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DID YOU KNOW?
For a few interesting, lesser-known tot-bits about your favourite tipple,
read on. |
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Did you know that
a notorious Belfast prison, which
once held Irish Republican Army inmates during the worst of the city’s
sectarian wars, is about to be transformed into a whiskey distillery? And by
a lottery millionaire no less! Former bus driver Peter Lavery, who won 10.2
million pounds (R134 million+) in 1996, now heads the Belfast Distillery
Company, a consortium of local businessmen who are pumping 5 million pounds
(R65 million+) into the project. A wing of the Victorian-era Crumlin Road
prison, which closed in 1996, will house the first whiskey production in 75
years in a city that was once Ireland's largest producer. Visitors can
expect exhibitions, tours and tastings of a five- and 10-year old malt
whisky. We’re guessing there’ll be no prison break attempts from this
particular jail! |
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Did you know that
Glenfiddich recently hosted the
‘World’s Highest Whisky Tasting’, which was broadcast live from Everest Base
Camp? On 10 May 2012, a team of adventurists nosed and tasted a selection of
Glenfiddich’s single malt reserves at 5 364 metres above sea level, along
with a panel of guests who participated virtually from The London Stock
Exchange. The fundraising event, in partnership with Walking With the
Wounded Everest 2012 Expedition, was held with the aim of putting five
wounded servicemen at the top of the mountain. |
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Did you know that
WhiskyCast Virtual Tastings
is an app that offers audio podcasts featuring a monthly tasting panel of
whisky lovers from around the world? Just a little something for those of us
whisky drinkers who prefer not to have to climb mountains for our taste
tests. Podcasts are free at
http://bit.ly/qwYmPG. |
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Did you know that
yet another whisky app is in the works, this one promising
to “bring people, places and products” together by using GPS enabled venue
recommendations for your favourite dram? No launch date as yet, but Mark
Thomson, director of Dramatic Whisky and the creative force behind the
project, explains the concept: “a whisky you like can be added to a virtual
cabinet and the app will show what venues in the area stock that particular
brand of whisky… The idea is that your night out can be simple as the app
can find the right brand and the right venue for your occasion.” The app
will initially be London-focused but watch this space. |
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Did you know that
there is now a ‘Royal Wedding’ commemorative bottle of
single malt whisky available for those of you who still aren’t quite over
Wills and Kate yet? The English Whisky Co is behind the malt, which they say
is a “marriage of casks” – ahem –handpicked to honour the young couple on
the first anniversary of their wedding. |
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Did you know that
the Malt Whisky Trail will play host to the 2012 Whisky
Trail Sportive on June 24? A mass participation, new charity cycling event,
riders can choose from one of three different routes, winding their way past
many of Scotland’s most notable whisky distilleries, including Glenfiddich,
Glenlivet and The Macallan – obviously the longer you ride the more
distilleries you see. Funds generated will go towards the North East Sensory
Services, an organisation dedicated to assisting those with sensory
impairments. Sounds good enough to get the laziest of us on our bikes, ey! |
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