Inbox - The Week's Whisky News (July 17, 2015)

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 what has caught our attention this week ...

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Bonnie Rose - Introduces itself
Earlier this week saw the launch of two Tennessee white corn whiskeys inspired by the legend of Bonnie Rose, a distiller's daughter who was famous for her whiskey sour cocktails in Nashville.  The event was held in Nashville and saw the two flavoured expressions - Orange Peel and Spiced Apple - presented to guests.  Both have been designed to appeal to the younger consumer and to be used in cocktails.  Both will be available shortly across most states in the USA and will cost $18.99 a bottle.

Dalmore - One of a kind
The north Highland distillery of Dalmore has announced a special bottle created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence.  The Dalmore Affinity was crafted by Dalmore's Master Distiller Richard Paterson and the single bottle contains liquid aged for 50 years.  This was matured for 48 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being transferred to old Matusalem ex-Oloroso sherry casks for two and a half years.

The bottle is presented in a crystal decanter featuring bespoke silver work by Hamilton & Inches and a wooden casket designed and handcrafted by LINLEY.  It will be on display at the Hotel Michael in Singapore from July 26 for three weeks and will cost S$106,645 (£49,500).

Richard Paterson commented: "When creating the Dalmore Affinity, we wanted to celebrate the pioneering spirit and bravery of the Singaporean people who came together to develop an independent nation based on five noble values of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality".

Ginger Grouse - Gets Famous 
The Ginger Grouse alcoholic beverage has been renamed as the Famous Ginger Grouse so as to provide a stronger link to its parent brand, which is the whisky included in the drink.  This fuses Famous Grouse whisky with ginger beer and is presented at 4% ABV.  The rename is accompanied by a new design for the bottle, which was based on suggestions from consumers on the brand's Facebook page.  The new packaging will appear in the retailers and bars throughout the UK very shortly.

Johna Penman, Marketing Controller for Famous Ginger Grouse commented: "Famous Ginger Grouse is a unique product with whisky at its heart, making it different from other alcoholic ginger beers. We wanted to involve Ginger Grouse fans in choosing the new design and we are sure they will be pleased with it!"

Scapa - Reach for the sky
The Scapa distillery on the Orkney islands has announced a new whisky that is designed to offer a gateway in to the distillery's single malt range.  The Scapa Skiren, which gets its name from the old Norse expression for 'glittering bright skies', has been exclusively matured in first-fill American oak casks.  It has been bottled at 40% ABV and will retail for £39 ($60 US) from selected retailers, initially in France and the UK.  Skiren will be available from September.

Brian MacAulay, the Master Distiller at Scapa, said: “Scapa Skiren is a product of our island; forged by the elements and the expertise of our dedicated team who use traditional methods and skills honed over several generations to create our distinctive island malt with its unique smooth honeyed taste.”