Inbox - June 13, 2014

Welcome to this week's Inbox.  For those that have recently discovered us, Inbox is our weekly round up of whisky news and PR material that has found its way in to our email inbox. It was created as we cannot write full articles or do justice to every piece received. It features items from around the world of whisky and is published by us each Friday.

Within Inbox we aim to 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.  Here is the news that has caught our attention from this week ...

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Ardbeg - The Kildalton Project
The Islay distillery of Ardbeg have announced an exciting new long-term partnership and a new whisky to help raise funds for the project.  The partnership will see the brand working in conjunction with the North Highland Initiative, which supports rural communities across the northern Scotland, in projects on Islay.  The whisky is named Kildalton after the ancient Kildalton Cross, which is located close to the Ardbeg distillery on the island.

The Ardbeg Kildalton is a limited edition that is available now from the distillery.  It will then be available to order online and in the UK and selected European markets in the Autumn.  The whisky has been created by Dr. Bill Lumsden, the Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation for Ardbeg, and uses a selection of different ages and styles of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.  It has been bottled at 46% ABV and is non-chill filtered.  The price is £120 per bottle.

Dr. Bill commented: "Ardbeg Kildalton is a rather curious whisky, created from an interesting cask selection. Sublime whiskies from two carefully selected years have been chosen for their juxtaposed, but complimentary styles. A blessed marriage of firm, smoky, but creamy Ardbeg from bourbon barrels with rather racy, spicy whiskies from new and refill sherry casks has given a harmonious union of bold, colourful flavours."

Diageo - Archive expansion  

The leading premium drinks company of Diageo has opened its new £1.5million home for the world's largest alcohol brand archive.  The archive was originally started 24 years ago and is holds the history and heritage of Diageo's brands, companies, people and sites including all 28 of their Scottish malt distilleries. 

The Diageo Archive is located in the village of Menstrie, near Alloa in Scotland and new features include the 'liquid library'.  David Gates, Diageo's Global Head of Premium Core Spirits, opened the facility and presented Christine McCafferty, the Archive Manager, with the latest addition to their portfolio - Haig Club (pictured, above).

Christine McCafferty said, “The Diageo Archive is the largest source of drinks brand information in the world. From vintage advertisements, to film and industry accolades, we have items dating back over four centuries, from 150 countries supporting 1,500 brands and nearly 200 production sites. It’s a living resource, changing daily as our teams create new advertising, new bottle designs and new innovation.” 

Johnnie Walker - Anyone for golf?
The best selling Johnnie Walker blended Scotch brand has announced a limited edition of its premium Blue Label. The Ryder Cup Edition celebrates the return of the world's premier golf tournament to Scotland after 41 years. The limited edition was launched at the famous Gleneagles golf course, where this year's Ryder Cup between Europe and the USA will take place in Spetember, by golf legend and Ryder Cup winning captain Colin Montgomrie. 

There are just 2,350 individually numbered bottles, which are presented in specially created packaging which features the iconic Gleneagles Hotel and a golfer in full swing.  They are available through selected specialist retailers and cost £225 each.