Scotsfest

www.scotsfest.com

Location: The Festival will be held on May 29 and 30, 2010 from 9:00am until 5:00pm at the Orange County Fair & Event Center

A 2 day gathering of all things Scottish. This is the largest highland games on the West coast with over 16,000 people.

Adult tickets: 1 day- $15. 2-day- $22

There will be some very cool single malts available to sample at the festival.

Also there will be a Scotch 101 class on Fri. 5/28 at the Marriot Irvine (18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA‎ ) hosted by Chris Uhde of Impex Beverages with 8 different boutique scotch whiskies;

Signatory Bladnoch 1993 16yr Lowland 46%
Isle of Skye 8yr premium Blend- Skye Skye 43%
Chieftain’s Glenrothes 14yr Burgundy Finish Speyside 43%
Edradour Caledonia Limited Release Highland 46%
Benromach 10yr 86 proof- Speyside Speyside 43%
MacPhail’s Collection Highland Park 8yr  Orkney 43%
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky- Islay Islay 43%
Glenlossie 1978 29yr unchillfiltered Gordon & MacPhail Speyside 46%

Athletics including: The Hammer Throw, Putting The Stone, The Farmers Walk, Throwing The Weight, Caber Toss

Bagpipe competition: This year come witness the most pipe bands in Festival history! 23 bands will be competing and performing, including 6 bands from Canada – The Grade 1 Dowco Triumph Street, Grade 1 Alberta Caledonia, the Grade 3 Robert Malcolm Memorial, Grade 3 Edmonton and District, and the grade 4 Robert Malcolm Memorial and Edmonton and District pipe bands. These bands along with the Western United States Pipe Bands led by the Grade 1 LA Scots and we’ve got a fabulous contest brewing.

ALSO HOSTING THE NATIONAL ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP, HIGHLAND DANCING WESTERN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, 2010 will have THE MOST CLANS IN FESTIVAL HISTORY, AND THE ADDITION OF A FOURTH ENTERTAINMENT STAGE.

Location: The Festival will be held on May 29 and 30, 2010 from 9:00am until 5:00pm at the Orange County Fair & Event Center
(Orange County Fairgrounds), located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa , California .

Glenturret 10yo (40%, OB, +/- 2009)

From the home of the Famous Grouse experience. Considering that this particular bottle was not bought in Greece but in North America the fact that the back label is in Greek is a bit of a surprise. Such is international trade. None the less it’s was in the bottle that counts. The nose is of hessian, tinned fruit cocktail, malt and then ‘poof!’, the hessian is gone but there is now some grape fruit and slight hints of juniper along with pizza dough and green peas. The taste is malty, fruity and much, much better than pervious samples to be honest. This is a pleasant scotch whisky without a huge amount of bells and whistles. Black pepper. Spice. It’s good without being over the top is any regard. The finish is warming, slightly Oxo like, malty and hints of milk solids but this quickly dissipates and you’re left with fruit and malt. It’s also warming, quite dry, oaky and reasonably long.

Much improved and one to share with friends by the fire. Odds are it would be much better at 46% without chill filtration.

$60

Score 79 points

Doesn’t seem to have a website…..

Canadian LTD 1.75L…$10.99
Crown Royal…$18.99
Cutty Sark Scotch 1.75L…$19.99
House Of Stuart Scotch 1.75L…$14.99
Jim Beam Bourbon 1.75L…$21.99
Johnnie Walker Black Label…$24.99
Johnnie Walker Red Label 1.75L…$28.99
Knob Creek Bourbon…$22.99
Macallan 12 Year Old Scotch…$39.99
Seagram’s VO Canadian 1.75L…$17.99
Southern Comfort 1.75L…$19.99

*Prices valid w/Binny’s Card May 26 through June 1, 2010

Visit Binny’s at http://www.binnys.com/

Indeed but this time from the location of Finlaggan castle and he’s reviewing/chating about Finlaggan Whisky.

www.ralfy.com

EARLY TIMES SEARCHING FOR NEXT ARTIST FOR COMMEMORATIVE BOTTLE

Consumers will have chance to submit artwork to be featured on 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle

Louisville, Ky (May 24, 2010) – For the past 23 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby® ” with a commemorative artwork bottle released for the past 12 years.  Early Times is now looking for the next artist whose work will grace the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep bottle with the “Early Times Mint Julep Bottle Artist Search” contest.

For 11 of the 12 commemorative bottles, the paintings of the inimitable Celeste Susany have graced the bottle. 2010 marks her final year with her masterwork entitled “A Golden Moment” featuring the field of contenders galloping along the back stretch while the twin spires stand majestically in the background.

With 2010 marking Susany’s final year of doing the artwork for the commemorative bottle, Early Times is giving consumers the opportunity to submit their own, original artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Consumers can log on to www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their “What Derby Means to Me” artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details.  The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby, $5,000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep bottle.

“It has been an honor to have the opportunity to do the artwork for the Early Times Mint Julep bottle for the past 11 years,” added Susany. “It’s time to give another artist the chance to have their work displayed for horse racing fans to collect and enjoy.”

All entries must be received by June 30, 2010 to be considered. Entrants will be judged on the originality, creativity and overall quality of the artwork. 

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, 40% ABV, is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Old Forester, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes.  Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Oaks on April 30, 2010. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24, through Sunday, July 4.  Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at Tickets.ChurchillDowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Loch Fyne Whiskies has stocked a new item, Johnnie Walker Blue Label plus Accessory Bag

Johnnie Walker OB Blue Label & Accessory Bag 40%alc.

A special edition with the bottle of Blue Label presented in an accessory bag.

Scotch is one of the world’s greatest currencies, and this is the most prestigeous gift. A blend of whiskies, some reputedly over 65 years old, true to the Walker style full flavoured, well ballanced, impecable.

Price excluding VAT: £123.40
£144.99 Including VAT at 17.5%

Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

Whisky Dinner This Thursday

Chasing Five Courses With 8 Whiskies!
Martins West Gastro Pub
http://www.martinswestgp.com/grubandgrog.html

Thursday, May 27: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
831 Main St, Redwood City, CA

Join us for a spectacular Whisk(e)y Dinner featuring Compass Box (Scotch) and High West (American).

Martins West is a new Pub in Redwood City establishing itself as a High Quality restaurant and Whisky Bar.

Although it’s called a Pub, the qualifying adjective Gastro, means it is not Pub food. You’ll be impressed by the presentation, quality, and savory delight of the food.

On this evening, you will discover a dimension of sights, smells,  and flavors as we travel through two continents and you enter the Whisk(e)y zone. Enjoy the evening as we explore the combination of these distinkly different whiskies within the same dish.  You will be taken through a five course dinner, each course  paired with one or two whiskies.

Because all items are made with fresh ingredients, advanced planning/ordering must be done. Please reserve by Monday. It may not be possible to add seats after Monday.

Price is $65 all inclusive if you reserve by Monday. Discount Code: MW5D
Price is $70 all inclusive. Dram Club Members will receive $5 cash back at the event.

MENU
Scottish Eggs and Caramelized Haggis Tartlette
Pork Rib Rarebit with celery and pickled beet
Petite Chicken Roast with spring vegetable champ and cider jus
Shepherds Pie – slow cooked lamb shank & goat cheese whipped potatoes
Sticky toffee pudding with almond date salad and brown butter ice cream

WHISKIES
High West:      Rendezvous, Bourye, Silver Whiskey, Straight Rye
Compass Box: Asyla, Peat Monster, Spice Tree, Hedonism

Buy tickets at WoW Shoppe : http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/store/index.php

Ralfy reviews Finlaggan (old reserve) in Episode #133 -Part A from the comfort of home. www.ralfy.com for his take on this fine dram.

Laphroaig is one of those whiskies that you’re either going to love or loathe…with no middle ground. Today is Laphroaig’s day at the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, and this episode was recorded at the distillery on a windy, but sunny and warm day. We’ll hear from distillery manager John Campbell, master blender Robert Hicks, get a cooking lesson from Gordon Harvey, one of the authors of  “The Scotch Whisky Cookbook,” attend the Feis Ile whisky nosing competition, and hear music from Brigid Kaelin.

Listen at www.whiskycast.com

THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO OPEN EXPANSION AT THE GLENLIVET DISTILLERY
 
It was announced today that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (or The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are known in Scotland) will open a new expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery on Friday 4 June during a visit to Speyside, Scotland.
 
Completed earlier this year, the new facility will deliver a 75% increase in production capacity to satisfy future global demand in the buoyant market for single malt Scotch whisky.  
 
During the visit, Patrick Ricard Chairman of brand owner Pernod Ricard, and Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO, of Chivas Brothers, will invite Their Royal Highnesses to tour the distillery’s facilities, meet key members of staff and unveil a commemorative sculpture.
 
Local benefits
 
The investment has already brought real benefits to the local business community, with a team of local contractors involved in the expansion. Overall design was by architects LDN of Forres, while the principle contractor was A.D. Walker of Banff. Sub-contractors included Simmers of Keith, which built the steel structure, specialist vat builder Joseph Brown of Dufftown, which installed 8 new traditional wooden washbacks, and coppersmith Forsyths of Rothes, which built 6 new stills exactly replicating the distillery’s famous tall, wide still shape.
 
The construction of the new building was also the first major duty of newly appointed Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years.
 
Alan commented: “The opening will be a momentous occasion in the long and proud history of The Glenlivet Distillery. It was a privilege to be involved with the new building and we are honoured to have such distinguished company to mark the occasion.”
 
Notes
 
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
 
The Glenlivet is ‘the single malt that started it all’. It was the first licensed distillery in the remote LivetValley. Created by George Smith, The Glenlivet in turn defined the Speyside style of whisky which became the heartland of Scotch malt whisky production.
 
From its pioneering Scottish roots, The Glenlivet was the first malt to be promoted in the US, as soon as Prohibition was lifted. Today, it is the USA’s No1 single malt and the world’s No2, and one of only two malts ever to sell more than 600,000 nine litre cases.

Glenlivet Distillery Manager Hamish Proctor