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IRISH DISTILLERS RELEASE THE 2013 EDITION OF MIDLETON VERY RARE
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, has unveiled the latest release of its prestigious blended whiskey, Midleton Very Rare.
Regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of Irish Whiskey, Midleton Very Rare is made from hand-selected whiskeys chosen by the Master Distiller from the renowned Midleton Distillery. Blended from only the finest single pot still and grain distillates of the year, the whiskey is matured in a select few, lightly charred, ex-Bourbon American oak casks, contributing to its complex and elegant taste profile, beloved of whiskey connoisseurs across the world.
Midleton Very Rare benefits from the distillery’s trademark triple distillation and a typical ageing time of up to 20 years and features the signature of the Master Distiller on the label, as a guarantee of the unique quality of this rare whiskey. The 2013 edition will be the final expression to feature the signature of Barry Crockett, the former Master Distiller who first developed this prestige whiskey ahead of its launch in 1984 and retired earlier this year after 47 years at the distillery.
Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation and Category Development Director at Irish Distillers, says: “Midleton Very Rare is rightfully regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of the Irish whiskey category and each vintage is cherished by collectors and whiskey connoisseurs. It is a unique whiskey that demonstrates both the outstanding quality of Irish whiskey at the high end of the category and the immense skill of our Master Distiller, so with Midleton Very Rare and the other Prestige whiskeys in our portfolio we’re aiming to show the world that the finest Irish Whiskeys offer exceptional quality that rival the best whiskies from across the world.”
Barry Crockett, former Master Distiller of the Midleton Distillery, says: “Due to the hand crafted nature of Midleton Very Rare, there are slight variances in taste from year to year. The 2013 edition is characterised by a complex yet elegant taste of soft ripe fruits, leading to a generous single pot still spice and a long, balanced finish. The depth and complexity of the expression means it appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs, with the nuances of each annual release making them a must-try spirit for all whiskey drinkers.”
RRP $125, 700ml 40% abv
THE LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL COMES TO LONDON
The beautiful Scottish island of Islay is host each year to its own jazz festival, sponsored by Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It hosts an outstanding bill of international and Scottish jazz artists: last year brought the hugely successful Neil Cowley Trio (UK Jazz Artist of the Year 2013), and this year the stars include Magnus Öström , a central figure in the new European Jazz scene.
However, Islay is a difficult place to get to, even for the most devoted of jazz or whisky enthusiasts, so this year LAGAVULIN™, Jazz FM and The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show have come together to bring a taste of Islay Jazz to London.
For one night only, on Tuesday 3rd September, the Camden Jazz Café will be playing host to The Islay Jazz Festival, with great music from leading Scottish performers, andLagavulin for guests to enjoy.
Tickets include entry on the night, a Lagavulin aperitif, a dram of Lagavulin 16 yo and aLagavulin cocktail during the interval, designed by virtuoso bartender Ryan ‘Mr Lyan’ Chetiyawardana.
VIP tickets are also available, which include a seat on the balcony and a main course from the Jazz Café’s menu. The Jazz Café’s bar will also be open as usual, offering a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and, of course, Lagavulin.
On stage are artists who have all appeared at recent Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festivals:
Colin Steele Quintet
Over the last decade trumpeter Colin Steele has made his mark on the UK scene, winning awards and wowing audiences with his Scottish folk-tinged jazz. His quintet brings him together with four other top Scottish musicians: Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Callum Gourlay (double bass) and Stu Richie (drums). He is appearing again at this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.
Tom Bancroft: Trio Red
A key figure in the Scottish jazz scene for over 20 years, drummer, composer and bandleader Tom Bancroft’s latest project focuses on musical storytelling, with mash-ups, improvisations and original compositions drawing on the group’s extensive live experience. Trio Red features Tom on drums with Tom Cawley on piano and Per Zanussi on bass.