Inbox > May 6, 2011

Inbox returns after a week off for the Royal Wedding holiday here in the UK. Inbox is our weekly round up of whisky news and PR type material that has found its way in to our email inbox. Sadly, we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece that we receive, so Inbox was born! It features items from around the world of whisky and is published by us each Friday. Within Inbox we will write a few lines detailing each press release/piece of news/PR event that we have received and provide links, where possible, for you to find out further information if you want to. Here's the news that caught our attention over the two weeks ...
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The Glenlivet > Single malt range gets a revamp
The Glenlivet, which is one of the most iconic single malts and second best selling in the world (behind Glenfiddich), have announced new packaging for their range of whiskies. The 12 years old remains unchanged in its green bottle, while the 15 years old will be sold in clear (rather than the previous green) glass for the first time, so as to show the rich golden colour. Both will be presented in a new luxury carton. The 18 years old (the most highly awarded whisky in the range) and the limited edition Nadurra series will move to the premium bottle shape used for the 21 years old and 25 years old expressions. This shape includes a heavier base, broader shoulders and a shorter neck. The 18 years old will also get a permanent gift box rather than the current cardboard carton. In addition to the different packaging, the embossed stamp of the distillery's founding family (George & J. G. Smith) plus the foundation date of 1824 have been given more prominence on all bottlings.

Glenmorangie > new luxury Pride 1981 announced
The famous distillery from the north Highlands has announced a limited edition whisky addition to its luxury/premium range. The Pride 1981 is presented in an extraordinary piece of packaging (pictured, left), comprising of a bespoke wood and metallic box and a Baccarat crystal decanter. The whisky was distilled in 1981 and has undergone maturation for its first 18 years in first fill ex-bourbon casks, before being transferred to premium Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes dessert wine casks for a further 10 years. It has been bottled at an alcoholic strength of 56.7% ABV and only 1000 bottles will be released worldwide on 1 July. Each bottle will cost £2500.

Master of Malt > launch world's oldest whisky liqueur
The award winning and innovative online whisky retailer and independent bottler Master of Malt have released the world's oldest whisky liqueur. The liqueur is made using 40 year old single malt from an undisclosed Speyside distillery, along with other ingredients such as cinnamon bark, cloves and orange peel to compliment the flavours of the whisky. The liqueur is available from the Master of Malt website at the price of £219.95 for a 70cl bottle. It has been bottled at 43% ABV. The 40 year old liqueur joins a range of new liqueurs that includes ages of 10,15, 21 and 30 years of age which are £26.95, £39.95, £59.95 and £109.95 for a 70cl bottle respectively. Alternatively, you can order a 3cl sample of each one in a five piece set for £29.95.