Diageo has announced that its iconic Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Lagavulin™ is sponsoring this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.

The Islay Jazz Festival is a well-established annual event that takes place over a weekend in September, attracting hundreds of jazz lovers to Islay from Scotland, the rest of the United Kingdom, and overseas. The dates of this year’s Festival are 17 – 19 September.

The event will now be known as the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival http://www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk/

The events of the Festival are spread over three days and many venues on Islay. In 2010 the Festival programme features the lyrical pianism of Zoe Rahman; the feel-good saxophone of Jesse Davis; the Blue Note inspired Mercy, Mercy, Mercy; award-winning Scottish guitarist Graham Stephen; the commanding tenor of John Burgess; and a new take on 1920s and 30’s jazz from Nova Scotia Jazz Band. Concerts are presented across the island, in a mix of unique settings: village halls, distilleries, bird sanctuaries, and small bars and inns. Three of the events will be staged at Lagavulin Distillery.

Commenting on behalf of Lagavulin™ and Diageo’s Classic Malts Selection™, Nick Morgan (Diageo’s Scotch Knowledge and Heritage Manager) said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to sponsor this world-class festival, which brings so many discerning jazz lovers to venues throughout Islay, which has to be one of the world’s most seductive islands. Crafted with skill, love and inspiration, live jazz and fine Malt Whisky are the best of partners, enhancing enjoyment, relaxation, community and good companionship.”

Fiona Alexander of promoters Assembly Direct in Edinburgh welcomed the new sponsorship by Lagavulin:

“The Festival is delighted to be supported by such a fine Islay Whisky and iconic brand. Its virtues of quality character, complexity and rootedness in its landscape are ones which the Festival aspires towards”.

THE ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Festival has been running since 1999, and until this year was sponsored by Black Bottle, the brand of blended Scotch Whisky that incorporates seven Islay Single Malts.

The Festival began when Stuart Todd of Islay Arts Association called Fiona Alexander of Assembly Direct to get a phone number for a musician he wanted to book. In the following conversation the seed of the Festival was germinated.

In its twelve year history the Festival has promoted musicians from over 25 countries and presented fifteen world premieres and it today regarded as a significant jazz event in the UK calendar.

LAGAVULIN™

Lagavulin is one of Scotland’s “essential” distilleries, and a place of pilgrimage for many adorers of this definitive Islay Malt, for which demand heavily exceeds supply.

Here on the coast of Kildalton, the south-eastern edge of Islay, the distillery works its magic on a cramped, chaotic, wildly romantic site by the sea, looking across a small tight bay to the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, a 13th century base of The Lords of the Isles.

It was in 1816 that John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin Bay: there had been many other illicit stills before that. As with all Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse Distillers joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts™ of Scotland.

Among the highly successful variants of the regular 16 year old Lagavulin are the much-praised Lagavulin™ Distillers Edition™, finished in Pedro Jimenez Cask Wood.

Limited editions of 12, 21 and 25 year old expressions have also been released.

Maker’s 46 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

$33.99

An interesting take on an American favorite, this whiskey was created by using fully matured Maker’s Mark.  The barrels are emptied and ten wooden seared staves are attached to the inner paneling. Searing the staves  caramelizes the sugars in the wood, adding a unique flavor that finishes on the front of the tongue. The fully matured Maker’s Mark is then put back in the barrel and aged several more months until it is approved by Master Distiller Kevin Smith.

Tasting Notes

Aged - To maturity
Proof - 94

Aroma - Pleasant, sweet, toasty oak nose with caramel overtones. More intense aroma without an alcohol nose.

Taste - Rich, creamy seared-oak flavors; caramel and vanilla notes linger on the front of the palate, but it is still soft enough to hold on the tongue even at 94 proof.

Finish - A big mouth-watering oaky finish. Long with a little spice, staying forward on the palate without the bitter bite found in older whiskies.

Visit D&M at www.dandm.com

Hello Everyone.

As many of you may be aware, The BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd. -incorporating both The BenRiach Distillery and The GlenDronach Distillery- has recently purchased the Newbridge Bond on the outskirts of Edinburgh. This will provide us with our own sophisticated bottling facility, as well as increased storage capacity for finished products and dried goods, all of which should allow for greater flexibility moving forward.

This facility will now act as our central head office for the company, and I would hereby like to inform you of our new contact details which will take effect as of 1st August 2010.

The BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd.

Newbridge Bond

Queen Anne Drive

Lochend Industrial Estate

Newbridge

Midlothian EH28 8LN

UK
 
TEL: +44 (0) 131 456 2611

FAX: +44 (0) 131 456 2688

Please can you all update your records and ensure that from August the 1st all paperwork and correspondence is directed via this address.

Should you have any questions or queries then please let me know.

Many thanks,

K.

It has been reported that the Eniglish Whisky Company at their St. George’s Distillery in Roudham, Norfolk suffered a small fire in the last few days. All the people at the distillery are fine…and so are the maturing stocks of whisky.

Visit the English Whisky Company at www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Loch Fyne Whiskies has stocked a new item, ‘Fettercairn Fior’

Fettercairn Fior
42% abv
£36.89 inc vat
£31.40 ex vat

Limited Release

Official tasting notes:

‘Honey gold in colour, with aromas of crushed pear, toffee apple and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. A kiss of peat smoke with hazelnuts, orange rind, ginger and coriander complete the nose.

Taste is of bold dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and peat smoke fused with nutmeg, mint, citrus fruits and truffle. The lingering finish proffers sherry trifle, marzipan and pineapple.’

Any flavour not mentioned there?

Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

Visit Loch Fyne Whiskies at www.lfw.co.uk

MEDIA INFORMATION

Glenglassaugh Distillery, Portsoy.  27 July 2010.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

• First account of historic distillery re-opening.
• Glenglassaugh – A Distillery Reborn written by Ian Buxton - with Foreword by Alex Salmond.

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company today announces the release of Glenglassaugh – A Distillery Reborn, published in association with The Angel’s Share (NWP, Glasgow).

The 118 page full colour book was written by Ian Buxton, a well-known whisky writer and consultant, who has worked with the distillery since March 2008.  It records the history of the distillery from its establishment in 1875, through closure and the 2008 acquisition by the Scaent Group and Glenglassaugh’s subsequent refurbishment and re-opening.  Many archive photographs are included, together with stunning new photography of the restoration by renowned distillery photographer Ian McIlwain.

The distillery’s Managing Director, Stuart Nickerson, said:

“We are delighted with this book and our collaboration with The Angel’s Share. The result is a complete record of a remarkable story, told by a real insider, that is important both to the Scotch Whisky industry and this beautiful corner of Scotland.”

“We believe that Glenglassaugh – A Distillery Reborn will be of interest to our growing international customer base, whisky enthusiasts and local people.  It’s a fascinating story, well told, and a handsome book to grace any library.  We’d like to thank and congratulate Ian; Jules Akel, who designed the book and Alex Salmond, who contributed the Foreword in his previous role as our local MP.”

Glenglassaugh – A Distillery Reborn is available from the distillery; good bookshops everywhere; on-line at www.nwp.co.uk and www.glenglassaugh.com and from Amazon.

Retail price: £14.99 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-906476-10-6
  £19.99 (hard cover)  ISBN: 978-1-906476-13-7

Background/Further Information

About Glenglassaugh

The Glenglassaugh Distillery is situated on the Banffshire coast in the North-East of Scotland, close to the small village of Portsoy. The distillery was built in 1875 by local businessmen to satisfy the growing global demand for Scotch Malt Whisky and the site was chosen due to its close proximity to a high quality water supply and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

After a visit in the late 1880s, the highly-regarded Victorian commentator Alfred Barnard described Glenglassaugh as “too well known to need any praise.”

More recently, spirit from Glenglassaugh was used primarily in blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse. In 1986 the then owners mothballed Glenglassaugh as part of wider cutbacks in production and the distillery has remained silent thereafter. In 2008 The Scaent Group of Amsterdam purchased the distillery and have invested more than £1m to recommence operations and to reintroduce to discerning customers the distinctive and high quality attributes of The Glenglassaugh Single Malt Scotch Whisky.  For more information, please visit www.glenglassaugh.com

Redevelopment

The refurbishment and reopening of the Glenglassaugh Distillery have been managed by Stuart Nickerson, a renowned whisky expert, who was the sole consultant during the acquisition. Nickerson has worked in the Scotch Whisky industry since 1981 with a significant part of his career being with William Grants, where he was Distilleries Director.  Previously, he managed Highland Park Distillery, Glenrothes and Glenfiddich Distilleries in succession. He was appointed the new Managing Director of the Glenglassaugh Distillery Company in February 2008.

One of Stuart Nickerson’s first actions was the appointment of Graham Eunson as Distillery Manager, effective from 1st April 2008. Graham joined the Distillery from Glenmorangie where he was Manager of the world famous distillery for the last 12 years. Graham has also worked at Glendronach and Scapa distilleries.

Production at Glenglassaugh was restarted on 24th November 2008 by Rt Hon Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister and the distillery’s MP.  Distilling was thus commenced under the guidance of Stuart Nickerson and Graham Eunson and “The Spirit Drink that dare not speak its name™” is the first product released to be made by the new management team.

Ian Buxton

Having worked in the Scotch Whisky industry since 1987 and with Glenglassaugh since March 2008, author Ian Buxton knows the company very well. 

His other publications include an introduction to Aeneas MacDonald’s Whisky; contributions to Beer Hunter, Whisky Chaser, co-author of Dorling Kindersley’s Eyewitness Guide to Whisky and the award-winning World Whisky and Whiskey and Philosophy (Wiley). He has written the history of John Dewar and Sons, The Enduring Legacy of Dewar’s as well as numerous magazine articles in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Ian is a Keeper of the Quaich, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and a Grand Ordinary Member of the von Poser Society of Scotland.  He lives near Pitlochry on the site of a derelict distillery!

The Angel’s Share/NWP Glasgow

Neil Wilson Publishing is one of Scotland’s leading independent publishers. Under five imprints we produce a wide range of books with a Scottish (and, very occasionally, Irish) flavour. Whisky titles are published under The Angel’s Share imprint, with more than 20 titles currently available, including The Enduring Legacy of Dewar’s, also by Ian Buxton.  For more information, visit www.nwp.co.uk

Glencadam OB 21yo 46%alc.

(LFW Tasting Notes)

A great value, well matured whisky flavoured whisky.

More specifically there is a citric, chocolate, solvent aroma that with water gives more lemon, some pineapple cubes and a grassy, fruity zest. On the tongue it is generally quiet and understated, ginger-whisky like with a warming prickle and a butter-oily finish.

Interesting as there is not too much wood contribution - despite its 21years occupancy.

On the Flavour Map I have it in square F3
Complex & Delicate

Glencadam 21 year old
Barcode: 5021349761464

Price excluding VAT: £42.47
£49.90 Including VAT at 17.5%

Visit Loch Fyne Whiskies at www.lfw.co.uk

Highland Queen Majesty 30 Year Old   Single Highland Scotch Whisky
WAS £99.99 - NOW £74.99 SAVE £25.00
 
Highland Queen has been produced in Scotland for over 100 years. It takes the name from Mary Queen of Scots, who reigned from 1545 to1567 and was executed in 1587 on the order of Elisabeth 1st, Queen of England.
 
Majesty 30 years old is the oldest and rarest expression of Highland Queen, with only 2000 bottles produced. It has exceptional elegance and softness on the nose, with the sweetness golden syrup, butterscotch and creamy toffee. Long and elegant tothe end the finish has amazing finese with gentle nut notes, hints of dates, citrus notes and the softness of vanilla creams.

http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com/magento/highland-queen-majesty-30-year-old.html

The Kentucky Bourbon & BBQ MusicFest kicks off Friday., July 30 at Johnston Field at Centre Square with a concert featuring 100% Angus (AC/DC Tribute) and other acts. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the gate and can be purchased online in advance.

On Saturday, enjoy a BBQ People’s Choice contest, live entertainment all day, the Heart of Kentucky Cornhole Classic and a classic car, truck & motorcycle show downtown.

www.visitlebanonky.com

Whisky Agency - Our new stock list

We´re happy to present our new range of bottlings. You may find the new entries as attached including -
 
Our 6th series “Insects”:

-Clynelish 1989 ex-bourbon
-Lochside 1981 ex-bourbon
-Miltonduff 1980 ex-bourbon
-Glen Grant 1973 ex-sherry

 
The latest “Perfect Dram” - additions:

-Linkwood 1973 ex-bourbon
-”A Speyside” 1969 ex-bourbon
 
as well as the new
 
“Private Stock” design:
-Clynelish 1972 sherry wood
-Bunnahabhain 1967 sherry wood

For any details or tasting notes please check our website: www.whisky-agency.com or contact us via email: post@whisky-agency.com.

MARA Malt Rarities Rare & Old Tasting November 20th

Our next rare & old tasting will be held on November 20th at Villa Konthor, Limburg. Here`s where you can find the tasting line-up & pics online: “Tasting”. http://maltwhisky-mara.com/index2.htm

For any interest or bookings please do not hesitate to contact us at:  roland.puhl@t-online.de

Our homepage www.maltwhisky-mara.de.

Sincerest Regards and many greetings from Limburg/Germany 
 
Limburg News
Werner-Senger-Straße 23
65549 Limburg
Phone: +49 (0)6432 5758
E-Mail: newsletter@whisky-agency.com
Website: www.whisky-agency.com