MILROY’S OF SOHO DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
 
December’s newsletter carries information about four new single cask releases from Speyside’s GlenDronach distillery, as well as a unique bottling from Glenfiddich – Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix.

It is also, I am sad to report, my last newsletter.  At the end of November, I’ll be finishing up at Milroy’s of Soho, and heading to Australia (with a tour of the sub-continent en-route) to put down roots.  I am delighted to report, that the running of Milroy’s of Soho remains in good hands.   To that end, I’d like to introduce Lee Tomlinson.  Lee is based at Milroy’s of Soho full-time and will take over the responsibility of drafting the monthly newsletter.

On to the whiskies…

GLENDRONACH BATCH 3 SINGLE CASK RELEASES

GlenDronach distillery is very much “on form”. When the team behind BenRiach distillery acquired GlenDronach a few years ago, they set out to re-establish GlenDronach as one the premier sources of fine Sherry matured whisky.  On evidence thus far, they are well down the track to achieving their goal.  This success is thanks in no small part to the limited release single cask whiskies, bottled at cask strength.   In our view these single cask releases are a must buy for lovers of richly Sherried malt whisky.  They represent excellent value for money, and possess an intensity of flavour not seen in standard distillery releases.  Sadly, quantities are tiny.  Do act quickly to secure a bottle.

GLENDRONACH 1990 Pedro Ximinez Puncheon, Cask #3059, 54.9% ABV

Deep mahogany and teak in colour, with an amber edge.  Intense Pedro Ximinez aroma at the beginning followed up by ripe berry fruits with brambles and ripe plums.  The palate displays ripe berry fruits and rich cocoa/chocolate, verging to sweet sugar syrup.

£79.99 per bottle

GLENDRONACH 1990 Pedro Ximinez Puncheon, Cask #3068, 52.6% ABV

On the eye, dark gold combined with russet bronze rim.  The nose is dominated by ripe raisins and dates, together with allspice and Pedro Ximinez notes of sweet toffee.  The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth.  Flavour-wise, the whisky is intensely Sherried with pronounced dark chocolate sauce, sweet cinnamon and clove.  It is an exotic whisky that will bring out your inner hedonist.

£79.99 per bottle

GLENDRONACH 1991 Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask #2512, 51.9% ABV

This Oloroso Sherry-matured GlenDronach delivers powerful rancio characters of walnuts, roasted hazelnuts and freshly polished timber, all underpinned by sweet toffee and just a hint of demerrera rum.    In the mouth, it is vibrant and unctuous, a veritable treacle tart of rich Sherry spirit; dark chocolate, roasted spices and fudge.

£70.99 per bottle

GLENDRONACH 1996 Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask #202, 58.3% ABV

Younger than the other release, this bottling displays a fruitier edge, with a distinct note of morello cherries and stewed plums on the nose, intermingled with raisins and allspice.  The palate reveals sweet plum pudding and chocolate coated raisins.  What could be better than luxuriating with a dram of this heavenly nectar on Christmas day?

£52.99 per bottle

GLENFIDDICH Snow Phoenix, 47.6% ABV

Now here’s a whisky with a story behind it!  Snow Phoenix was born in the middle of last winter, when a roof on one of the warehouses at Glenfiddich distillery collapsed under the weight of snow.  With the support of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, distillery staff worked around the clock to clear the snow.  Inspired by this event, Brian Kinsman of Glenfiddich bottled Snow Phoenix, a blend of cask strength whiskies ranging from 13 years old to 30 years old, matured in American oak barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks.  The result is a “one-off” rare and collectible Glenfiddich.  Bottled at cask strength, without chill-filtration, it should appeal to drinkers and collectors alike.

£49.99 per bottle retail price

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FESTIVE TREATS

With this being my last newsletter, it would be remiss of me to sign off without making some recommendations of whiskies to enjoy over the forthcoming weeks.   The last couple of months have seen some truly outstanding whiskies hit the shelves, though many are limited releases and are not likely to hang around for long…

ARRAN 15th Anniversary

This 11 year old cask strength whisky has been out for a while now.  Finished in Amontillado Sherry casks, it delivers a wonderful combination of sweet stonefruit and subtle saltiness on the finish.  Sadly, there is but 1 bottle left!

£53 per bottle

YAMAZAKI Puncheon

My malt of the year thus far – elegant, creamy, sweet and malty with a touch of fruity complexity.  Hats off to Team Suntory.  This is selling quickly and won’t be around for long.

£65 per bottle

HAKUSHU Heavily Peated

Although “heavily peated” is a misnomer for this rather elegant malt, we were bowled over by its impeccable balance.

£65 per bottle

COMPASS BOX Flaming Heart 10th Anniversary Edition

John Glaser does it again!  Each edition of Flaming Heart gets better and better.  This 10th Anniversary bottling marries bright fruit with sweet peat.  Presented in a very slick perspex box (for collectors out there).

£66 per bottle

GEORGE T STAGG, 70.3% ABV

It’s Bourbon and it’s big.  No it ain’t cheap, but at over 70% ABV it’s effectively two bottles for the price of one, and the whiskey is superb; rich, complex and with a finish that goes on and on.

£100 per bottle

BRUICHLADDICH 1984 Golder Still

Gently sweet, creamy, fruity and malty…Bruichladdich as god intended!  Glorious stuff.  Just 2 bottles left.

£125 per bottle

COMPETITION – “GLASGOW BOYS” EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS

I am delighted to announce the two winners of tickets to see “Glasgow Boys” exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts were Mr. Dan Brown and Mr. Warren Reid

Thanks to all those who entered.  For those interested in attending, the exhibition runs through to 23 January 2011.

That brings to an end the December newsletter.  I sign off with our founding father John Milroy’s words….Happy Drams!
 
Best regards

Philip

Philip Shorten
Milroy’s of Soho

3 Greek Street

London, W1D 4NX
T: 020 7437 2385
F: 020 7437 1345
W: www.milroys.co.uk