Useful information from the whisky industry in March 2009

Below is a full list of whisky news on Planet Whiskies. But if you would like to browse through the latest news month, by month please click on the below links and this will take you to the month in question. I have only been collection the latest whisky news for the last few months, but over time these links will increase.

Before March 2009 ~~ March 2009 ~~ April 2009 -- May 2009 ~~ June 2009 ~~ July 2009 ~~ August 2009

September 2009 ~~ October 2009

Planet Whiskies will bring you the latest whisky press releases from around the world - March 2009

The Isle of Jura - General Press Release - March 30th, 2009

The Isle of Jura - As Good As Life Used To Be

There is no quick way of getting to the island of Jura.  The fastest method from London involves two planes, a ferry, and the best part of a day. Coming by car from Glasgow takes about the same amount of time.  George Orwell, who came here to write 1984, described it as "an extremely un-getable place." Things haven’t changed a great deal since then. 

Which is partly what makes this Hebridean island – producer of the award-winning JURA single malt – such a magical destination.  Only 7 miles wide and 30 long, Jura is inhabited by 5,000 deer and 180 people. Although private telephones were installed in the 1970’s, replacing the island’s three, don’t expect to get a mobile phone signal here, let along internet access. With one shop, one pub, a bank that comes once a week and its 180 year old distillery, it’s “as good as life used to be,” as the distillers ... Click to read more

Treasure trove of rare Highland Park single malt whisky discovered in Japan - March 27th 2009

- The sold-out 1977 Bicentenary Vintage re-released in UK - 

A treasure trove of rare Highland Park single malt discovered in Japanese warehouses has today been re-released onto the UK market.

The limited edition Bicentenary 1977 Vintage was originally launched in 1998 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Orkney distillery.  International demand was on an unprecedented scale and the bottling sold out almost immediately, fast becoming a collectors’ item. 

Jason Craig, Global Controller, Highland Park comments: “We were astounded to discover this rare stock in our previous distributor’s warehouses in Japan.  This is a very special expression of Highland Park and one which we thought had sold out and been consumed long ago.  The Japanese have long been recognised as discerning consumers and collectors of single malt whisky and, as a result, a significant proportion made the journey to Tokyo and beyond.  We decided to repatriate the remaining Bicentenary 1977 Vintage bottles to celebrate its extended Japanese sabbatical and offer whisky lovers a rare opportunity to enjoy this incredible single malt again.” Click to read more

Glenmorangie Distillery sweetens its future with an age-old custom - 27th March 2009

An age-old whisky custom of ‘sweetening the stills’ has taken place at the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, it was announced today (Friday 27 March).

Four new copper pot stills – the tallest in Scotland – recently installed as part of a major expansion at the Distillery, have been ‘christened’ with a unique botanical recipe of herbs and heather to prepare them for the restart of whisky production at the Distillery in April.  

The tradition is all the more poignant as the last man to sweeten the stills at the Distillery nearly 20-years ago (1990), John Murray – one of the famous “16 Men of Tain” – has passed the ‘honour’ on to his son, Dougie Murray.

Dougie Murray, also one of the “16 Men of Tain”, along with the Glenmorangie Distillery Manager, Andy Macdonald, gathered the fragrant ingredients from the nearby Morangie Hill for the private ceremony which took place earlier this week. Click to read more

The Famous Grouse experience brings in bird expert - 24th March 2009

The RSPB is strengthening its partnership with The Famous Grouse by posting a member of its head office team to The Famous Grouse Experience, located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery, Glenturret in Perthshire.

The award winning visitor centre, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year, will introduce Jane Cleaver, the new Black Grouse Information Officer, at the beginning of April. Her job will be to educate the public on the partnership between The Famous Grouse and the RSPB, as well as host a series of events including bat evenings, nature walks, family events and twice weekly moor tours for visitors to the distillery in conjunction with Timberbush Tours. Click to read more

The Famous Grouse raises tens of thousands for charity - 16th March 2009

The 250th anniversary of Robert Burns wasn’t simply a chance for thousands of revellers to enjoy a wee dram. The Famous Grouse, Scotland’s Number 1 whisky, helped many charities to enjoy a more prosperous 2009.

As a result, over £70,000 was raised by Burns Suppers around the world from auctioning The Famous Grouse limited edition blended whisky.

The Famous Grouse created 250 limited edition bottles of 37 year old blended malt to mark both Burns’ 250th birthday and the 37 years of his short but fruitful life. Renowned Scottish artist and playwright John Byrne was commissioned to create an original drawing of Robert Burns to adorn this limited edition whisky, making it a unique collector's item as part of The World Famous Burns Supper celebration. In keeping with the humanitarian spirit of Burns, these bottles were only available for Charity Auction. Each one was valued at a minimum of £400 but some were sold for over £1,200 and on one occasion £2,887 was raised. Click to read more

News from the Glenmorangie Distillery on Islay - 2nd March 2009

The Glenmorangie Company is named Whisky Magazine’s Global “Innovator of the Year”... For the second year running

“The Glenmorangie Company has yet again left the competition standing”

“Pushing the boundaries of taste experience with Glenmorangie and Ardbeg”

The Glenmorangie Company is celebrating being named the whisky industry’s “Innovator of the Year” for the second year running.

The highly coveted accolade – presented at the Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky event held in London – was awarded to The Glenmorangie Company for three bold new product innovations: Glenmorangie Signet, Glenmorangie Astar and Ardbeg Blasda and won against stiff competition from whisky producers across the globe. Click to read more