Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/65124
SCOTCH REPORT All the News That's by Ian Buxton ood news from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) who last month reported global sales of Scotch whisky to have grown 23% in 2011, totalling a stag- gering £4.23bn ($6.72bn) in value. Exports to the United States performed espe- cially strongly with a dramatic 31% growth to £654.9m ($1.04bn). Once again, the U.S. was scotch's largest market by value. Fit to Drink G But only two cheers. These are value statistics, not volume, and the British pound has been steadily losing ground in the worldwide financial crunch, thus flattering the top-line figures. In fact, U.S. volumes grew by 14% so major celebrations are on hold, though a large single malt may be in order. A slightly more sober view came from Yvonne Briese, VP Whisky, Diageo North America, who pointed THE TASTING PANEL to Johnnie Walker's 7.5% sales growth in the U.S. versus last year. Coming from the world's number-one brand of blended Scotch, that's an impres- sive performance in its own right. Fans of the iconic brand should look out for some sig- nificant changes in the portfolio over the next few months. Johnnie Walker Green Label and Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old are being phased out of the global range, though they will continue to be available in the U.S. for some while. Coming in to replace them will be Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label which, says Diageo, offer "a logi- cal and structured journey through the range." Diageo is now launching its renowned Diageo World Class program in conjunction with the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG). This 26 / the tasting panel / may 2012 unique, international cocktail training program will champion the art of the crafted cocktail and name one talented bartender the first- ever World Class U.S. Ambassador, who will represent the United States at the Diageo World Class Global Final in Brazil this coming July—a "structured journey" for the deserving winner. Regarding current brand activity, Diageo's Briese told THE TASTING PANEL that "In the U.S., the Johnnie Walker team will continue to focus on mentorship and gifting activity. Through our Masters of Whisky and our House of Walker programs, we introduce consumers to the Johnnie Walker range in a premium, and entertaining, educational experience. Johnnie Walker Blue Label activity will continue to focus on our engraving program which enables consumers to take a gift of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from special to one-of-a-kind by engrav- ing a personal message directly on the bottle." The latest offering from Spencerfield Spirits is certainly "one-of-a-kind." Back in our December issue, CEO Alex Nicol was hinting at some exciting new products. Now, just 1,800 bottles of the company's Sheep Dip Vintage Amoroso Oloroso are on their way to the U.S. (SRP $50, distributed through Frederick Wildman). The product—originally Scotch whisky—has spent years in Spain maturing in rare old sherry casks and offers a completely unique taste that connoisseurs of the rare and exotic will be keen to try. Perhaps it's something to snap up early for an unusual Father's Day tipple.