2010 The No.1 choice for global drinks buyers

Full results of trophy and medal winners across all spirits categories PLUS SPECIAL AWARDS

RETAILER AWARDS

DESIGN & PACKAGING AWARDS

NEW FROM KHORTYTSA Contents/Introduction

Making it all happen

Supplement Editor Lucy Britner Features here are probably brands in here you’ve never +44 (0)1293 590046 [email protected] 4 Special Awards & Retailers heard of. There are certainly ones we had Managing Editor Christian Davis 6 Scotch never heard of. The greatest thing about the +44 (0)1293 590047 [email protected] 13 Irish Whiskey International Spirits Challenge is the stream of Reporter Hamish Smith 14 of the World Tfantastic quality spirits from all over the world, including +44 (0)1293 590048 [email protected] 17 Rum from Mongolia, whiskies from Holland, Taiwan and Production Editor Jaq Bayles 18 Trophy Winners South Africa, Norwegian aquavit and liqueurs from Italy. +44 (0)1293 590048 [email protected] 21 Brandy The level and quality of entries is a testament to an 26 Tequila industry that prides itself on craftsmanship the world over. Advertisement Manager 27 Gin Every spirit is tasted blind and judges are chosen for Justin Smith 29 & Other White Spirits their industry knowledge and tasting expertise. Judges +44 (0)1293 590041 [email protected] 30 Liqueurs & Specialities also hail from around the globe, to ensure international Senior Sales Executive 32 Design & Packaging products are assessed by international palates. Walking Carmen Poel Francesch 35 The Judges around the judging rooms, you can expect to hear +44 (0)1293 590042 [email protected] 38 Parting Shots conversations in Russian, French, Japanese, Spanish and, of Sales Executive Renata Stefanovic course, English. +44 (0)1293 590043 [email protected] On the whisk(e)y panel, chairman John Ramsay, recently Diary dates for International retired Edrington Group master blender, was joined by Tetsuji Events Co-ordinators Spirits Challenge 2011 Hisamitsu, chief blender at Co and Monica Tapias/Nikayla Langley Friday February 25 – Gin, Liqueurs, Jimmy Russell master blender for Wild Turkey, to name but +44 (0)1293 590050 Specialities a few. Then there’s Beefeater master distiller Desmond Payne [email protected] for gin, vodka et al, Grand Marnier cognac quality manager Events Sales Executive Friday April 1 – Vodka, Tequila, Other Adeline Loizeau for liqueurs and specialities and Olivier Jo Morley White Spirits Paultes, maître de chai, Cognac Frapin, for brandy. +44 (0)1293 590044 [email protected] I really don’t think the ISC makes a Friday April 29 – Whiskies of the World big enough song and dance about its Publisher judges. We are honoured that so many Russell Dodd Friday May 27 – Brandy, including of them have given their names to the +44 (0)1293 590052 [email protected] Cognac, Armagnac competition for so long. So from the International Spirits Drinks International, Gateway Place, Friday June 10 – Design & Packaging 42a East Park, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AS Challenge and Drinks International United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1293 590040 magazine, thanks. We couldn’t do it Contact Jo Morley (jo.morley@drinksint. without you. com/ +44 (0)1293 590044) for further details Lucy Britner Supplement Editor

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november/december 2010 drinksint.com international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 3 Special Awards

Outstanding contribution Jimmy Russell – master distiller, Wild Turkey Best of the

2010 has been a great year for the International Spirits Challenge and we are pleased to honour the greatest spirits, distillers and retailers in the world

Excellence in craftsmanship ABK6

The Excellence in Craftsmanship award celebrates smaller companies which have done exceptionally well with the number of brands they own. This year’s award goes to cognac producer ABK6. The company owns three brands – ABK6, Leyrat and Le Réviseur – with various expressions under each brand. In 1954, Elvis Presley began his music His son Eddie has been working with Compared with the giant multinationals, ABK6 is a relatively small career. Marilyn Monroe married Joe him for 29 years and Russell recently operation, yet the Cognac-based company held its own in the medals DiMaggio and rationing finally ended handed him the reins, joking in an table, taking gongs for all three of its brands. in the UK. Roger Bannister ran a mile interview with Drinks International: ABK6 took golds for its ABK6 VS Pure Single, VSOP Grand Cru and for in under four minutes, gasoline was “He’s ready for the job.” But Russell isn’t its Leyrat Glory Extra. 22 cents a gallon and Jimmy Russell taking it easy – he still turns up at the The company calls its Glory Extra a “secret” because the cognac was started work at the Wild Turkey distillery distillery most days. found in a group of barrels that lay forgotten in the Paradise Cellar of in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. “I go to the distillery five or six times a the Leyrat Estate. There was no documentation as to when the drink was Elvis has long since hung up his blue week,” he says. “It doesn’t feel like work. distilled and ABK6 believes it to be at least 40 years old. The alcohol in suede shoes and Bannister is no longer It’s a great life.” the barrels was naturally reduced to 45% abv and the cognac is said to be in the running, but Jimmy Russell still In 2005, Russell launched a namesake remarkably fresh for its age. makes Wild Turkey. whiskey – Russell’s Reserve. It’s a small Of the ABK6-branded range, VS Pure Single and VSOP Grand Cru took The 82-year-old became master batch whiskey that is aged for 10 years. gold medals. ABK6 XO Family Reserve and the company’s Le Reviseur distiller in 1967 and held the job for “We call it the perfect 10,” he says. took silver medals. Le Revisieur is produced in the Petite Champagne 43 years. When Russell started, the Russell still travels the world, flying region and is well known in Scandinavia and eastern Europe. distillery had four storage buildings – it the flag for Wild Turkey, and he has ABK6 is based at Domaine de Chez Maillard, which sits at the heart of now has 26. become an industry legend. 90ha of vineyard.

4 Drinks International Supreme Champion Spirit & Distiller of the Year Best of the The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 1984/ In the words of Bill Murray in the 2003 filmLost in The whisky Translation: “Make it Suntory time.” The Yamazaki 1984 was launched in 2009 to mark the It’s a rarity for the supreme champion and its parent 110th anniversary of Suntory and the 25th anniversary distiller to take the top two trophies in the ISC. This year of the Yamazaki brand. 1984 has been aged in Japanese Japanese distiller Suntory has been hailed distiller of mizunara casks and Suntory only made 2500 bottles. the year and its vintage whisky, The Yamazaki Single This also marks the eighth consecutive year of awards Malt 1984 has been named supreme champion by our for Suntory whisky at the International Spirits Challenge. chairmen. Designed to show consistent excellence Whisky writer Gavin D Smith says: “This expression across large portfolios, the Distiller of the Year is offers a sweet ‘Christmas cake’ nose, with vanilla, spice scored on a weighted points system. and sherry, stewed fruits and a hint of bitter chocolate. It is sophisticated, smooth and insinuating on the palate, The distillery with leather and spicy fruit. Dark chocolate and liquorice In 1923, Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii began sticks feature in the lengthy, satisfying, mildly oaky finish.” constructing ’s first whisky distillery in Yamazaki in the outskirts of Kyoto. According to Suntory, the district is now recognised as the “birthplace of ”. The benefits of the distillery’s location include a good water supply, diverse climate and high humidity, which helps with maturation. According to Suntory, its Yamazaki is the most popular single malt in Japan and is available in 25 countries. In 1973, Suntory built another distillery in Hakushu at the foot of Mount Kaikomagatake in the Southern Japan Alps.

The ISC Spirits Retailer Awards

It’s easy to fill shelves with bottles – there are more than enough brands in the world. But there’s a real art to creating a spirits section that not only provides customers with what they want, but also with things they didn’t even know they wanted. This is the second year of the Retailer Awards and nominations in three categories were put forward by producers entering the competition and by the ISC judges. Winners were elected by the ISC chairmen. UK Multiple Spirits Retailer of the Year

Winner: Waitrose Nominated: Wine Rack, Sainsbury’s, Tesco

UK Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year

Winner: Selfridges Nominated: Harrods, Milroy’s of Soho, Loch Fyne Whiskies International Spirits Retailer of the Year Winner: World Duty Free – World of Whiskies Nominated: Air Rianta International (Duty Free & Travel Retail); Super Quinn Ireland, Dan Murphy’s (Australia)

november/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 5

GOLD Single malts Aberlour 18 Year Old, 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured – Chivas Brothers Dalmore 40 Year Old, 1974 – Whyte & Mackay Glenfiddich 40 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old – William Grant & Sons Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Sonnalta PX – The Glenmorangie Company Old Pulteney 12 Year Old – International Beverage The Glenlivet 12 Year Old First Fill, Tomintoul Speyside Glenlivet Aged 16 Years – Angus Dundee Distillers TROPHY TROPHY Whyte & Mackay 30 Year Old Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Single grain scotch Invergordon Grain 1973 – Whyte & Mackay

Scotch blended malts Matisse 12 Year Old – Matisse Spirits Company Monkey Shoulder – William Grant & Sons

Scotch blends Ballantine’s 17 Year Old – Chivas Brothers Grant’s Sherry Cask, 18 Year Old – William Grant & Sons Highland Black Blended Scotch – Aldi The Black Grouse – The Edrington Group The Grand Bark Equinoxe – Symposion International AB Whyte & Mackay 30 Year Old, 40 Year Old, 19 Year Old – Whyte & Mackay

Islay malts Caol Ila Distillers Edition Lagavulin 16 Year Old & Distillers Edition – Diageo

6 Drinks International TROPHY Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

November/December 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 7 Scotch Whisky

SILVER Single malts Jura Prophecy, Fettercairn 24 Year Old Dalmore Gran Reserva, Mackenzie, King Alexander III, 15 Year Old, Tesco Highland Malt – Whyte & Mackay The Balvenie Golden Cask, Madeira Cask, Cuban Selection, Single Barrel, Signature (Batch 3), Portwood 21 Year Old, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old, 30 Year Old, Rich Oak – William Grant & Sons Aberlour 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured, A’Bunadh, Scapa 16 Year Old, Strathisla 12 Year Old, The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve, 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old, 25 Year Old & Nadurra Cask Strength – Chivas Brothers The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old, Cardhu, Cragganmore Distillers Edition, Oban Distillers Edition, Talisker 57 North, Distillers Edition, 10 Year Old, Royal Lochnagar Distillers Edition, The Singleton of Glen Ord, Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition, Glenkinchie & Distillers Edition, Clynelish & Distillers Edition – Diageo Glenmorangie Original, Glenmorangie Lasanta, Glenmorangie Astar – The Glenmorangie Company The Glenrothes Alba Reserve – BB&R Spirits Aberfeldy 12 Year Old & 21 Year Old – John Dewar & Sons SILVER Scottish Leader Glenfarclas Scotch blends Supreme, Standard, – J&G Grant Whyte & Mackay Special, Co-op 12 Year Old Glencadam Highland Aged 10 Years, Tomintoul Premium Blend, Tesco Finest 12 – Burn Stewart Distillers Speyside Glenlivet Aged 33 Years Year Old Blend Matisse 12 Year Old Blended, 21 – Angus Dundee Distillers – Whyte & Mackay Year Old Blended Ancnoc 12 Year Old, Old Pulteney 17 Year Grant’s Family Reserve, Grant’s – Matisse Spirits Company Old & 21 Year Old, Balblair 1997, 1990, Ale Cask, Grant’s 25 Year Old Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special 1978 – William Grant & Sons Reserve, 18 Year Old Founders – International Beverage Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, 21 Year Reserve, Signature The Glenrothes Vintage 1998 Old, 30 Year Old, Finest – John Dewar & Sons – BB&R Spirits Chivas Regal 12, 18 Year Old Royal & Ancient 28 Year Old Deanston 12 Year Old Royal Salute, The 100 Cask – Cockburn & Campbell – Burn Stewart Distillers Selection Matisse 19 Year Old – Chivas Brothers Blended grain scotch – Matisse Spirits Company Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black The Snow Grouse – The Highland Park 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Label, Gold Label, Blue Label, Edrington Group Old, Hjarta Double Black – The Edrington Group – Diageo Islay malts Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 Year Old James Martin’s 20 Year Old, 30 Ardbeg Blasda, Uigeadail, Highland Malt Year Old – The Glenmorangie Corryvreckan – Ian Macleod Distillers Company – The Glenmorangie Company Ben Bracken Single Malt Hunter’s Glen 8 Year Old Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, 18 – Lidl – Lidl Year Old Royal & Ancient – Burn Stewart Distillers Scotch blended malts – Cockburn & Campbell Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Glen Orchy Pure Malt Scotch Whisky Hedges & Butler Blended Scotch 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt – Lidl – Ian Macleod Distillers – Ian Macleod Distillers

8 Drinks International International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT drinksint.com November/december 2010 Scotch Whisky

BRONZE Single malts Tobermory 10 Year Old, Ledaig 10 Year Old, Isle of Mull, Deanston 12 Year Old Un-chill Filtered – Burn Stewart Distillers Glengoyne 10 Year Old Highland, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 12 Year Old Speyside – Ian Macleod Distillers Jura Superstition, 16 Year Old, Boutique Barrels; Co-op 12 Year Old Highland Malt, Tesco Speyside Malt & Highland Malt Dalmore 12 Year Old & 1980 – Whyte & Mackay Longmorn 16 Year Old – Chivas Brothers Benromach 10 Year Old Speyside – Gordon & MacPhail Royal Lochnagar, Cragganmore 12 Year Old, The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old, Oban 14 Year Old – Diageo The Balvenie Doublewood, BRONZE Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Scotch blends – William Grant & Sons Grant’s 12 Year Old Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, 18 Year – William Grant & Sons Old, Signet, Quarter Century Windsor – The Glenmorangie Company – Diageo Matisse 15 Year Old Highland Ballantine’s Limited – Matisse Spirits Company – Chivas Brothers The Glenrothes Vintage 1988 Whyte & Mackay 13 Year Old, – BB&R Spirits Co-op Finest Scotch Whisky, Ancnoc 16 Year Old Tesco Special Reserve, Asda Scotch – International Beverage – Whyte & Mackay Glencadam Highland Aged 15 Years Kenmore Blended, Black Bottle – Angus Dundee Distillers – Burn Stewart Distillers Balblair 1989 Dewar’s White Label, – International Beverage William Lawson’s Finest Blend & 12 Tomatin 21 Year Old Year Old Scottish Gold – Tomatin Distillery Co – John Dewar & Sons Master of Malt Bowmore 26 Year Old Bailie Nicol Jarvie COMMENDED – Master of Malt – The Glenmorangie Company Single malts Ben Nevis 25 Year Old Cask Strength Hankey Bannister Original, 12 Year Old The Singleton of Dufftown – Regency, Partners Reserve 12 Year Old Ben Bracken 12 Year Old Pure Malt – International Beverage – Diageo – Lidl Label 5 Classic Black Glen Turner 18 Year Old – La Martiniquaise – La Martiniquaise Scotch blended malts Matisse Old Blended Usquaebach 15 Year Old – Matisse Spirits Company Scotch blends – Whyte & Mackay Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 8 Year Jacobite Old, Langs Supreme Blended – Booker Islay Malts – Ian Macleod Distillers Label 5 12 Year Old Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, 25 Year HIghland Earl Blended – La Martiniquaise Old, Toiteach – Aldi c/o Weber Shandwick – Burn Stewart Distillers Queen Margot 3 Year Old, Islay malts Ardbeg 10 Year Old Hunter’s Glen 8 Year Old Ardbeg Supernova 2010 – The Glenmorangie Company – Lidl – The Glenmorangie Company

November/december 2010 drinksint.com international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 11 Irish Whiskey

GOLD Irish blends Midleton Very Rare – Irish Distillers Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve – Irish Distillers Bushmills 1608 – Diageo Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve – Irish Distillers Irish single malts/pot stills Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt – Diageo Redbreast 15 – Irish Distillers

SILVER Irish blends Writer’s Tears, The Irishman Rare Cask Strength – Hot Irishman Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Reserve, Tullamore Dew Black – William Grant & Sons Danny Boy Premium Irish Whiskey – Danny Boy Powers 12 Year Old, Jameson, Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve, Gold Reserve – Irish Distillers BRONZE – Bushmills Black Bush – Diageo Irish blends Bushmills Original Irish single malts/pot stills – Diageo Danny Boy 15 Year Old Irish Malt Powers Gold Label – Danny Boy – Irish Distillers Greenspot Delaneys Irish Whiskey, Dundalgan, – Irish Distillers Kilbeggan 15 Year Old Deluxe Blend, Tyconnell Single Malt, 10 Year Old Morrisons Irish Whiskey, Avoca Irish Single Malt Madeira Finish, 10 Year Whiskey Old Single Malt Port Finish, Dunleire 8 – Cooley Distillery Year Old Single Malt, Slieve Foy 8 Year Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, 12 Year Old Single Malt, Connemara Peated Old Reserve Single Malt – William Grant & Sons – Cooley Distillery Irish single malts/pot stills Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt COMMENDED – Diageo – Diageo Irish blends Connemara Peated Single Malt 12 Year Kilbeggan Finest Blend Irish grain whiskies Old, Peated Single Malt Sherry Finish, – Cooley Distillery Greenore 8 Year Old Single Grain Peated Single Malt Cask Strength Jameson Signature Reserve – Cooley Distillery – Cooley Distillery – Irish Distillers

November/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 13 Rum

GOLD BRONZE Rum – white Rum – white Elements 8 Asda Carta Blanca Platinum – Bardinet – Elements 8 Old Hopking White – Aldi Island Magic Superior White TROPHY Sainsbury’s Superior White Booker Chairman’s Reserve – Sainsbury’s Tøz White Gold Spiced Rum – St Lucia Distillers Rum – barrel aged gold/dark Angostura 7 Year Old, Rum – barrel aged gold/dark Angostura 1919, Angostura Red Heart 1824 – Angostura – Pernod Ricard South Africa Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Reserva Limitada, Bacardi Rum – spiced Solera – Bacardi Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Chairman’s Reserve – St Lucia – St Lucia Distillers Distillers Elements 8 Barrel Infused Elements 8 Gold – Elements 8 Spiced Havana Club Añejo 15 Years – Elements 8 – Havana Club International James Cook Genuine Overseas Rum – Lidl Mount Gay Eclipse – Rémy Cointreau Sainsbury’s Superior Dark SILVER – Sainsbury’s Rum – white Santa Teresa 1796 – Ron Angostura Reserva Santa Teresa – Angostura Santa Teresa Claro Rhum agricole – Ron Santa Teresa Neisson Extra Vieux – Distillerie Neisson Rum – barrel aged gold/dark Admiral Rodney Cachaça – St Lucia Distillers Cachaça Reserva 51 – Angostura 5 Year Old Companhia Müller de Bebidas – Angostura Leblon – Leblon Cachaça Dos Maderas PX 5+5 – Williams & Humbert Cane spirit/other Mount Gay XO Mainstay – Distell – Rémy Cointreau Mekhong – International Santiago de Cuba Extra Beverage Añejo 20 Umlambo Cane Spirit – Compagnie de Guyenne – Robinson Ypioca Aguardente de Cana 6 Rum – spiced Year Old – Grupo Ypioca Sailor Jerry – William Grant & Sons

Rhum agricole COMMENDED Dos Maderas 5+3 Neisson Blanc 50 Rum – white – Williams & Humbert Neisson Reserve Spéciale Havana Club Anejo 3 Años Old Hopking Dark – Distillerie Neisson – Havana Club International – Aldi Santa Teresa Selecto Saint James Royal Ambre Plantation 5 Years – Ron Santa Teresa – La Martiniquaise Rum – barrel aged gold/ Barbados Santiago de Cuba Añejo dark – Cognac Ferrand – Compagnie de Guyenne Cachaça Bacardi Añejo Rogue Dark Cachaça Fazenda Soledade – Bacardi – Rogue Spirits Rum – spiced – Fazenda Soledade Cane Trader Dark Santa Teresa Añejo Gran Lamb’s Spiced – Booker Reserva – Corby Distilleries

november/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 17 Trophy Winners

Whiskies of the World Scotch Blends Single Malt The Yamazaki Single Whyte & Mackay 30 Year Old Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Malt 1984

Suntory ’s Yamazaki 1984 was released in This is the second year in a row that Whyte & Matured in oak casks for at least 40 years, this 2009 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mackay has taken the trophy for its 30 Year Old. single malt from William Grant & Sons was the Yamazaki brand. According to master distiller Richard Paterson, selected by Glenfiddich’s craftsmen and added to The whisky scooped a gold medal at least 25 single malts and six single grains make the remnant of the previous year’s vatting in the 2009 competition and has up this blend. to impart depth of flavour. returned this year to take the Whiskies aged between 30 and According to the company, the trophy. 36 years are married for 18 months nose of the Glenfiddich 40 Year Yamazaki 1984 is made from then finished in oloroso sherry Old is rich with layers of dried carefully selected malt whiskies butts. fruits, dark chocolate, roasted distilled and laid to age in Paterson says the influence coffee and ripe black cherries, 1984. The liquid is blended for the 30 Year Old comes from with occasional notes of gentle mainly from whisky aged in the “charm and elegance” and wood smoke, polished leather mizunara casks. According “warmth and sensuality” of and cloves. to Suntory, this imparts the Highland and Speyside The taste is said to be silky what has come to be prized regions. smooth with initial flavours of as an “Asian” fragrance, He says it is best consumed intense dried fruits, Christmas distinctive in Japanese with good Colombian coffee cake, dates, raisins and whisky. Yamazaki 1984 has and dark chocolates of 86% stewed apples which are later a suggested retail price cocoa solids. It should also be taken over by dryish oak and of 100,000 yen (£776) for held in the mouth for around some bitter chocolate notes 70cl. 30 seconds to allow the with a hint of peat. complexity to be revealed. Glenfiddich 40 Year Old has an abv of 45.8% and retails at £1,700 per bottle.

Vodka Liqueurs Brandy/Cognac Wodka Zoladkowa Green Chartreuse Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Gorzka Na Trawie Zubrowej Fine Cask Reserve

Stock Spirits launched the bison grass variant of its According to Chartreuse, Green Chartreuse is the This is the third consecutive year Wodka Zoladkowa Gorzka brand in October 2009. only liqueur in the world with a completely natural that Van Ryn, part of the mighty Stock purchases bison grass from a “selected green colour. Distell Group, has taken a trophy in supplier” in north east Poland’s The drink is made by Chartreuse the International Spirits Challenge. Puszcza Bialowieska – the monks and it is said only two of them In 2008, the company picked up Bialowieza national park. The know the blend of 130 plants and the gong for its Distillers Reserve Bialowieza region (which is part flowers used to make the 55% abv 12 Year Old. In 2009, the trophy in Poland and part in Belarus) is liqueur and its yellow sibling. went again to the 12 Year Old. the last remaining area of Europe Van Ryn uses Chenin Blanc and where European bison still roam Colombard grapes to make its – and the only place in Poland brandy and the company also uses where European bison grass copper pot stills and French oak grows wild. barrels. Zoladkowa Bison Grass is produced using the traditional Frapin Multimillésime No 3 process, which includes Grande Champagne macerating bison grass in spirit then maturing the liquid This is a cognac made from in barrels before bottling. three vintage years – 1982, According to Stock, the 1983 and 1986. The youngest Wodka Zoladkowa Gorzka has aged for 23 years range is the number one in Limousin oak barrels. flavoured vodka brand in The product is bottled at Poland. 41.5%.

18 Drinks International Rum Design & Packaging Chairman’s Reserve The Kraken The Paulsen Collection Spiced Cognac

Chairman’s Reserve Spiced is the latest addition to The Kraken Black Spiced Stranger & Stranger was also behind the design of the St Lucia Distillers range of rums. Rum bottle was created by the cognac Paulsen Collection. According to UK importer Emporia Brands, the international design agency Kevin Shaw, founder and creative director at rum is based on the same blend of aged Stranger & Stranger. The drink Stranger & Stranger, says of the packaging: “Our pot and column still rums used is so called because legend client, Frederick Paulsen, is a famous geographer to make Chairman’s Reserve has it that one of the largest and has organised and led many expeditions, Rum. It is then infused with shipments of rum to leave the including the first manned descent to the seabed several “authentic Caribbean Caribbean islands never reached of the North Pole. spices”, including cinnamon, its destination. Stories were “The Paulsen Collection celebrates his other clove, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut, plentiful and the boat was said passion for discovering the allspice, lemon and orange, as to have been attacked by a finest local distillations well as richeria grandis, the Kraken – a giant sea monster and this first batch bark of which is known that looks like an octopus. includes everything locally as “bois bandé”. Kevin Shaw, founder and creative director of from Scottish malt to Stranger & Stranger, says: “The spiced rum market Georgian chacha. is dominated by one mainstream brand and there “They are was a real opportunity to create a product with a signed and little more attitude to target the younger sector hand numbered of this growing market. The king of the seas is in identical the mythical Kraken which has been brought into rectangular glass the vernacular by Johnny Depp’s pirate movie bottles that all fit franchise. It lends itself well to the old engraving together on the styles and the same era inspired the bespoke loop- collector’s shelf.” necked bottle.”

Best in Class

Gin Other White Spirits Tequila Finsbury Platinum Gin Hammer Ulagret Aquavit Sierra Tequila Reposado Finsbury London Dry Gin from Borco International Hammer Ulagret Aquavit is described as “a comes in two styles – the classic Finsbury premium classic caraway aquavit”. Ulagret means “not Sierra Tequila Reposado is described by owner gin at 37.5% and the so-called ultra-premium cask matured” in Norwegian which is what makes Borco as “a pale golden, exquisite and especially Finsbury Platinum at 47%. Finsbury Platinum was Hammer Ulagret different from other smooth, mild tequila”. It is aged in casks to pronounced Best In Category by this year’s judges. Arcus aquavits. develop its warm colour and full flavour. The recipe is said to date back to 1740 and the Botanicals include plain caraway, Sierra Tequila Reposado comes gin is six times distilled in copper kettles. Borco citrus and coriander. in a distinctive Sierra bottle aims Finsbury Platinum at restaurants and more Brand manager Øystein Gogstad- with the famous golden ambitious bartenders. The company says that, due Andersen says: “Given that this is sombrero cap. Borco suggests to its higher alcohol content, the gin works very not a cask matured aquavit it serving Sierra Tequila Reposado well in long drinks should be enjoyed chilled. neat with cinnamon and orange, and cocktails. “Enjoy Hammer Ulagret with beer or as an ingredient in Finsbury Gin has Aquavit with grilled fish, shrimp long drinks. been owned by with lemon and mayonnaise, Other Sierra brands Hamburg-based white meat, grilled pork chops include Silver – a 38% clear Borco since the and potato salad.” tequila – and 40% abv early 1990s. The The product has been premium aged Antiguo. Borco portfolio available in Norway includes Fernet since 2009 and retails at Branca, Disaronno 279.90 Norwegian kroner Amaretto and (approximately £30) for 70cl. Champagne Lanson in Germany.

november/december 2010 drinksint.com international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 1917 Brandy

GOLD Cognac ABK6 VS Pure Single, ABK6 VSOP Grand Cru, Leyrat Glory Extra – ABK6 Cognac Frapin Multimillésime No 3 Grande Champagne – Cognac Frapin TROPHY TROPHY Distillerie des Saules Borderies, Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Frapin Multimillésime No 3 Distillerie les Magnolias Grand Cask Reserve Grande Champagne Champagne – Cognac Louis Royer

Armagnac Janneau 25 Year Old Double Distilled – Giovinetti Partners

Brandy – South Africa KWV 20 Year Old Potstill Brandy – KWV

Mellow-wood Brandy Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old Vintage, Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve – Distell

SILVER Armagnac Brandy – Spain Cognac Janneau 8 Year Old Double Distilled, Gran Duque de Alba XO ABK6 XO Family Reserve, Janneau 12 Year Old Double Distilled, – Williams & Humbert Le Reviseur Janneau 18 Year Old Double Distilled – ABK6 Cognac – Giovinetti Partners Brandy – South Africa Bache-Gabrielsen Hors d’Age Klipdrift Export, Oude Meester Reserve – Bache-Gabrielsen Calvados 12 Year Old, Oude Meester VSOB, Otard VSOP Père Magloire VSOP Pays Richelieu – Château de Cognac d’Auge – Distell Séraphin VS – Debrise-Dulac & Cie Uitkyk Grand Reserve – Cognac Camus – Cape Legends Francois Voyer XO Gold Brandy – France – Francois Voyer Grand Empereur Varietal Grappa French Brandy Grappa di Traminer – Cognac De Luze – Pilzer Distilleria

november/december 2010 drinksint.com international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 21 Brandy

BRONZE Grappa di Nosiola Brandy – France – Pilzer Distilleria St-Rémy Authentic French Brandy VSOP Cognac – Rémy Cointreau Bonaparte VS – Arcus Brandy – Spain Dupuy XO Tentation Alma de Magno – Bache-Gabrielsen – Osborne Francois Voyer Extra Gran Duque de Alba Oro – Francois Voyer – Williams & Humbert Distillerie Chantal Bons Bois, Distillerie de l’Ecole Très Brandy – South Africa Vieux, Louis Royer Extra Klipdrift Gold, Klipdrift Grande Champagne, Louis Premium, Oude Meester Royer VSOP Preference Souverein 18 Year Old, Van – Cognac Louis Royer Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distillers Rémy Martin Coeur de Cognac Reserve – Rémy Cointreau – Distell Wellington Signature Brandy Armagnac – Edward Snell & Co Janneau VSOP KWV 10 Year old Potstill – Giovinetti Partners Brandy, KWV 15 Year old Marquis de Montesquiou Potstill Brandy, KWV Laborie Cuvée Louis 1er Alambic – Pernod Ricard – KWV Calvados Grappa Père Magloire XO Pays d’Auge Grappa di Moscato Giallo, – Debrise-Dulac & Cie

COMMENDED Brandy – France Fish Eagle, Mellow Wood Cognac Eau de Vie VSOP 5, Nederburg Solera, Oude Bonaparte VSOP Difference XO Cognac – Arcus Meester Demant, Viceroy 5 – Arcus – Cognac Louis Royer Asda Extra Special 5 Year Year Old Bisquit VS Classique, Vieux Garçon Cognac VS Old French Brandy – Distell Bisquit VSOP Fine – Lidl – Bardinet Imoya Champagne, Bisquit XO Fine Delamain Pale & Dry Grand Empereur Regional – KWV Champagne – Mentzendorff French Brandy Martell VO – Bisquit Dubouche & Cie Rémy Martin VSOP, Rémy – Cognac De Luze – Pernod Ricard South Africa Otard VS, Otard XO Martin XO Excellence Vieux Garçon French – Château de Cognac – Rémy Cointreau Brandy XO Brandy – India Camus VS Elegance, – Lidl Scarletts VS Brandy Camus VSOP Elegance, Armagnac St-Rémy Authentic French – The Devicolam Distilleries Camus XO Borderies, Janneau XO Brandy XO Camus XO Elegance, – Giovinetti Partners – Rémy Cointreau Grappa Séraphin XO Single de Samalens 8 Year Grappa Barrique del – Cognac Camus Old, Single de Samalens Brandy – Spain Limousin 7 Years De Luze Alfred, De Luze 12 Year Old, Single de Carlos I Solera – Luigi Francoli Grappe VSOP Samalens 15 Year Old – Osborne – Cognac De Luze – Armagnac Samalens Gran Duque de Alba Pierre Ferrand Ambre – Williams & Humbert – Cognac Ferrand Calvados Cognac Louis Royer XO, Berneroy Fine, Berneroy Brandy – South Africa Distillerie d’Aumagne Fins VSOP, Berneroy XO Sydney Back 10 Year Old, Bois, Force 53, Louis Royer – Cognac Camus Sydney Back NV VS, Louis Royer VSOP, Daron Calvados XO – Backsberg Sainsbury’s Taste the – Cognac Ferrand Collison’s, Flight of the

22 Drinks International international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT drinksint.com november/december 2010 Tequila

GOLD Reposado Sierra Tequila Reposado Best in class – Borco-Marken-Import Sierra Tequila Reposado

SILVER Añejo Herradura Añejo – Brown-Forman Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo – William Grant & Sons

Reposado Ambhar Añejo – Santo Spirits Milagro Reposado – William Grant & Sons Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado – William Grant & Sons

Blanco Milagro Silver – William Grant & Sons

BRONZE Añejo Espolon Añejo – Destiladora San Nicolás

Reposado Espolon Reposado – Destiladora San Nicolás Excellia – EWG Spirits & Wine

Blanco Corzo Silver – Bacardi Don Alvaro Blanco – Soho Wine Supply Sierra Milenario Blanco – Borco-Marken-Import

COMMENDED Reposado Olmeca Altos Reposado – Pernod Ricard Mexico Alma Mia Reposado – Soho Wine Supply

Blanco Espolon Blanco – Destiladora San Nicolás Olmeca Altos Blanco – Pernod Ricard Mexico Sierra Tequila Silver – Borco- Marken-Import

26 Drinks International Gin

GOLD Best in class Super-premium Finsbury Platinum Gin Finsbury Platinum 47% – Borco-Marken-Import

Premium Tanqueray Imported 47.3% – Diageo

SILVER Super-premium Beefeater 24 45% – Chivas Brothers Fifty Pounds 43.5% – Sanchez Romate Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength 45.2% – The Reformed Spirits Co

Premium Beefeater 47% – Chivas Brothers Bloom Premium 40% – G&J Greenall Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blackfriars Gin 43% – Sainsbury’s

Standard Greenall’s London Dry 40% – G&J Greenall

BRONZE Super-premium Sipsmith 41.6% – Sipsmith Tanqueray No.Ten 47.3% – Diageo

Premium Plymouth Gin 41.2% – Chivas Brothers Whitley Neill 42% – Halewood International

Standard Oliver Cromwell 37.5% – Aldi UK

COMMENDED Premium Pink 47 – Old St Andrews

November/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 27 Vodka & Other White Spirits

GOLD Super-premium TROPHY BRONZE Grandkhaan (Mongolia) – Zoladkowa Gorzka Na Super-premium Spirit Bal Buram JSC Trawie Zubrowej Flag Vodka (Finland) – Global Drinks Finland Premium Bulbash (Belarus) – JV Dionis Premium Heaven Premium (Kazakhstan) – Prime Premium (Ukraine) – Olimp LTD ArLine Vodka Co Khortytsa Classic (Ukraine) – Sputnik (Russia) – Taste of Russia Khortytsa Distillery Stalinskaya (Romania) – Prodal ’94 Standard Red Square (UK) – Halewood Flavoured International Zoladkowa Gorzka Na Trawie Tamova (UK) – Aldi-Glen Catrine Zubrowej (Poland) – Stock Spirits Vladivar (UK) – Whyte and Mackay Gorzka (Poland) – Flavoured Vikingfjord Eple (Norway) – Arcus

SILVER COMMENDED Super-premium Super-premium Moses Vodka (Finland) – Belvedere (Poland) – Global Drinks Finland Möet Hennessey Pur Vodka (Canada) – Pur Vokda- Russian Cult Minskaya (Germany) – Nicolas DuVernois Western Blue Sipsmith Barley Vodka (UK) – Sipsmith Premium U’Luvka Vodka (Poland) – The Brand Heaven Luxury (Kazakhstan) – Distillery LTD ArLine Russian Challenge (Russia) – Premium Rusimport Putinoff Premium (Germany) – Lidl Russian Character (Kazakhstan) – Stock Prestige (Poland) – Stock Spirits LTD ArLine Standard Standard Parliament (Russia) – CEDC Eruul (Mongolia) – APU JSC Prime Superior (Ukraine) – Olimp Viking (France) – Oposit W&S Vodka Co

Flavoured Flavoured Remix Chocolate Flavoured Vodka Zubrowska Bison Grass Vodka (Poland) (India) – Radico Khaitan – CEDC

Best in class Hammer Aquavit

BRONZE Other White Spirits SILVER Simers Oslo Aquavit GOLD Other White Spirits (Norway) – Arcus Other White Spirits Thunder Toffee Vodka Gammel Opland Madeira Finish – Arcus Hammer Aquavit (Norway) – Arcus (France) – Scream Retail Gala Applik (Cyprus) – SPI Spirits november/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 29 Liqueurs & Specialities

GOLD Liqueurs – cassis Merlet Crème de Cassis – Distillerie Merlet & Fils Supercassis – Pagès Védrenne TROPHY Green Chartreuse Liqueurs – herbal Green Chartreuse – c/o Fells

Other liqueurs & specialities Beaux Jangles Iced Tea Vodka Liquor – Babco Europe

Liqueurs – whisky based SILVER Drambuie – The Drambuie Liqueur Liqueurs – cassis Co Crème de Cassis Pagès Glayva – Whyte and Mackay Premium – Pagès The Royal Legacy of 1745 – The Védrenne Drambuie Liqueur Co

Liqueurs – citrus fruit Liqueurs – herbal Cointreau – Rémy Cointreau Bénédictine DOM – c/o First Drinks Brands Liqueurs – crème/fruit Oude Meester Peppermint Liqueur Merlet Poire – Distillerie Merlet & – Distell Fils Bitters Liqueurs – brandy based Original Radeberger Bitter – Gran Gala – Stock Spirits Waldemar Behn

30 Drinks International COMMENDED Liqueurs – berry fruit Gabriel Boudier Bartender Cherry Brandy – Gabriel Boudier Serenade Cherry Liqueur – Lidl Liqueurs – cassis Crème de Cassis Bio – Pagès Védrenne Liqueurs – citrus fruit Merlet C2 Cognac & Citron – Distillerie Merlet & Fils Luxardo Limoncello – Girolamo Luxardo Merlet Triple Sec – Distillerie Merlet & Fils Liqueurs – fruit other Chase Elderflower Liqueur – Williams Chase Distillery Gabriel Boudier Bartender Apricot Brandy – Gabriel Boudier Oscar’s Peach Schnapps – Aldi (c/o Weber Shandwick) Prucia Plum Liqueur de France – Suntory Liquors Limited Pomegranate Liqueur – Pagès Védrenne Liqueurs – coffee/chocolate After Supreme Coffee – After Supreme Liqueurs Mozart Black Chocolate Pure 87 – Mozart Distillerie Liqueurs – cream/dairy After Belgian Chocolate Liqueur – After Supreme Liqueurs After Ivory Belgian Chocolate Liqueur – After Supreme Liqueurs Amarula Cream – Distell Ballycastle Classic Irish Country Cream – Aldi (c/o Weber Shandwick) Carolans Light – Gruppo Campari Liqueurs – rum based Crème Caramel à la Fleur de Sel – Pagès Védrenne BRONZE Cocobay – Aldi (c/o Weber Key Rum Cream – Stock Spirits Liqueurs – berry fruit Shandwick) Mozart White Chocolate Cream – Mozart Distillerie Crème de Framboise Liqueurs – whisky based Queen Margot Cream Liqueur – Lidl Védrenne – Irish Mist – C&C International Liqueurs – whisky based Pagès Védrenne Liqueurs – Irish cream/dairy Southern Belle – Aldi (c/o Weber Shandwick) XO Cherry Brandy Liqueur – Carolans Irish Cream – Gruppo Liqueurs – other spirit based De Kuyper Campari Bad Angel – Babco Europe Liqueurs – cassis Taste the Difference Irish Cream Esprit de June – EWG Spirits & Wine Gabriel Boudier Crème de Cassis – Liqueur – Sainsbury’s Liqueurs – herbal Gabriel Boudier Liqueurs – herbal Amaro Averna – Fratelli Averna Liqueurs – citrus fruit Green Nines – Stumbras AB Oude Meester Ginger Liqueur – Distell Gabriel Boudier Bartender Triple Killepitsch Premium Herbal Mentzendorff Kummel – Mentzendorff & Co Sec – Gabriel Boudier Liqueur – Peter Busch Likoerfabrik Studer Original Swiss Bitter – Studer & Co Lemon Z Limoncello – Lemon Z Bitters Specialities – anis/absinthe Limonce Limoncello – Stock Spirits Fernet Stock Citrus – Stock Spirits Isolabella Sambuca – First Drinks Brands Liqueurs – crème/fruit Other liqueurs & specialities La Fée NV – La Fée Merlet Peche – Distillerie Merlet Armilar Amaretto – Lidl UK Sambuca 100% Anice Stellato – Fratelli Averna & Fils Disaronno Amaretto – Illva Saronno Studer Original Swiss Absinth – Studer & Co Liqueurs – coffee/chocolate Frangelico – Gruppo Campari Other liqueurs & specialities Beveland Crème de Café – The King’s Ginger – BB&R Spirits Ceylon Arrack – Marblehead Brand Development Beveland Specialities – anis/absinthe Mickey Finn Apple – Babco Europe Triibe Celtic Liqueur – The La Fée Parisienne – La Fée Namida Wasabi Spirit – Wasabi Spirits Reformed Spirits Company Sambuca 313 Pallini – Pallini Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth – Bacardi Internazionale Tatratea 52% – Karloff Tatra Distillery

November/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 31 SPECIALIST AWARDS Best Design & Packaging for Travel Retail – Balblair

Best Design & Packaging for the On-Trade – Bushmills Original

Most Innovative Graphic Design – The Kraken

Most Innovative Pack Format – Rock Edition TROPHY The Kraken

GOLD Balblair – International Beverage Caorunn – International Beverage The Kraken – Stranger & Stranger The Paulsen Collection Cognac – Stranger & Stranger Ty Ku Soju – TY KU LLC

SILVER Bushmills Irish Whiskey Range – Diageo Bushmills Original – Diageo Cherry Brandy XO – De Kuyper Royal Distillers Elements 8 Spiced Rum – Elements 8 Rum Fifty Pounds – Sanchez Romate Hnos Gin Mare – Global Premium Brands La Fee Parisienne TROPHY – Cellar Trends The Paulsen Collection Marquis Vodka Cognac – Marquis Vodka Olmeca Altos 100% Tequila – Pernod Ricard Mexico Persha Gildiya Grand – NAT Poli – Poli Distillerie SRL Solerno – William Grant & Sons Spice Tree – Stranger & Stranger Williams Chase Gin – Chase Distillery Writers Tears – Hot Irishman

32 Drinks International Design & Packaging

BRONZE Heaven Premium – LLP ArLine Irish Mist Liqueur – William Grant & Sons Plum Liqueur de France Prucia – Suntory Liquors Pure Green – Renbjer & Magnusson Tatratea Range – Karloff U’Luvka Vodka – The Brand Distillery

COMMENDED Abnormal Vodka – Sun Stars & Sons Black Bush – Diageo Bulbash – Dionis Ceylon Arrack – Marblehead Brand Development Khan – APU Joint Stock Company Chivas Regal 12 by Christian Lacroix – Chivas Brothers Danzka Vodka – Belvedere Scandinavia Heaven Luxury – LLP ArLine Single de Samalens 15 Year Old – Armagnac Samalens Slieve Foy 8 Year Old Single Malt – Cooley Distillery

Meet the judges

Nick Wykes Nick Monk Chairman: Richard Cutler Christian Davis IP Bartenders Multi Labels Paul Foulkes- O-I Europe Editor – Drinks Arellano International Wren & Rowe

November/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 33 ISC Judges 2010

Liqueurs & Specialities Gin, vodka, white spirits, tequila

Chairman: Patrick Adeline Loizeau, Gérard Chaussée, Matthijs Jansen, Peter Hallgarten, van Zuidam, master Cognac quality general manager, senior adviser Specialist Chairman: Ian Lesley Gracie, distiller & MD, manager, Grand Pagès Védrenne R&D, QC and QA, blending Wisniewski, new liquid Zuidam Distillers Marnier Distillery De Kuyper Royal consultant freelance author, development Distilleries journalist, spirits leader, William specialist Grant & Sons Whiskies

From left: Tetsuji Hisamitsu, chief blender, Nikka Whisky Distilling Co; Gordon Motion, master blender, Edrington Group; Caroline Martin (seated), master blender, Diageo; John Ramsay, formerly Edrington master blender (chairman of judges); Robert Hicks, consultant; Jimmy Russell, master distiller, Wild Turkey; David Stewart, master blender, William Grant & Sons; Neil Lowrey, Alexey Zaitsev, Seiichi Koshimizu (seated), chief co-founder Prodexpo blender, Suntory; Richard Paterson, BarWizards Moscow, director master blender, Whyte & Mackay; Billy training academy international Leighton, master blender, Irish Distillers tasting contest

Brandies

Back row from left: Simon Palmer, maître de chai, ABK6 Cognac Leyrat; Neil Mathieson, managing director, Eaux de Vie; Ian Harris, chief executive, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Front row from left: Kobus Gelderblom, chief brandy master, KWV; Louis Nomdedeu, Rémy-Cointreau; and Olivier Paultes, maître de chai, Cognac Frapin Desmond Payne, Joanne Moore, master distiller, master distiller, Beefeater gin G&J Greenall

Rum

From left: Tom Forrest, Vinopolis; Andreas Redlefsen, Elements 8; Peter Martin, J Wray & Nephew UK; Kirstie McCallum, Burn Stewart Distillers; Paul McFadyen, IP Bartenders; chairman of Alexander Leonid the judges Steve Hoyles, Zaitsev, chairman Gelibterman, Chivas Brothers; and Prodexpo Moscow managing Carsten Vlierboom, E&A international partner, Scheer BV tasting contest Independent Academy of Wine and Gastronomy

november/december 2010 drinksint.com International spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT Drinks International 35 ISC 2010

L-R: The hub for wine and spirits eduction; Handy with brandy: Chairman Neil Mathieson pauses to pose; DI editor Christian Davis and commercial manager Justin Smith lose their bottle

Rum do: Elements 8’s Andreas Redlefsen swaps notes with J Wray & Nephew’s Peter Martin Whisky chairman John Ramsay keeps a check on the scores – or maybe his Facebook

Bourbon legend Jimmy Russell shares a joke. (R) Agile Media managing director Russell Dodd washes up

38 Drinks International international spirits challenge SUPPLEMENT drinksint.com november/december 2010