Ballantine's continues to amplify the beat

Ballantine’s Finest has a new limited edition ‘Speaker’ bottle exclusive to the on-trade.

Based on its marketing campaign ‘Listen to Your Beat', two editions have been created by London-based packaging agency The Core – one for display and one for pouring. Both are designed to look like a speaker, while retaining the recognisable shape and style of Ballantine’s Finest.

The pouring bottle has a foil label depicting a speaker while a display bottle is designed for back-bar stand-out and lights up intermittently (battery or mains electricity) as if pulsing to the beat of the music playing in the venue.

The ‘Speaker’ bottle , exclusive to the on-trade, follows on from the ‘graphic equaliser’ bottle launched in 2009, which won a StarPack packaging design award.

Bibendum has launched – exclusively in the UK – two limited edition single cask bottlings of Plantation Rums that have been finished in the casks of Pineau des Charentes and Banyuls.

One Bajan and one Trinidadian rum, were transported to France where they were aged in ex-cognac barrels prior to being finished in the Pineau des Charentes and Banyuls casks.

Only 450 bottles of the Trinidad 1999 Banyuls Finish (RRP £54.99) have been produced. The Barbados 5 Year Old Pineau des Charentes Finish (RRP £49.99) is even rarer with only 350 bottles being released.

Orbis Aged World Whiskey from St James Distillery. US$58 (£38) 70cl in travel retail only

Bas-Armagnac Francis Darroze launches 'Les Grands Assemblages' – a new range of Armagnac blends

Les Grands Assemblages consists of seven extremely well balanced, high quality Bas-Armagnacs with great character. The younger the blend, the more aromas of fruit, whilst the older the armagnac, more the notes of ageing will take over. Each of the blends has been selected from the Bas-Armagnac area from different estates to those used for the single estate range. The age on the bottle indicates the age of the youngest armagnac in the blend.

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Château de Pellehaut 'taster' gift selection of Armagnacs

With such a diversity of taste in its wide range of Armagnacs, the family run Château de Pellehaut, situated in the Armagnac Tenarèze appellation zone, has just launched a 'tasting' case of six of its specially selected Armagnacs.

Six tubes each containing 6cl are the perfect gift for those wanting to discover Armagnac and explore the great diversity that this noble spirit can offer.

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The TFWA World Exhibitionin Cannes, Sepember 2011,saw the introduction of a new premium brandy aimed exclusively at travellers from St James Distillery.

Sir George Vintage Potstill Brandy is a rare vintage brandy from The Napier Winery in South Africa. Proudly named in honour of Sir George Thomas Napier, Governor of the Cape Colony 1837 – 1843, this small batch, limited edition is produced from just five 2001 vintage casks.

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E&J Brandy launches 35cl bottles

Cognac with oceanic character and style

Camus showcased at the TFWA exhibition in Cannes this autumn its latest fine cognac  – Ile de Ré Cliffside Cellar – from the vineyards of the Ile de Ré, the most westerly part of the Cognac AOC region.

Drawn entirely from eaux-de-vie grown, distilled and aged on the island in a very humid cellar, it has a lively, dry palate with a fruity touch. Additional maturation in a cellar deep in the Fort de La Prée then adds a unique marine and mellow character.

Built in 1626, the Fort de La Prée is located on a cliff overhanging the Atlantic, and its cellar is subjected to the full force of the oceanic climate.

Cognac created for mixing launches in cocktail city New Orleans

To recapture the spirit of the quintessential cocktail days in the 1800s, Cognac Ferrand has launched Pierre Ferrand Cognac 1840 Original Formula – a revival of the classic three-star Cognac – in the US.

This eminently mixable Cognac – created by Alexandre Gabriel, proprietor Cognac Ferrand and cellar-master Christian Guerin with a little help from the American spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich – was launched in New Orleans, LA – a town famous for its Cognac cocktails – before being rolled out nationally.

The blend is closely modelled on a rare and well-preserved bottle of Pinet-Castillon Cognac from the year 1840, a generation and more before the phylloxera louse devastated the vineyards of Cognac.

It has ben bottled at 45%ABV to enhance its use in cocktails. RRP $44.99 /75cl bottle.

Jack's latest limited edition birthday bottle

CCL Decorative Sleeves worked with Brown-Forman Beverages to create a UK exclusive 2011 birthday edition of the Jack Daniel’s. The distinctive square whiskey bottle sports a stylish, scuff-resistant matte black 50mym PET sleeve six colour gravure printed with the brand’s trademark filigree in gold and white.

Each of the 70cl limited edition bottles contains 40% ABV Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey and is available at major retailers nationwide from September for a limited period only. RRP £21.49.
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Grant’s launches RTD can

Grant’s has launched its first ready to drink (RTD) product – Grant’s Scotch Whisky and Cola – in 250ml cans, 6.6%abv, RRP £2. On shelf from August 2011. A Grant’s Scotch Whisky and Ginger variant will follow.

James Stocker, marketing controller of Grant’s at First Drinks says: “RTDs are the fastest growing category in the UK off-trade. We hope these RTDs will recruit new drinkers to the category and introduce new occasions to the whisky drinker’s repertoire, such as summer drinking and picnics. With consumers increasingly experimenting with mixable spirits, RTDs offer the opportunity to trial a brand in a convenient format and at an accessible price point.”

The packaging was created by London design agency LFH. Cott Limited produces and cans the liquid, and the metal manufacturer and printer is Crown Holdings.

The blend was crafted in 2009, released in 2010. The blend containis 25 highly-prized and distinctive malt and grain whiskies, including the first ever laid down at Grant’s Girvan distillery and rare whiskies from distilleries no longer in existence.

The rum is named after the endangered bird (of the same name) found on the island of Mauritius. As part of the conservation effort, Pink Pigeon is a contributor to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

The bottle and packaging reflects the rum’s aspirational positioning and each bottle is hand finished with a ribbon, ring and wax.

Distributed by Global and available through Venus, Matthew Clark and Speciality Drinks (wholesalers), and Whisky Exchange, The Drink Shop.com, Berry Bros. & Rudd (consumer) RRP £29.00.

Courvoisier packs a punch

July 2011: As part of Courvoisier’s Upgrade campaign promoting punch this summer, Maxxium UK is distributing Courvoisier VS in a special 'punch pack' containing a free clear plastic ladle to encourage consumers to "upgrade their drinking experience and enjoy punch at home".

The 30,000 window carton packs feature Courvoisier’s signature serve punch recipe, which mixes Courvoisier VS with lemonade, a few dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters and a garnish of orange and lemon wheels.

Neck hangers, that also feature the Courvoisier Punch recipe, plus a free music download, will be placed on a further 175,000 bottles in the offtrade.

Bowmore 1982 is released

July 2011: Bowmore, distiller of the first Islay single malt whisky, has released a second limited edition in its vintage series, the Bowmore 1982.

Aged for 29 years in Bowmore’s Number 1 Vaults, beaten by the waves of the North Atlantic, 501 bottles of this rare expression are now available. The Bowmore 1982 (RRP £300) 47.3% ABV.

The Macallan MMXI joins 1824 Collection

May 2011: An elegant addition to the Macallan 1824 Collection, which is exclusive to travel retail, is being rolled out in selected high profile locations around the world.

The Macallan 1824 Collection Limited Release MMXI consists of just 1,824 bottles of a single malt whisky that has been aged in sherry oak casks, some of which were first fill, creating fruity characteristics with hints of toffee apple, caramelised ginger and spice, with a long finish.

Bottled at 48.2%abv, it is presented in a decanter topped with a silver dress stopper, which is set in a luxurious rosewood burl display box.

New terminology and new packaging by Irish Distillers to celebrate single pot still whiskey

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard plans to underline the heritage of Irish whiskey with a new initiative – Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton.

Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of single pot still whiskey*, the launch heralds an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll out of extensions later in the year.  The move marks the adoption of new terminology for this style of whiskey – from ‘Pure Pot Still’ to ‘Single Pot Still’.

Improved packaging for Redbreast and Green Spot, from April 2011, is set to enhance the portfolio and better reflect its super-premium positioning, while the inclusion of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton quality mark on the back label of each expression will communicate the provenance message to consumers globally.

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Age gap filled by 21YO

Tomintoul Distillery has released a 21 year old edition to to fill a gap in its portfolio.

Duncan Baldwin, international marketing director, stated: “When Tomintoul 33 years old was released it meant that there was a real gap between it and Tomintoul 16 years old. We have addressed this with the launch of the 21 years old edition.”

Robert Fleming, Tomintoul distillery director, added: “Only those casks offering classic floral and fruity characteristics with a touch of spice have been selected for this bottling. The resulting richness of taste can only be achieved after the careful ageing of the finest malt spirit in choice oak casks for 21 patient years.”

Available in US, UK, western Europe and Asia RRP £59/ €69.99/US$ 99. the 21YO is supplied in cases of 6 x 70cl bottles presented in a cylindrical tubes.

Highland Park releases 1978 travel retail exclusive

Orkney Scotch whisky distillery Highland Park has unveiled the latest addition to its Vintage Collection created exclusively for travel retail.

This sixth release, Highland Park 1978 Vintage, is a traditionally hand-crafted single malt which bears the hallmark of its Viking heritage, and complements the existing variety of single malts in the collection.

The new expression sits alongside the existing range, which comprises whiskies from 1998, 1994, 1990, 1973. The differentiation between the expressions has been achieved through subtle variations in the use of first-fill and refill European and American oak casks. The younger vintages are bottled at 40%ABV, but this latest 1978 expression is 47.8% ABV.

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute goes global

Pernod Ricard Travel Retail is elevating the launch of Royal Salute’s latest offering, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, in duty free by creating a high impact global campaign to establish it as one of the world’s leading luxury whiskies. During the first quarter of 2011, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute has seen tailored promotions in key regions.
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Rémy Martin launches Centaure de Diamant in the Americas

Rémy Martin Centaure de Diamant Fine Champagne Cognac was introduced to travel retail markets in the Americas at IAADFS this month (March).

The new expression, created exclusively for travel retail and previewed in TFWA Cannes in October, is set to appear in key airports across the Americas including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver, Puerto Rico and also on cruiselines. RSP US$1,000.

The chiselled glass carafe is topped with a silver collar and cabochon stopper that bears the centaur emblem of Rémy Martin. The carafe comes in an elegant presentation coffret in metallic silver with bevelled edges, which open backwards to reveal the decanter and act as a display case on shelf.

Scotch pays tribute to ancient explorer

Orkney distillery Highland Park has unveiled a a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky to celebrate the achievement of the first European traveller to reach America over a thousand years ago. Leif Eriksson set out from Scotland's Orkney Islands at the start of the 11th century to make the perilous crossing of the North Atlantic and establish settlements in Labrador and Newfoundland.

Highland Park Leif Eriksson, exclusive to travel retail, was unveiled at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas this month (March) and will be rolled out in key travel retail outlets worldwide: 40% ABV RRP 60 Euros.

Brugal rums exclusive to travel retailers

Two premium aged rums were unveiled by Brugal in the Americas this month and will be available exclusively through travel retail outlets.

Brugal Extra Viejo Reserva and Brugal Añejo Reserva made their debut at the IAADFS Duty Free Show and will be distributed by Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas on behalf of The Edrington Group.

The two expressions are presented in a blue and gold livery with the Brugal shield and ‘Desde 1888’ prominently displayed and a background of oak casks on the label to emphasise the importance of aging. Both have an ABV of 38%.

Dressed in Westwood 

At London Fashion Week, Chivas Regal launched a limited edition 18 Year Old blended Scotch whisky in packaging designed by Vivienne Westwood.

With the design of the Union Flag dating back to 1801 and Chivas Brothers roots also being traced back to this same year, the bottle is cloaked in Vivienne Westwood’s Union Jack print, as first seen in a Gold Label collection in Paris.

The collaboration follows previous work with leading fashion brands Alexander McQueen and Christian Lacroix.
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1940 distillation gets hefty 2011 price tag

Online retailer Master of Malt is the first to stock Glenlivet 70 year old, a single malt bottled this year by Scottish whisky merchant Gordon and MacPhail and launched in March with a price tag of £13,000 for a 70cl decanter or £3,200 for a 20cl miniature. Distilled on the 4 February 1940 during the height of the Battle of Britain, the spirit was filled into a single sherry cask, where it has rested for 70 years.

The whisky is presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter with a British hallmarked sterling silver stopper and base. The wooden boxes are handmade from Scottish Elm.

Jameson launches half-litre twin pack

Jameson Irish Whiskey has introduced a Signature Selection twin pack exclusively into travel retail that contains one bottle of Jameson (50cl), and one bottle of Jameson Signature Reserve (50cl).

Designed to introduce consumers to Jameson’s range of whiskeys, the twin pack is now (March) in Dufry, Heinemann, and Aelia stores at a RRP of £24.99 and will be rolled out to further TR retailers over the next few months.

Dram in a can from Scottish Spirits

A Panama-based company, called Scottish Spirits, has added a whiskey to its proposed list of ‘Liquors in a Can’. Scottish Spirits launched the can in January as it believes “outdoor drinkers would prefer to crack open a tin rather than lug round a bottle of their favourite tipple”. Vodka, brandy, cognac, bourbon, sake and tequila in a can will also soon be available worldwide, the company boasts on its website.

Although Scottish Spirits retains an office in Glasgow, its drinks are produced and manufactured in the US – not Scotland as the company name suggests. And consumers could, therefore, be confused as to whether or not the product is real Scotch. It certainly isn't the traditional packaging for an unmixed spirit – nor is it re-closable like a good, old-fashioned hip-flask, or even a small plastic bottle, so it will be interesting to see if the idea catches on in their main export markets of Latin America and the
Caribbean Islands.

Grant’s cask editions are repackaged

William Grant & Sons’ has begun a global roll-out of new, premium packaging for two variants in its Grant’s range. Grant’s Sherry Cask Finish and Grant’s Ale Cask Finish now come with neck labels that feature details about the master blender, the coopers and the whisky's production. In addition, the familiar triangular bottles (conceived by graphic designer Hans Schleger in 1956) have been given newly designed cartons.

Maker’s Mark city gift packs for airport retail

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has introduced a range of 12 city-specific gift packs for its Maker’s Mark bourbon, as part of its longer term strategy to grow the brand globally.

Designed to inspire travellers, the range has been created exclusively for travel retail and is available in major passenger hubs. Each pack features a different city – six in Europe and six in the US, so far. They will be available exclusively in those cities’ airports during 2011.

Auchentoshan launches two limited editions

Auchentoshan, the triple distilled single malt whisky from Glasgow, has released two limited edition whiskies: Auchentoshan 1977, matured in European oak olorosso sherry casks, 240 bottles, 49%abv, £370 each; and Auchentoshan 1998, matured in fino sherry casks, 6,000 bottles, 54.6%abv, £44.99. Both are presented in luxury royal blue boxes to provide standout from the core range. The 1977 malt carton is gilded with a soft suede effect interior and the bottle is adorned with a brushed pewter label, lending a tactile, premium quality.

Martell opens boutique at Kuala Lumpur airport

Since the Martell Experience boutique opened at Kuala Lumpur international airport on December 28, it has seen “an extremely positive reaction from consumers to the high-quality design and an increased interest in the brand and its products,” says Lionel Breton, chairman and CEO, Martell & Co.
The boutique provides travellers with an opportunity to learn more about Martell products and purchase the cognac in a "relaxed, welcoming atmosphere".

Dalmore Eos 59 year old single malt is named after the Titan goddess of the dawn who every morning, legend has it, opened the gates of heaven (read as the distillery’s warehouse doors).

Selected from the same two sherry casks, Eos is sister to Selene, Dalmore’s highly prized 1951 vintage. Only 20 decanters made from hand-blown Portuguese crystal, hand-cut, silver decorated, and presented in a highly finished steel box inlaid with dark timber. RRP £15,000.

Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division is launching Baron Otard’s rarest Cognac – Fortis et Fidelis – into select travel retail outlets worldwide (RRP US$4,500).

A crystal carafe has been designed for the Cognac by Christophe Pillet, whose signature fluid lines create the carafe’s distinctive shape, and handcrafted by Royale de Saint-Louis. One decanter takes three weeks and 15 crystal makers to make. The carafe is presented in a wooden case with a platinum lacquered finish. A booklet describes the creation of Fortis et Fidelis and an automatic drawer houses the certificate of authenticity and the decanter’s crystal closure.

Five more expressions from Bruichladdich

As Islay distillery Bruichladdich approaches its 10th anniversary it has added three single malts to its core range: The Organic (from organically certified Scottish barley) matured in new American oak, and Port Charlotte, the standard peated version of Bruichladdich (40ppm) – both mixed vintages at 46%abv, RRP £35; plus Black Art, a 21YO vintage at 49.7%abv, RRP £86.

Two limited editions have also been released: 18,000 bottles of Octomore 3 (Jim Murray's 2011 Whisky Bible rates it the best single malt) with an increased level of peat (152ppn) and 59%abv; and 884 bottles of Bruichladdich DNA 1977, a 32YO American oak bottling at 47.4%abv.

Bruichladdich, the Hebridean distiller that dares to think differently in many ways – organic whisky, non-traditional packaging – has installed a pioneering new system to get volts from malts to power its distillery exclusively from recycled whisky waste.
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Burn Stewart Distillers, producers of Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Ledaig and Deanston malt whiskies has re-launched its entire range of malts as un-chillfiltered.

Bunnahabhain Islay single malt Scotch Whisky from Islay and Tobermory and Ledaig, which are both from the Tobermory Distillery on Mull, have also been given a new look to coincide with the launch. Both Tobermory and Ledaig (Left) now have bespoke, embossed glassware to reflect the Tobermory family – emerald green for Tobermory and clear flint for Ledaig – with new labelling and etching of Tobermory Bay on the capsule.

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Nine cask strength limited edition malts launched

Diageo, proud owner of 28 Scottish single malt whisky distilleries, has unveiled a small and highly desirable collection of limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies destined for the world’s top bars and the collections of single malt whisky connoisseurs.

These nine single malt whiskies, all at natural cask strength, are being released in time for the Christmas celebrations.

Two have, once again, been drawn from the lovingly preserved but sadly diminishing stocks of distilleries long since closed. Others are unusual bottlings from distilleries still in very vibrant production: generally older (thus rarer)  than the widely distributed expressions, but sometimes younger.

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Bushmills has been given its 10, 16 and 21 Year Old Single Malts new premium packaging in a drive to increase consumer awareness of these award-winning Irish Whiskies. The new packaging features imagery of the Old Bushmills Distillery, embossing of the 1608 original licence to distil date and a prominent display of the trademark Bushmills pot still.

The winners of the inaugural international Golden Rum Barrel Awards 2010 have been announced by The Rum Experience.
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First in range of collectable tins launched for Christmas

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is launching the first in a new range of special 'Art of Glengoyne' collectable tins.

Produced in Hong Kong and sourced via Abercorn Trading, the collectable ‘Art of Glengoyne’ tin features a watercolour of the distillery painted by Edinburgh-based artist Dave Brogan. Depicting Glengoyne Distillery at sunset, with the snow white peaks of nearby Dumgoyne hill in the background, the painting wraps around the metal tin, while metallic gold and embossed detail adds extra value and depth to the original design.

The Glengoyne 10 Years Old tins will be available through the Glengoyne online shop and specialist retailers – 400 cases of 6 x 70cl will be available in the UK, with another 3,890 cases available worldwide.

Brand ID changes with the season

Ballantine’s has added a seasonal limited edition expression to the range with Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve blended Scotch whisky.

Peter Moore, International brand director says: “Predictably there’s always a strong focus on gifting at this time of the year so it was important for us to respond with a unique expression which would appeal to new as well as existing customers who are keen to trade up.

Moving away from the traditional blue packaging that is synonymous with the brand, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is presented in a white card box, with embossed snowflakes and elements of gold foil to add a premium festive feel.

Clear new labelling for Tariquet Armagnacs

There's no mistaking the Château du Tariquet Color Collection of cask strength Bas-Armagnacs as it shows off its striking new modern labels that clearly tell customers exactly what they need to know.

The three Bas-Armagnacs in the range include an 8 year old blend 51.1° (orange label), a 12 year old blend 48.9° (purple label) and a 15 year old 46.8° (green label) made from 100% Folle Blanche that has been awarded gold at several international competitions.

The historical grape variety Folle Blanche (first recorded in 1384) is one of the ten varieties permitted in AOC Armagnac known for its extreme finesse with floral and fruity aromas, yet paradoxically only 5% of vineyards in the official AOC production area grow this grape variety. This is mostly due to the fact that it is a very fragile grape to grow with tightly packed bunches that are prone to disease, therefore requiring extreme care and attention throughout its development and harvesting. Château du Tariquet manages 25 hectares of the variety, making it the largest area of Folle Blanche grapes owned by a single producer in the Armagnac AOC region.

Special cask finishes will now be included in Glengoyne's core range

Glengoyne is to have for the first time a special cask finish as part of its core range. The first being a limited edition 13 Years Old Port Cask Finish, which takes the Highland Single Malt to a new level whilst still capturing the “real taste of malt”, created by the slowest distillation in Scotland and untainted by peat smoke.

The new addition has a nose of soft malt and gentle amber wood with notes of gingerbread and cloves. The fruity body of the port wood hits the palate with hints of lemon zest and spicy bubblegum before leaving a taste of citrus and peppermint in its wake.

Previously Glengoyne cask finishes have only been available to specialist retailers who opted to buy whole casks exclusively for their customers. This addition to the core range means that special cask finishes will now be available through a greater number of channels including glengoyne.com.

RRP £65, 70cl. Only 2817 bottles are available and will be replaced by a different cask finish when sold out.

First small batch from Kilchoman

Kilchoman, Islay’s farm distillery, has launched its fourth single malt, Summer 2010 – its first small batch release, which has been 100% matured in fresh and refill bourbon barrels and reduced to 46% abv using Islay spring water. The whisky was vatted and reduced to bottling strength on Islay and then shipped in 1,000 litre transit tanks to Houston Bottling Company, Glasgow.
Summer 2010 is 3 YO and 17,500 bottles have been released worldwide. It is pale straw coloured with strong peaty aromas with pear drops, citrus and hints of mango. An initial sweetness is followed by peat smoke, mixed fruits and cloves which linger on the palate.
Available in 21 markets worldwide. RRP £45 and £48.

Glendronach releases four new wood finishes

GlenDronach Distillery in the Scottish Highlands has released four new wood finishes – Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel and Tawny Port Wood – the first of their kind from the 180 year-old Aberdeenshire distillery.
Each expression was initially matured in European oak then finished in a very small batch of the respective wine barrels (or in one case, virgin oak). All are non-chill filtered and of natural colour and bottled at 46%abv.
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Gift tin for Chivas 12YO is designed by Alex Trochut

Chivas Regal Scotch whisky has teamed up with graphic designer and illustrator Alex Trochut of Barcelona – renowned for his technically exquisite type creations and designs – to launch a limited edition gift tin for its 12 Year Old expression.

The presentation tin, which will be available globally, was inspired by the Chivas Regal heraldry and label crest and incorporates a contemporary, bold monogram based on the twists and movements of a steel ribbon. Its clean metallic finish is elegant, contemporary and masculine – qualities that match the projected image for the brand.

The Arran Malt 14 Year Old (RRP £38.99)

Glenfarclas 105 given a stronger and more contemporary image

More than 40 years after the first bottling of Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength, J & G Grant has released a more contemporary presentation for this heavily sherried expression.
The branding on the bespoke 70cl bottle has been given a stronger identity that is built on the 105’s cult status.
The Speyside whisky is selected from some of the finest casks from the distillery’s warehouses which are vatted together to give a constant 60% ABV without adding water at bottling.

Single de Samalens is a new style of Armagnac created by the house of Samalens to show the spirit's diversity. The range, which comprises three age denominations – 8, 12 and 15 YO, is described as "dry as a single malt whisky, but with highly subtle floral aromas and astonishing complexity”.

• Read the report

Jim Beam launches travel retail exclusive

Beam Global Spirits & Wine has launched a premium expression of its bourbon whiskey, Jim Beam, exclusively into travel retail.

Initially available in Heinemann outlets worldwide, Jim Beam ‘Signature’ has been created by seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe and is distilled from six unique grains and aged for six years in hand-selected white oak barrels.

Bottled at 44.5% ABV, it offers a smooth and rich flavour with a silky finish and a pleasant nose of caramel, oak and subtle grain and spice notes.

RSP of €29.99/1litre

Arran celebrates 15 years

To mark its 15th Anniversary the Isle of Arran Distillery has released a commemorative bottling - a 1999 vintage which has been finished for two years in Amontillado Sherry casks. This has given the Arran Malt a rich nutty character with a complex sweet-spicy finish.

 Arran’s Master Distiller, James MacTaggart said: “The quality of these casks from the house of Valdespino is second to none and we are delighted with the end result. Bottled at natural cask strength of 54.6%abv and limited to 5,640 bottles worldwide, demand for this release is sure to outstrip supply.”

The packaging makes a feature of the wings of a golden-eagle, the symbol of the Arran Distillery.
RRP £55.00

Tullamore Dew launches higher strength Black 43 Irish whiskey

Tullamore Dew - the Irish whiskey brand now owned by William Grant following its purchase of C&C International - has launched Black 43, a limited release which has just made its world debut in the Czech Republic by distributor Stock Spirits.

The triple distilled blend, enriched by spicy full-flavoured pot still whiskey aged in old Oloroso sherry casks is, as the name implies, has a higher alcohol strength of 43%abv.

“The new Black 43 is packaged in the standard Tullamore Dew bottle as an everyday drink, but the deep matt black labelling and silver foil give it a strongly masculine and sophisticated personality – in line with our target audience expectations,” says C&C International’s marketing manager, Benoit Batard.

RRP €18.50 / 70cl

Chivas Brothers is giving its Aberlour malt whisky a more contemporary premium look to clearly position the brand in the luxury spirits category.  It is currently being rolled out on a global basis.

The packaging has been designed by agency Lewis Moberly to improve on-shelf stand out and brand recognition with a visual consistency across the 12, 16 and 18 Year Old and A’bunadh.

Naturally rough paper has been used for the canister and label, while the palette of earthy colours reflects the whisky’s name – A’bunadh means ‘of the origin’. 

A’bunadh’s overall design is now consistent with the rest of the range but includes additional technical information about the whisky’s production process.

Prestige range designed to look more prestigious