years Old also picked up the coveted 'Members Choice' Trophy.
Independent and family owned since 1865, J. & G. Grant have been producing the award winning Glenfarclas Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky for six generations. The distillery produces a traditional Speyside whisky with a heavy sherry influence. Commenting on the Glenfarclas 30 Years Old, Peter Godden, Chairman of the Judges said, 'Pure, perfect sherry and malt combine. Clean, precise and rich with a flavour that drives on and on. A complete, perfect sherried style'.
Judging for the awards is conducted under international protocols. Craig Daniels, Chairperson of the Malt Whisky Society of Australia explained, 'Our intention is always to reward excellence in the bottle and to remove any other considerations from the equation'.
The Glenfarclas portfolio is distributed in Australia by Angove Family Winemakers. Commenting on the award, Richard Angove, Brand Manager, said, 'As distributors of Glenfarclas in Australia since 1993, Angove Family Winemakers are thrilled with this result. Glenfarclas Single Malts are the pinnacle in their category and this award is testament to the Grant family who have such history and experience in creating these malts'.
George Grant, sixth generation of the family to own and manage the Glenfarclas distillery said, 'It's great to hear that Glenfarclas is being appreciated down under'.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
08 Oct
2009
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Branches Out into India
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has expanded its global reach with the launch of a new branch in India, the largest spirits market in the world.
The Society is tapping into the aspirational Indian whisky drinkers who comprise the world's largest consumer block for the Scotch whisky industry. Branded Scotch whisky sales crossed a million cases last year, which some analysts argued was only the beginning of a large market opening up.
As part of the Society's launch, an event was held at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. Society managing director, Paul Miles, who acted as host for the evening's launch, comments: "India is seen as a huge opportunity for the Scotch industry and this is an exciting development for the Society in a country where consumers are very interested in Scotch whisky and single malts. The enthusiasm expressed by everyone attending this event for what the Society has to offer was very encouraging."
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has over 26,000 members worldwide with Members' Rooms, in Edinburgh and London. The Society bottles single casks from a range of 125 malt whisky distilleries. Only the very best single cask, single malt whisky is selected, having been approved by the Society's Tasting Panel.
Set up in 1983, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was born out of a love of single cask, single malt whisky. Achieving rapid national and global growth, the Society has become widely acknowledged as the source of the finest and most exclusive single cask, single malt whiskies available anywhere in the world.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
08 Oct
2009
Ian Macleod Distillers Launch New Chieftain's Range
Independent bottler and distiller Ian Macleod, is to launch a range of new releases from their exclusive Chieftain's limited edition collection.
The rare casks include new bottlings from some of Scotland's finest distilleries, and showcases a complete redesign of the bottle and packaging of the Chieftain's range.
The new releases include a Glenrothes 14 Years Old, an Aultmore 12 Years Old, three Caol Ila's aged 9, 11 and 13 Years Old, an Ardbeg 11 Years Old, a Benriach 12 Years Old, a Bladnoch 16 Years Old and a Tomatin 16 Years Old.
Designed by Ron Burnett Design the new packaging emphasises its limited edition status with more details appealing to the connoisseur, collector and enthusiast. The new two-part labels, personally signed by Antony McCallum-Caron, Chieftain's Rare Malt Manager, include individual cask numbers and the number of bottles produced, as well as distillation, bottling date and wood type.
The new labels also have a refined 'Chieftain' illustration and elegant calligraphic script brand namestyle, tapered to reflect the new elegant antique bottle shape. They also feature subtle watermark landscapes and are colour coded to represent the region of production.
The new more individual rigid presentation box, in ribbed matt black with old gold lining, replaces the traditional tube-style packaging of previous Chieftain's bottlings and includes details of regional taste characteristics. The box opens and hinges from the middle to add further premium presentation value.
Designer Ron Burnett said of the new design: "Our brief was to create new premium packaging representative of the superiority and rarity of the new bottlings. The box displays the bottles in a way befitting the exceptional quality and worth of the whisky."
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: "This new release of rare casks is the ideal platform to showcase the new-look Chieftain's range. The new, more elegant, antique look bottles and premium boxes are the ideal representation of the age, rarity and exceptional quality of the new bottlings."
Since 1936, Ian Macleod Distillers, through its dedication to tradition and quality, has amassed an unrivalled cask stock from Scotland's many distilleries. The enviable collection includes extremely rare malts, some from closed or mothballed distilleries. The Chieftain's collection's hallmark is that each bottling must be fit for a King, a Leader or in the Celtic world, a Chieftain.
Further rare cask releases from the Chieftain's range are planned for later in the year.
Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of the largest and most widely respected independent family companies within the spirits industry. The award winning Ian Macleod portfolio, which includes Glengoyne, King Robert II, Langs and Smokehead, as well as gin, rum, and vodka, currently has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 markets worldwide.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
07 Oct
2009
Popular play breaks theatre record
Full houses at Pitlochry theatre since staging Whisky Galore
A NEW musical version of one of Scotland's best loved stories has become the most popular show in Pitlochry Festival Theatre's 58-year history.
Since it opened in May, Whisky Galore - based on Compton MacKenzie's novel - has played to full houses and the theatre has had a long waiting list for returned tickets.
MacKenzie based his book on an incident in Eriskay in 1941, when the SS Politician ran aground carrying about 250,000 bottles of whisky.
In his comic novel the islanders, who have been hit by wartime rationing and have run out of whisky, set out to relieve the ship of her cargo.
It was made into a film in 1949 but this is the first musical based on the story.
Theatre chief executive and artistic director John Durnin said he knew the theatre had a hit on its hands after the show received a standing ovation on its opening night in May, but its success had exceeded expectations.
He said: "The subsequent scale of the show's popularity has been truly staggering.
"Even more extraordinary has been the way the show's fame has spread far and wide in such a short space of time, attracting theatre-goers from pretty much every corner of the UK."
Mr Durnin said bookings had been taken from as far as Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff and Northern Ireland.
He added: "The Scottish Government's Homecoming 2009 campaign has undoubtedly helped pull in visitors from even further away.
"We've welcomed visitors from throughout Europe and the Baltic countries, New Zealand and Australia, and the USA."
The show will run until Saturday, October 17 and the theatre has announced it will be followed next season with another popular musical, Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate.
A rare 1951-vintage single malt whisky with a RSP of £10,000 per bottle will be released today (Monday 5 October).
Only 12 decanters of the Sirius expression from premium whisky brand The Dalmore will be produced. Sirius will only be available to private buyers and through a limited network of World Duty Free (WDF) stores.
"The international market for high-end luxury products which have an investment value is buoyant - and the finest whiskies are playing an increasingly dominant role in this sector," says The Dalmore's Brand Director, David Robertson.
"Our partnership with World Duty Free allows us to reach an elite group of investors and whisky aficionados across the globe. We will be focusing on key target markets in Taiwan, USA and France."
Sirius will be launched in the flagship WDF store at Heathrow Terminal 5. Nigel Sandals, Category Buying Manager for Liquor at WDF, adds: "Our customer base contains some of the most knowledgeable investors in spirits in the world.
"Being able to offer the absolute best-quality luxury goods is a very strong incentive for buyers to use travel retail and World Duty Free - as they would a specialist retailer - to get exceptional value and to see a real return on their investment."
The Dalmore's 1951 Sirius Vintage is a single-cask, single malt whisky, with a cask strength of 45%.
The Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, says: "Distinguished and elegant, age has gracefully finessed this brilliant expression. Sirius is, quite simply, one of the world's most perfect whiskies."
For more information about The Dalmore visit www.thedalmore.com
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
05 Oct
2009
EU settles row with Uruguay over tax on whisky
The The European Commission said Uruguay has amended legislation that allowed it to put European spirits, including whisky, into its highest excise tax category.
A spokesman for the SWA said: "Reform in Uruguay following the complaint has been very welcome. For the first time, Scotch whisky distillers have had the opportunity to compete on a level playing field."
Instead of using the actual transaction value of the spirits, they were divided into groups and assigned a price upon which the excise tax was levied. EU products were put in the highest category.
Under the new legislation the tax is based on the transaction value of the product, removing the discrimination.
Among the EU's other complaints was that Uruguay excluded whiskies matured for three or more years from the lowest category of tax. All whiskies produced in Uruguay are aged less than three years but European rules mean EU whiskies must be matured for at least three years.
All of these barriers have been addressed, the EU said.The changes have seen Scottish whisky exports increase by more than 30% since the SWA's 2004 complaint to the EU, to £18m in 2008.
EU trade commissioner Catherine Ashton said: "I am delighted that we have solved this issue without having to resort to World Trade Organisation litigation."
The SWA leads strident campaigns on behalf of Scottish distillers, notably lobbying to remove tax barriers and protect terms such as 'Scotch whisky' and other labels.
But it has warned that its hand could be weakened if the Scottish Government introduces minimum pricing per unit for alcohol.
The SWA believes it could lead to other countries using health reasons for tariffs.
Whisky liqueur-maker Drambuie said yesterday it had not been immune to the effects of the global recession over the past year.
It said turnover of cased goods had fallen 12% in the year, caused partly by a slowdown in consumer purchases, particularly in America, the UK and Spain, but equally by a reduction in stockholdings across the supply chain as distributors, wholesalers and retailers looked to conserve cash.
Drambuie said that as a result, operating profits from core brand sales had also declined by 12%, from £3.2million in 2008 to £2.8million in the year to June 30.
The company's accounts showed total turnover of £19.31million in the latest period, compared with £21.05million in 2007-08.
Pre-tax profits for 2008-09 came in at £1.44million, down from £1.54million previously.
Drambuie said it did not expect to see any further impact on volume in the current year as a result of the supply-chain cash squeeze.
During the past 12 months, the firm has continued its rejuvenation strategy, started three years ago, to generate significant shareholder value by rebuilding long-term growth for the brand.
This strategy is intended to broaden Drambuie's appeal beyond the conventional after-dinner liqueur-drinking occasion by offering younger consumers a more versatile repertoire of Drambuie cocktails.
The group said its balance sheet remained strong, with shareholder funds at June 30 marginally down at £17.7million. Cash in hand stood at £6.3million.
Chief executive Phil Parnell said: "The absence of debt going into this recession has been a major advantage to the company as many industry players cut back on marketing investment in order to reduce cash outflow.
"As a privately owned company, we have the flexibility to use part of our cash reserves in additional marketing investment for the longer-term growth of the brand. Such investment may adversely impact the profit-and-loss account in the short term, but should lead to enhanced brand equity and shareholder growth beyond."
Mr Parnell said the recession had delivered a short-term setback to the progress of Drambuie's brand-rejuvenation strategy, but it was confident its investment would reap rewards when the economic climate improved.
Maxxium UK launches Teacher's School of Whisky campaign
Maxxium UK is to launch a new campaign for Teacher's to inform consumers and licensees of the quality credentials of blended Scotch whisky and Teacher's own rich history and heritage.
Launching in October, the Teacher's School of Whisky campaign will include advertorials in men's lifestyle magazines and national newspapers, regional consumer master classes, consumer PR and trade support through education and in-outlet activity.
Maxxium UK's brand manager for Teacher's Janette Peat says: "At Maxxium UK we have the country's leading Scotch whisky portfolio so we are keen to drive value in the category through education.
"Our campaign will dispel the myth that blends are inferior to malts by highlighting the craftsmanship that goes into making a blend and the skill required to ensure its flavour is consistent year after year.
Full details of the new Teacher's School of Whisky activity will be announced soon.
Glengoyne 12 Years Old joins award-winning core range
Glengoyne Distillery is launching an exciting new edition to its acclaimed core range: Glengoyne 12 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Like all of Glengoyne's Single Malts, the 12 Years Old is distilled from air-dried barley, untainted by harsh peat smoke, capturing the authentic 'Real Taste of Malt'. At 43% strength, with a natural, golden colour, the 12 Years Old has scents of coconut oil, lemon zest, honey and dried malt. With a warming mouthfeel, its initial palate is of toffee apples and cinnamon spice, while a touch of water brings out ginger, fresh orange and shortbread. The balanced finish is further mellowed by hints of sherry and soft oak.
Developed by agency, Ron Burnett Design, the bottle and tube presentation perfectly aligns the 12 Years Old within the existing Glengoyne 10, 17 and 21 Years Old core range. The metallic gold/copper coloured tube mirrors the rich colour of the malt within, while tasting notes and details on Glengoyne's tradition, craftsmanship and whisky making process, bring the Single Malt to life.
Available to domestic and international markets, Ian Macleod Distillers, brand owners of Glengoyne, plan to export the 12 Years Old Single Malt to over 60 markets worldwide and predict it will rapidly become a top best seller with specialists, second only to the Glengoyne 10 Years Old in overall sales volumes.
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: "The 12 Years Old is a very welcome addition to the Glengoyne core range. The decision to introduce the 12 Years Old is an integral part of our ongoing successful marketing and sales strategy to continue to grow and develop the Glengoyne brand. It is also in response to international demand, particularly from Western Europe, where our customers are looking for a high quality, intermediate step between the Glengoyne 10 and 17 Year Olds."
Glengoyne 12 Years Old will be available from October to UK and international markets RRP £33.99 ($56.00 €39.50).
For further information on UK distribution contact: Harvey Miller Wine & Spirit Agencies www.hmwsa.com 08445 611 252. For international distribution contact Ian Macleod Distillers www.ianmacleod.com
Multi-gold award winning Glengoyne Highland Single Malt is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. Along with the core range, Glengoyne produce a number of limited edition casks each year, including most recently the super premium Glengoyne 40 Years Old.
Curious to discover more visit: www.glengoyne.com
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
September 2009 Scotch Whisky News
30 Sep
2009
Whisky giants Diageo announce ad campaign to cash in on Scottish roots... weeks after axing 900 workers
WHISKY giants Diageo are launching a multi-million pound ad campaign cashing in on their Scottish roots - as 900 workers face the axe.
Bosses want to relaunch Johnnie Walker at the same time as severing all links with Kilmarnock, the birthplace of the famous whisky.
They have kept their plans under wraps, fearing a backlash.
But a secret document leaked to the Record reveals the proposals for the ads, which will feature a wacky TV chef called Bruce Campbell.
Last night, furious union official Georgina Cunningham said it was "a slap in the face" for the workers who face life on the dole.
A casting agency will audition actors for the role of Campbell in Glasgow tomorrow. And shooting is to begin on November 9.
An industry insider said: "Diageo won't be happy when this gets out because they are embarrassed by the money being spent when hundreds of folk are losing their jobs.
"They didn't want any backlash and thought it could be done secretly.
"But it's difficult to audition for Scottish actors and shoot it in Scotland without anyone getting a sniff."
Georgina, shop steward for the union Unite at the Kilmarnock plant, said: "This is a slap in the face and a disgrace that they tried to be so sneaky about it."
Diageo have refused to back down on plans to close their Kilmarnock plant and a distillery in Port Dundas, Glasgow, with a total loss of 900 jobs.
The secret document detailing the huge TV and poster campaign says Campbell "should be very Scottish to the point his Scottishness is part of what we find funny about him".
But the ads will not be shown in Scotland as they are aimed at wooing younger drinkers in South Africa, the world's fifth largest market for Scotch.
A Diageo spokeswoman said: "The campaign, which is still in the very early conceptual stage, is designed to promote a wide variety of our brands ... to the important South African market."
The Glenrothes launches John Ramsay legacy bottling as malt master retires
The Glenrothes single malt is launching a limited edition John Ramsay Legacy bottling to mark the Malt Master's retirement this month.
His final gift to The Glenrothes, the John Ramsay Legacy bottling is a non-Vintage selection of 30 casks personally chosen by John to create an impressive single malt in celebration of his longstanding relationship with the Speyside distillery. The casks are all 2nd fill American Oak sherry casks from Vintages ranging from 1973 to 1987.
Bursting with aromas of spice, blood orange and vanilla, this limited edition single malt has a rich palate of fruit and mango with a long, mature unmistakably American oak finish. Only 100 bottles of this Legacy bottling (46.7% abv) are available in the UK.
John Ramsay, Malt Master for The Edrington Group, says: "My signature and tasting notes have been on each and every label of The Glenrothes since 2004. This final bottling has given me a wonderful opportunity to craft a single malt which embodies the exceptional quality and distinctive style of The Glenrothes and I am truly delighted with the result."
Since joining The Edrington Group in 1991, John Ramsay has held the esteemed position of overseeing the quality of the Group's whisky portfolio, including The Glenrothes' Vintages and non-Vintage Select Reserve.
Ronnie Cox, Global Brand Ambassador for The Glenrothes, says: "John Ramsay's outstanding efforts have resulted in a fine selection of The Glenrothes Vintages, each with their own and unique personality. In 2005, John also created a house style non-Vintage single malt that truly typifies the character of The Glenrothes distillery with ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. In creating The Glenrothes Select Reserve, John has enabled us to make our single malt more accessible to whisky lovers around the world."
"With the John Ramsay Legacy bottling, he continues to impress. As with all expressions of The Glenrothes, this limited edition should be shared with likeminded friends. Together with everyone at the distillery, I would like to raise a toast to John for his exceptional contribution to The Glenrothes single malt and the legacy he leaves us with."
Each 70cl bottle of the John Ramsay Legacy limited edition is individually numbered and beautifully presented in a bespoke oak box designed to showcase the rare single malt. A booklet scripted by John Ramsay, including tasting notes, is also kept in a hidden drawer at the base of the box.
The Glenrothes John Ramsay Legacy bottling is available from the start of October at specialist retailers across the UK and on The Glenrothes website www.theglenrothes.com (RRP £699).
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
29 Sep
2009
The Macallan Burns Celebratory bottling
To mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns's birth, The Macallan has produced a celebratory bottling which is now available to buy from The Macallan distillery shop at Easter Elchies in Speyside, Scotland, priced £199.
A limited edition of only 250 bottles has been produced and it's envisaged that these will sell out quickly. The liquid comes from two casks chosen by The Macallan's whisky maker Bob Dalgarno - one from 1997 and one from 1998, both numbered 1759, the year of Burns's birth. The significance of the cask numbers was recognised by Bob and he felt it only appropriate to produce a special bottling for the homecoming year. The rarity of the liquid is a fitting commemoration to Scotland's famous poet.
The whisky, which is a sherry oak expression with an ABV of 46 per cent, has been placed in a decanter made to an original design, based on the head and shoulders of The Macallan standard bottle. It's exquisitely packaged in a handmade Scottish red pine wooden box designed by master cabinet maker Harvey McLean, whose workshop is only a few hundred yards from Burns's birthplace in Alloway. The box carries a specially commissioned enamel plate featuring a portrait of Robert Burns. Each presentation box comes with a unique numbered printing of an individual Burns poem and a copy of an ancient map of 'Burns Country.'
Ken Grier, Director of Malts for The Edrington Group, commented: "To bring a due sense of historical perspective to this celebratory bottling, we managed to persuade David Holmes and Nicholas Salaman to return to The Macallan to work on this unique project and their work is featured in the accompanying brochure carried within the presentation box. We have created a unique bottling celebrating the birth of the nations bard, linking Scotland's Master of Poetry with The Macallan - Masters of Spirit and Wood."
Holmes and Salaman are the two men who helped to bring The Macallan to the attention of a wider public over a period of 30 years. They worked on The Macallan advertising account when the brand was barely known outside Speyside. They produced over 100 advertisements, posters and commercials in a campaign, through their advertising agency Holmes, Knight Ritchie, that gradually grew in size as The Macallan itself developed - from 101st in the single malt league to number two by value worldwide.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
28 Sep
2009
Glengoyne Distillery celebrates a summer of success
Scotland's most beautiful distillery, Glengoyne, has reported its busiest summer season in its 175 year history with a massive 43% upsurge in visitor numbers in August alone.
Last month, 7,672 tourists visited the picturesque distillery located in the heart of the Trossachs, compared to 5,366 for the same period in 2008.
Stuart Hendry, Glengoyne's Brand and Development Manager commented: "It has been a fantastic summer for the distillery. Over the past few years we have seen our peak season extending further into early spring and later autumn months. Easter for example, was busier than the last two years combined - we even had several dozen visitors queuing up on Easter Sunday morning waiting for us to unlock the gates! Overall, our numbers to date for 2009 are up over 20% on last year which we are thrilled about."
Set in its stunning location at the beginning of the West Highland Way and in easy reach of Glasgow city centre and Edinburgh, Scotland's most southerly Highland distillery has always been a popular choice with tourists exploring Scotland. The weak pound against the euro has helped bring visitors, particularly from Northern Europe to the distillery, all eager to learn about Glengoyne's 'Real Taste of Malt'.
Stuart Hendry continued: "The 'stay-cation' effect has certainly had an impact on the number of distillery visits. We have consistently seen an increased proportion of Britons, especially from Northern England, touring Glengoyne this summer. The distillery is located on a main tourist route heading north and our investment in new and clearer signage seems to have paid off in attracting passing visitors.
"We are also fortunate that wet weather does not hinder the Glengoyne experience for our guests and I am sure in some respects it may have even helped us. Being located in such a popular walking and hiking region, I hope having the chance to blend your own whisky or enjoying a warming dram on a tour, would be an appealing alternative to walking in the rain."
Glengoyne Distillery offers an unrivalled visitor experience and wide menu of tours and tastings. One of the most popular tours, the Master Blender Session, even gives visitors the opportunity to have a go blending their own whisky to take home with the in the state-of -the-art Glengoyne Blending Room for just £30.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
27 Sep
2009
My Health: Charles MacLean, whisky expert
I rarely have days when I don't have a whisky, though there are mornings when I give it up for life.
Most of my evaluation work is done in the mornings, because that's when your nose and palate is freshest. I drink it for pleasure in the evenings. Does it have health benefits? I think it probably does - I very rarely catch a cold and I can't ever remember catching flu. They used to believe it had disinfectant qualities - it's very pure and clean.
A study done a few years ago by the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen found that whisky drinkers absorb higher levels of phenols from the blood than red wine drinkers. Phenols help protect against cardiovascular disease. My father, who was a surgeon, would say to his patients, "when you reach 40, give up smoking and take up drinking, in moderation".
I think the essential thing is not to think about your health but to listen to your body. I'm a great believer in the body telling you when there's something up. It may be exercise or lack of it, food or lack of it, or overdrinking - or lack of it!
I'm 58 and I do enjoy robust health. It's my view that to some extent, ill-health can be self-generated. I'm not talking about serious illness, but poor health. I think you can become obsessed about your health to the detriment of enjoying your life. I'm really a stranger to the doctor. I'm not on board for check-ups - perhaps I should be.
I'm fortunate that I live right next to the Pentlands. I have two dogs and my duty of the day is to hammer up the hill by the ski slope at Hillhead and jog down again. It takes about 50 minutes. It's a pain in the neck, but I think that, drinking
and smoking as I do, it's important. It's mortification of the flesh: the only pleasure in it is self-righteousness when you get to the top - and it is a lovely view.
*Charles MacLean will be appearing at the Wigtown Book Festival on Friday, October 2 at 9pm (£10) and Saturday at noon (£8). For tickets, visit www.wigtownbookfestival.com
More than 24,000 visitors were attracted to at least 375 events
A whisky festival that showcased the heritage, folklore and culture of Speyside raised almost £1million for Moray's economy, it emerged last night.
Organisers of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which was held over 10 days in May, revealed more than 375 events attracted about 24,000 visitors - raising more than £950,000 for the area.
The market research study showed record numbers of international visitors had come to the area and local businesses said it was an excellent kick-start to the summer season.
Andy Cameron, owner of the Daavar bed and breakfast in Church Street, Dufftown, said the festival was so busy it was a challenge to cater to the surge of tourists.
He said: "It was really hard work because it was so well attended. We were full over the 10-day period. And certainly the restaurants that held gala dinners were extremely busy."
Among the events included were live music and community events, whisky awards, chef and photographic competitions, and tours and tastings at distilleries.
The first Malt Whisky School - a master class for a select number of whisky enthusiasts - also featured for the first time at the event.
Last night, festival organiser Pamela Looper said it was a great success.
Festival chairman Jim Royan added: "It would not be possible without the generous support of our funders, partners, sponsors and members and we wish to thank all those who were involved for their support and hard work in making their own events and the festival as a whole such a success."
The festival's annual meeting will be held on October 2 at Knockando Distillery. Anyone who wishes to attend should contact Ms Looper on admin@spiritofspeyside.com to confirm.
The meeting will be followed by workshops to generate feedback for next year's event which is expected to be held from April 29 to May 3.
Tullibardine Distillery manager John raises glass to 50 years in whisky trade
TULLIBARDINE Distillery manager John Black is a man who was, literally, born into his trade.
Having just raised a glass to 50 years in the whisky industry, he comes from a line of people who have been in the industry for 150 years.
As such, he instinctively knows more about the business than those with years of training.
Born at what is now Cardhu distillery, the son of a distiller, he began his life on a cottage on the grounds of the distillery.
He also had many cousins who were involved in the industry so it was inevitable he would end up working with whisky.
John has worked at various Scottish distilleries, starting as a shift manager at Cardhu before his career took him to 11 different distilleries.
He worked up to the position of distillery manager and ended up at Tullibardine in the Perthshire village of Blackford.
However, he admits that, since he began his career, the industry has gone through many changes.
General operations have changed and many businesses have been forced to downsize as centralisation took hold.
That meant many people had to move sideways to take up roles for firms that support the industry, which is a vast departure to the world in which John cut his teeth.
He said: "In my day the distillery was the heart and soul of the whisky industry, from barley to bottle. Nowadays, many distilleries have downsized and the processes have become automated."
His current job marries many different skills, from guiding tours around Tullibardine to choosing from the range of vintages and expressions for his signature John Black range.
A typical day begins with John taking a tour around the distillery and talking to the shift workers to establish if there are any issues and what the priorities are for that day.
Throughout the morning there are often meetings to discuss management issues and production levels.
The rest of the day is normally taken up with visitor tours, including John's own 'connoisseur's tour' for those who are more knowledgeable about their whisky. Every day can be different and John never knows at any one time who he may meet.
And his past guests on distillery tours have included the head of the Greek Orthodox Church and Michael Howard. All of this means that daily life at the distillery is always different and unpredictable.
John concedes that the industry has changed vastly nowadays with some universities offering a BSC honours in Brewing and Distilling and an Institute of Brewing exists. However, in his opinion there is no substitute for the hands-on approach when it comes to learning your trade.
He added: "I would value experience above academia any day. These days, a distillery manager will get paid in the region of £30,000 to £40,000 however this depends on the size of the distillery.
"Some of the larger companies will have more than one distillery so, obviously, with more responsibility comes higher wages.
"The perks include an endless supply of whisky and a company car. Personally, the perks I value the most are non-material, such as meeting important dignitaries such as the Head of the Greek Orthodox Church."
All in all the job of distillery manager is almost a vocation rather than a job.
It requires dedication and, of course, a deep love of the product.
However, as John Black demonstrates, it's one that can be deeply rewarding and has many perks with which the average job just can't compete.
The online store, shopforwhisky.co.uk, the offshoot of Edinburgh's Scotch Whisky Experience, has launched a distribution service to 95 destinations worldwide.
The internet based shop features a wide selection of regional malts to rare blends which has over 300 varieties of whiskies in stock. It is part of one of Scotland's top tourist attractions, the Scotch Whisky Experience, that tells the story of Scotland's national drink past and present and holds the 'World's Largest Collection of Scotch Whiskies' displaying almost 3,500 bottles.
Susan Morrison, general manager at the Scotch Whisky Experience said: "It is absolutely fantastic to be able to offer this new service and ensure that Scotch whisky lovers everywhere can enjoy their chosen malt or blend. In addition, with an extensive range of products mirroring those available in our in-house store, our many international visitors will now be able to continue with their love of Scotch in their home countries."
New organic Islay tastes like tipple 200 years ago
First organic Islay whiskyBy Rory Reynolds
TOP whisky distillers are to bottle the world's first organic Islay single malt whisky this week.
Bruichladdich Organic - believed to be the only organic single malt in continuous production - comes from a single variety of barley, from a single farm, in a single year.
The privately-owned distillery has labelled the whisky "Anns an t-seann doigh" - Gaelic for 'the way it used to be'.
Distillers say that this is a return to the way that whisky was made 200 years ago and reckon the taste is so unusual that experts won't even know which country it's from.
Mark Reynier, managing director of Bruichladdich, said: "Whilst we think we're being really progressive if you go back 200 years, everything was organic."I come from a wine background and I've seen the difference in the quality of the grapes in organic farming.
Ultimate
"We have 23 farmers in Scotland growing organic barley for us, but each edition of this whisky comes from just one farm in one year - making is the ultimate single, single malt.
"Every different edition will be grown from a different farm - next year the edition will be a different taste.
"In this whisky you really taste the barley, and you don't find that in single malt much now.
"We're a small private companies and we can do these things and this is a real landmark for us."
The current edition, which is in the process of being bottled this week, is distilled from Chalice barley grown by William Rose at Culblair, near Inverness in summer of 2003.
Bruichladdich, which was relaunched in 2000 after being closed for six years, has released a number of unusual takes on the traditional Islay single malt.
Infinity
These include a bourbon edition and a single malt called Infinity - with a specially designed long-lasting taste.
Their X4 edition, which featured in BBC2's Oz and James Drink to Britain, is said to either make the drinker immortal - or kill them.
The world's first organic single malt was first bottled in 1992 by Springbank.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
21 Sep
2009
First Whisky Galore festival held
The first Whisky Galore Festival has been held on Barra, the island in the Western Isles where the 1949 comedy was filmed.
Guests included three sisters who were young extras in the film based on the book by Compton MacKenzie.
Other events during the weekend celebration included whisky tastings, workshops and a golf tournament.
The famous book and film were inspired by the grounding of the ship SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941.
The vessel had about 250,000 bottles of spirit aboard.
Author Compton MacKenzie used the event as the basis of his book Whisky Galore in 1947 and an Ealing comedy followed in 1949.
Earlier this year, a musical of Whisky Galore was performed at the Festival Theatre in Pitlochry.
Resisting the temptation to open the bottle would seem to be the most challenging aspect of investing in whisky, but for those with the willpower there are some tasty financial returns, with rare examples soaring as much as tenfold in value over the past decade.
One of the most sought-after brands is Macallan of Craigellachie in the Speyside region of the Highlands. Last month a limited edition 50-year-old bottle of Macallan sold for £11,750 at auction. The same whisky could have been bought for £200 in 1983.
However, the record is £32,000 for a Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, in 2005.
It was one of only 12 bottles produced in 1943 and was bought by a businessman, who then sat back and drank almost all of it at the hotel with five extremely grateful friends.
Other great Scotch single malt producers loved by connoisseurs include Ardbeg, Bowmore, Highland Park and Springbank.
A limited edition Black Bowmore distilled in 1964 and bottled in 1993 initially sold for £80, but can now change hands for £2,000. Other serious labels include Bruichladdich, Glenfiddich, Talisker and Balvenie.
Andrew Bell, 28, whisky specialist with McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow, says: 'If you want to invest, you must first have a love of whisky.
The main ingredients required for success are passion and patience.
'What you are after is simple --fantastic-tasting drams. But palates vary and while some prefer peat or smoky flavours, others might like a grassy or sweet taste.'
The whiskies that tend to attract most investor attention are limited numbers aged in the cask between ten and 60 years before being bottled.
Once bottled, the whisky can be stored indefinitely.
Some of the most valuable whiskies are from distilleries that have closed down, such as Brora, Dallas Dhu, Glen Flagler, Rosebank and Port Ellen.
Bell says: 'Port Ellen, which closed in 1983, was produced on Islay in the southern Hebrides, one of the best areas for top quality whisky distilleries.
'A 27-year-old Port Ellen that cost £130 at the Feis Ile - the Islay Festival of Malt and Music - in May last year might now fetch £1,000 because of quality and rarity.'
Investors can also buy into a cask before the whisky has been bottled and avoid duty if it is later sold back to producers and kept in a bonded warehouse.
Whisky must be kept in a cask in bond for at least three years before it can be called whisky, but it is usually kept for a decade or more. The cask is what gives the spirit all its taste and colour. About two per cent evaporates in storage every year and this is known as 'the angel's share'.
However, it is not recommended for novice connoisseurs to buy casks. They should seek expert advice and be wary of a market that has been hit by past scams.
Sukhinder Singh, 41, director of The Whisky Exchange in Park Royal, north-west London, says: 'A great idea is to buy one bottle to enjoy on special occasions as a drink and another to be stored for investment purposes.
'Price tends to reflect quality and age, but this does not necessarily mean an older whisky is better - the value is more about rarity and quality.'
Sukhinder believes a great place to start is at a specialist whiskytasting event. 'Drinking whisky is like a journey - a life cycle,' he says. 'There is so much diversity and complexity that it can make a lot of sense to have guidance.'
Distilleries offer tasting tours while local societies can also help. Specialist events include The Whisky Show at Guildhall, City of London, on November 6 and 7, though a ticket costs £100.
Although a rare and historic bottle may be worth thousands of pounds, this is no guarantee it will be drinkable. A sign to look out for is the level of whisky in the bottle. If it is high this is a good sign, but down to the shoulder or label and it may have oxidised and be flat.
Whisky should still be kept at a constant temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. It is also advisable to wet the cork occasionally to prevent it shrinking.
WHISKY lovers are in for a tasty treat this autumn with a dram good line-up of events taking place across the country.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the much-loved Ealing comedy, Whisky Galore!, the classic Ealing film which was set and filmed in the Outer Hebrides and based on a real-life shipwreck.
With bottles from the original wreck still seen in local pubs, it is appropriate that Barra is hosting the first Isle of Barra Whisky Galore Festival from tomorrow until Sunday.
A special mobile cinema will show the film throughout the festival and visitors can take part in a whisky hunt across Barra, visiting locations which featured in the film.
Alternatively they can enjoy lots of live music, ceilidhs or take part in a golf tournament.
In further recognition of Whisky Galore! there is still the chance to enjoy Whisky Galore - A Musical which is being performed at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until Saturday, October 17.
A tale of drams and dreams, this musical world premiere is based on Compton MacKenzie's funny, romantic and entertaining novel and features a lively score that conjures up both the 1940s and the unmistakable sounds of the Western Isles.
Not to be outdone, Speyside, Scotland's most productive whisky region, plays host to a special Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival which runs from Friday, September 25, until Monday, September 28.
The fun-packed weekend has a full programme of events, including a musical evening, a craft fair and whisky auction, with VIP tours to the Speyside Cooperage.
Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries have opened their doors and are offering a great selection of Connoisseurs tours with the option of combining your VIP tour with lunch or dinner prepared under the expert eye of Andy Daggert, the Spirit of Speyside Chef of the Year in 2008.
In addition, there is a range of nosing and tasting events and bus tours to distilleries not normally open to the public.
For energetic whisky lovers, there is the opportunity to paddle down the River Spey in a canoe enjoying excellent food and whisky as you go, or the chance to take to the hills following smugglers' routes of old.
The festival gets under way with an official opening party in The Square, Dufftown, on Friday, September 25, at 7.30pm which is free and open to all.
Visitors are invited to share a dram, watch a fireworks display and listen to the pipe band play before marching behind them to the Stramash in the Memorial Hall.
Finally, in the south-west of the country, one of Scotland's literary hotspots, Wigtown, celebrates whisky at its annual Stena Line Wigtown Book Festival with a special Whisky & Words mini festival running from Wednesday, September 30, until Saturday, October 3.
The programme explores the relationship between whisky and writing, and most of the events will take place at Scotland's southernmost distillery, Bladnoch Distillery.
For further information on these events and the full Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme visit www.homecomingscotland 2009.com. For full details of the autumn whisky events in Speyside click on to www.spiritofspeyside.com
Rare Ben Riach and Glendronach malts set to be a highlight of Whisky Live Paris
A NUMBER of fine and rare BenRiach and GlenDronach malts are set to be one of the highlights of Whisky Live Paris this month.
French whisky lovers are looking forward to sampling some of the vintage expressions which have been maturing in GlenD ronach's Aberdeenshire distillery over the last forty years.
Regional Sales Director James Cowan said: "Whisky Live provides the ultimate whisky experience and continues to be one of the leading consumer and trade-based whisky shows globally.
"France has long been regarded as the leading Scotch Whisky market worldwide and it is essential that we have our brands on display on this key date in the annual calendar of events.
"Although the majority of whisky sold in France is blended whisky, single malt Scotch Whisky is fast becoming a fashionable beverage within the young to middle-aged consumer groups. We hope that both BenRiach and GlenDronach will be well received by all those who visit the stand over the exhibition weekend.
"This year's exhibition has significant interest to us and we will be showcasing the newly-released GlenDronach 15-year-old and 18-year-old expressions together with some fine and rare vintage editions which will appeal to all malt whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike."
Amongst many of the products being presenting are:
BenRiach 12yo 'Sherry Wood' matured
BenRiach 16yo
Birnie Moss 'non aged'
GlenDronach 15yo
GlenDronach 18yo
In addition, James and his team will be sampling some astonishing vintage expressions from 1971, 1972 and 1996.
WhiskyLive Paris takes place at Pavillon Gabriel, 5 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, from Saturday 26 - Monday 28 September 2009.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
14 Sep
2009
Pricing threat to whisky trade
More than £600m could be wiped off the value of Scotch whisky imports in over 140 markets around the world if the Scottish Government succeeds in introducing a minimum price for alcohol, the chief executive of the industry's trade body has told The Herald.
The Scottish Government plans to bring in a minimum price per unit for alcohol as part of its plans to tackle the country's drinking culture.
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, has warned minimum pricing could be used as an excuse in overseas markets employing health arguments to impose tariffs that give domestic brands a competitive edge.
However, this is the first time Hewitt has spelled out the potentially punitive toll on the industry.
"Minimum pricing is effectively a trade barrier, and such measures will be costly to our industry," he said.
"Scotch whisky is exported to 200 markets around the world, and 143 of them already impose various levels of trade barriers on Scotch whisky imports to the benefit of their own domestic brands.
"If we impose a tariff ourselves on health grounds, then Scotland sets the precedent, and the EU will not be able to argue our case in overseas markets that attempt to do the same thing. Scotch whisky exports in 2008 amounted to £3.1bn. I'd say 20% of that would be lost if the Scottish Government goes ahead with its minimum pricing plans, which basically gives the green light to countries to introduce health-based restrictions against Scotch whisky."
A 20% reduction in export value - based on 2008 figures - amounts to £620m.
"The domestic market would also be hit", Hewitt added. "Higher prices will encourage counterfeit, fraud, smuggling, organised crime and job losses."
Under the government's proposal, at 40p a unit, the minimum bottle price would rise to £11.20, compared with the £10.55 average bottle price in Scotland. At 50p per unit, the average rises to £14. Hewitt also contends that minimum pricing would constitute a violation of European Union competition rules and the WTO's GATT (general agreement on tariffs and trade) guidelines by acting as a barrier to trade.
Without naming names, Hewitt said that it was his understanding that a number of large overseas spirits firms were already preparing for legal action against the Scottish Government if its plans were legitimised.
Meanwhile, the Irish Spirits Association, which represents 11 of the largest Irish whiskey and other spirit makers, has already waded into the debate, and says that the minimum pricing plan constitutes a barrier to trade and sets undesirable precedents for other countries to follow.
At the same time, the Washington-based US Distilled Spirits Council, representing the American spirits sector, has urged the Scottish Government to abandon its push to bring in minimum pricing.
Peter Cressy, the US group's president, said: "The Scottish Government's proposal to introduce minimum prices for beverage alcohol products at the very least will adversely affect the conditions of competition in the Scottish market and also may run afoul of international trade rules.
"We would urge the Scottish Government to re-consider its approach and to focus on measures to tackle alcohol misuse that do not disrupt trade."
Nonetheless, the EC, in a statement answering a Parliamentary Question from a Labour MEP, said that the proposed minimum pricing fits within European rules on competition - a move that apparently rebuffs the drinks industry's claims about the legality of the proposal.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has also dismissed the SWA's claims as flawed, insisting that the minimum pricing was being pursued as a public health policy and not market protection.
He added: "The SWA should not underestimate their ability to successfully challenge any unfair practices in any country. They've been doing that for years."
The minimum pricing plan was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond in his legislative programme on September 3 as part of a wider Alcohol and Health Bill.
The proposals are expected to start making their way through the legislative process by the end of the year, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said.
Minimum alcohol pricing may have a punitive toll on the industry.
THE owner of malt whisky brand GlenDronach is to pour £7million into restoring it to its past glory.
Larbert-based BenRiach Distillery Company bought Glendronach Distillery, at Forgue, near Huntly, just over a year ago - in a deal believed to be worth £30million - from Chivas Brothers, the whisky business of Pernod Ricard.
BenRiach managing director Billy Walker said yesterday he wanted to re-establish GlenDronach to its status of 40 years ago, when it was among the five most popular malts in the world.
When he and South African investors Geoff Bell and Wayne Keiswetter took over GlenDronach there were fewer than 20,000 bottles a year sold globally.
This year, after adding a number of expressions, such as a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old, GlenDronach will sell about 150,000 bottles.
BenRiach is to invest £5million in sherry casks over four years and a further £2million on brand promotion and extra staff to boost the 'sleeping giant'. By 2014, the company hopes to be selling some 250,000 bottles annually.
Mr Walker said: 'In recent years, GlenDronach has fallen out of view but it has maintained a kind of cult status. This new investment returns it to centre stage. We're pursuing our dream - to sell fine malt whisky all over the world and put GlenDronach back where it belongs.'
In another profile-boosting move, four GlenDronach casks are to be bottled specially for the Danish market and will go on sale there next month following a recent visit to Forgue by a group of retailers from Denmark.
BenRiach employs 30 people but hopes to create a further five positions in the near future.
Figures show whisky sector not in decline, say insiders
The Scotch whisky industry is not in crisis, in spite of mass layoffs at Diageo and recent production cuts at Chivas Brothers, and the forthcoming global export data will prove it, insiders at the Scotch Whisky Association claim.
The industry body's figures for the first half of 2009, set for release at the end of the month, will reveal an uptick in the overall value of shipments around the world, SWA insiders said.
However, they will also show that during the first quarter of the year, whisky distillers saw markedly diminished demand from trade customers, which had difficulty obtaining funds from banks amid the credit freeze - but increases in the second quarter offset the earlier decline.
"We've said all along that the whisky industry is recession-resistant, not recession-immune - and we stand by that," one insider said.
"What these latest figures will show is that global consumption overall has not decreased. The problem was that trade customers were ordering less because they were having trouble getting credit.
"These customers were simply using up existing supplies before deciding to restock. That situation changed in the second quarter."
The insider told The Herald: "To suggest the whisky industry is in decline is ridiculous. In the past two years alone, around £500m has been invested into new and rejuvenated distilleries. If that's not a sign of confidence, I don't know what is."
Such comments are noteable because Diageo, the world's biggest drinks group, earlier this week said it would continue with plans to close its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and axe headcount at Port Dundas with the combined loss of 900 posts.
The group, which last week also issued a downbeat outlook for 2010, will offset the layoffs by creating 400 jobs through the expansion of the packaging plant in Fife.
Meanwhile, Chivas Brothers, which is owned by French drinks giant Pernod Ricard and controls around 20% of the Scotch whisky market, also this week said it cut production at several distilleries as whisky sales suffered in the past six months. It said volumes of Ballantine's are down 4% and Chivas Regal off 5% year-on-year.
Earlier this year, SWA figures revealed the Scotch whisky industry has set new records for exports in 2008, earning £97 every second for the UK's balance of trade. The value of shipments increased by 8% to a record £3.1bn.
Comments by insiders suggest that the latest half-year figures, when published, will reveal that industry is on track to set a new record in 2009.
"Some markets are down, it's true. Spain, Korea and the US are down - and while this reflects the state of the economy, there are also credit and supply issues," The Herald was told.
"But there is definitely a vast improvement over the situation at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. Whisky remains a growth industry."
A bottle of whisky believed to be the world's biggest has been unveiled in a Strathspey village.
The 5ft tall bottle of single malt has been inched into place at Tomintoul's Clockhouse restaurant.
It has already become a tourist attraction, with visitors keen to have their photo taken beside the bottle.
It had to be commissioned from a manufacturer in Germany and is now filled with about 150 bottles of 14-year-old Tomintoul Distillery whisky.
It has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest bottle of Scotch ever produced.
'Talking point'
Irene McPherson, owner of the Clockhouse restaurant, said: "We've had quite a few people coming in just to see it and get photographed with it, so it is a talking point.
"Hopefully it'll bring in more tourists and people coming out for a run just to have a look at it."
Mike Drury, who runs a specialist whisky shop in the village, said the most worrying part of the whole enterprise was when it came to hammering in the cork.
He said: "We have massive conglomerate distillery companies and I don't know what could have been wrong with them not to have thought of it before.
"So Tomintoul - a wee little village in the middle of nowhere - has done it. The largest bottle of whisky in the world."
Diageo rejects 'unworkable' plan to save Johnnie Walker whisky jobs
Diageo is to press ahead with plans to shed hundreds of jobs after rejecting an "unworkable" alternative plan submitted by Scottish ministers
The drinks giant announced it will close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, ending 200 years of links with the town, and a distillery in Port Dundas, Glasgow.
However, the loss of 900 jobs will be offset by the creation of 400 posts when a new factory is built in Leven, Fife
Diageo said the alternative blueprint, submitted by John Swinney, the Scottish finance minister, would cost the firm significantly more and still lead to 500 jobs losses.
Despite the promise of a sizeable taxpayer-funded subsidy, the firm said Mr Swinney had provided "no workable alternative to deliver what Diageo needs".
The Scottish finance minister described the rejection as "deeply disappointing", but did not respond to criticism that his plan would have cost the public purse millions of pounds and saved few jobs.
The announcement is also a blow to Alex Salmond, the First Minister, who joined a rally in Kilmarnock protesting the cuts and told the cheering masses: "We're going to achieve something for the workforces of Scotland."
The alternative plan would have seen production continue at Port Dundas and the creation of a new plant in Kilmarnock, albeit with only about half the 900 jobs being saved.
It would also have meant scrapping the 400 posts earmarked for Fife, prompting accusations SNP ministers were "playing off" one area of Scotland against another.
David Gosnell, the firm's managing director of global supply, said: "We examined the alternative proposals thoroughly. They don't deliver a business model that would be good for either Diageo or Scotland.
"We need a sustainable Scottish operation that supports our international spirits business and provides a future for the 4,000 people we would employ in Scotland after this restructuring is completed.
"I appreciate their efforts but the taskforce has no workable alternative to deliver what Diageo needs."
He said the alternative blueprint had failed to breach a "significant economic gap", with the closure of the Kilmarnock and Port Dundas plants projected to save the company £75million.
Keeping both sites open would "embed inefficiencies", he said, and Mr Swinney presented no long-term plan for saving Port Dundas other than delaying closure.
Significantly, there would still be a net loss of around 500 jobs and "no investment at Leven and minimal job creation there".
Diageo has ended its discussions with ministers, and will now focus on consulting with employees and trade unions on how the job losses will be implemented.
Mr Swinney said the "strongest arguments" had been submitted for keeping the two plants open, and insisted the alternative plan had been deliverable and cost effective.
He added: "I still do not believe that Diageo appreciate the social consequences of their financial decision in turning their backs on 200 years of history in Port Dundas and Kilmarnock."
Willie Coffey, SNP MSP for Kilmarnock, accused Diageo of acting "shamefully" and described the job losses as "a devastating blow for an intensely loyal workforce."
But Labour blamed SNP ministers for the closures. Iain Gray, the party's Holyrood leader, said: "I am deeply disappointed that John Swinney has been unable to bring forward a plan capable of convincing Diageo to save these jobs."
However, Tavish Scott, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said: "There's no point in a political blame game, because that won't bring one job back.
"Everyone needs to pull together to help those who have lost their job today get back into work as quickly as possible."
Fresh blow for whisky trade as Chivas Brothers cuts production
Further signs that the Scotch whisky industry is feeling the impact of the global recession have emerged after Chivas Brothers admitted it has cut production at several of its distilleries.
The news, which the company said had no impact on jobs, comes just weeks after Diageo announced it is closing its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock with the loss of 700 jobs, with another 200 jobs going at the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
Christian Porta, chief executive and chairman of Chivas Brothers, said: "Market conditions have been tougher in the last 12 months.
"We have reduced some distilleries running on a seven day week to five days a week just to be a little bit on the cautious side."
He acknowledged this is on the back of reduced growth expectations in the near term.
Chivas Brothers, which is owned by French drinks giant Pernod Ricard, controls around 20% of the Scotch whisky market. Its whisky sales have suffered in the past six months of 2009, with volumes of Ballantine's down 4% and Chivas Regal off 5% year-on year.
Porta said that the company is continuing with plans to double output at Glenlivet, where sales volumes were up 5% year-on-year in the fist half.
He added that it is keeping open the previously mothballed Braeval and Allt-A-Bhainne distilleries reopened in the past couple of years.
"We haven't gone back and closed them down again. We just reduced the output and we will see how quickly the market recovers," Porta said. "We are very optimistic about the long term. We believe that the demand for Scotch whisky will continue to grow."
He said the industry should not repeat what he called the "mistake" of the 1990s when production was cut back sharply after the Asian financial crisis.
Asked which distilleries have cut back production, a spokeswoman said: "I cannot say which distilleries. We are just adjusting levels of distilling.
Terrified whisky workers find venomous black widows lurking in casks
WHISKY workers who found deadly black widow spiders lurking inside empty barrels expected a little more from the company than a warning to "remain observant".
And they weren't much comforted by assurances that the black widow's venom is "rarely fatal".
The terrified workers at the Diageo Cooperage in Cambus near Alloa, Clacks, were told that their protective gloves and boots would keep them safe from the arachnids.
Sub-contractors at the plant unload old wine barrels which are shipped across the Atlantic and used to store whisky, giving it colour and flavour.
Five spiders were found in the space of a week in containers from California and two were identified by experts as black widows, which have a distinctive red hour-glass mark on the lower abdomen.
Around one per cent of those bitten by the spiders die, even when given the antidote, which itself can cause a fatal reaction in some people. Symptoms, including severe muscle cramps, can vary from one individual to another.
A Diageo spokeswoman said the site had "robust" procedures in place and that workers were given detailed instruction on how to deal with the spiders.
But angry workers, especially those on night-shift, claim the safety advice is simply not good enough.
Yesterday one, who did not want to give his name, said: "The lads are now terrified it will be just a matter of time before someone gets bitten.
"Because of the nature of the job, we have come across insects from abroad before, but nothing as dangerous as this.
"The advice we have been given is a joke. We have gloves and boots but these things can be lethal and it is not easy to spot them inside the containers, especially in the dark."
SCOTS ACROSS the globe are being invited to raise a glass to toast the year of Homecoming.
First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday visited the nation's smallest distillery—Edradour near Pitlochry—to officially launch a commemorative cask of "Caledonia" whisky.
The limited edition tipple was specially created to mark Scotland's year of Homecoming.
"Whisky is one of Scotland's finest exports and our many varied malts and blends are savoured and appreciated around the world," said Mr Salmond.
"Scotch whisky is an iconic symbol at times of celebration both at home and abroad—from toasting the Bard at a Burns supper to a dram at Hogmanay.
"It is quite rightly a key part of our year of Homecoming and I am delighted to be visiting Edradour to celebrate the launch of this very special whisky to mark our celebrations."
Also present at yesterday's launch was Dougie Maclean, whose popular song "Caledonia" has been adopted as the anthem for the year of Homecoming.
He is delighted to be associated with the new whisky.
"It is very exciting to be closely involved with Edradour in the creation of this fine new whisky for contemporary Scotland," he said.
"My song Caledonia celebrates a sense of belonging and it seems to have struck a chord with people all over the world.
"As such it is more than appropriate to have a whisky associated with it."
Distillery owner Andrew Symington said the idea for a special tipple was dreamt up as he enjoyed a few measures with Mr Maclean.
"I first met Dougie at last year's Perthshire Amber Festival and, having enjoyed the event very much, decided to become a sponsor of the 2009 event," he explained.
"Over a few whiskies one night we also hatched the idea of doing a Caledonia bottling to celebrate Homecoming 2009."
Marie Christie, project director with Homecoming Scotland, "We are delighted Edradour Distillery and Dougie Maclean are working together in support of the national Homecoming celebrations.
"Whisky is a key theme of the year and Dougie's Perthshire Amber event (to be held from October 30 to November 8) looks set to be a highlight in the programme.
"Caledonia has been proven to be a hugely popular Homecoming anthem and I am sure this new whisky will prove as successful as the song."
Pernod Ricard said yesterday it expected a continuing difficult economic environment for the rest of this year and next, and an overall stagnation of the wine and spirit industry.
The French alcoholic drink giant said after reporting results for the year to June 30 that the comparison between the half-year to December 31 and a year earlier would be unfavourable, because of the very strong performance reported over the first half of the 2008-09 financial year.
It added that the second half of the current financial year would be better after last year's second half was adversely affected by the impact of the economic crisis and a strong "destocking effect".
Chief executive Pierre Pringuet said: "Despite a particularly difficult environment, the group achieved a very satisfactory performance in the year just ended. Our priorities are clear: continue to reduce debt and strengthen investments behind our strategic brands."
Among the group's 14 strategic brands are whiskies Chivas Regal, Ballantine's and The Glenlivet single malt. Pernod said The Glenlivet was among its best performing brands during the year, with volume growth of 5% and net-sales organic growth of 7% year-on-year.
Chivas Regal and Ballantine's both disappointed.
Chivas Regal volume was down 5% on the previous year and net-sales were 2% lower. Ballantine's saw volume down 4% and a net-sales organic decline of 5%.
A Chivas Brothers spokesman said: "Glenlivet sales have benefited from robust growth of the malt category, consistent investment in marketing and higher-end expressions helping to increase margins, and growth in its share of the US malt market, which The Glenlivet leads with more than double the sales of the next brand."
He said that, by comparison, markets for blended whiskies such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine's had been less robust
Chivas Brothers, the whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, also said yesterday its Chivas Regal 18-year-old had become the clear leader of the global ultra-premium Scotch category, having tripled its sales since 2004.
The company relaunched the brand in 2004. In the past year it sold more than 2.5million bottles, achieving 2% growth despite the current market.
Pernod reported "a very good performance" during the year, with strong sales growth thanks to the integration of Vin and Sprit and its Absolut vodka brand in July last year.
The group said sales were up 9% year-on-year to £6.31billion primarily as a result of the contribution of Absolut, which achieved strong growth in several countries including the UK. Organic sales growth was flat, however. Net profits for the year were £827.8million, up 12.5% on the previous year.
Diageo: 'Positive' talks over plan to save whisky jobs
DRINKS giant Diageo said today that talks aimed at saving hundreds of whisky jobs had been "positive".
Finance Secretary John Swinney met senior figures from the company,which has put 900 jobs at risk with plans to close its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow.
Mr Swinney presented Diageo bosses with details of an alternative proposal, which could see production continue at the Glasgow site and the creation of a new plant in Kilmarnock.
And he told the company there could be public money on the table.
David Gosnell, managing director of Diageo Global Supply, described this afternoon's meeting as "positive" and said the company would closely examine the alternative plans.
The drinks giant has said the redundancies at Kilmarnock and Glasgow would be "offset" by the creation of 400 jobs at its packaging plant in Fife.
However it was claimed yesterday the closure of the Kilmarnock bottling plant could cost the local economy more than s15 million a year, while every job lost may cost the public sector up to £20,000 ay ear.
Today the Finance Secretary said Diageo's current proposals would have "severe economic and social consequences within Kilmarnock and Glasgow".
A special taskforce, involving trade unions, local authorities,Scottish Enterprise and politicians, agreed the alternative proposals.
Mr Swinney and Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry presented details of these to Mr Gosnell and Bryan Donaghey, the managing director for Diageo Scotland.
The Finance Secretary said he had set out the alternative plans in "extensive talks" with the company.
He stated: "Diageo have taken that proposal away and will consider it, and there will be further discussions with the Government and Scottish Enterprise to follow up the discussion we had this afternoon.
"It's important we make progress on this, because obviously there is a lot of uncertainty for the employees that are affected by the proposals Diageo put forward."
He also confirmed: "The question of public money has been discussed.
"I made it clear to Diageo there are circumstances in which the Government would be prepared to consider a contribution of public resources, and that's obviously a matter which is material to the discussions that we need to continue with Diageo."
However he added it was possible not all the 900 jobs under threat would be saved.
Mr Swinney said: "I have said all along there would be employment loss out of these proposals, there is absolutely no way we could come anywhere near to equalling the reduction in costs that Diageo envisages without there being some loss of employment."
The Finance Secretary also accepted if the company agreed to the alternative proposals, that could impact on the planned new jobs inFife.
He stated: "I quite accept the investment can not be in two places at the same time."
Afterwards Mr Gosnell said: "It was a positive meeting with the Scottish Government, and we can confirm that Diageo has now received details on the taskforce's alternative proposal.
"The next step is that we take this document away and examine itclosely. On completion of that process there will be further active dialogue with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
"We believe that both sides want to see a clear way forward and we are all committed to resolving the discussions as soon as possible given the continuing uncertainty for our employees across Scotland.
"At the same time we will continue the consultation process with our staff and their representatives."
ONLY a month to go the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which this year seems to be toasting itself with all manner of booze. As well as festivals celebrating local wine merchants (Urbis, October 2-3) and our region's beers (Albert Square, October 10-11) there is also the first Manchester Whisky Festival.
This ultimate dramfest takes place on Saturday, October 10, at the Museum of Science and Industry from noon to 6pm.
And it is not just Scotland and Ireland represented under the tutelage of 'usquebaugh guru' Eddie Ludlow of The Whisky Lounge.
A host of industry experts, from distillery managers to brand ambassadors, will be on hand in the Air and Space Hall to guide punters through the huge range of whiskies on show from as far afield as Japan, America and even India.
Free tasting glass
Fear not, Scotch won't be neglected. Among the exhibitors confirmed so far are: Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Caol Ila, Talisker, Lagavulin, Ardmore, Macallan, Laphroaig, Highland Park, Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Suntory, Amrut, Gordon & Macphail, Cooley, Four Roses, Jameson, Glenlivet, Aberlour, Berry Brothers, Benromach.
Tickets cost £16, which includes entrance to the main event, all your drams for the day and a free whisky tasting glass (worth around £4).
The masterclasses cost an additional £5 each. Children are not permitted.
For tickets, go to mfdfwhiskyfestival.eventbrite.com/
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
02 Sep
2009
Warning that minimum pricing for alcohol will hurt whisky makers
Industry chief claims new government drink legislation will affect exports
New minimum pricing rules for alcohol will hurt Scotland's whisky makers and cost jobs, the chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has warned.
Gavin Hewitt, speaking at a business conference in Edinburgh yesterday, said the Scottish Government's new drink legislation would make it harder for the industry to argue against import restrictions in some of its key markets abroad.
Mr Hewitt added: "The mantra has been that this will not hurt premium products and that it will not damage Scotch.
"However, let me be quite clear, this measure will hurt distillers at home and it will hurt distillers overseas.
"It is an issue of major international significance."
He said the industry's experience of EU and international trade rules was that any such system was likely to be a trade barrier.
"An exception to international trade rules could be justified only in very limited circumstances, including if the measure is necessary to protect health, he said.
He added: "It has never happened before in relation to alcohol, nor was the argument ever made in relation to the risks associated with tobacco.
"We see little evidence that minimum pricing is necessary, given the wide range of other measures that could be brought forward to tackle alcohol misuse.
"Indeed new licensing rules, which we support, only come into effect today after a four-year delay."
Mr Hewitt said the government's minimum pricing plans were "spuriously justified" on health grounds, adding: "What message are we sending out about Scotch whisky?"
He highlighted Korean efforts to introduce discriminatory tax measures for Scotch on the grounds the high alcohol content caused greater harm to health.
"We have been able to use international trade rules to stop such blatant protectionism," he said, adding: "It would be difficult to do so in the future if we are also looking to override the same trade rules. The potential implications for our ability to grow exports is clear."
Mr Hewitt said the industry supported the government's firm line on alcohol misuse and shared its commitment to tackling the issue but added: "It could have sent out a more positive message."
Ministers believe minimum pricing will help tackle drunkenness and health problems.
The industry, however, claims it will push up the price of cheaper brands as own-label whiskies represent 25%-30% of the market.
Malts on the march: Benriach and Glendronach expand into China, Vietnam and USA
As part of its planned growth strategy for its two malts, the BenRiach Distillery Company is expanding into emerging markets such as China and Vietnam.
The company is also beefing up its presence in the USA.
Regional Sales Director James Cowan is responsible for marketing BenRiach and GlenDronach in China and Vietnam. He said: "In the past, these countries were perceived as being off the radar as target malt whisky markets.
"However, in recent years the booming economies and the rise in the number of wealthy individuals have helped to make malt whisky a more attainable product.
"Additionally, these markets are already hugely popular holiday destinations due to improved air links and the spin-off from the Beijing Olympics.
"Due to the sheer size of China - over three and a half million square miles and over 1.3 billion of a population - we intend on focus on a small number of regions rather than try to target the country as a whole. This can act as a springboard to build the brand further in due course.
"Meanwhile, Vietnam has also entered a significant period of growth within the tourism sector, and this lends itself well to the introduction of premium malt whisky throughout the relevant outlets that this industry attracts.
"Our plan is to conduct a series of organised tastings and corporate events in the months to come which will aid the brands' introduction. For any new market and particularly emerging markets, it is essential that we are closely in touch with activities on the ground, as has already been successfully proven in some of our other new te rritories around the world."
Looking at the USA, Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker commented: "BenRiach has been available in the US for four years now and we ar e gradually establishing a name for it through tutored tastings and whisky festivals across the country.
"Our US Importer Preiss Imports will be introducing the new GlenDronach range - 12, 15 and 18 year old malts - towards the end of this year.
"I believe GlenDronach has excellent potential in the US. We have been inundated with enquiries from US consumers via our website so there clearly remains an awareness for the brand in the States - an awareness that was built up during the past five decades via William Teacher's and Allied Distillers."
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
01 Sep
2009
MSPs to get update on Diageo Scots jobs battle
The battle to save 900 whisky jobs in Kilmarnock and Glasgow will switch to Holyrood this week.
Finance secretary John Swinney will update MSPs tomorrow on the progress of the alternative plan backed by the cross party task force which includes trade unions and councils.
Drinks giants Diageo plan to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, with the loss of 700 jobs, and the distillery at Port Dundas in Glasgow with the loss of another 200 jobs.
But the company want to invest £100million in a new bottling plant at their current site in Leven creating 400 new jobs.
MSPs will also debate a motion tabled by Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey backing the fight to save the jobs and the alternative proposals.
The parliamentary action however will come 24 hours before Swinney meets Diageo bosses to flesh out details of the survival plan.
He wrote to Diageo's global manufacturing boss Dave Gosnell last week .
But Gosnell claimed the plans lacked specific details.
He ruled out union calls for executives to take a pay cut, and claimed they had not considered cutting wages, shift allowances or perks for any worker.
But the Record exclusively revealed that the company had slashed their annual freeshare bonus by more than two-thirds, from an average of £1000 to £300.
A One Day Festival Celebrating Food & Drink Producers and Designers Based in Scotland
ScotFest, featuring the Glengoyne Tent, is opening its doors to visitors on Sunday 20th of September from 11.30 - 4.30 at Cochrane Park in Alva.
As main sponsors Glengoyne Distillery will take centre stage in the Glengoyne Tent, presenting tutored tastings and offering samples of their handcrafted, multi-award winning whisky throughout the day. The Glengoyne team will also be hosting special blending sessions where visitors can learn the art of the Master Blender to create their very own unique blended whisky.
Also appearing in the Glengoyne Tent will be renowned Chef Tom Lewis of Monachyle Mhor hotel, demonstrating how to combine Glengoyne's Real Taste of Malt with ingredients from Scotland's rich natural larder to create delicious modern dishes. Tom will also be presenting freshly made breads, whisky sausages, fresh fish and much, much MHOR.
Every visitor at ScotFest will receive a FREE gift bag on arrival, with goodies including a VIP Guest Pass for a tour of Glengoyne, Scotland's most beautiful distillery, and exclusive discounts at the ScotFest distillery shop.
Stuart Hendry, Glengoyne Brand Heritage and Commercial Manager commented: "We are extremely proud of our tradition, heritage and handcrafted whisky. ScotFest provides a great platform for us to join other independent and traditional Scottish producers and, along with Tom Lewis and the MHOR brand, demonstrate The Real Taste of Malt with The Real Taste of Food."
A tented village, ScotFest includes a wide selection of local food and drink producers providing samples to taste and enjoy alongside arts and craft exhibitors discussing their design methods and inspiration for their range of truly unique goods - perfect for early Christmas Shopping.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day with pipes and drums, falconry and ScotFest's very own Town Crier plus Kid's Zone featuring everything from face painting to a completely weatherproof bouncy castle.
Refreshments will be provided by the British Army Field Kitchen, traditional hog roast and the ScotFest Cafe as well as the inflatable pub featuring real Scottish Ales providing a true Scottish welcome.
For further information and updates on who is exhibiting please visit www.scotfest.co.uk
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
30 Aug
2009
Whisky producer beefing up US presence
Chief executive appears to dismiss bid to save plants as drinks giant announces £2.02bn profit
BENRIACH Distillery Company said yesterday it was beefing up its presence in America and expanding into emerging markets such as China and Vietnam as part of a planned growth strategy for its malt whiskies.
The Larbert-based company started selling its BenRiach whisky in the US four years ago and now plans to relaunch GlenDronach, made at Forgue, near Huntly, there after acquiring both the brand and its distillery from Chivas Brothers last year.
Regional sales director Alistair Walker said BenRiach, produced near Elgin, was gradually making a name for itself across the Atlantic through tutored tastings and whisky festivals across the country, adding: "Our US importer, Preiss Imports, will be introducing the new GlenDronach range - 12, 15 and 18-year-old malts - towards the end of this year.
"We have been inundated with inquiries from US consumers via our website, so there clearly remains an awareness for the brand in the States."
Regional sales director James Cowan is responsible for marketing the firm's products in China and Vietnam. He said: "In the past, these countries were perceived as being off the radar as target malt whisky markets, however, in recent years the booming economies and a rise in the number of wealthy individuals have helped to make malt whisky a more attainable product.
"Additionally, these markets are already hugely popular holiday destinations due to improved air links and the spin-off from the Beijing Olympics.
"Due to the sheer size of China, with more than 3.5million square miles and over 1.3billion of a population, we intend on focus on a small number of regions rather than try to target the country as a whole.
"This can act as a springboard to build the brand further in due course.
"Vietnam has also entered a significant period of growth within the tourism sector and this lends itself well to the introduction of premium malt whisky throughout the relevant outlets that this industry attracts."
BenRiach plans to hold tastings and corporate events in the coming months to introduce its whiskies to the new Asian markets.
Protesters take fight for Scottish jobs to Diageo's HQ in London
Chief executive appears to dismiss bid to save plants as drinks giant announces £2.02bn profit
Protesters slammed Diageo's plans to axe 900 whisky jobs following the drinks giant's reporting of a £2.02billion profit yesterday.
Diageo, whose brands include Smirnoff and Guinness, said it had a "challenging" year to June, with pre-tax profits slightly lower than last year.
It plans to close its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock with the loss of 700 jobs and shed a further 200 from the distillery at Port Dundas in central Glasgow.
A cross-party campaign has been launched to try to persuade the firm to change its plans, but Diageo said it had not yet considered the proposals.
Gina McCurry, a forklift driver at the Kilmarnock plant, was among the protesters at the company's HQ in London yesterday.
She said: "Diageo are obviously making billions of profits. There is no need to close the plant.
"It's not a case of 'we're not making money', it's a case of 'we're not making enough money'."
Diageo said it will partially offset the planned cuts by creating 400 jobs at its packaging plant in Fife.
Alternative proposals aimed at saving the 900 jobs have been drawn up by trade unions, councils, Scottish Enterprise and politicians. These could see production continue at Port Dundas, as well as the development of a new plant at Kilmarnock.
Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh appeared to dismiss the bid to save the plants yesterday. He said: "I'm aware of the jobs campaign, and am aware people are almost trying to dent the image of the (Johnnie Walker) brand, which will not be good for remaining employees. So I think it's very shortsighted."
He said while the job losses were "tragic" he was focused on a viable future for the business. "The reality is that Scotch whisky's future lies beyond these shores. We have to penetrate new markets."
Mr Walsh pledged to keep an open mind on plans put forward by First Minister Alex Salmond, but warned they would have to be clear on how the Scottish Government would support the business.
He said: "I hope the content is specific. I hope the content provides options that still maintain our business objectives - being cost-competitive. And if there is a gap, I hope the letter is very clear on how the public purse is going to fund that gap."
Des Browne, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, said he believed the firm would not pull out of Kilmarnock. "It would be devastating for our town," he said.
"They proposed that but we have a proposal to put to them which can allow them to stay there and maintain hundreds of sustainable jobs in our community," he added.
Whisky firm's premium brands hit by effects of global downturn
Drink giant Diageo forecasts more challenging year ahead after profits dip
Drink giant Diageo saw global economic woes take a chunk out of its profits in the year to June 30, with some of its key whisky brands suffering a large drop in sales.
The group said yesterday the downturn had affected all its markets, although Europe was hit harder than Asia and North America.
Diageo said organic net sales of iconic whisky brand Johnnie Walker - the world's best selling Scotch - plunged by 6%.
Net whisky sales were down 3% overall by value, although progress was made in some key markets.
Diageo's annual results came as pressure increased on the London-based firm to drop controversial plans to axe 900 Scottish jobs.
It intends to close its bottling plant at Kilmarnock - severing historic ties with Johnnie Walker - in addition to the Port Dundas distillery, in Glasgow.
Diageo - whose other whiskies include Bell's, Benmore, Buchanan's, Haig, J&B, Spey Royal, Vat 69, White Horse and a host of single and classic malt brands - delivered pre-tax profits of £2.02billion despite a "challenging" year. The latest surplus compares with profits of £2.09billion in 2007-08.
Among the group's main brands, Johnnie Walker and J&B both lost ground in terms of annual sales but Buchanan's achieved growth on the back of increased demand in Venezuela, Mexico and Columbia.
Diageo hopes to save an extra £40million a year from its restructuring plans in Scotland, where it employs about 4,500 people and produces nearly 50million cases of whisky and white spirits.
Changes elsewhere in the group are expected to generate a further £120million of cost savings in the current trading year.
Other key brands in Diageo's portfolio include Guinness, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan rum, Bailey's Irish cream liqueur and Tanqueray gin.
Underlying drink sales across the group, which also owns the Gleneagles Hotel and golf courses in Perth-shire, were flat but the weak pound and cost-cutting pushed operating profits up by about £100million to £2.6billion.
Chief executive Paul Walsh said the firm had seen growth in vodka, rum, tequila and beer sales but gin and wine had been weaker in the period and whisky and liqueurs had been the biggest target for destocking among its customers.
He added: "This has been a very challenging year, Overall, however, our results demonstrate the resilience of the business.
"While the global economy appears to be stabilising, there is still uncertainty as to the sustainability and pace of any recovery.
"That being recognised, we expect to deliver low single-digit organic operating profit growth in fiscal 2010."
Scottish Power Ltd plans to supply all the electricity for the island of Islay through a 10 megawatt tidal energy project with Diageo Plc, the Guardian reported, without saying where it got the information.
The energy company, a unit of Spain's Iberdrola SA, is close to signing a contract with the drinks group to provide electricity to eight distilleries and maltings on the western Scottish island as well as its 3,500 inhabitants, according to the newspaper. The underwater turbines that will generate the power are expected to be working by 2011, the newspaper said.
A rare collection of about 3,000 bottles of whisky is to go under the hammer at auction later this year.
The bottles are the legacy of a late US whisky enthusiast and is said to be the largest and most varied yet to appear at auction.
Californian Willard Folsom spent 18 years gathering Scotch malts after reading a newspaper article about them.
Whisky from Orkney to Speyside to the Lowlands is represented in the collection.
It features many commemorative bottles which will never be released again by distillers.
Martin Green, whisky specialist for Bonhams auctioneers, said: "In over 20 years of conducting whisky auctions, this is the most exciting collection I have ever handled.
"Many of the bottles included in the collection will never be released again or repeated by the whisky industry and so the sale of the collection provides the opportunity to buy many collectables of the future."
Mr Folsom's love affair with whisky began in 1988 when was inspired to try his first single malt by an article in USA Today.
The former United Airlines worker toured Scotland with his family to build up his collection. He died last year at the age of 64.
The whisky will be auctioned by Bonhams in Edinburgh on 18 November, with any remaining stock sold in New York and Hong Kong next year.
Battle to save Johnnie Walker whisky jobs could lead to more redundancies, warn Diageo
DRINKS giants Diageo claim a plan to rescue 900 threatened whisky jobs could mean more redundancies in the end.
The firm, who will this week report profits of £2.7billion, said any Government alternative to their proposals may force them to move 30 per cent of their spirit bottling operations abroad.
Diageo plan to close the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow.
Bryan Donaghey, managing director of Diageo in Scotland, said: "We want to keep bottling Johnnie Walker in Scotland.
"By making that decision, we have already compromised ourselves from a purely financial viewpoint.
"What people tend to forget is that 30 per cent of the bottling activity in Cameronbridge is not Scotch. It is products such as gin, vodka and rum - spirits that do not have any heritage in Scotland whatsoever.
"At the moment, we can be competitive because we can invest and we have scale.
"Maintaining that efficiency and scale is very important and if we start to lose that scale we undermine the whole operation.
"The simple answer is yes, this bottling could move overseas. We produce Smirnoff all over the world so the argument is we can just disgorge it in different places."
The Diageo plant at Cameron-bridgeFife, produces pure grain spirit for brands including Gordon's and Tanqueray gin and Smirnoff vodka.
Soaring
It bottles the brands, as well as Captain Morgan rum, Archers schnapps and Pimm's.
Donaghey claimed bottling of these brands could be moved overseas.
The firm wouldn't say how many jobs would go if the brands were bottled elsewhere.
On Thursday, Diageo will announce increased profits and soaring sales in the US and Europe.
Campaigners have vowed to continue to fight the plans to axe the Kilmarnmock and Port Dundas jobs.
But they were dealt a blow last week when a report labelled the closure plans "sensible".
The independent study by business experts was drawn up to offer alternatives to Diageo's plan to close the Ayrshire bottling plant.
It outlined two alternatives - slimming down the existing 1950s bottling hall or building a new, smaller facility on a greenfield site in Kilmarnock.
But the plans would still result in the loss of 257 jobs in the town.
Billy Walker, the owner of BenRiach Distillery Company, has unveiled an ambitious £7m investment plan to bolster its recently acquired GlenDronach whisky brand in stark contrast to the turmoil elsewhere in the sector.
The idea behind the multimillion-pound investment is to restore GlenDronach to its former glory - back in the 1960s, it was among the top five most popular malt whisky brands in the world - and to drive it into new global markets.
Walker's Larbert-based company, with the help of "two very entrepreneurial shareholders" in South Africa, acquired GlenDronach distillery, in Forgue, Aberdeenshire, in August 2008, after having had his "eye on it" for several years. He also owns BenRiach distillery near Elgin.
Walker, the former operations director at East Kilbride distiller Burn Stewart, revealed that over the next four years he will spend £5m on sherry casks, where future batches of GlenDronach will mature for up to 33 years, and a further £2m on brand promotion and raising staff levels.
"This is a real testament to our ambitions as a small whisky distiller," Walker said.
"We are making sure the whisky coming through is of the highest quality. We could have chosen to produce our whisky in a much cheaper way, but that would have affected the quality. As a small, niche distiller, that cannot be the way forward."
He added: "After the sherry casks, the remainder of the £7m will be for recruitment and promotion. We currently employ 30 people, and we're looking for another five right now."
Walker's decision to invest £7m in GlenDronach flies in the face of the current upheaval in the sector. The past few months alone have seen Whyte & Mackay announce plans to axe 100 jobs and rival Diageo threaten to slash another 900.
Whyte & Mackay has blamed the global recession as well as the UK's "punitive" taxes for the decision to axe almost a fifth of its workforce. At the same time Diageo warned its bottling operations could be moved abroad if Scotland does not remain globally competitive.
Nonetheless, Walker said: "The industry is still very strong. Malt whisky is a strong sector - especially at the premium end of the market.
"Personally, I think Diageo has been unfairly treated. In spite of the 900 jobs, they are committed to Scotland, and they employ thousands here.
"At the end of the day, we're pursuing the same dream as Diageo - to sell good malt whisky all over the world."
Asked about his decision to acquire GlenDronach distillery, he said: "We had our eye on it for ages. Back in the 1960s, when it was owned by Teachers, it was one of the top five malt whiskies in the world - albeit the malt whisky industry in those days was much smaller. It has gradually fallen out of view, but it has maintained a kind of cult status.
"In 2002, Allied Distillers re-activated the distillery, which had been mothballed since 1996, to keep up with demand for whisky used in its blended brands. Very little went into bottles as malt.
"By the time Pernod owned the distillery, the brand had moved away from the centre of the radar. There were less than 20,000 bottles sold as malt whisky when we acquired it.
"GlenDronach was non-core to them, but for us it was a real opportunity."
Walker added that in the first year of ownership, a number of new "expressions" have been added and around 150,000 bottles have been sold worldwide.
"After five years, we expect to sell more 240,000 bottles. Our plan is to restore GlenDronach restore it to where we think it belongs."
Glasgow's whisky expert back in good spirits after life-threatening accident
WORLD-CLASS whisky blender Richard Paterson feared his career might be cut short when his drinking hand was sliced by a historic knife.
Richard, of Glasgow-based Whyte & Mackay, was rearranging a knife and sword collection in the firm's Glasgow blending room when the horror accident happened.
An 18th century Bowie knife, which belonged to James Bowie who fought at the Battle of the Alamo, crashed off the wall and cut his fingers.
He injured tendons on his right hand - which he uses to lift blending glasses to his expert nose.
Master blender Richard, whose nose is insured for more than £1million because of his uncanny ability, had a plaster cast on his injured hand for three weeks. He feared his drinking hand might never be used again.
But he was celebrating this week with a dram after the cast was removed and his hand given the all-clear.
Richard said: "I rearrange the sword and knives from time to time. This time the Bowie knife came crashing down and struck my hand.
"There was a bit of blood and I had to get it seen to in hospital. There was a fear that the tendons might not heal properly.
"If I had wanted to keep drinking whisky with my right hand, I would have had to keep it in the shape it was with a cast, which was ridiculous. My hand looked like a Lego model.
"But it has healed or I would have had to use my left hand all the time which would have taken a lot of adjustment.
"The hand is still a little tender but I've been having a few drams from our range to celebrate my recovery.
"I wonder now if I should get my hands insured too. After all my nose is insured for more than £1million so perhaps I should get an extension on that policy."
Richard, who is regarded as one of the foremost whisky experts in the world, has also been able to resume his popular website where he reveals some of the secrets of his trade at: www.themasterblender.com
Whyte & Mackay recently announced a major review of its 574 employees. This could lead to the loss of up to 85 jobs in Scotland.
Structures to be built on same spot as one which collapsed sending debris into house gardens
A drinks giant has been granted permission to replace two huge grain silos close to houses and in the same spot where one holding 800 tons of grain collapsed last year.
Families in the houses neighbouring the maltings at Port Ellen on the famous whisky-producing island of Islay were evacuated for two days last November when barley and debris spilled into their gardens.
The malting facility, owned by Diageo, serves six of the island's eight distilleries.
Argyll and Bute Council's planning committee yesterday gave the go-ahead for the new silos, despite a petition signed by 98 people objecting on health and safety grounds and six letters of objection from the neighbours at Bay View and Antrim View.
The council received only one letter of support for the development.
Niall Colthart, of 9 Bayview, said: "It was purely by the luck of God when it fell down that nobody was killed or injured. How they can justify putting them back up there even with health and safety conditions, is beggars belief."
Argyll Community Housing Association (Acha) properties 1-6 Bay View, were among those evacuated. Acha chief executive Alastair MacGregor said: "We are obviously concerned that this silo collapsed and spilled into our tenants gardens and that this could potentially happen again. It was fortunate that this took place during the night and not when there were children playing or people hanging up their washing.
"We are disappointed that an approval has not been granted that would relocate the silos on site, further away from human habitation."
Diageo investigations revealed the 17-year-old silo collapsed after suffering corrosion. The replacements will have additional coating to protect them.
Senior planner Richard Kerr said that siting them anywhere else within the maltings would mean considerable extra cost and operating difficulties for Diageo.
Mr Kerr said: "Unless they can replace the storage facility they have lost they will have to import processed malt from the mainland to support whisky production on the island."
Councillor Bruce Marshall said: "It is terribly important that this firm is able to continue producing whisky on the island."
Island councillor Robin Currie wanted to continue the decision for further information but did not get support.
The application was approved subject to the condition that Diageo producing a report recommending the best boundary for the site.
A spokeswoman for Diageo said: "We are fully committed to delivering a solution, and have shared the detailed design work undertaken to demonstrate how we intend to resolve current issues."
Swinney: Case against Diageo closures gains momentum
Finance Secretary John Swinney believes the case against Diageo's plans to cut 900 jobs in Ayrshire and Glasgow is "gaining momentum".
Speaking after the Cabinet, meeting in Aberdeen, discussed the Diageo issue, Mr Swinney confirmed that the Scottish Government now has an independent consultants' report on the proposals, which will be put to a meeting later today of the taskforce set up to oppose the plans.
The taskforce, comprising representatives of East Ayrshire and Glasgow councils, Scottish Enterprise, trade unions and local politicians from across the party divide, will gather at St Andrew's House this evening to discuss the report commissioned from consultants BDO Stoy Hayward into the proposals to close the Johnnie Walker blending and bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
Diageo plans to streamline its Scottish operation, with Fife gaining 400 jobs at the expense of Glasgow and Ayrshire. The planned closure in Kilmarnock, historic home of the world's best-selling whisky, which has fuelled the backlash against Diageo.
The taskforce meeting, chaired by Mr Swinney, will discuss the report and use that information to begin drawing up its own counter-proposals to avoid the Kilmarnock and Glasgow closures.
Mr Swinney said: "This meeting is a crucial step forward and demonstrates that the substantial case against Diageo's proposed job cuts in Scotland is gaining real momentum."
Although the consultants' report is seen as crucial in developing an alternative business plan, it will not be made public because much of it is regarded as commercially sensitive.
Diageo has made it clear that it believes its strategy to streamline operations in Scotland is in its best interests in the fiercely competitive global spirits industry. It has promised to look at any counter-proposals, but says it would be surprised if these would provide advantages over its own carefully thought out plans.
Highland Park scoops leading accolade from drinks expert for second year in a row
HIGHLAND Park's 18-year-old single malt Scotch whisky has been crowned best spirit in the world for a second consecutive time.
The accolade was awarded by US independent whisky expert Paul Pacult in industry publication Spirit Journal.
Highland Park's latest honour marks yet another milestone for the Orkney brand, which has seen strong growth over the past four years.
Sales are up by 80% over the period, catapulting the Edrington Group subsidiary into the world's top 10 single malt Scotch whiskies for the first time in the distillery's 211-year history.
Highland Park global controller Jason Craig said: "We have had an incredible four years since setting out on an ambitious £18million masterplan for this hidden gem.
"It has since received numerous accolades for the quality of its spirit in markets such as the US but the icing on the cake has got to be being named best spirit in the world by one of the world's leading drinks experts."
The UK remains Highland Park's most important market but the brand is increasingly successful in Asia, where there is fast-growing demand for premium blends.
Mr Craig said: "We are now well-placed to grow sales of Highland Park and other Edrington expressions through two new sales-and-distribution companies we have established in Taipei and Seoul plus a regional headquarters in Shanghai."
Helius Energy has formed a joint venture with a consortium of Speyside distillers to build a combined heat and power plant that will be the first in the world to be fuelled by whisky by-products.
The £50m project will generate 7.2MW of electricity, which could be used onsite or exported to the National Grid - enough to power 9,000 homes.
The plant could also save more than 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year when compared with the distillers' current energy use.
A separate plant will turn the liquid co-product of making whisky, known as pot ale, into a concentrated organic fertiliser and an animal feed for use by local farmers.
Helius, which listed on Aim in 2006, was established to develop and operate biomass-fired renewable electricity generation plants.
It has formed a joint venture with the Combination of Rothes Distillers, which comprises the Edrington, Chivas Brothers, Glen Grant, Inver House Distillers, Diageo and Benriach distilling groups.
Frank Burns, general manager of Cord, said: "The ability to generate renewable heat and power and secure additional markets for our distillery co-products is an exciting development for the malt whisky industry on Speyside."
John Seed, managing director of Helius, said: "Biomass will play a major role in meeting the UK's targets for emissions reductions, and this is a model that has the potential to be rolled-out elsewhere. Drinking green whisky may give you a warm glow, but it'll also help to avoid warming the planet."
The plants will be built within the site of a Cord-owned processing facility at Rothes in Moray. Construction should begin next year and take about two years, creating up to 100 jobs.
Cord, which employs 21 people, was founded in 1904 to process the pot ale produced by whisky companies in the Rothes area.
MSP wants parliament to have debate on all issues around 'national icon'
CONSERVATIVES in Perthshire have called for a Scottish Parliament committee inquiry into the whisky industry.
It comes as whisky firms are threatening to lay off staff and the Scottish Government plans to introduce a minimum price for each unit of alcohol.
The call was made as a major summit was held in Glasgow yesterday to discuss Diageo's threat, announced last month, to cut 900 jobs.
This month Glasgow-based Whyte and MacKay revealed it wants to shed 100 jobs - with its distillery at Invergordon likely to be affected - prompting fears that other firms may follow suit.
Alex Salmond's government is also under pressure to ditch its plans for minimum pricing.
Ministers believe it will help tackle drunkenness and health problems, but the industry claims it will push up the price of cheaper brands, such as own-label whiskies that represent 25%-30% of the market.
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser wants to see a Holyrood inquiry in order to see a full debate on one of Scotland's "national icons".
He said any inquiry by the economy, energy and tourism committee must examine minimum pricing.
"The whisky industry has been hit hard in recent months and I want to see a committee inquiry undertaken to examine the issues that currently face the whisky industry here in Perthshire and across Scotland," he said.
Campaigners fighting to save the 900 Diageo jobs yesterday buried their political differences to map out the next stage of their battle.
The summit brought together figures from the Labour, SNP, Lib Dem and Tory parties.
Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson, who hosted the meeting with Glasgow council leader Steve Purcell, said later: "We leave more united than ever."
SNP Glasgow MSP Bob Doris said: "The employees are determined to protect their livelihoods and I am committed to fight alongside them for every Diageo job."
A summit aimed at saving up to 900 whisky industry jobs is taking place.
Campaigners will meet in Glasgow to map out the next stage of the campaign to save the jobs at Diageo.
Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson and Glasgow council leader Steven Purcell will host a meeting with unions which will also include cross-party politicians.
Plans by the drinks giant to close its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock could cost 700 jobs in the town, with another 200 under threat in Glasgow through the planned closure of the Port Dundas grain distillery.
Labour said Kilmarnock MP Des Browne will attend the summit, along with Liberal Democrat, Tory, SNP, and East Ayrshire Council representatives.
Ms Ferguson said: "This summit is an opportunity for politicians and unions from both sites to get round the table.
"The workforces at the Kilmarnock and Glasgow sites stand united in their determination to save their jobs."
Glendronach Distillery has come up with a quirky way to promote its new range of 12, 15 and 18-year-old malts in Belgium next month.
It has selected a single cask from the 1996 vintage, straight from one of the distillery's warehouses in Aberdeenshire, and is taking it round Belgium...in the back of a van!
"Cask in a Van" is the title of GlenDronach's unusual week-long road show.
Regional Sales Director James Cowan explained: "To help make our launch in Belgium more memorable, we're taking a delicious 1996 limited edition GlenDronach on the road in a special liveried van. As our advertising slogan says, we're taking the brand "on a journey of re-discovery".
"It's never been done before so it should be a great hit with Belgian malt whisky fans."
James came up with the idea in tandem with his Belgian importer Mario Groteklaes, who runs The Nectar in Heusden-Zolder.
Mario added: "We'll visit seven major customers for an in-store tasting of the new range of 12, 15 and 18-year-olds, plus a sample of the 1996 whisky straight from the cask which they can decant into their own personalised bottles. As it's a limited edition, it's going to be a highly collectable item.
"We will also undertake less formal tastings - for example a barbeque is planned in one of the Belgium market towns."
GlenDronach launched its new range of malts in April and the first 3000-bottle consignment sold out in Belgium in just three weeks.
Mario said: "GlenDronach has always been a well-known brand here, especially the "old" fifteen-year-old. That, and the good publicity given to the new fifteen and eighteen-year-olds by some Malt Maniacs, and on some forums, made it easy to introduce the new range to about one hundred specialised liquor stores throughout Belgium in just one week."
Watch out for the distinctive GlenDronach van somewhere in Belgium between 29 September - 3 October.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
12 Aug
2009
Distiller raises a glass despite slump in turnover
Sales of Single malt brands contribute to improved profits at Morrison Bowmore
Distiller Morrison Bowmore, maker of the single malts Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch, posted improved profits in 2008 despite a decrease in turnover.
This emerged in its latest annual report and accounts released yesterday by Companies House.
The directors said the fall in turnover reflected reduced activity in the bulk whisky market in line with their strategy of moving away from low-margin bulk and blend business. They said the company continued to concentrate on building its single malt whisky brands and increased its investment in Bowmore distilled on Islay and Auchentoshan distilled near Glasgow.
Glen Garioch is distilled at Oldmeldrum.
The directors said the improvement in profits was generated by the performance of single malt brands, with both Bowmore and Auchentoshan making significant contributions to the improvement.
The report noted that the investment behind growing single malt brands extends to the need to lay down additional stocks for sale in 12 years' time, but despite a substantial increase in stock borrowings were held flat at just under £28million.
Directors also report that, in March this year, Glasgow-based Morrison Bowmore announced an agreement with Drambuie Liqueur Company under which it is to provide Drambuie with supply chain services.
These cover whisky procurement, blending and bottling, warehousing and logistics, and the agreement will come into effect early next year.
The directors say this will double the size of Morrison Bowmore's bottling out- put.
The accounts show that the company, whose ultimate parent is Japanese drinks giant Suntory, made pre- tax profits in 2008 of £3.56million compared to £3.16million the year before.
Profits per each of its 177 employees improved to £20,000 from £18,000.
Turnover for the year was £37.11million, down from £39.66million in 2007.
Speyside's Long Distance Route: Walking the whisky trail
Speyside's Long Distance Route offers wilderness and whisky in good measure, says Bill Llewellyn
Walking the highlands of Scotland conjures images of yomping in serious gear in heavy weather - but it doesn't have to be like that. Explore the Speyside Way and you can take in Britain's grandest hills, clearest waters and freshest air without bumping into the SAS on manoeuvres.
This Long Distance Route offers gentle gradients and spectacular scenery from its start at Buckie on the east coast to its finish 65 miles away at Aviemore. There are few places that aren't strikingly easy on the eye and the glassy, rushing waters of the Spey are often all you have for company.
If you take the Caledonian Sleeper train, Speyside isn't much more than a good night's rest away. There is access to the Speyside Way via the towns and villages sprinkled along the path. Spend each night in a different place to cover as much of this glorious area as possible.
Most towns along the way are small enough to preserve an air of uncluttered calm but large enough to offer a comfortable bed with shower or bath, a decent restaurant and one or two bars. Nearby are places that contain more than just beautiful scenery: Buckie is a working port with a cherished fishing tradition; Aviemore is an alpine-style resort.
This is also the whisky trail. Speyside is home to many famous makers of single malt Scotch. Some distilleries offer tours with tastings. Even for the teetotaler, it's an interesting insight into the relationship between alcohol and society. All are within driving distance (and some within walking distance) of the Speyside Way.
Travel by…
The Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Inverness. It is operated by ScotRail (www.scotrail.co.uk), which offers "Bargain Berths" from £19 one way. The berths can be booked 12 weeks in advance but they sell quickly. Inverness has plenty of car- hire facilities, and Speyside is about an hour and a half's drive away. There are several bus services, too.
Stay at…
Buckie, Fochabers, Craigellachie and Grantown-on-Spey, all of which feature along the Way and are just a few minutes' walk off the path. All have b & bs or coaching inns that are cozy rather than luxurious. Prices tend to be between £60 and £80 per night, based on two people sharing a twin room. The Scottish Tourist Board's site (www.visitscotland.com) offers many places to stay. In Craigellachie, the four-star Craigellachie Hotel (www.craigellachie.com) is next to some of the Way's best walking and has a bar whose walls are lined with almost 700 whisky bottles.
Spend a morning…
On a tour of a distillery. It's best to check that the distillery you intend to visit has a tour available before setting off. Aberlour (www.aberlour.com) has a great tour for £10 and is close to the Speyside Way and Craigellachie. It is also a short walk from the Way's Visitor Centre.
Have lunch at…
The Boat Hotel (www.boathotel.co.uk) at Boat of Garten, next to the wonderful Strathspey Steam Railway (src.insch.info) There is a station opposite the hotel, and after lunch you can hop on a steam train and peruse the landscape in comfort.
Spend an afternoon…
Enjoying the stunning views from the summit of Cairngorm. You don't have to walk: there is a bus from Aviemore town centre to a base camp where you board a funicular railway (www.cairngormmountain.co.uk; last ride up at 4pm, last one down at 4.40pm). Alternatively, there are guided walks.
Spend an evening…
At The Fiddichside Inn in Craigellachie, which has the kind of bar that has virtually disappeared from the landscape. No piped music, no television, no fruit machines; just a wood-panelled room with photos of gigantic salmon and anglers for company. The inn stands beside the river from which the Glenfiddich distillery takes its name. Food along the Way tends to be hearty walkers' fare, but in Grantown-on Spey, the Ben Mhor Hotel (www.benmhor.co.uk) does an excellent pea risotto with local scallops, and great burgers.
At all costs avoid…
Shops selling overpriced tartans, tweeds and woolens.
A GLASGOW pub has ditched Johnnie Walker whisky in protest at the planned closure of owner Diageo's bottling plant in Kilmarnock and grain distillery in the city with the loss of 900 jobs.
Lebowskis bar boss Graham Suttle has stopped selling brands made by Diageo at the Argyle Street watering hole.
To support the workers, stickers have been put on bottles behind the bar urging drinkers to boycott Diageo products and declaring: "Save the soul of Johnnie Walker. Keep it in Kilmarnock."
Major blaze at Angus malt suppliers out after 24 hours
Safety checks planned before workers go back in as there is 'risk of further outbreaks'
A major blaze was finally extinguished yesterday at a malt supplier's Angus premises.
Firefighters left Greencore's Glenesk Maltings at Hillside, near Montrose, yesterday after more than 24 hours at the site.
Jets of water were poured on to burning grain after more than 27 tonnes ignited at about 8.15am on Sunday.
The fire started in a kiln of grain on the second floor of the four-storey building.
At the height of the fire, flames burst through the roof as firefighters fought to contain the blaze.
Crews from Montrose, Brechin and Forfar attended, with an aerial platform summoned from Dundee.
Firefighters based at Blackness Road in Dundee continued dampening down the grain overnight before being relieved by a crew from Arbroath. The crew left the site at noon, although officers returned throughout the day to check for hot spots using a thermal-imaging camera.
Mark Crush, station manager at Montrose, said there is a risk of further outbreaks.
He said: "The site's operators will bring in a structural engineer to make sure it's safe to go in and clear the grain.
"As they do there might be further flare-ups if there are pockets underneath that have formed a crust. If the embers are exposed they might re-ignite.
"We would attend as and when required. We can't guarantee it's completely out until it has been emptied."
The Kinnaber Road site uses barley to make the malt needed for whisky.
A spokesman for the firm confirmed no members of staff were injured.
He said: "We are still assessing both the extent of the damage and the cause at the facility. It is not impacting on operations. We are still making and delivering malt to customers."
A single bottle of whisky has sold for £11,750 at auction in Glasgow.
The 50-year-old Macallan, a bottling of three casks distilled between 1926 and 1928, sold to a private collector in California at McTear's auctioneers.
It is the most expensive bottle sold this year and the most expensive 50-year-old bottle of Macallan ever sold.
The auction of collectable whiskies saw 574 lots sold for a total of almost £155,000, making it the largest sale of its kind in the world.
Also among the lots was a 60-year-old Royal Brackla which sold for £3,800 and a limited edition 1965 bottle of Ardbeg, which sold for £3,000.
The auction featured a record collection of 60 bottles of Macallan and also included bottlings from all the major distilleries in Scotland, including Springbank, Rosebank and Highland Park.
Andrew Bell, McTear's whisky specialist, said: "We knew that out of almost 600 different lots the Macallan Anniversary 50-year-old was the stand out bottle in the sale and it's quite clear that others agreed.
"Whisky collectors from across the world joined the sale by phone and through the internet and the price paid is a reflection of its importance to collectors and investors in whisky."
Whisky makers upbeat about future despite 1,000 job cuts
Companies remain optimistic over the long-term global prospects for Scotch
Scotch whisky makers still have a bright future despite the double blow of up to 1,000 job cuts, the industry insisted yesterday.
The mood at many firms was upbeat as they looked beyond the current economic turmoil to the longer-term prospects for the nation's national drink.
Diageo, the company behind Johnnie Walker, Bell's and other whiskies, said last month it was cutting up to 900 jobs and provoked outrage by announcing the closure of its bottling plant at Kilmarnock.
On Tuesday, Glasgow-based Whyte and Mackay warned around 100 jobs could go as a result of a review being carried out in light of the economic situation and also a "punitive" UK legislative climate.
The job cutting has raised fears other whisky makers could follow suit, but there was little evidence of that yesterday and industry insiders insisted a domino effect was unlikely.
William Grant and Sons, based at Dufftown, said it had no plans to make any changes to its operations.
Family-run Grant is behind whisky brands including Glenfiddich and The Balvenie.
A spokesman for the firm, which employs more than 700 people in Scotland as part of a 1,000 global workforce, said: "There is no risk to jobs at William Grant. It is tough out there, but our brands are standing up well and people here remain positive." William Grant has three malt distilleries at Dufftown. It also has whisky and gin operations at Girvan in Ayrshire, and a customer service centre and bottling plant at Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
French drink giant Pernod Ricard was quiet on its plans for Scotland, with a spokesman saying only: "As a rule, we don't comment on speculation on sales or operations."
Pernod subsidiary Chivas Brothers employs 1,600 staff across 32 sites in the UK, including 29 locations in Scotland.
It operates 12 malt whisky distilleries, one grain facility and gin operations in London and Plymouth.
Paisley-based Chivas also has more than 300 bonded warehouses containing in excess of 6million casks of Scotch whisky.
Pernod-owned whisky brands include Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Ballantine's as well as the Aberlour, Strathisla, Longmorn, Scapa and Tormore single malts.
The Paris-based group's faith in The Glenlivet has meant a substantial expansion for its distillery near Ballindalloch on Speyside.
Rivals Diageo, Bacardi and Edrington Group have invested sums totalling hundreds of millions of pounds into Scotch whisky operations in the past few years in anticipation of strong global sales growth.
Edrington, whose key premium brands include The Famous Grouse, The Macallan and Highland Park, last month announced record pre-tax profits of £94.8million.
Ian Curle, the Glasgow firm's chief executive, said the group had seen a softening of demand in some of its main markets due to the global economic slowdown.
This was expected to affect growth ambitions in the short to medium term but Edrington, which employs 850 people in Scotland, was bullish about its long-term prospects. A spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association said yesterday: "The industry is well-placed to lead the economy out of recession. What we make today won't be Scotch for at least three years. There remains optimism about growing opportunities for Scotch around the world."
Work has begun on Glenmorangie's new bottling and office facility in Livingston.
The 12-acre site is expected to be completed by the middle of next year. It forms part of Glenmorangie's two-year investment programme, which also includes expansion of the Glenmorangie distillery at Tain.
Whyte & Mackay blame job losses on Alistair Darling
WHISKY giants Whyte & Mackay yesterday blamed Alistair Darling for "forcing" them to shed jobs.
The firm confirmed plans - revealed in the Record yesterday - to axe 100 workers and blamed the Chancellor's tax rises.
Chief executive John Beard admitted it was "highly unlikely" that compulsory redundancies would be avoided.
But he said a restructuring plan was needed because of the UK's "punitive" tax levels.
He said: "The key driver is the combination of commercial reality and the economic environment.
"Certainly the state of the worldwide economy is pretty clear.
"But in the UK, we are confronted as an industry with a very punitive tax regime.
"Specifically in 2008, the excise duty rise was 13 per cent for whisky."
He said Whyte & Mackay, who also produce many supermarket own brands, had been hit harder as they were more geared to the UK market than other drinks firms.
He warned further tax hikes may cost more jobs.
The Scotch Whisky Association say the average price of a 70cl bottle of whisky is £10.35, of which £7.69 goes to the taxman.
Whyte & Mackay, founded in 1844, employ 574 people - 90 per cent in Scotland.
It is expected about 30 jobs will go from their grain distillery at Invergordon, Easter Ross, where 133 people work.
"Less than 30" are set to go at the firm's Glasgow city centre HQ, where 177 people work.
About 10 of 200 staff will go at the Grangemouth bottling plant.
Eight jobs at four malt distilleries are also set to go.
And 15 sales jobs south of the Border and overseas will be axed.
The GMB and Unite unions voiced hopes that compulsory redundancies would be avoided but Beard said: "I think that's highly unlikely.
Whyte & Mackay, owned by billionaire Indian drinks tycoon Vijay Mallya, announced the restructuring after speculation the firm had been put up for sale but failed to find a buyer.
Whyte & Mackay reported a £25million profit for the 18 months to the end of March last year.
Last surviving relative of Johnnie Walker accuses Diageo of betraying whisky workers - and her family
JOHNNIE Walker's last direct descendant has begged whisky giants Diageo: "Please think again before you ruin hundreds of lives."
The heartfelt message came from the whisky legend's great-granddaughter Betty Heath, 77.
She pledged her support to the fight to save 700 jobs at Diageo's plant in Kilmarnock - the town where Johnnie Walker became a legend and a hero.
Betty said of her great-grandfather: "He will be turning in his grave."
She was shocked when the Record tracked her down to her home in the far north of Scotland.
But she begged Diageo not to destroy her family's history by closing the Kilmarnock plant in Ayrshire where he gave his name to the world famous whisky in 1820.
Betty said: "I am the last surviving member of the Johnnie Walker family and this is my life and my legacy and I will do everything in my power to protect it."
The keen hillwalker, who now lives in Thurso, Caithness, said she backed the workers' battle to stop the closure 100 per cent.
And she called for a meeting with Diageo bosses t o convince them to reconsider.
Betty said: "I cannot bear to think of all the men, women and children whose lives will be destroyed because of sheer greed. It makes me very upset.
"It is all down to money. Pure and simple. Diageo don't care about the history or about the people who worked their fingers to the bone to help make their huge profits.
"They are being tossed aside like old rubbish, the firm don't give a damn. Do they have no conscience? "I support the people of Kilmarnock 100 per cent.
"I never knew my great grandfather but I know he would be horrified by all this. What he worked so hard to establish in his home town is being destroyed.
"He was a very proud man and I am extremely proud to be part of his family and his legacy.
"As I am the only surviving direct ancestor, I will fight in his name to do all I can to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock and to help save those workers' livelihoods.
"Johnnie Walker is who I am, he is my life, my ancestor and my family history."
Betty sent this message to Diageo: "I urge you to please reconsider before you ruin hundreds of lives and destroy everything my ancestor worked to establish.
"You are ripping the heart out of a community who has built everything around Johnnie Walker.
"If you close the bottling plant, you will kill off a town which has Johnnie Walker running through its veins. It is the only remaining industry and if it goes, there will be nothing left. Please find it in your hearts to save those jobs and keep my ancestor's legacy alive.
"Since I heard the news about the closure, my heart has been broken as Johnnie Walker's would be if he were still alive."
In a message to the workers, Betty pledged: "If there is anything I can do for those people in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow who are losing their jobs, I will do it.
"I think a strike would be a good idea because it's people power and it will make these very rich bosses realise their worth.
"Taking Johnny Walker out of Kilmarnock is like moving Ben Nevis to Westminster. It does not make sense."
Betty revealed she had handed over a treasure-trove of priceless Johnnie Walker memorabilia passed down through generations of her family to United Distillers. It included etchings of the famous man and original papers.
Betty said:"Twenty years ago, I decided to hand over everything I had belonging to my great grandfather to United Distillers for safe keeping. I always feared they might be destroyed in my attack by fire or damp or something.
"Now I wish I hadn't done that."
She first heard about her famous relative when she was 13.
She still remembers the day her mum Jessie, who worked for the Clydesdale Bank, spoke to her in the kitchen of their home in Prestwick. She laughed: "I remember it as if it were yesterday. There was an advert for the whisky and this striding man. I always thought he was a mythical character.
"My mum was working in the kitchen and she said, 'Did you know that man was your great-grandfather?' "I was shocked and didn't believe her at first. It was like someone saying that your great-grandfather was James Bond or someone like that.
"I thought she was joking. I remember thinking, 'How can that be, he is a fictitious person. This can't be true'.
"My mum said she could prove it and brought out old papers and original etchings of the great man himself as they didn't have photographs in those days.
"Then she talked to me about Johnnie Walker and how he was a grocer in Kilmarnock who began dabbling in blending whisky.
"My mum was very proud of her family background and association with Johnnie Walker.
"My parents, who were both bankers with the Clydesdale, were old fashioned and didn't talk much about the family history with their children.
"It took my mum quite a bit to convince me that Johnnie Walker on the TV was a real person and he was my great grandfather. I was thrilled to bits and have been ever since.
"I am very proud to be his only living direct blood relative. I never had any children to hand down the legacy or any brothers or sisters.
"So it is all down to me to keep his legacy alive and do what I can to help the people of Kilmarnock."
Although Betty moved to Thurso in the 1970s when she married Bernard, 80, a retired teacher, her heart still lies in Kilmarnock.
She worked for many years as a council milk officer in the Kilmarnock area and has many fond memories of her life in the town. Betty also knew generations of families in Kilmarnock who worked at Johnnie Walker.
She joked: "I am sure you expected us to be a bit more grand and live in a big house but I hope we haven't disappointed you."
Although Johnnie Walker made a success of his business and became a world famous name, he never made anywhere near the fortunes Diageo are raking in now.
Betty and her family never benefited financially from his legacy but she did inherit a box of black label Johnnie Walker which was bought before World War II by her mum. Her husband Bernard made the box into a bird house for their back garden.
The whisky is long gone - the couple cracked open the first bottle in the case of a dozen to celebrate their marriage.
Betty said: "I now wish I had kept the case because it would have been worth a bit of money now. "However, we did enjoy the whisky and thought about great grandfather with every drop so it wasn't wasted."
She joked: "I hope I don't have folk queuing outside my door for miniatures after this appears."
Whyte and Mackay confirms review of its organisation leading to cuts in staffing.
Up to 100 whisky jobs are to go after Whyte and Mackay confirmed a review of its organisation could lead to the loss of 85 jobs in Scotland and another 15 sales jobs out with the country.
The Glasgow based spirits company, which employs 574 people, has entered formal consultation for the next month to review its options and look at ways of minimising the number of compulsory redundancies.
The company has held meetings over the last week with the Scottish Government ministers and officials, including the First Minister Alex Salmond.
Opposition parties, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, and Highland and Islands Enterprise have also been briefed.
Chief Executive John Beard said: "It is with regret that I have to announce this review and the planned job losses. It will come as no surprise to anybody that a combination of the world wide economic situation and the punitive UK legislative climate means that only the fittest alcoholic drink companies will survive.
"For Whyte and Mackay this means taking the painful decision to review our structures and costs.
He added: "I can confirm that whilst this impacts all of our seven Scottish locations there will be no site closure as a consequence of this decision."
The company hopes that the decision to cut the jobs will ensure the company's future.
Whyte and Mackay was founded in Glasgow in 1844 and as well as the internationally-known blend, it also owns brands including Dalmore and Isle of Jura single malts, Glayva whisky liqueur and Vladivar vodka.
The company is currently owned by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya.
The news comes after drinks giant Diageo announced in July its plans to shut the Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow. These closures could see 900 workers lose their jobs.
Diageo Great Britain, seller of the UK's leading brand of blended Scotch Whisky Bell's, has announced it will be the official bat sponsor of leading English batsman, Ian Bell, who has been recalled to the England cricket team for the Ashes test match.
Ian Bell says: "This is such an exciting summer for English cricket and also for me personally. I cherish playing for England and couldn't be happier than to be playing in the Ashes again.
"It is great when your performances are recognised and rewarded not only by the selectors but also now by the makers of Bell's Blended Scotch whisky.
"I am delighted to be working with the UK's favourite scotch whisky and thank them for their support - of course it helps that they have such a good brand name!"
Johnnie Walker's: Cheeky Diageo bosses launch new Kilmarnock whisky
DIAGEO delivered a massive slap in the face to its workforce this week as it unveiled a new Johnnie Walker whisky - bottled here in Kilmarnock.
The drinks giant shamefacedly described 'The John Walker' blend as "a fitting tribute to its founder".
And at a huge bash in front of invited VIPs and guests in Singapore, Diageo's top man in Asia, Jay Woo, continuously referred to the company's deep respect for the brand's past.
The pre-launch address is guaranteed to fan the flames between furious Hill Street staff and their employers.
Jay Woo said: "The House of Johnnie Walker is built on foundations that are nearly 200 years old.
"It is with the utmost respect for this heritage and with constant endeavour to maintain these foundations that Johnnie Walker has progressed through the last two centuries to become the greatest whisky house in the world."
Incredibly, Woo went on to say that The John Walker was a celebration of the company's progress and 'a tribute to its history, tying together their passion for perfection and mastery of the art of blending fine whisky'.
The John Walker blended scotch whisky, which Diageo says is the pinnacle of the 'revered Blue Label' marque, isn't officially launched until September.
But the first bottle is up for auction at Singapore's Changi airport for the next two weeks with bidding STARTING at $3000 in aid of the Smile Train cleft palate surgery charity.
The company says that this latest and 'most exquisite' addition to its portfolio has been created from a small number of rare and exclusive whiskies from distilleries that operated in the 1800s during its namesake's lifetime.
The bottle, and four more to be auctioned in the same way over the coming weeks, has been signed by master blender Jim Beveridge.
Beveridge said of the new whisky: "John Walker is watching over our shoulders as we blend."
Diageo's communications manager based in London, Rachael Shaw, would not comment on the poor timing of the unveiling but did say "all the people at Kilmarnock are extremely proud of this product."
She added: "This is a product that consumers have told us they want. It's aimed at our Asian market.
"The first run of this niche product was for just 330 bottles and it's of an excellent quality.
"We are investing in the Johnnie Walker brand and we want to create interest in Johnnie Walker so that it's a brand for the future."
Edinburgh's Scotch Whisky Experience visitor attraction has unveiled two new 'push and sniff' bus stops in the city centre.
The first of their kind in the Scottish capital, they give travelers the chance to smell each of the four distinctive scents from Scotland's main whisky regions by pushing colour coded pods.
Situated outside Princes Mall on Princes Street and on Leith Street beneath the St James centre, the bus stops are intended to reflect the sensory focus of the £3m new Scotch Whisky tour at the nearby attraction.
The four regions - Lowland, Highland, Islay and Speyside - are investigated further in an interactive nosing and tasting session within the new tour, which is designed to encourage visitors to challenge their preconceptions of Scotland's national drink.
The Scotch Whisky Experience tour also incorporates a state-of-the-art barrel ride through the production processes, commentary and a visit to the World's Largest Collection of Scotch Whiskies.
A single malt Scotch whisky is to go on sale for £10,000 a bottle, its distiller has announced.
The Glenfiddich Distillery described the 50-year-old single malt as "the pinnacle of our whisky-making excellence".
It will release just 50 bottles every year for the next decade.
They will be sold in selected airports across the world for the next few months, before being made available through a small number of retailers.
The whisky has been kept in two casks in the Banffshire distillery's warehouse for 50 years.
Each hand-blown, numbered bottle will be decorated in Scottish silver and presented in a hand-stitched, leather-bound case.
The bottles will be accompanied by a leather-bound book which details the history of the whisky. It will also have pages for the owner to make their own tasting notes.
Buyers will receive a certificate signed by four of the distillery's long-serving craftsmen.
Peter Gordon, chairman of Glenfiddich distillery owner William Grant & Sons, said the whisky was "flawless".
Mr Gordon, the great-great-grandson of distillery founder William Grant, said: "We're happy to wait as long as we need to - up to 50 years in this instance - to produce the perfect whisky.
"The Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is the pinnacle of our whisky-making excellence and epitomises my great-great grandfather's vision of creating the very 'best dram in the valley'.
"Every new year is important when it comes to making exceptional whisky - and Glenfiddich 50 Year Old is the ultimate expression of this pioneering foresight."
In 2006 a bottle of whisky believed to be the oldest in existence was auctioned in London.
The Glenavon Special Liqueur Whisky is said to have been bottled about 150 years ago at the Glenavon Distillery in Banffshire and was bought for £14,850.
Lib Dem says first minister's pricing plans could cost whisky industry 'great deal of money'
First Minister Alex Salmond has been accused of hypocrisy over his policies on the whisky industry.
At the weekend he joined 20,000 marchers in Kilmarnock protesting against plans by drinks giant Diageo to close the Johnny Walker bottling plant. When combined with the company's proposal to shut the Port Dundas distillery, in Glasgow, 900 jobs are at risk.
However, the Scottish Government is pressing ahead with plans for a minimum price on alcohol to combat binge drinking, despite the Scotch Whisky Association saying the move will push up prices and have worldwide repercussions for sales.
Chief executive Gavin Hewitt told the P&J that 70p per unit would nearly double the price of an average bottle of whisky, while 40p would push the price up by more than the last two whisky taxes combined.
North-east Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles said the government was failing to listen to what the industry was saying.
"I think it is absolutely appalling that we have Mr Salmond marching at the head of so many people trying to save the whisky industry in Kilmarnock when his own plans could cost the industry a great deal of money, if not millions," he said.
"It is sheer hypocrisy. Unfortunately, it brings all politicians into disrepute when we cannot have an open approach."
A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: "The two issues have absolutely nothing in common, and when everyone else in Scotland is coming together to fight for whisky jobs it is ridiculous that Mike Rumbles should break ranks in this way."
Own-brand whiskies represent 25-30% of domestic sales.
The association said in March that the average price of a 70cl bottle of blended whisky was £10.55, below 40p per unit.
At 40p per unit Sainsbury's and Asda's own-brand whiskies - both £10.18 - would go up by £1.02. A bottle of Clan MacGregor (£9.68 in Tesco) would go up by £1.52 and a bottle of High Commissioner (£8.79 in Asda) would go up by £2.21.
It said some people were talking of 50p a unit, which would make the average price of a 70cl bottle £14 and a litre £20.
Association director Campbell Evans said if ministers were successful in persuading the EU and World Trade Organisation to allow minimum pricing, it would undermine the principle of free trade which has protected sales of Scotch around the world.
"The long-term damage this would have on Scotland's economy needs to be appreciated by ministers," he said.
Mr Salmond's spokesman said: "Minimum pricing would actually stop premium products such as Scotch whisky being undermined by high-strength beers and ciders sold for pocket-money prices, which are the drinks that are being misused."
Whisky brand Whyte & Mackay has created customised blends for Scottish celebrities
The chosen few include Gordon Brown, Andy Murray and Sean Connery, who will enjoy their own whisky made by master blender Richard Paterson.
Paterson said: "Just like Scotland, whisky is packed full with a plethora of different characters and individual quirks.
"These whiskies are one-offs and so won't be available to buy but should their namesakes be keen to sample them I'd be more than happy to give them some tips on how to nose and taste their personal whiskies."
Based on the success of the Scottish celebrity whiskies, Paterson also selected some international stars to base a blend on.
He said: "Whisky is one of Scotland's greatest exports and is appreciated around the globe. Therefore, it seemed only right to pick some international names to name a new whisky after, such as Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and even Homer Simpson."
Andy Murray's whisky is described as, "a young, vibrant, aggressive whisky which is likely to get even better with age as it mellows, but still has an incredibly focused flavour", while Sean Connery's blend, "brings in some of the well-aged malts and is matured in sherry casks (to reflect his Mediterranean looks)."
Others include a "feisty" Gordon Ramsay blend, and Alastair Darling's blend — "one of the most expensive whiskies ever created. This is a high brow dram that comes with a budget defying price tag".
Man retires after three decades nosing fine spirits
A whisky master blender is retiring after almost three decades smelling some of Scotland's finest spirits.
John Ramsay, 60, started in the industry in 1966 as a chemist and became a master blender in 1981 before joining his current employer the Edrington Group in Glasgow in 1991.
When asked how many whiskies he had "nosed" in his career, he said: "Obviously it must run into the millions but I haven't had the chance to sit down and do the arithmetic."
Mr Ramsay will work his last day on Friday as master blender.
He is responsible for overseeing the quality of the whisky portfolio, including best-selling blends such as The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark.
Mr Ramsay, who lives in West Lothian, said he would be looking forward to "getting on top" of his garden, reducing his golf handicap and visiting wine-producing regions including South Africa and California during his retirement.
Gordon Motion will take over as the company's master blender.
Speaking about his career, Mr Ramsay said: "I'm most proud of receiving the International Spirits Challenge trophy award in 2007 for The Famous Grouse 30-year-old blended malt.
"Beating off competition from over 700 spirits, both single and blended malts, to be named best overall malt whisky by my fellow peers was a real honour.
"That was a very proud moment. After all it was my creation, my blend.
"I've had an immensely enjoyable career with Edrington, which has taken me all around the world, and I would like to extend thanks to all of my colleagues who have been such a fantastic support."
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Mr Motion said: "It's an incredible privilege to be the successor to John, the doyen of blenders.
"John has been an inspiring mentor to me over the last 10 years working as his assistant and particularly over the last two and a half years as I've stepped into the master blender role.
"I am looking forward to continuing the tradition that has gone on for over a century and want to ensure that our enviable portfolio of blended and single malt whiskies continue to be enjoyed and respected around the world."
Drinks giant under fire over bottling plant closure plans
An estimated 20,000 people took to the streets of a Scottish town yesterday to protest over plans to axe 900 whisky jobs.
Thousands of people marched through Kilmar-nock, Ayrshire, where Johnnie Walker whisky is bottled. Drinks giant Diageo has announced plans to close the plant, along with its Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, risking 900 jobs.
Workers at the plants yesterday joined politicians, union chiefs and former members of staff and others to take part in a protest against the closures.
Players from Kilmarnock FC also joined in the demonstration, which ended with a rally in the town's Kay Park.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is the first time I can remember the entire football team squad demonstrating with the local community in support of a workforce under pressure."
Mr Salmond and Labour's Des Browne, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, were among the politicians who addressed the crowd.
The first minister said: "The tens of thousands at the demonstration today in Kilmarnock is a demonstration of the absolute willingness and determination in this town and this community to keep Johnnie Walker in this community. So let's have no more nonsense from anyone that these proposals are in any way socially acceptable to the people of Scotland."
Mr Salmond said politicians from all parties had come together with union leaders and others to form a "mighty coalition".
He vowed an alternative business case would "dispute Diageo's contention that their answer is the only answer" and would "demonstrate there is an economic alternative" to closure.
He also said, while the business plan was being produced, it was "far, far too early" to consider a boycott of Diageo products.
Mr Browne, the former Scottish secretary, hailed the turnout at the protest.
Describing how marchers had packed Kilmarnock's John Finnie Street, he said: "I am told it takes 20,000 people to fill it. It was filled today, we overfilled it."
Mr Browne added: "We have a message for Diageo today - you have got this wrong. You have underestimated the relationship between this community and wider Scotland and your industry." He then told bosses at the drinks company: "You have to think again."
The MP said he did not underestimate how difficult it would be to get Diageo to reverse its plans, but added: "There is a determination among all of us that we will come up with an alternative."
Union leader Len McCluskey insisted it was possible to force Diageo to rethink its plans.
Mr McCluskey, assistant general secretary of Unite, said: "I don't take the view that because a multinational company has made a decision we can't change it. We can, people power and organised labour can change it, and we intend to change it."
He hit out at the proposed closures and said: "Let's be absolutely crystal clear right from the outset, this decision is borne out of greed, nothing else. Greed is their creed and we need to expose that.
"This is a company that made £2.2billion profit last year and has already declared half yearly profits of £1.6billion. This is a company that does not need to take the drastic decisions that they have that will damage and destroy families."
Scottish Tory Leader Annabel Goldie said the event sent "a very powerful message to Diageo that there is anger and bewilderment at this decision".
She added there was throughout Scotland a "passionate determination to require Diageo to reconsider".
Andrew Morgan, the president of Diageo Europe, has already said the decision to close the Kilmarnock bottling plant was thought to be the best option for the company.
Earlier this month he said: "For the long-term health of the business I'm convinced it's absolutely the right thing for us to be doing."
Diageo has said it will "offset" the closures with 400 new jobs at its Fife packaging plant. As well as the Fife expansion the drinks firm has said a coopering centre will be created in Clackmannanshire.
Meanwhile Michael McMahon, Labour's Scottish business manager, has written to the Scottish Government calling on Mr Salmond to make a statement on Diageo's proposals when MSPs return to Holyrood in September.
Labour vowed if ministers did not make a statement on the matter, they would raise it in a members' debate. Labour urged Mr Salmond to make a statement in Holyrood on September 2.
If that does not happen Patricia Ferguson, the MSP for Glasgow Maryhill, will raise the issue in a members' debate the following day.
Ms Ferguson said: "It is right that the issue is debated in the Scottish Parliament so we can be satisfied that the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are doing all they can to save the jobs.
"We want to maintain the cross-party consensus which has been the hallmark of this campaign, but if the SNP fail to bring forward a debate we will do it at the first opportunity open to us."
Doubles all round as whisky maker's pre-tax profits soar
Burn Stewart Distillers, the East Kilbride-based whisky maker, was yesterday in high spirits after almost doubling pre-tax profits on the back of significant growth in its international markets and the success of its turnaround strategy.
The company's upbeat news comes on the heels of its victory at the International Spirits Challenge 2009 earlier this month, where it scooped two gold and four silver medals across its brands, including its Bunnahabhain 25-year-old single malt.
Fraser Thornton, the distiller's managing director, told The Herald that pre-tax profits came in at £650,000 for the 2008 calendar year, compared with £380,000 the year before.
"We're very pleased - considering that back in 2005 we posted a £3m loss," said Thornton. "This is really a story of progress and I'm glad to say we're moving in the right direction."
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Thornton said that over the course of 2008, the company sold some 52 million bottles of whisky - around 10% better than the previous year - with some 80% of its sales now in international markets.
Over the past few years, the company has shifted focus from supplying own-label spirits to supermarkets to promoting its own brands at home and overseas.
Burn Stewart, which employs 250 workers, now only supplies own-label goods to Marks & Spencer.
Exports currently account for around 80% of sales by volume, compared with 50% five years ago.
While turnover slipped to £43m last year, compared with around £45m in 2007, Thornton said the accompanying rise in profits was a testament to the company's strategy and improved margins.
One of the key drivers in the progress is the continued growth of Scottish Leader in Taiwan.
Salmond offers an alternative to 900 whisky job losses
First minister meeting with diageo chief executive to discuss closure options
First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday that there was a "powerful counter-argument" to drinks giant Diageo's proposals to axe 900 whisky jobs.
He was speaking ahead of a meeting today with Diageo's chief executive, Paul Walsh, to discuss the situation.
Earlier this month the company announced plans to shut its historic Johnnie Walker whisky bottling plant in Kilmarnock.
The Johnnie Walker closure will account for 700 of the threatened job losses in Scotland while the others will come if the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow is closed.
Diageo argues that the redundancies would be offset by the creation of 400 jobs at its packaging plant at Leven, Fife.
A joint campaign against the closure has been launched by various bodies including the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and East Ayrshire Councils, trade unions and local MPs and MSPs.
They are putting together an alternative business plan which will be presented to Diageo next month.
The first minister will be accompanied by Jack Perry, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, at today's meeting.
Mr Salmond said: "This is a substantive meeting, and we are looking for assurances from Diageo that the alternative business case that will be presented by the joint campaign next month will be properly considered, and not in any sense dismissed out of hand.
"We are convinced that the joint campaign can present a powerful counter-argument to Diageo's proposals.
"We also think that, with goodwill on all sides, then movement is possible towards a position which would be better and more acceptable to Scottish opinion, as well as meeting Diageo's key financial objectives."
Diageo's managing director of global supply and global procurement David Gosnell will also be at the meeting, which will take place at the company's headquarters in London.
Mr Salmond said: "Scotch whisky certainly has challenges in the international marketplace at present, but it also has huge advantages, among which are provenance, loyalty and reputation.
"All of these would argue for a different outcome, which I believe is possible, and all the efforts of the joint campaign are focused on that key objective."
The campaign to stop the drinks giant Diageo closing the Johnnie Walker whisky bottling plant in Kilmarnock has received celebrity backing.
Musicians such as Eddi Reader and actor Gregor Fisher, who lives near the plant, are among the well-known faces offering support to the campaign.
Some are expected to take part in a march through the town on Sunday.
The support comes ahead of a meeting between First Minister Alex Salmond and Paul Walsh, chief executive of Diageo.
The march on Sunday is being held in support of the 700 packaging workers who would be put of work by the closure.
Mr Fisher said: "If the closure was forced because the company is losing money I could understand.
"But Diageo are raking it in. The closure is happening to due corporate greed.
"They care not a jot about Kilmarnock or Port Dundas, nor do they care about the generations of workers who have lined their shareholders pockets.
"I wouldn't normally get involved in any campaign to save a business or site, but this just stinks."
There is backing also from film actor Gary Lewis, who appeared in Gangs of New York and Billy Elliot.
The endorsements are being co-ordinated by East Ayrshire Council, which is also organising the weekend march.
It has gained support from The Proclaimers, The Trashcan Sinatras and Kilmarnock band Biffy Clyro.
Modernising operations
Diageo has explained its decision to close the bottling plant and end the link between Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock going back to 1817, while it also wants to close the Port Dundas distillery and cooperage in Glasgow, with the loss of 200 further jobs.
It wants to invest £100m in a packaging plant in Fife, along with a new cooperage near Alloa, which would involve creating 400 new jobs.
Its managers say that should make annual savings of £20m, and that this is necessary to modernise its operations to ensure Scotch whisky can compete in the global drinks market.
A joint campaign against the closure has been launched by various bodies including the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and East Ayrshire Councils, trade unions and local MPs and MSPs.
They are putting together an alternative business plan which will be presented to Diageo next month.
The new owners of GlenDronach Distillery have selected five vintages for their first series of single cask bottlings since taking over the distillery last year.
In Batch One they have singled out malts from 1971, 1972, 1992, 1993 and 1996 in ages ranging from 38 to 13 years old.
All five are in the traditional GlenDronach style - richly sherried, from Oloroso Sherry Butts - and are being bottled this month.
Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker said: "Dating back to 1826, there have been few if any single cask bottlings from GlenDronach, so the launch of Single Cask Batch One is particularly significant and will be welcomed by our customers.
"We will repeat this exercise each year, hand-selecting a small number of the very best casks from the distillery warehouses to release as Single Cask bottlings."
Alistair added: "Each will be bottled at cask strength, at natural colour and non chill filtered. Bottles will be individually numbered by hand and will be housed in a deluxe gift box."
Batch One is being marketed in fifteen countries worldwide, with shipments to the UK, Europe, South Africa, Asia and New Zealand scheduled for the first week of August.
The full cask list is:
1971 cask 483, 38 years old
1972 cask 719, 37 years old
1992 cask 1140, 16 years old
1993 cask 523, 16 years old
1996 cask 193, 13 years old
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
17 July
2009
Moray whisky firm wins royal toast with Queen's award
Gordon and MacPhail honoured
A MORAY whisky firm has received royal recognition for its work to promote Scotland's national drink abroad.
Elgin-based Gordon and MacPhail was one of nine Scottish businesses to pick up a Queen's Award for Enterprise out of more than 1,000 companies from across the UK which applied.
Yesterday the firm's joint managing director, Michael Urquhart, said it was a great honour, and he paid tribute to the hard work of all his staff.
He said the firm won the award in the international trade category after almost doubling its export figures.
"Over the past six years we have increased our export sales by 94%.
"It's a great achievement and a great honour."
Mr Urquhart and his team spend about three months a year visiting clients in countries as far afield as Russia, Japan and the US.
He said: "We spend a lot of time going round customers doing whisky tastings across the world.
"We export to about 35 to 40 countries on an annual basis.
"But it's not just about the export department.
"We've got to make the whisky and mature it and, in the case of Benromach, distil it as well. It's a whole team effort."
Gordon and MacPhail is a family-owned company which has been involved in the whisky industry for more than a century.
Benriach distillery company wins ten awards at international wine and spirits competition
THE LARBERT-BASED Benriach Distillery Company is celebrating after winning an impressive ten top awards in the prestigious 2009 International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Founded in 1969, The International Wine and Spirit Competition is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's finest wines, spirits and liqueurs.
IWSC medals and trophies are the most highly regarded in the trade, representing the best of the best in the world of wine and spirits.
The Competition received more than 7000 entries from over 80 countries.
In results published today (July 16), the company entered 10 whiskies from both its BenRiach and GlenDronach brands, and won 10 medals - 1 Gold, 8 Silver and 1 Bronze.
GlenDronach has four expressions and all four won medals including a Gold and Best in Class for its 15 year-old 'Revival' while B enRiach won a further six awards including two Silver and Best in Class.
The company's awards were:
GlenDronach Medals
Gold Best in Class GlenDronach 15YO 'Revival'
Silver Best in Class GlenDronach 33YO
Silver GlenDronach 12YO Original (new 2009 version)
Silver GlenDronach 18YO Allardice
BenRiach Medals
Silver Best in Class BenRiach 'Maderensis Fumosus' 13YO Peated / Madeira Finish
Silver Best in Class BenRiach 16YO
Silver BenRiach 12YO
Silver BenRiach 'Curiositas' 10YO Peated
Silver BenRiach 'Authenticus' 21YO Peated
Bronze BenRiach 15YO Dark Rum Finish
The judges' Tasting Notes for the GlenDronach 15 year old "Revival" commented: "Great concentration of complex aromas on the nose including treacle toffee, chocolate, orange, toasted nuts and vanilla. Great depth in the mouth, with all the nose promised, plus some Demerara sugar, sweet malt and lots of toast. Great balance with firm tightness which is offset to a degree by lots of mellow notes. Long finish has distinct gingery note."
Managing Director Billy Walker said: "We are absolutely delighted that ten of our expressions have been recognised at such a prestigious competition. The award reflects the incredibly hard work of our team and underscores the outstanding quality of our two brands."
The company has won a number of awards in recent years. In February this year the BenRiach Distillery beat off competition from around the world to win the coveted "Icons of Whisky" award in London.
BenRiach was also "Distillery of the Year" in the 2007 Malt Advocate Magazine Whisky Awards.
Whisky Magazine named it the "Best Rare Speyside" (for BenRiach Authenticus 21 Year Old) at its World Whisky Awards, also in 2007.
And it won Gold Medal (for BenRiach 16 year old) at the 2006 International Wines and Spirits Competition.
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
16 July
2009
Whisky expert to give up his prestigious position
He retires after 40 years in the industry
A WHISKY expert at Scotland's oldest working distillery is to retire after 40 years in the industry, it was announced yesterday.
John Ramsay, the 60-year-old master blender for the Edrington Group's Glenturret Distillery, Perthshire, will leave his prestigious post on July 31.
The position is one of only six among the major Scottish distillers and is considered to be one of the most important roles in the whisky industry.
Master blenders, who are known for their skill in the fine art of nosing whisky, check the quality and consistency of up to 600 samples a day.
In addition to an acute sense of smell, a master blender must not wear aftershave or eat garlic, which can impair the senses.
Since joining the Edrington Group in 1991, Mr Ramsay has worked between the distillery at Crieff and the group's sampling rooms in Glasgow.
His charges include The Glenrothes, The Macallan and Highland Park single malts, and The Famous Grouse.
Managing the sample rooms, stock management and cask selection are among the responsibilities of a master blender, while overseeing 8,735 quality checks from cask to glass.
After a two-and-a-half-year handover, Gordon Motion will take over as the company's new master blender.
Mr Ramsay said: "Looking back, there are a number of highlights that really stand out, from creating Highland Park 18, 25 and most recently 40-year-old expressions, and moving The Glenrothes whisky to a vintage.
"I've had an immensely enjoyable career with the Edrington Group which has taken me all around the world and I would like to extend thanks to all of my colleagues who have been such a fantastic support."
Mr Motion said it was an incredible privilege to be the successor to John Ramsay, the doyen of blenders.
He added: "I am looking forward to continuing the tradition that has gone on for more than a century and want to ensure The Famous Grouse continues to be enjoyed and respected as one of the finest whiskies in the world."
Two new Glendronach "fascinating and fabulous" casks snapped up by banff's parker's whisky
GLENDRONACH has made available two single cask bottlings to Banff-based Parker's Whisky, providing 1200 stunning bottles from 1992 and 1994.
One is a GlenDronach 1992 Single Cask, Cask # 401. It was distilled 10 July 1992, bottling July 2009, aged 17 years old, and matured in Oloroso Sherry Butt with a cask strength of 58.8%.
The other is a GlenDronach 1994 Single Cask, Cask # 2311. It was distilled 25 November 1994, bottling July 2009, aged 14 years old, and matured in Oloroso Sherry Puncheon with a cask strength of 58.5%.
They are the first single cask distillery bottlings to be made available in the UK since Glendronach was purchased last year by Billy Walker and his associates at the BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd.
Available from late July, each 70cl bottle is individually numbered by hand and contains personal Tasting Notes from the author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray.
GlenDronach Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker said: "Richard Parker approached us with his interest in bottling a cask of GlenDronach towards the end of last year, before we had even started looking at our own selection of single casks to bottle, so it's fair to say he was pretty quick off the mark.
"We were delighted to make these two casks available to Richard, as GlenDronach is the local distillery for Banff and Parker's has been a good supporter of both of our malt brands, GlenDronach and BenRiach, over the last three or four years. The casks were personally selected by Richard himself and he clearly has good taste, as the chosen casks are truly exceptional."
Richard Parker said: "This is a big coup for us. We sampled a number of different GlenDronach casks and found two we especially liked. But they were so good, we couldn't choose between them so we ended up bottling both! We just came along at the right time and I'm delighted to say they're pre-selling really well."
Concluding that the malts are "fascinating and fabulous", Jim Murray's tasting notes underline how special and extraordinary the bottlings are - apparently the drams he tasted almost brought tears to his eyes! Selected excerpts from Jim's tasting notes follow:
GlenDronach 1994 cask 2311
Nose - playfully light... fragile barley... lazy nuttiness...
Taste - mouth-watering barley pounds the tastebuds relentlessly from the start... a lively character...
Finish - minty chocolate... hazelnuts and vanilla... considerable length...
Balance - quite unique to this little-known distillery... fascinating and fabulous!
GlenDronach 1992 cask 401
Nose - Molasses sweetens the high roast Java...
Taste - the palate is swamped in luxuriant, lush sugar-coated burnt raisins...
Balance - ultra distinctive... unmistakable rum character on a sherry theme... a memorable and massive malt
Finish - excellent soft oils... a long fade... juicy barley finale...
Our pictures show the two bottlings.
For more information, contact sales@parkerswhisky.co.uk
Article Courtesy of Press Release
Press Release
15 July
2009
Family whisky firm profits rise
Ian Macleod Distillers, one of the largest independent family companies in the UK spirits industry, has announced a 53% rise in profits to £1.5m.
Based in Broxburn, the firm makes Glengoyne, King Robert II and Smokehead as well as gin, rum and vodka.
The group has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 countries.
It said it had invested in its key brands as well as its Broxburn bottling plant and Glengoyne distillery.
Managing director, Leonard Russell, said: "We are also developing markets that have the best growth potential for our products, such as India and China."
The company said that because it was independent it could focus on the longer term, rather than short-term returns for shareholders.
Economic conditions have been challenging for the drinks group who said although trading overall was buoyant, the UK remained a difficult market.
The company which was founded in 1933, employs 185 people across three Scottish sites.
Unions, politicians and councils hold top-level meetings
The latest step to try to save whisky jobs at closure-threatened Scottish sites got under way yesterday.
Unions, politicians and councils met to discuss how to stop drinks firm Diageo's closure and redundancy plans.
The company wants to shut its Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, threatening 900 workers with redundancy.
Diageo said it will "offset" the cuts with 400 new jobs at its Fife packaging plant.
Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris chaired the first of two meetings yesterday with economic development agency Scottish Enterprise on the future of the Port Dundas site.
He said: "Trade unions, politicians and the local authorities in Glasgow and East Ayrshire are united in fighting Diageo's job cuts across Scotland. This morning was a key step in bringing together the fight to secure jobs at Port Dundas and identifying key issues in this campaign."
A second meeting chaired by Finance Secretary John Swinney, and expected to involve Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow and east Ayrshire councils, unions, MPs, MSPs and the Scottish Government, was being held in Edinburgh last night.
Kilmarnock and Loudoun SNP MSP Willie Coffey, said: "There should be no doubt that the workers and campaigners at Johnnie Walker will not let this plant close without a fight, and that while Diageo might be big they will never be bigger than Johnnie Walker and its connection to Kilmarnock."
MPs are due to debate the closure plans in Westminster today.
East Ayrshire Council has organised a protest in Kilmarnock for Sunday July 26. The march starts from Howard Park at 1pm.
Diageo said it will invest £100million in "restructuring", which will see 900 workers lose their job over two years. As well as the Fife expansion, Diageo said a coopering centre will be created in Clackmannanshire. There will be no compulsory redundancies at sites for one year, the firm has said.
Labour economy spokes-man David Whitton said: "I have constituents who work at Port Dundas and everything must be done to protect their jobs. My colleague Patricia Ferguson, the local MSP, has written to Richard Bedford, the grain distillery director, asking whether there is an alternative to the total closure of Port Dundas by mothballing the plant. We also need to know if Diageo are prepared to conduct an independent financial assessment of Port Dundas as at Kilmarnock."
Drinks gurus to clash online on how to drink whisky
Two of the world's great drinks experts are set to fight out the age-old dilemma of how to drink malt whisky live on the internet on Thursday night.
Richard Paterson, master blender at the Isle of Jura distillery, and Colin Field, head barman at The Ritz Paris, will debate their opposing views online at 7pm on July 16.
"For years I've been forced to stand by and watch as barroom dandies sully the world's greatest drink with a range of inappropriate mixers and sacrilegious frills, but enough is enough," said Paterson, who even considers ice an unnecessary distraction.
Field disagreed: "Single malt is a drink for anybody, anywhere, anyhow. The purists can complain about it as much as they like, but with the right mixers and a splash of imagination, it can be conjured into a world-beating taste experience that will knock the spots off anything the whisky snobs might offer."
He continued: "Their time is over, and I'm going to show the world how a new generation of drinkers takes theirs."
Fighting talk, find out if sparks fly on www.isleofjura.com on Thursday at 7pm or see the trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwg9gSpqoy4
Plans for minimum alcohol prices could destroy the Scotch whisky industry, the Scottish Conservatives have warned.
Tory chief whip David McLetchie challenged ministers to "come clean" about what pricing levels would be set.
The proposals form part of the Scottish Government's strategy for tackling Scotland's drink problem.
A government spokesman said the Tory claims were "ridiculous" as the plans were aimed at cut-price promotions rather than "premium" products.
Mr McLetchie said a minimum price of 40 pence per unit could cost hundreds of jobs in the drinks industry.
He said: "He needs to come clean and tell Scotland what his plans are and how high drinks prices will go.
"Alex Salmond is the destroyer, not the saviour, of Scotch."
He said research by the British Medical Association and the University of Sheffield suggested the price should be at least 50 pence per unit of alcohol and that Mr Salmond was "terrified" of making a decision.
A spokesman for Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said Mr McLetchie's comments were "ridiculous and untrue".
He said: "Scotch whisky is a premium product which Scotland is proud of and belongs to an industry which this government fully supports.
"Minimum pricing will not affect such premium products and is instead aimed at ending the pocket money prices which are fuelling binge-drinking and adding to this nation's unbalanced relationship with alcohol."
Alcohol abuse costs the Scottish taxpayer around £2.25bn a year, he added.
DRINKS giant Diageo's plan to close its Johnnie Walker bottling plant is to be debated in the House of Commons, a MP said yesterday.
Last week the firm said it may shut the Kilmarnock factory and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow, which could see a total of 900 workers lose their jobs.
The Kilmarnock plant closure alone may see 700 jobs lost.
The Labour MP for the area, former Scottish secretary Des Browne, said he had secured a debate about the proposed closure.
Mr Browne, who represents Kilmarnock and Loudoun, said: "Diageo's proposals will have a devastating effect on my constituency - already East Ayrshire has one of the highest rates of unemployment and poverty in the country.
"It is right we are given the opportunity to debate the likely affects of this decision, the way it has been announced without consultation and the wider national implications of the severance of two centuries of links between Scotch whisky and Kilmarnock."
The Commons debate - scheduled for Wednesday - will give politicians the chance to unite in support of the workers facing redundancy, according to Mr Browne.
News of the parliamentary debate comes the day after Commons leader Harriet Harman said Diageo's plan, if implemented, will be a "body blow" to the Ayrshire town.
Diageo jobs axe threat 'could kill Scotch industry'
SCOTLAND'S whisky industry could die if Diageo go ahead with their plan to axe 900 Scots jobs, an MP claimed yesterday.
Des Browne, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, said: "If the industry is allowed to break the link between Johnnie Walker and its roots in Kilmarnock, I confidently predict that we will see within my lifetime the breaking of the link between Scotch whisky and Scotland itself.
"That would be unthinkable for any other nationally iconic product."
Senior politicians from the four main parties joined forces to step up the fight against the drinks giant's plans.
And they warned that other firms could follow suit by moving their business out of Scotland if Diageo get their way.
Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael said the plans could be the "thin end of the wedge".
He said: "What is being proposed here could do to Scotch whisky what happened to our steel and coal industries. We have to come together to say this is unacceptable."
Diageo want to shut their Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock with the loss of 700 jobs. That would cut all links with the town where the whisky was first made in 1820. They also want to close the historic Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
Johnnie Walker workers and union officials have suspected since last week that an odious whiff has surrounded the company's unexpected closure announcement.
Now concrete evidence is beginning to emerge which gives some credence to their scepticism.
