Visitor Attraction News From Benromach Distillery
Benromach’s Visitor Attraction Manager is Voted Best in The World
Benromach Distillery is celebrating success at the prestigious Global Whisky Icons Awards with Susan Colville winning the coveted title of Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year.
Announced in a ceremony in London’s Honourable Artillery Company last night (28th March 2019), the awards, which are organised by Whisky Magazine, pay tribute to the expertise that is poured into every bottle of whisky made around the world. Only those working in the industry can nominate an individual or brand, with the final winners chosen by a panel of expert judges.
Susan Colville, Brand Home Manager, was recognised for the outstanding contribution she makes to the many thousands that visit Benromach Distillery each year. After winning the title of Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year in the Icons of Whisky Scotland finals in December 2018, Susan went forward to the global finals, competing against attraction managers from regional finals held around the world.
Susan Colville said: “I’m incredibly proud to have received this award following an incredible few years of development for Benromach. Our visitor numbers have grown significantly year on year and, following our successful 20th Anniversary celebrations during 2018, we are looking forward to continuing to share Benromach’s fascinating story with visitors from around the world.
‘’Benromach is one of the few distilleries left in Scotland where every whisky is crafted by hand with our distillers using all their senses to guide the process. This gives every visitor to the distillery an incredibly warm, up-close and personal tour. This award recognises our whole team’s endeavours to showcase our distillery and our national drink on a global stage.’’
Keith Cruickshank, Benromach’s Distillery Manager, said: “Susan thoroughly deserves this award and it is particularly special as it is chosen by those working in the industry alongside a panel of whisky experts. We are looking forward to another busy summer season at the visitor centre and are proud to have Susan’s expertise and industry knowledge at the helm.”
In 2018, Susan was made a Keeper of the Quaich, joining the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.
Whisky News From The House of Suntory
The House of Suntory and Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch Announce Partnership to Mark the Start of Sakura Season
The House of Suntory and Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch have announced their partnership this springtime to celebrate the annual bloom of the Japanese Cherry Blossom, or Sakura, transforming the bar terrace into a tranquil city escape.
Launching on Friday 5th April, Hanami will showcase contemporary Japanese craftsmanship with a menu of exclusive cocktails, bespoke dishes and Afternoon Tea.
Inspired by the ancient practice of dining beneath the blossoming Sakura, Hanami will bring together the two globally recognised luxury brands in celebration of the artistry of modern Japan at the heart of both companies. Hanami will bring the spirit of this tradition to London, inviting guests to step through London’s newest Nobu restaurant into an oasis of calm inspired by Sakura’s distinctive pink foliage, with aromatic scent diffusers adding to the sensory experience.
The bar team at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, led by Beverage Manager Wilfried Rique, have worked closely with The House of Suntory to create an exciting original menu inspired by their unique range of premium Japanese Craft Spirits –Toki and Chita Whisky, Roku Gin and the newly-launched Haku Vodka.
Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, the range of premium liquids embody Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii’s philosophy of monozukuri craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Showcasing a creative range of Japanese ingredients, teas and housemade infusions, the menu of seven bespoke cocktails will draw on a range of inspirations and is split into two sections: JAPANESE”MATIC” and HIGHBALLS.
The menu at Hanami will offer a selection of distinctive new dishes inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of the local area, alongside Nobu-Style bar snacks and world class sushi.
As part of The House of Suntory’s ongoing partnership with the renowned Japanese ink painting artist, OhGushi will be creating a bespoke art installation exclusively for the partnership. OhGushi will work with ink and water to create a free-hand design inspired by the elegance of Roku Gin and the urban landscape of Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch’s surroundings. The piece will be on display throughout April and May.
Nick Temperley, GM at Edrington-Beam Suntory, says “The House of Suntory is proud to partner with Nobu London to showcase the best of our Japanese Craft Spirits portfolio. We hope that customers will love the new cocktail menu created by The House of Suntory and the talented Wilfried Rique at Nobu. We also look forward to welcoming OhGushi to London for the partnership to capture our premium gin, Roku, and the spirit of Sakura season with his skilled and unique artistry”.
The House of Suntory presents Hanami at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch will open to the public on Friday 5th April until Sunday 2nd June
Highland Park With a TWISTED TATTOO
Highland Park Announces New Whisky TWISTED TATTOO
Monday 25th March 2019: Highland Park today announces the launch of 16-Year-Old single malt whisky Twisted Tattoo, the first expression from the Orkney-based distillery to combine whisky matured in rioja seasoned wine casks and first fill bourbons casks.
A rich and full-bodied whisky with notes of light heather peat and soft red fruits, the inspiration for Twisted Tattoo comes from Orkney’s Norse ancestry and the Viking legend of the Midgard Serpent which grew so large it twisted around the earth to bite its own tail.
To bring this mythology to life on the bottle, Highland Park has partnered with renowned Danish tattoo artist Colin Dale, who specialises in the ancient art of dot-work tattooing – a freestyled, non-electric tattoo technique – to create Twisted Tattoo’s striking design.
Dale’s research has helped to reintroduce the lost tattooing techniques of the Nordic, Native American and Inuit cultures. His studio, Skin & Bone, uses both traditional and modern techniques to tell stories on skin.
With an ABV of 46.7%, Twisted Tattoo is available exclusively from The Whisky Shop. RRP £80.
Chris Anderson, head of Edrington brands at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK, said: “Highland Park is incredibly proud of its Orcadian routes, which is why so many of our whiskies celebrate our home – and Twisted Tattoo is no different.
“Highland Park is innately Nordic and we want to pay homage to this through the launch of our latest whisky and partnership, which brings liquid and art together.”
Jason Craig, global brand director, Highland Park, said: “For us, Colin Dale was an ideal choice as a creative partner. He is the perfect example of a modern-day Viking Soul and our partnership show off the similarities between our crafts.
“Tattoos are emotionally important and tell stories on the skin, much like our whisky tells the tales of our Orkney islands’ ancestry. Both arts can be traced back hundreds of years with the traditional skills still playing a key role in the tattooing and whisky making process today.”
Stirling, Scotland and Award Winning Whisky Bars
The Curly Coo Bar
As once the capital city of Scotland, Stirling offers residents and visitors a historical and cultural experience that would leave the rest of the country envious. Stirling also boasts a rather unique and special whisky bar that again would leave even the rest of Scotland, also a little envious. The Curly Coo Bar centrally located on the towns Barton Street offers a warm and welcoming traditional Scottish experience.
With over 130 malt whiskies to choose from, the back bar offerings of The Curly Coo Bar would leave even the most discerning whisky aficionado in a quandary over what to pamper their palette with. A warm and welcoming ambiance greets those entering, with the horseshoe bar, warm log fire and coziness offering an atmosphere consistent with any Scottish hunting lodge or highland retreat.
The Curly Coo Bar received a 5 star rating from Trip Advisor for 2012 and 2013, won the Drammie Award in 2013 being voted The Best Whisky Bar in The World while at the same time featuring in Lonely Planet Travel Guide in 2013. Furthermore the Curly Coo Bar was voted best whisky bar in Scotland in 2015 in the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge and continues to remain recognised as one of Scotland’s finest whisky bars.
Having started off her career with only 6 bottles of malt whisky, proprietor Mandy Silver has not only built up her range of malt whiskies to over 130 but has continued to build and develop her own knowledge over the years. Having sampled each and every one of the 130 malts on offer, Mandy is perfectly placed to offer serving suggestions whilst providing an education to those fortunate enough to experience The Curly Coo Bar for themselves.
So if adding one place to your list of whisky experiences to enjoy in 2019, let visiting The Curly Coo Bar be it and enjoy this magical experience for yourself.
Latest Limited Edition News From Benromach Distillery
Benromach Weds Heavily Peated Barley With Sherry Casks For Limited Release
Distillery Unveils Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured
The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has announced the release of Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured (59.9% ABV),a rich and intense limited-batch expression. Carefully handcrafted using heavily peated Scottish barley, just 6,500 bottles are available in selected markets worldwide from 8th March 2019.
Matured in First Fill Sherry hogsheads and laid down in 2010 before being bottled in 2018, Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured offers whisky lovers elegant fruit flavours while heightening the smoky notes Benromach is known for.
With a beautiful dark amber hue from the time spent maturing in Sherry hogsheads, the whisky’s sweet flavours are balanced with a hint of white pepper, which gives way to dried fruits complemented by Sherry undertones. The lingering finish offers a seriously smoky edge.
Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “This is the first time Benromach has released a Sherried Peat Smoke expression and we’re very proud of its unique flavour profile. This expression perfectly balances the smokiness with the sweeter Sherry notes, giving rise to a spectacularly rich and intense dram.
“At Benromach, we handcraft all our whiskies which allows us the flexibility to experiment with different distilling and maturation techniques. Our small batch releases have enjoyed considerable success in the past and for those that enjoy Benromach’s classic style with a wisp of smoke, we’re confident that this new expression will be particularly popular.’’
Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured is presented in an elegant bottle with shapes and textures inspired by the Speyside distillery. The copper cut medallion on the packaging signifies the moment in time when the distillers cut to the sweet heart of the spirit run.
Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured has a recommended retail price (RRP) of €74.99 (£64.99). Prices in local markets will vary depending on local taxes and duty.
Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use only traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.
For more information on Benromach, and to explore the range of expressions available, please visit: www.benromach.com.
For more information, images or interview requests, please contact Fiona Reyner or Annie Diamond on benromach@mucklemedia.co.uk
