Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
SCOTCH REPORT Vault Malts H igh-end Scotch whisky seems to be becoming increasingly collectible and distillers are responding with new expressions targeted at enthusiastic consumers. While I'm personally sceptical about the "investment" pitch from some houses (did anyone mention Beanie Babies?), there's no denying the trend. Hopefully distillers won't get too greedy. A striking new single malt release from Highland Park, expected this month, seems typical. Highland Park Thor (SRP $199) is the fi rst in the distillery's Valhalla Collection: four unique whiskies to be released annually, "taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods." Bottled at a robust 52.1% ABV, this limited-edition 16-year-old comes in a wooden frame, designed to echo the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship. Naturally, it's available just in time for Father's Day. The packaging does rather scream "gift," but compared to the distillery's own 18-year old-bottling, available typically at around $120, will this bottle be marooned on a shelf or quickly plundered for its admittedly delicious contents? One of the most venerable and highly-regarded of single malts, Glenfi ddich, marks its 125th anniversary in 2012. As part of the celebrations, the brand has been auctioning bottles of the Glenfi ddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve, a William Grant family heirloom and currently claimed as the world's most valuable single malt Scotch. Bottle #1 sold for £46,850 ($72,632) and Prince Harry recently auctioned Bottle #2, raising £44,000 ($68,213) for his chosen 24 / the tasting panel / april 2012 COLLECTIBLE SCOTCH RELEASES FOR THE ENTHUSIAST by Ian Buxton charity, Walking with the Wounded. A nation- wide Cask of Dreams tour will commence with similar celebratory events—in conjunction with National Geographic—held at historic locations in cities including Philadelphia, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco and fi nishing up in Los Angeles. Also on the road, ahead of its planned major relaunch this fall, is Cutty Sark. Brand Controller Jason Craig is excited right now about their Speed Rack female bar tender competition targeted at prime cocktail-focused markets (see page 76). "These began in New York in June 2011," he tells THE TASTING PANEL. "Now, it's time for Speed Rack to hit the road. And with our sights set on cities with LUPEC chapters, strong cocktail scenes and major spirits festivals, Speed Rack will garner high rates of attendance in ten cities involving 160 women in 80 rounds with 1000s of attendees." Meanwhile, fast-growing single malt The Glenrothes is moving distribution from Campari America to Anchor Distilling Company, making the most of the strategic partnership formed between the two companies in August 2010, when Berry Bros. & Rudd acquired a signifi - cant minority stake in San Francisco– based ADC. Whyte & Mackay plans to be active in 2012 with four new releases: The Dalmore 1978, The Dalmore Castle Leod, Jura 1976 and Jura 21, the latter to celebrate Jura's 200th anniversary. Finally, look out for the fi rst whisky from the re-opened Glenglassaugh distillery. Revival will be available through Purple Valley Inc. Collectors may want to get their hands on this bottle. At least it seems as if the investors in the distillery will been rewarded for their patience!