Well after a hectic last few days before Christmas we were all looking forward to a Christmas break which started mildly enough in Portsoy with the snow which had fallen just before Christmas totally disappeared by the 25th. However by the time New Year came we had our share of cold weather and snow which got worse in the first week of January. Some of the team couldn’t make it in due to the roads being closed and so with threats of the gas supplies possibly being shut-off we have delayed start-up for a week. We should now be ready to start next week by which time I will be in Canada heading for the Victoria Whisky Festival.

For those of you who have been following my ramblings during last year, you will remember that we produced a small amount of peated spirit at the end of the year. While we are still awaiting the analyses of the spirit and the measured phenol levels, both Graham and I were pleased with the taste of the spirit and are sure that this will produce excellent whisky in future years. Later this year we will make available a very small amount of bottles of the peated new make spirit and more details of the unique way in which we will sell this product will be available shortly.

Finally although we have had some snow, I know that many of you have fared worse than us and indeed some of other Scotch Whisky companies have suffered considerably with warehouse roof collapses. To date we have not been affected by this and I can only hope that the thaw, when it comes, does not do too much damage.

Slange

Stuart

Hello everybody,

A new year for all and we’re looking forward to a cracker (little post Xmas reference there!) We are hoping for a whole new line-up for 2010 to excite and educate your taste-buds.

To start with we have a Tasting happening in just a couple of weeks, on the 26th of January when Annabel Meikle from Glenmorangie will be here for the High street launch of the new Sonnalta.

Those of you who were lucky enough (sic) to be at our “In House” tasting will already know this to be a fine expression of the Glenmorangie, and those who were not, now’s your chance.

Along with this new release we will be tasting another 5 Glenmorangie from their core range including the fabulous Astar, the exquisite Quarter Century, and an exclusive cask sample brought down especially for the evening.

Now we know that a good percentage of you will have “given up drinking for a month”, but resolutions are there for your own good, and missing this would not be good for anybody, now would it?
 

Tickets are £25 per person with the usual 2 per person (although we will have a standby list in case too many people have will power) and will go on a first come first served basis.

They will go on sale next Monday 18th January at 3pm. To secure yourself a ticket, just give us a ring after 3pm on the number below and we will take your CC details there and then.

Please be patient with the redial button as we haven’t set up our 2nd 3rd or 4th phone lines quite yet.

Many thanks, and good luck,

The Team

The Whisky Exchange

Vinopolis

1 Bank End

Southwark

London

SE1 9BU

Tel:-  +44 (0) 207 403 8688

Fax:- +44 (0) 207 403 8788

e-mail:-   vinopolis@thewhiskyexchange.com

website:- www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Laphroaig Indie Bottler week continues …..3/4……

Laphroaig 11year old (46%, Duthies, 2009)

Robert W. Duthie was the nephew of William Cadenhead and he ran the company after the passing of Mr. Cadenhead in 1904.  Cadenhead’s recently re-established the brand. Bottled at 46% without chill filtration or the addition of colouring (which as everybody knows is a good thing). 

The nose is medicinal, peated and there is also brine and some whiffs of toffee however this is muted. There are also some vague hints of fresh cut hay and green cereal grains (think of a head of barley but still green and right off the stalk in the field). After some time in the glass the peat reek starts to grow and crowd out the other aromas and it changes to more coal smoke. The taste is gentle at first but grows as the peat reek takes hold, there is also some good malt, some sweetness and some dark unsweetened chocolate that is all very nice. There is also some pepper and spice. After a short while it is all peat reek and malt. The finish is very long and peated with the dark bitter chocolate and the malt. The green notes now make an appearance as green malt however it does not detract and it is a great finish. The peated malt continues to grow on the finish over time….and after nearly 10 minutes is much like coal smoke malt…

A very well balanced dram that is consistent and delicious; a really good Laphroaig. Well done!

C$99

Score 87 Points

PRESS RELEASE: Jan 12 2010

PIONEERING SPIRITS…

A UNIQUE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE HOTEL DU VIN/MALMAISON GROUP AND THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BRINGS EXCLUSIVE MALT WHISKIES TO ALL

The Hotel du Vin / Malmaison Group and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are announcing an exciting new collaboration to provide Society members and non-members the opportunity to sample and enjoy some of the world’s rarest malt whiskies in the superb environment of Hotel du Vin and Malmaison hotels.

Until now members have been able to enjoy the Society’s single cask, single malt whiskies in its three members-only venues throughout the UK; two in Edinburgh and one in London.  This unique partnership will now enable the Society’s 26,000 worldwide members to enjoy its limited edition bottlings, Society members’ events and luxurious ‘Society Suite’ hotel rooms in three new properties as from the end of January 2010.  

Aberdeen’s Malmaison, Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin and Brighton’s Hotel du Vin will all open their doors later this month with a special Society snug – the ‘Whisky Snuggle’; dedicated lounges and bar areas where Society members and hotel guests can discover a range of different Society bottlings in unique and inspiring atmospheres.

Commenting on the partnership, Robert B.Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, says: “We are always looking at ways in which to innovate and bring something very special and unique to our customers.  The Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group together with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society share the same passion for excellence and I believe it is a natural business fit for us.   We are confident that this collaboration will be a success.

Paul Miles, Managing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, commented: “This partnership will allow members, prospective members and their guests to truly immerse themselves in the relaxed atmosphere that the Society is renowned for now in the luxurious surroundings of the Hotel du Vin & Malmaison Group hotels.  We look forward to offering an increasing number of members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society the opportunity to sample Society malts on their door step with members’ dram prices and special offers on dinner and rooms while non-members will be able to sample Society whiskies and learn about the benefits of Society membership.”

Launch Opening Dates:

Aberdeen Malmaison: January 22 2010

Birmingham Hotel du Vin: January 29 2010

Brighton Hotel du Vin: February 5 2010

– Ends-

Media Contacts:

Issued on behalf of Hotel du Vin/Malmaison Group and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society by The Big Partnership.  Contacts:

The Big Partnership: Kelly Kilner or Linda Edstrand on 0131 555 5522

Kelly.Kilner@bigpartnership.co.uk or  Linda.Edstrand@bigpartnership.co.uk

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society: Mark van der Vijver on 0131 555 2266

Mark@smws.com

Notes to Editor

HOTEL DU VIN AND MALMAISON GROUP

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are recognised as the UK’s leading lifestyle hotel group with 1,900 bedrooms across the UK.  Recipient of the following awards:

2009

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Scottish Restaurant Awards 2009

2008

Conde Nast Gold List

Travel and Leisure top 500

Travel and Leisure Food & Wine Go-list winners

Catering in Scotland – Hotel of the Year

Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards – Glasgow Hotel of the Year

Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards – Chef of the Year

Bistro accredited with 3AA Rosettes

Best small traditional Venue – Scottish Event Awards 2008

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Membership of the Society provides the following

The opportunity to sample and buy from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies. The Society bottles over 200 single casks every year from 126 distilleries.

Attend a range of whisky tastings and events around the UK and at our three venues.

Use the Members’ Rooms bars and restaurant in Edinburgh, Leith and London.

Receive the award winning quarterly magazine Unfiltered and have full access to the website at www.smws.co.uk

New members also receive the Society’s beautiful membership pack, which includes four different 10cl bottles of single cask, single malt whisky together with their Members’ Handbook and membership card

Individual Membership costs from £100 for the first year. Annual renewal thereafter costs from £49.50.

Membership information:

To join please apply online at www.smws.co.uk or call (+44) 131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm)

Canada’s Premier Malt Whisky Appreciation Society

Hello everyone, 

Happy New Year!

We have a fantastic  Bowmore Dinner scheduled for  Tuesday January 26th    at Chill Winston in Gastown !  Chef has put together a fantastic menu paired up with five whisky’s from the Bowmore family.  The new release of “Tempest” a cask strength matured in bourbon barrels will be poured for your added enjoyment!

Date:   January 26th Chill Winston, 3 Alexander Street (Gastown), Vancouver, British Columbia.

Reservations:   send Marcus an email (via  http://thequaich.com/ ) or reserve at the restaurant,  (604) 288-9575

Cost: Members – $55 

Non Members – $65 

Time: 6:30 pre scotch

7p.m. dinner

Special thanks to Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd. and Pako Velikov 

See you there

Slainte!

Marcus

Indie bottler Laphroaig Week Continues …2/4….

Laphroaig 10yo 1999/2009 (46%, Coopers Choice, C#4211, 720 Bts., Refill Butt)

A pale independent bottling from Coopers Choice sporting new bottle livery and happily bottled without artificial colouring or the ‘Un-chillfiltered’; good for Coopers Choice.

The nose benefits a short while in the glass to open up and then the race is on; peat reek, heather, juniper, malt dust and some sweet dessert wine notes however the evidence of the butt mentioned on the label is muted. The overall aromas are pleasant and a little hand warming coaxes out some more of the heather and juniper along with the peat reek. After a few minutes there is also some muted bandages, cocoa and peanut shells. The taste is malty and full of peat reek; there’s some attitude in here that perhaps has been calmed in the reduction for cask strength but the overall taste is very good. There are also hints of the heather, malt and cocoa along with some further sweetness that is not overwhelming but in harmony with the peat smoke. The finish is malty and somewhat akin to peanut butter along with some oak notes and the heather and juniper. After a minute or two there is the faintest hint of diesel which ties in the maritime aspect of maturation quite nicely. The peat continues un abated for quite some time…….and becomes even more malty.

One has to conclude that this is a refill – refill butt however no matter since it is simply a very good dram.

C$100

Score 85 points

http://www.vintagemaltwhisky.com/product-cooperchoice.html

Happy New Year! We have teamed up – again – with VisitScotland to offer you the chance to win a trip to Edinburgh. The recent snowfall has resulted in an irresistible ‘white’ theme…

As part of the Winter White Campaign to showcase all the magical Winter White things to see and do, you are invited to discover Scotland’s enchanting capital with a two-night stay for two at the 5-star boutique hotel, The Glasshouse. Relax with a glass of Highland Park in the luxurious surroundings of an award-winning suite and take in the view of the bright white lights of this captivating city.

You can indulge your whisky enthusiasm by studying the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies, the Claive Vidiz Collection, visiting The Scotch Whisky Experience (with a dram of 21-year-old whisky), enjoying a barrel ride through whisky production and you’ll receive a gift-boxed whisky glass and miniature too. And with £250 spending money you can shop for a Highland Park 30 year old and an 18 year old.

The lucky winner will also receive two Winter White Explorer Passes which offer discounts on some of the country’s top attractions. Explore the white sights of the capital, including Edinburgh Castle, which houses the Crown Jewels and The Stone of Destiny.

Round-off your trip by savouring a delicious ‘white bite’ in Edinburgh’s most stylish restaurant, The Living Room on George Street. Sip on a glass of white champagne before a sumptuous three-course meal. Get your entry in before the snow melts!

Enter now at: www.visitscotland.com/whitehighlandpark

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

 
Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

Enter now at: www.visitscotland.com/whitehighlandpark do not click on the above image; it won’t work! Thanks to the sharp eyed reader that picked this up!

Come meet and hear from Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation for Glenmorangie Scotch. Dr Lumsden is regarded by the malt whisky industry as the pioneer of wood management, producing whiskies that have truly changed the single malt market.

The tasting is for the Glenmorangie Scotch line, and is available to the first 50 people who call Jessica Toner, beginning Monday at 9:30, at 832-660-0250.

The date is Friday, January 22, from 6-8pm on the second floor at Spec’s Smith Street Superstore in Houston TEXAS

Kilchoman 3rd single malt release is scheduled for March 2010 according to http://www.kilchomandistillery.com/

Kilchoman, (pronounced kilhoman) established in 2005, is a farm distillery and the first to be built on Islay for 124 years. Kilchoman gives everyone the opportunity to see all that is best in the grass-roots traditions of malt whisky distilling – from barley to bottle.

Independent Bottler Week Featuring Laphroaig Begins…….1 of 4

Laphroaig 8yo 2001/2009 (46%, Signatory, UCF, refill butt, Cask#631, 859 Bottles)

Another offering from Signatory Vintage and from their Un-Chillfiltered Collection, bottled with out chill filtration and without the addition of colouring and a single cask but reduced from cask strength to 46%….

The nose is peated and honeyed that continues to open as more time in the glass passes by, some banana (think of candied banana cooking in butter just before it is folded into the crepes). There are also hints of barley dust, the afore mentioned butter and herbs along with some winey sweetness; this appears to be not the most active of sherry casks however the nose is very good. Perhaps the reduction from cask strength has smoothed out some of the more aggressive moments? Opposite side of a coin in many ways; a departure from the official bottlings. The taste is slightly more mellow than anticipated  (at first) but it grows in power to reveal a honeyed maltiness backed by some really good peat reek which changes after a few moments to become quite dry, peppery and oaky and then a flash of bacon but only for a moment and then toast and some herbs. The finish is warming and malty, peaty and then after a few short moments the herbs and some creaminess. The finish is very long, warming and malty…oh, that was already mentioned, no matter it’s consistent and good. After quite a while the finish is deep coal smoke intermingled with some brine and malt but the coal smoke it quite heavy..

Actually less sweet than the 7 year old of the same series, a tad drier but still has that Laphroaig attack. Would have been a killer at cask strength but is still very good none the less.

£26 from Loch Fyne Whiskies

Score 86 Points