Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

The response we received in regards to my last Malt Messenger Bulletin was overwhelming. The last 24 bottles Benromach Organic sold out in the first 12 hours, and 48 hours later there have easily been twice as many more orders. We would love to fill them all, but unfortunately it is first come, first serve! My little Malt Messenger Bulletin took on a life of its own, passing from e-mail to e-mail and blog site to blog site until it came to the attention of Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail/Benromach. He has added to the story.

“Since its launch in 2006, Benromach Organic – the world’s first organic single malt to be certified by the Soil Association – has been a tremendous success.  The product’s quality, style and character has resulted in a dedicated following of fans worldwide. ”

Although the Benromach Organic that was is no more, this is not the end of the organic story at Benromach Distillery. This fall Benromach is launching a special limited edition peated Benromach.

(David, Michael and Neil Urquhart pictured in front of Benromach Distillery!)

When Gordon & MacPhail—Scotland’s finest and most respected independent bottler—purchased Benromach distillery in 1993 the decision was made to produce a more traditional style of Speyside single malt whisky. While most distilleries in the Speyside today use faintly peated barley at 1-2ppm phenolic content, Benromach wanted to make something that more closely resembled the region’s whiskies 50 to 100 years ago when the use of peat was more generous. It took Gordon & MacPhail five years to repair and restore Benromach distillery, and since it returned to operation in 1998 it has been principally producing spirit with barley peated to 12ppm.

 “In Autumn 2009, we will be following up on this success by introducing a special edition of Benromach Organic. This special edition bottling is made using the finest Scottish organic barley, dried using peat smoke, to produce an Organic Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinctly smoky character. Matured in virgin American oak casks, this single malt displays sweet, charred oak aromas with rich fruit flavours and soft peat smoke.”

“Benromach is Speyside’s smallest distillery and as a “boutique” distillery we are keen to embrace innovation and try new and different things. We have introduced a special edition of Benromach Organic to demonstrate how different peating levels complement the unique Benromach character.  We are confident that fans of Benromach Organic will love this special edition.”

This limited edition peated Benromach will be available in Alberta late in 2009, and will be exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market. We have no word yet on pricing or packaging, but as with the other Benromachs it will be classically stylish!

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

FOR IMMEDIATE USE: 14 AUGUST 2009

ROBERT BURNS WORLD FEDERATION JOINS SAVE JOHNNIE WALKER CAMPAIGN

A specially designed brochure setting out the story of Diageo’s proposals to cut 700 jobs in its bottling plant in Kilmarnock and the community’s reaction to this was launched at the Burns Monument Centre this week.

The brochure is being sent to every member of the Robert Burns World Federation around the world to gain more support for the “Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock” campaign. It explains how people can get involved in the campaign, either through the campaign website; by spreading the word to family, friends and colleagues or by writing directly to Diageo.

Members of the Cross Party Working Group for the campaign, set up to fight the Diageo closure plans, were very impressed with the finished product: “The brochure is an excellent way to illustrate to Burns Federation members around the world just how committed we are to having a successful outcome to this campaign. It shows how members of the public, local businesses, communities, trades unions and politicians from all parties have come together to fight for the jobs of 700 workers and their families. Containing photos from the march and rally that attracted over 20,000 people in Kilmarnock recently, the brochure demonstrates to the world the enormous pride and loyalty the people of Kilmarnock have for this brand.”

Shirley Bell, Chief Executive of the Robert Burns World Federation, and Councillors Douglas Reid, Tom Cook and Maureen McKay, members of the Cross Party Working Group, signed a letter that will accompany the brochure on its travels around the world. Shirley said: “We are delighted to be backing this campaign which is all about keeping our heritage where it belongs. An appropriate quote from Robert Burns that sums up the current situation goes:

All you who follow wealth and power with unremitting ardour, O

The more in this you look for bliss, you leave your view the farther, O

“I wish the campaign every success and I am sure that our fellow Burnsians around the world will be pleased to add their support too.”

Photo Caption

Councillor Tom Cook; John Haining; Immediate Past Present of the Federation; Shirley Bell, Chief Executive of the Robert Burns World Federation; Councillor Douglas Reid; Jim Shields, Director/Marketing Convenor of the Federation and Councillor Maureen McKay.

 
ends
Caroline Gordon

Public Relations Officer

(01563) 576521

Glendronach Distillery has come up with a quirky way to promote its new range of 12, 15 and 18-year-old malts in Belgium next month.
 
It has selected a single cask from the 1996 vintage, straight from one of the distillery’s warehouses in Aberdeenshire, and is taking it round Belgium…in the back of a van!
 
“Cask in a Van” is the title of GlenDronach’s unusual week-long road show.
 
Regional Sales Director James Cowan explained: “To help make our launch in Belgium more memorable, we’re taking a delicious 1996 limited edition GlenDronach on the road in a special liveried van. As our advertising slogan says, we’re taking the brand “on a journey of re-discovery”.
 
“It’s never been done before so it should be a great hit with Belgian malt whisky fans.”
 
James came up with the idea in tandem with his Belgian importer Mario Groteklaes, who runs The Nectar in Heusden-Zolder.
 
Mario added: “We’ll visit seven major customers for an in-store tasting of the new range of 12, 15 and 18-year-olds, plus a sample of the 1996 whisky straight from the cask which they can decant into their own personalised bottles. As it’s a limited edition, it’s going to be a highly collectable item.
 
“We will also undertake less formal tastings – for example a barbeque is planned in one of the Belgium market towns.”
 
GlenDronach launched its new range of malts in April and the first 3000-bottle consignment sold out in Belgium in just three weeks.
 
Mario said: “GlenDronach has always been a well-known brand here, especially the “old” fifteen-year-old. That, and the good publicity given to the new fifteen and eighteen-year-olds by some Malt Maniacs, and on some forums, made it easy to introduce the new range to about one hundred specialised liquor stores throughout Belgium in just one week.”
 
Watch out for the distinctive GlenDronach van somewhere in Belgium between 29 September – 3 October.
 
Attached is a picture of the van.
 
ends                                                                                        13 August 2009
 
INFORMATION – James Cowan, 00441324 682220

http://www.glendronachdistillery.com/

Please enjoy the excellent Johnnie Walker video advertisment starring Robert Carlyle via the link below;

This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Bartle Bogle Hegarty Limited – WI 18-08-2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7lnnZiORpk

UPDATE! It may now be located at http://www.bartleboglehegarty.com/#!/europe Bartle Bogle Hegarty Limited home page.

Such is the exceptional quality of our malt that our masterclasses are for a select few likeminded people only. I’m delighted to personally invite you and a friend to a very special Glenrothes Masterclass – one exclusive to members of our inner sanctum. (to join the inner sanctum please visit the Glenrothes using the link below).

I’ll tell you all about our distillery and charming malt, whilst savouring some of our Vintage collection and, of course, The Glenrothes Select Reserve.

Just as our Vintages are rare, places at our Masterclasses are limited. If you would like to be one of the select few, you can register by clicking on the link below for one of only two evening events:

26th August 2009, 7.30pm: 29 Club, 29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ
27th August 2009, 7.30pm: Mercure Point Hotel, 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF

Ronnie Cox

Ambassador of the Glenrothes

http://www.theglenrothes.com/uk/

A new-ish version of the Famous Grouse that uses some  Islay malts in the blend or as the label says “A marriage of fine, peated Scotch whiskies and THE FAMOUS GROUSE”.  The nose is much like many blends with the grain whisky jumping out at the start. However this is soon replaced by delicate sweet peat smoke that is very pleasant, the peat smoke aromas are not over whelming. There are also some vague cereal notes along with honey, toffee and vanilla. The taste is once again briefly of the grain but quickly is over taken by the sweet peat smoke. The taste is quite lovely and the inclination is to have a second really big mouthful. The grain is actually very pleasant and the combination of peat smoke and sweetness is very well integrated. This is very easy and pleasant drinking. Beware! The finish is warming with the delicate peat, some dry bitter oak and cocoa (unsweetened) and some chewy peated malt. This effect goes on for quite a long time and the cocoa  and oaky dry bitterness are hand in hand.

Peat smoke, the new black. A great dram to share with friends whom might not have a prior acquaintance with whisky.

C$40

Score 84 Points

http://www.thefamousgrouse.com/ls/en/

As local and international support for the campaign to “Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock” continues to grow, East Ayrshire’s Leisure Services team have been busy creating their own home grown iconic “striding Man” logo in flowers as a display for this year’s municipal exhibit at Ayr Flower Show.

Featuring a range of plants including begonias, the display was the brainchild of John Roxburgh, Assistant Outdoor Amenities Manager who was faced with a tough challenge, having just a few week’s notice to design, source plants and construct the exhibit –  a process which would usually take months.

Members of Cross Party Working Group for the “Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock” Campaign, set up to fight the Diageo closure plans, were very impressed with the results: “Municipal exhibits at Ayr Flower Show are always a showcase for East Ayrshire, displaying the range of skills available within the Council. This year the exhibit has a triple purpose. Firstly it reflects the versatility and green fingers of our own staff, who have redesigned and achieved a magnificent result in a short timescale. Secondly it demonstrates our support for another skilled workforce, that of Johnnie Walker whose employees face an uncertain future. Lastly, it reaffirms the strength of our community, striding forward together and united in showing Diageo just what loyalty to each other and to the brand means to the people of Kilmarnock.”

A stall situated at the exhibit collected a phenomenal 4500 signatures in support of the petition to “Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock”. Already thousands of people from all over the world have put their names to the campaign both in person and online at the www.keepjohnniewalkerinkilmarnock.com  website.

Hello Single Malt Enthusiasts!

This is a special edition of our monthly single malt newsletter. We are excited to announce that BlackBull 30 year old is now available in the U.S.
 
We are rolling our distribution across the country…this release is limited to about 1200 bottles, and after its gone this bull will revert to an on-going 12 year old expression.
 
You ready for this ride?
 
The Bull Is Back
 
BlackBull was first registered on October 24th, 1933, by George Wilshire & Co Ltd. The blend has been sold for over 70 years in the UK, USA, and Europe. Since 2001 the brand has been owned by Duncan Taylor & Co.
 
Since the release of BlackBull 30YO in the UK in April, the blend has been on a rampage! We are delighted to have a brand with both international presence and excellent reviews. Check out the bull on the web, www.blackbullwhisky.com 
 
(Below a collage of BlackBull labels since 1933) 

A Unique Blend50% Malt 50% Grain 50% ABV
 
This special blend is a marriage of the finest single malt and single grain whiskies produced in Scotland. The whiskies were vatted together in the 1970s and matured in sherry casks for 30 years resulting in this deluxe premium rare blend.
 
The BlackBull Deluxe Blend began its life in the early 1930s and since that time it has achieved great following from whisky connoisseurs throughout the world for its exquisite taste.
 
SRP $199
Tasters Choice
 
BlackBull is non-chill filtered or colored – it remains completely natural.
 
Color: Chestnut
 
Nose: Initially chocolate then a hint of turkish delights, stewed rhubarb and lime pickle. Notes of dark cherries develop with time.
 
Flavor: Rich sherry notes. A big dram but also gentle at the same time. Again, more chocolate notes and some red fruits.
 
Finish: A cherry finish with a slight cinnamon note and obvious sherry character, but there is also a faint creamy note in the background.
 
Comment: Quite simply stunning!  
 
What Does John Know?
 
Check out Malt Advocate’s “What Does John Know?” review of BlackBull on his blog –
 
http://blog.maltadvocate.com/2009/05/08/review-black-bull-30-year-old-blended-scotch/
 
Hopefully you will have an opportunity to rope in some of this rare blend … but only if you’re feeling bullish!
 
Cheers,
 

Ken Young
Preiss Imports
ken@preissimports.com
please email me directly to find local availability

As promised, you are among the very first to find out about new bottlings of Highland Park. With this in mind, I am delighted to announce the release of Hjarta, a natural strength 12 year old expression, limited to approximately 3,900 bottles. Available now from the distillery, our on-line shop and in Scandinavia during autumn this year.

Orkney has never forgotten its Scandinavian heritage; Hjarta is the ancient Norse word for ‘heart’ and the whisky has been launched to mark the total refurbishment of our visitor centre, itself a celebration of the rich history of the Islands.

As F Paul Pacult said in Wine Enthusiast magazine; “To say Highland Park is a cathedral in the religion of single malt whisky is an understatement. Think Mecca. Think Vatican.” For many whisky enthusiasts, a visit to Highland Park is a pilgrimage. Once there, pilgrims should find the quintessence of Highland Park – the soul of the whisky – a place of warmth and welcome that will stay with the visitor forever.

Natural Orcadian materials are used throughout; Neolithic and Pictish designs adorn the walls and the floor is made of Caithness flagstones. The tasting bar is made from a retired washback, which had given 37 years of unwavering service, and is circular in form reflecting a significant theme in Orcadian design.

The whisky has been created by Max MacFarlane, Whisky Maker, and is bottled at 58.1%. He has supplied the following tasting note for Hjarta:

TASTING NOTES
Colour: Deep amber, clear and bright.
Nose: Close scrutiny of this intense 12 year old cask strength malt reveals a glorious combination of rich, dried fruits, aromatic spice and heather, caramelised pineapple and fresh lemon peel subtly intertwined with hints of delicate smoke.
Palate: Rich flavour delivery, mouth-coating silky vanilla sweetness and hints of coconut converging in an exquisite balance of sweet, heather peat smokiness.
Finish: Long, gentle and smoky.

Hjarta is available at £65 per bottle.

Unless you are in Scandinavia, you can only acquire Hjarta by travelling to the distillery or by visiting the website.

For more information about the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

Gerry
Head of Brand Education, Highland Park

Linkwood 23yo 1983/2006 (52.1%, Murray McDavid Mission Gold, Madeira casks fin., 700 Bts.)

A cask strength offering that has been gathering dust on a shelf since 2006 bottled by Murray McDavid, without chill filtration, the addition of coloring AND the cask was selected by Jim McEwan. The nose is sweet and mildly buttery along with bourbon, bees wax and some very mild perfume; heather, roses, pine resin. Additionally there are some hints of plump raisins and warm brown sugar. Strong oak and assorted wood notes. With water it becomes slightly more aggressive and lacks the sweetness; the floral/perfume notes increase. Even though it is cask strength perhaps it would benefit by not adding water. The taste is sweet as with many Madeira finished whiskies but seems to lack an essential character and is perhaps over whelmed by the finishing. The Bourbon pokes it’s head through once in a while but it’s a rare sighting. Still, it’s tasty so there can’t be too much moaning. There is some pleasant butter to the taste along with some mild tobacco. With water there is an improvement (oops, ignore previous please) and it’s actually much better, the butter characteristic and the sweetness, the wood & Bourbon are all well integrated.  The finish is warming, not overly long and features lots of dry wood notes, brandy, cedar and furniture polish. After a short while the oak is quite evident but little else.

The Madeira has brought this cask up market.

C$125

Score 82 Points