REGULARS SPY DISPATCHES 6 A pick of the news and happenings WORLD WHISKIES DESIGN AWARDS 2012 8 We reveal winners of this inaugural competition for excellence in packaging and design EVENTS 11 The dates you need for the Whisky Live network DAVE BROOM 12 His take on life, the universe and the spirit we love THOUGHTS FROM... 13 Our network of correspondents give their views

INSIDER PRODUCTION 28 Ian Wisniewski investigates the chemistry between the cask and spirit TRAVEL RETAIL 30 Joe Bates takes to the high seas to check out the successful Viking Line cruises COCKTAIL 32 Naren Young looks at the rise of the Irish whiskey cocktail, the current darling of the bar scene DISTILLERY FOCUS 34 DAFTMILL Neil Wilson visits this perfect example of a farmhouse distillery WHISKY TRAVELS 40 Liza Weisstuch gets under the skin of Louisville and finds some excellent bars

FLAVOUR FOOD 54 Whisky chef Martine Nouet looks at some more whisky and food pairings NEW RELEASES 58 A round up of the latest bottlings to hit the shelves with extensive tasting notes

NIGHTCAP LITERATURE 68 Jefferson Chase reviews another whisky laden tome this time featuring bizarre normal lives PEAT AND JACK 69 Whisky cartoon times WHISKY MAGAZINE INDEX 70 The movers and shakers at the auctions, featuring market analysis from Jonny McCormick

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contents

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FEATURES Oak matters 14 Our network of writers look at the importance of wood; who is experimenting with new things and why the old favourites still have appeal

Extending lifespans 28 Neil Ridley visits Diageo’s Cambus cooperage to look at the new innovations that are helping to extend the life of casks

The Angels’ Share 44 We catch up with British film director supreme Ken Loach at a screening of his latest work which explores the whisky world

Drinker’s guide to Chicago 48 Charles K Cowdrey takes us round the Windy City to visit some of its world class whisky bars and restaurants

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CONTENTS World Whiskies Awards 73 Contents 74 How it works 75 World’s Best New Release 76 World’s Best Grain Whisky 77 World’s Best Liqueur 78 World’s Best American Whiskey 82 World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky 86 World’s Best Blended Whisky 92 World’s Best Single Malt Whisky 104 Distillers’ Index 106

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