Ireland’s Midleton Distillery features 5 pot stills, eight column stills, and literally dozens of possibilities for making Irish whiskey. It’s home to Jameson, Power’s, Midleton, Paddy, and many other Irish whiskeys. While the Old Midleton Distillery is now a visitors center, the main distillery is off-limits to visitors — until now. You’ll get an in-depth look inside one of the world’s great distilleries on this episode. In the news, the Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2010, a shake-up at Maker’s Mark, the details on Amrut’s new expression…and this week’s trivia question.

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

Tasting in the Sky

Good afternoon,

Did I ever mention I believe nosing whisky in the great outdoor is more enjoyable? As a matter of fact, I often take samples of whisky away from my desk and into the open countryside. Many of the tasting notes I have written for this blog were jotted on a notepad outside our restaurant in Dufftown.

I don’t know if there is a scientific reason why the aroma of a whisky should be different outside but I do know I get a lot more out of subtle whiskies when I am not at my desk or at home. Perhaps, those of you who have enjoyed a whisky miniature half way around a golf course will know what I am talking about?

I must have mentioned this to some of my colleagues as I got a unique opportunity to test my theory last week when I was invited to host a tasting in the sky.

The idea came from our PR agency in the UK and as you’ll see on the pictures below, they chose a stunning location to host the event.

I must admit I’m not fond of heights but here I was, 131 feet up in the sky, enjoying a selection of our blends and taking in the scenery. Ale Cask’s nose was even more stunning than usual and celebrity chef Nick Nairn even joined us on one of the lifts.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! Tamara, when can we do it again?

Best regards,

Ludo

Visit http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2010/09/tasting-in-the-sky/ to view all the sky high photos…

Do you want to hear a story?

Join us on 8 October for an evening of storytelling in Manchester’s historic Town Hall. True Tales brings together an eclectic bunch of raconteurs, including special guest storyteller, comedian Alistair McGowan. They’ll be telling stories on the theme of ‘Family’, a subject close to our hearts at Grant’s.

Family stories combine your personal experience with that of the generations before you, to make you who you are today – just as Grant’s award-winning whiskies blend five generations of expertise. So as each storyteller shares their experience, you can enjoy special Grant’s cocktails. Memories are made of this…

Don’t miss your chance to hear special guest storyteller Alistair McGowan at our memorable True Tales evening on October 8 at Manchester Town Hall. Places are limited, so book now. Tickets cost just £5 per person, including entry and complimentary Grant’s cocktails on arrival.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales

Grant’s True Tales

Grant’s is a brand with a rich story to tell. Spanning five generations of charismatic personalities, our story makes us who we are today.

We believe everyone has a story to tell, born of their own rich life experience. We also know that everyone loves a good story. Stories enrich our lives: they take us on a journey and connect us with others. That’s why Grants has created True Tales, a series of events that allow us to share special stories.

True Tales events bring together simple yet potent ingredients: great storytellers, enthralling true stories and, of course, Grant’s whisky.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales-Tickets

Share your tale for a chance to win

Grant’s is a brand with a rich story to tell. Spanning five generations of charismatic personalities, our story makes us who we are today.

We’d love to hear your own true tales, especially those formative family experiences. And if you’re willing to share a little story with us, you could win a wonderful whisky-tasting tour of Dufftown, the Highlands home of Grant’s. Enter our True Tales Competition now for your chance to win a tasting tour of Dufftown.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales-Scotland

WILD TURKEY® ASSOCIATE DISTILLER EDDIE RUSSELL TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME

Fourth Generation Russell Recognized for Crafting America’s Spirit

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (September 14, 2010) – After 29 years in the Kentucky Bourbon industry, Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey® Bourbon Associate Distiller, will be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, the highest honor given by the legendary Kentucky Bourbon industry. The ceremony will take place on September 17, 2010.

As the son of renowned Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, and the fourth generation Russell to work at the Austin Nichols distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Eddie Russell is of an unmatched pedigree in the bourbon industry. Before being promoted to the position of Associate Distiller in 2007, Russell collaborated with his father to create “Russell’s Reserve,” the award-winning, 10-year old small-batch bourbon that serves as a testimony to the family’s heritage of distilling craftsmanship and tradition. Eddie’s experience in and knowledge of the bourbon business makes him a prime candidate for this honor.

Russell’s honor comes nine years after his father’s induction at the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame ceremony in 2001. The father and son team has spent a combined 85 years crafting the iconic Wild Turkey Bourbon. “We are very pleased to hear of Eddie’s well-deserved honor,” said Andrea Conzonato, Chief Operating Officer of Skyy Spirits. “Passing down Wild Turkey’s traditions from generation to generation ensures that the brand’s integrity is kept alive through timeless processes and an uncompromising focus on quality.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame induction is one of many events that comprise the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which takes place this year from September 14 to 19 in historic Bardstown, KY. Candidates are nominated each year by the bourbon distilleries as well as by the Kentucky Bourbon Festival itself, and are finally selected by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. In order to be selected for induction, candidates must have spent numerous years working in distillery operations or bourbon promotions, and contributed significantly to bourbon’s stature and awareness worldwide.

Notes

For further information on Wild Turkey history visit: http://www.camparigroup.com/en/press_media/history_communication/wild_turkey_html.jsp

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and is the eighth-largest spirits company in the US.  Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón™ Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com, and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

Don’t let this early fall get you down, drop by the Kensington Wine Market this coming Tuesday, September 21st for our Peaty Verticals Tasting. The weather may be cold wet and dreary—what’s up with that—but our tasting will be sure to warm your heart and your cockles! We will be sampling two bottling each of three very peaty whisky single malts: Kilchoman, Port Charlotte and Port Ellen. All three of these whiskies have a cult following and Tuesday’s tasting will be an opportunity to sample vertical samples from each to examine why that is. More on that can be found attached below.

I have another reason for you to rejoice and keep your spirits up.  The next full issue of the Malt Messenger will be out on Monday!  I have some final polishing to do on Monday but it is otherwise complete. I’ve a lot to write about including new and returned whiskies, events and much, much more. As a little teaser I thought I’d give you a taste of what’s to come, the table of contents for Malt Messenger No. 41.

Until Monday, I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin!

Slainté!

Andrew Ferguson

PEATY VERTICALS TASTING – Kilchoman, Port Ellen & Port Charlotte – Tuesday Sept 21st – $55

Comparing vertical expressions of the same whisky can help identify what is at the core of a single malt style. And what better time to examine the core essence of three heavily peated whiskies than in  a late summer that feels more like a Vancouver winter… brr! We will compare two expressions each of Kilchoman (Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010), Port Charlotter (PC6 and PC7) and Port Ellen (29 Year 8th Release and 30 Year 9th Release). Kilchoman is the newest distiller on Islay and a cult sensation, all three of its first releases have sold out. Port Charlotte is a heavily peated style of whisky made by Bruichladdich. Port Ellen is a closed Islay distillery of epic reputation, and one of my favourite distilleries. This is an incredible range of whiskies and a tasting not to be missed, hope to see you there.

PREVIEW OF MALT MESSENGER NO. 41

1.       PEATY VERTICALS TASTING – Kilchoman, Port Ellen and Port Charlotte!

2.       CALGARY OPERA SCOTCH WHISKY FEST – Friday October 1st 2010

3.       FALL TASTING SCHEDULE – The Rest of It!

4.       BENRIACH 15 YEAR OLD CASK FINISHES ARE BACK!

5.       COLLECTOR’S PICK FOR JULY – Amrut Double Cask

6.       COLLECTOR’S PICK FOR AUGUST – Dalmore MacKenzie

7.       COLLECTOR’S PICK FOR SEPTEMBER – G&M Longpond 1941 58 Year Jamaican Rum

8.       GLENGOYNE 40 YEAR

9.       FERGUSONS’S WHISKY TOURS – May 2010

10.   INTRO TO JAPANESE WHISKY

11.   AN AFTERNOON WITH SOME OLD FRIENDS ON THE BEARSPAW GOLF COURSE

12.   VOYTEK’S THOUGHTS ON: The Octomore Orpheus

13.   PRICE REDUCED SINGLE MALTS

14.   RETURNED PRODUCTS

15.   COMING SOON

——————–

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change!

 You can follow me online on Twitter at www.twitter.com/scotch_guy..

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

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

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

Loch Fyne Whiskies has stocked a new item, ‘Benromach Origins’

Benromach Origins Port Pipes 1999 50%Abv.

Batch 2 – Port Pipes

Distilled: 1999

Bottled: 2010

Cask type: Port pipes

Phenol level: 4ppm

‘Benromach Origins is a series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how subtle changes to the art of whisky making can help shape the character of the final single malt.

This second batch release has been fully matured in Port Pipes. Smooth and mouth coating, this fine single malt combines sweet red berry fruitiness with hints of orange peel, dark chocolate and soft smoke.’

Benromach Origins Port Pipes 11 year old

Price excluding VAT: £33.96
£39.90 Including VAT at 17.5%

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

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

Blue Hanger 4th Release (45.6%)

SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE £19 NOW ONLY £39.99 (£34.03 ex VAT)

Distiller’s notes: The nose is oozing with heather-honey sweetness, ripe oranges and a hint of dark toffee. The palate offers luscious sweetness with wavering citrus and clean oak. The flavours build slowly and gently with a little black pepper eventually showing. The finish is ethereal, long and more-ish.

Available to order from www.TheWhiskyBarrel.com 

NEW Casks Added

September Outturn: How will you choose to choose?

Another September Outturn instalment – how exciting, how will you choose?  Will it be the freshness of 26.69 Cliff top extreme ironing, the mouth-watering 121.36 Delicious adult chocolate box or the healthy-like breakfast of 23.66 First of the day….

23.66 First of the day
Islay
£57.50 inc. Free P&P
A dry nose overall – salty beaches, coarse dune-grass, bleached stones – and even the fruity notes are dry – under-ripe pineapple, and hard melon, with a trace of virgin olive oil

26.69 Cliff top extreme ironing
Highland Northern
£42.40 inc. Free P&P
The first sniff brought freshness with hint of smoke; “menthol cigarette smoke”, then lemon and orange sweets, and ironing fresh laundry on chalky cliffs

121.36 Delicious adult chocolate box
Highland Island
£43.70 inc. Free P&P
The nose had us in raptures – dark barley sugar, muscovado, vanilla; the nuttiness of amontillado and walnut toffee, then hints of pepper

NEW Pair Recommendation:
Buy 121.36 & 93.40 for £77 (save £8.90)

Casks 4.143, 121.37, 9.53, 29.86 & 33.91 are available
Stocks are limited

September Outturn http://www.smws.co.uk/new-outturn?filter_numberperpage=-1&afc=PromoteIT_229226

Browse all bottlings http://www.smws.co.uk/whisky?filter_numberperpage=-1&afc=PromoteIT_229228
(69 different bottlings)

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events

Food of Love & Water of Life Dinner – Queen Street, Mon 20 Sept
Chips & Steak Tasting – The Vaults, Wed 22 Sept
Dunfermline Preview Tasting – Garvock House Hotel, Thu 23 Sept
Dalmore Tasting with Richard Paterson – Queen Street, Thu 23 Sept
Manchester Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 24 Sept
Brighton Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 24 Sept
Pan-Asian Curry Experience – London, Sat 25 Sept
Daftmill Farm Distillery Tour – Queen Street, Sun 26 Sept
World Whisky Tasting 1 – The Vaults, Mon 27 Sept

Visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for your chance to join http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships

(The full release with expert tasting notes will be released next week)

Amrut Single Malt Releases New Limited Edition Expression

Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky – 57.1% abv

Amrut Distillery and Purple Valley Imports USA announce the US launch of Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky.

This is a truly unique expression. As a small family owned distillery Amrut is able to test new ideas and to continue to create world class Single Malt whisky.
 
Process behind this whisky

As a first step in the production of this expression Amrut Distillery wanted to make sure that there was no sulfur present in the casks. Secondly, shipping the sherry butts from Spain to Bangalore was going to be difficult. From Spain, the barrels would go through huge temperature changes and by the time it reached the port of Chennai (Madras) it would be 30 + degree Celsius. A marvelous idea came to Amrut. They instructed the supplier NOT to add any sulfur and also to drain any residual sherry in the cask completely. A few cases of Amrut Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky were shipped to the cooperage in Spain and they were filled in each of the Sherry Butts. The casks  were then sealed and rolled a few times. The logic behind this idea was cask strength whisky at 61.9% would more likely act as a kind of ‘bacteria killer’. Amazingly it worked! The Casks came through intact.

Once the Sherry Butts were filled Amrut wanted to create something other than the sherry finishes in the market today. Amrut wanted to avoid the sherry’s influence suppressing the ‘Amrut Characters’ in the whisky. The Butts were emptied back into Bourbon Casks for approximatley one year. The master distiller drew samples and was impressed with this “essay in elegance” – there was no trace of sulfur what so ever. It was like a sherry ‘Sandwich’ and fused well with Bourbon notes. ‘Amrut Intermediate Sherry’ has born. We are not aware if any other distiller has coined a phrase like this before, however it is exactly how the whisky was produced.

Purple Valley Imports will be sampling Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt during the VIP hour at Whisky Fest San Francisco on October 8th, 2010

Facts:

Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt – 57.1% alc by vol.

Total Bottling: 275 cases

US Availability: 85 Cases (6 x 750 ml)

Worldwide Availability: European Union, Canada and United States

US Release Date: October 15th, 2010
US Availability: November 1st, 2010

Anticipated US Retail Price:  $134.99

Loch Fyne Whiskies News has been named, ‘Online Retailer of the Year 2011’

We’re delighted to hang Whisky Magazine’s Online Retailer of the Year Award in the shop this weekend, this makes LFW.co.uk the only winner of the Scotland award since it’s inception three years ago – you must be buying from the right place!

We’re also displaying their highly commended (runner-up) award for Single Outlet Retailer, our third successive since outright winner in 2008.

You may view the entire post at
https://www.lfw.co.uk/blog/2010/09/14/online-retailer-of-the-year-2011/

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