Limited Edition Cocktail Kit Launched
Maker’s Mark® and Swift Bars Launch Limited-Edition Cocktail Kit
London, March 2020: Maker’s Mark®, the premium handcrafted American whisky, has collaborated with Swift Bars to launch a limited-edition home cocktail kit.
Created by Maker’s Mark® UK Brand Diplomat, Nicole Sykes, and the team of female bartenders at Swift, the cocktail kit includes two 220ml cocktails: The Green Brand (12.2%) and The Ambassadors Reception (23.8%). The cocktail kit also features the iconic hand dipped Maker’s Mark® wax seal, a nod to the handcraftsmanship first employed by founder Bill Samuels Senior and his wife, Margie Samuels.
A twist on a Southern style ice tea cocktail, The Green Branch combines Maker’s Mark®, Moscato, pineapple, ginger and lemongrass tea to create the perfect spring serve. With notes of peach, orange blossom and ginger the refreshing cocktail is best enjoyed in a tall, chilled glass over lots of ice and lemon.
Made using Maker’s Mark®, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, Cream Sherry and Chocolate Bitters, The Ambassadors Reception is a rich creamy serve, best enjoyed in a short glass over ice alongside your favourite sweet treats.
As Bourbon continues to be one of the fastest growing and most dynamic drinks categories in UK, the cocktail kit demonstrates the exponential demand for American whisky across the UK. With more shoppers buying bourbon in the off-trade, this has resulted in growth of 27% in value and 21% in volume over the last 52 weeks. Maker’s Mark® even outperforms these category numbers as it sees value sales increase by 47% to just shy of £5m.
Inspired by Margie’s invaluable contributions to Maker’s Mark® and, in turn, the entire bourbon industry, the one-off cocktail kit is available for delivery across the UK and can be purchased online via Speak Easy at Home for £20. 15% of all sales will be donated to The Girls Network, a charity dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls from disadvantaged communities by connecting them with professional female role models.
Nicole Sykes, Maker’s Mark® UK Brand Diplomat commented: “The craft credentials of Maker’s Mark® have been at the very heart of the brand’s success since it was co-founded in 1958 by Bill Samuels Sr. and his wife Margie Samuels. We say that Margie Samuels is the reason most folks buy their first bottle of Maker’s Mark® and Bill Samuels is the reason they buy their second. The shape of the bottle, hand cut label, signature hand dipped red wax topper and even the name itself are all thanks to the pioneering spirit of Margie. We are therefore very excited to collaborate with Swift Bar’s co-founder Mia and their team of female bartenders from two of the most prestigious bars in London, to continue on this journey with the launch a limited-edition home cocktail kit throughout March and to raise some money for a great charity.”
For more information on the collaboration please visit: https://www.speakeasyathome.co.uk/swift
NEWS FROM ISLAY WITH BOWMORE® 27 YEAR OLD
BOWMORE® TIMELESS SERIES REFRAMES LEGACY OF TIME
Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is pleased to unveil Bowmore 27-year-old. The new addition joins its older age range of whiskies as part of the Bowmore® Timeless Series; a masterpiece beautifully crafted and shaped by time.
For over 240 years, Bowmore has captured the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home – harnessing the power of centuries of skill and tradition in every single drop. Combining patience and dedication with an unwavering attention to detail, the Bowmore Timeless series is a celebration of this legacy – embodying the sophisticated balance of smoke, exotic fruit and sea salt for which Bowmore Islay single malt scotch whisky is celebrated.
With 3,000 bottles available, Bowmore 27-year-old has been matured in Sherry and ex-Bourbon casks for 15 years before being carefully moved into first-fill Oloroso butts for a further 12 and is bottled at cask strength. With the distinctive Bowmore character, this single malt offers up fruity flavour, combined with rich Sherry and a nod to fresh leather, tobacco and beeswax.
The exquisite expression is housed in a distinctive black box alongside an hourglass which when turned provides drinkers with three precious minutes to enjoy the nose of the beautifully balanced single malt that has taken years to perfect. Only after this time has passed can drinkers enjoy their first sip.
Ron Welsh, Master Blender at Bowmore, said: “With Bowmore Timeless Series, the key is the careful selection of the right casks, at the right time. This enables us to determine when the spirit has reached its peak, or if it should be left longer to develop its character further. This careful balance is vital to ensuring we allow the character of our whiskies to be optimised and can therefore, promise exceptional flavour delivery.”
Exclusive to Global Travel Retail Bowmore 31-year-old will also be introduced to the Bowmore Timeless Series. Nurtured in ex-Bourbon casks, selected at their peak, for 29 years before two years in Spanish Oak Matusalem Sherry seasoned butts to ‘finish’ and enhance the flavours; defined by floral notes, with honey and vanilla sweetness and a touch of peppermint.
To celebrate the launch of the Timeless Series, Bowmore has collaborated with independent French film director and artist, Thomas Vanz, to pay homage to the artistic craft of creating its iconic whiskies. Through the medium of film and artwork, Vanz has illustrated the power of time as expressed in the evolution of whisky. Conveying the unfolding moments of cosmic beauty in the creation of Bowmore®’s Timeless single malt whisky; an abstract yet captivating interpretation.
Commenting on the collaboration, Thomas Vanz said: “The artistry involved in the whisky making process is fascinating and provided me with rich and vivid inspiration to create my own unique interpretation. Through my work, I focused on capturing a galaxy of beautiful chemical reactions to represent the whisky-making process, which is made up of complex movement and colours. This is my interpretation of the Bowmore® universe, from where it begins to the final character. To collaborate with a single malt with such a remarkable legacy and from an awe-inspiring place is a first for me and I relished the opportunity to explore Bowmore® in my own way.”
Explore the world of Bowmore®; become immersed in the Timeless Series and truly connect with artist Thomas Vanz by visiting http://bowmore.com/Timeless
The Macallan Malt Whisky, Unique Art and Sir Peter Blake
REVEALING THE MACALLAN ANECDOTES OF AGES COLLECTION – A UNIQUE ART AND WHISKY COLLABORATION WITH SIR PETER BLAKE
The Macallan has unveiled the Anecdotes of Ages Collection, an extraordinary art and whisky collaboration with globally renowned British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake.
The collaboration, which is The Macallan’s third with the iconic artist and is part of a relationship which has spanned more than three decades, celebrates The Macallan’s rich legacy and Sir Peter Blake’s remarkable contribution to the art world.
At the heart of the esteemed collection are 13 one-of-a-kind bottles of exceptional 1967 whisky. Classic but with a distinctly colourful character, this peerless single malt Scotch has been matured for more than 50 years and was carefully selected to represent the year that Sir Peter Blake’s signature collages transcended from art into popular culture.
Each individual bottle features its own original Sir Peter Blake collage art on the label, detailing unique stories relating to The Macallan’s history, community, and the beautiful natural landscape of The Macallan Estate.
Pioneering pop artist Sir Peter Blake is renowned for his highly distinctive collages featuring images from popular culture. His diverse style ranges from colourful lettering to likeness drawing, but he remains best known for his signature crowd work. Over many decades, his unique and timeless style has transcended fashion, music, and even art movements.
The long-held relationship between The Macallan and Sir Peter Blake is based on a mutual respect for craftsmanship as well as a strong desire to deliver truly creative and visionary work. In 1986 he collaborated with The Macallan to create a bespoke label for The Macallan 1926 taking inspiration from the events of the era. In 2012 The Macallan and Sir Peter Blake collaborated again to create a unique, limited edition art piece in celebration of his 80th birthday and decades of collaborating with The Macallan.
As part of The Macallan’s strong support for the arts, one of the extremely scarce 13 Anecdotes of Ages bottles is being auctioned to raise funds to benefit the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Support from The Macallan will advance efforts underway at the Guggenheim to increase free access and develop engagement with a variety of audiences, in alignment with the museum’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion initiatives. The sale is being conducted by Sotheby’s in March 2021
Sir Peter Blake said: “I am deeply inspired by the incredible legacy of The Macallan, and its emphasis on family, tradition, and the natural world.
“Each collage in the Anecdotes of Ages Collection is inspired by The Macallan’s history and heritage, one that respects time and craft, two essential components of my own creative process. I meticulously worked on each collage, pulling from The Macallan Estate’s rich history to complete a collection that is a celebration of art and whisky.”
Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said: “This exceptional 1967 whisky was chosen for its classic yet distinctively colourful character, which is reminiscent of Sir Peter Blake’s work of the same year. With notes of oak and fig leading to a burst of hazelnut and strawberry, this is a truly special single malt that finishes with complex flavours of chocolate and lightly spiced peach. It is in many ways, its own work of art.”
The exquisite and incredibly rare Anecdotes of Ages Collection will be sought after worldwide by whisky and art lovers alike.
Each of the 13 original bottles are hand-blown with an oak stopper, and feature a label signed by Sir Peter Blake. Presented in a handcrafted European oak case incorporating thumbnail photography revealing Sir Peter Blake’s inspirational journey with The Macallan, the expressions are also accompanied by a leather-bound book showcasing all 13 label artworks and corresponding stories, as well as a certificate of authenticity.
While the 13th original bottle will be retained in The Macallan archive, a highly limited-edition whisky featuring a duplicate label and the same rare 1967 whisky, will be released as The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down to Work Limited Edition. Only 322 bottles will be available worldwide.
An innovative 360-degree virtual art exhibit enabling visitors to explore the Anecdotes of Ages Collection will be available on The Macallan website. Whisky and art enthusiasts will be taken on a journey through Sir Peter Blake’s studio and the Anecdotes of Ages gallery, which showcases the inspiration behind each of the individual artworks, before attending a world reveal of the 13 bottles with Sir Peter Blake’s handcrafted and original label artwork.
Whisky lovers will also welcome the release of a further special single malt Scotch created to commemorate Sir Peter Blake’s visit to The Macallan Estate on the legendary River Spey. An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery is displayed in a custom box inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s art, alongside a certificate outlining the history and heritage on which the art was based, and Sir Peter Blake’s artwork printed on a scroll.
To view The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Virtual Art Exhibit, visit https://www.themacallan.com/virtual-art-exhibit. The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down To Work Limited Edition and the An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery will both be available from February 2021.
The RRSP of The Anecdotes of Ages Collection: Down to Work is £50,000
The RRSP of An Estate, A Community, And A Distillery is £750
For further information visit www.themacallan.com
Burns Night, Haggis and Laphroaig Whisky
How to Celebrate Burns Night in Style
Rabbie Burns is celebrated around the world on the 25th January for his poems, songs and his character. The festivities may look a little different this year but the celebrations can still go ahead and what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a whisky of real character – Laphroaig. The quintessential peated malt to toast the immortal memory of Burns!
Laphroaig Select
The heart of the Laphroaig Select is drawn from a final maturation in American oak casks, which is rarely used for Scotch whisky. With spirit selected by Laphroaig’s master distiller from Quarter Cask, PX Cask and Triple Wood (Oloroso sherry) and a final addition of 10 Year Old, this whisky represents a subtle blending of peat, oak and sweetness.
Currently available from £22.13 at Laphroaig Shop
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a peat smoked liquid with a surprising sweetness, hints of salt and layers of peatiness.
The Laphroaig 10 Year Old follows the traditions laid down over the last 200 years by a succession of passionate and skilled master distillers. This is a truly classic Single Malt Scotch, made from malted barley which is first cold-smoked and then dried over a peat fire.
Renowned for its bold, smoky taste and full-bodied with a long finish, it truly embodies the quintessential Laphroaig character.
This whisky is perfect for spending the Burns Night evening at home.
Currently available from £29.37 at Laphroaig Shop
Laphroaig Lore
The Laphroaig Lore liquid is rich, complex and varied, inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.
Currently available from £54.15 at Laphroaig Shop
Entrepreneur News in Conjunction With Glen Scotia
Glen Scotia Whisky Joins Great British Entrepreneur Awards as Partner
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is delighted to announce Glen Scotia as its first Entrepreneurial Spirit Partner.
The scotch whisky brand, owned by Loch Lomond Group, is one of the few Campbeltown distilleries to have maintained production from the heady days of the 1830s when the region was known as the whisky capital of the world.
The brand continues to enjoy success, now backed by centuries of craftsmanship and experience and its award-winning whiskies are renowned for their distinctive maritime influence and Campbeltown character.
The partnership will see Glen Scotia sponsor the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. GBEA and Glen Scotia will also recognise and reward a business owner who has shown particular entrepreneurial spirit each month.
Founded in 2013, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Kingdom. Central to its ethos is being more than just ‘an awards ceremony’ – it’s a sense of community, and a thriving ecosystem of support all year round that provide opportunities for winners and finalists to connect and showcase their business.
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “I’m delighted to announce this new and unique partnership with Glen Scotia. It has an incredibly long and inspiring entrepreneurial journey behind it, and I’m thrilled they share our passion for supporting entrepreneurs and celebrating their achievements.”
John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer at Glen Scotia, said: “The early entrepreneurial spirit shown by our founders back in 1832 is embedded in Glen Scotia’s DNA. Back then, our founders, along with many others at the time, rode the wave of entrepreneurialism seen in Campbeltown in the early 1800s, harnessing the abundance of natural resources needed to produce quality Scotch Whisky, as well as new technology including steam navigation which meant that whisky could be shipped directly to Glasgow in under nine hours from what is still one of the most remote parts of Scotland’s mainland.
“We’re proud to be one of the three surviving distilleries from this boom-town era, which has only been achieved by our ability to innovate and adapt the business over the centuries. Our new partnership with the GBEA is therefore very fitting, and we are very much looking forward to working with them to support the new generation of British entrepreneurs.”
