SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 2011 – TICKETS ON SALE IN JANUARY

Whisky connoisseurs and fans of Scotland’s national drink will be noting Friday, 14th January, 2011 as a key date in next year’s diary.  Tickets for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 go on sale online at www.spiritofspeyside.com, and there’s likely to be a rush for some of the Festival’s most exclusive and prestigious events.

Next year’s Festival runs from Thursday, 28th April – Monday, 2nd May, and distilleries, shops, bars, pubs and villages throughout Speyside will be welcoming visitors from around the world with quality malt whiskies, special tastings, outdoor activities, music and many other entertaining events.

There are only 16 places available at the respected Spirit of Speyside Whisky School, aimed at whisky connoisseurs, whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals who want to learn more about the process of whisky making.  The Whisky School features three days of undiluted and informative malt whisky education of the highest standard and includes seven expert-led technical lectures and seven top level technical site visits conducted by distillery managers.

However, many more whisky fans can enjoy a rare peek behind the scenes at other well-known distilleries around Speyside which are usually closed to the public but which offer unique events and experiences during the Festival, including Benrinnes, Glenrothes and Mortlach.

Another highlight of the Festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards, where the final Award winners are judged by Festival visitors.  And to launch the 2011 Festival, the magnificent Opening Dinner will be held at Cardhu Distillery on Thursday, 28th April. 

Festival goers can also learn about Speyside whisky’s heritage, about using whisky as a culinary ingredient or how to choose the best drams for a dinner party, and even how to pair it with chocolate, sausages and cheese.

To find out more and book tickets (on sale from 14th January, 2011) go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up to date with the Festival on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com
– Easy access by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2001 EDITION OF EVAN WILLIAMS SINGLE BARREL VINTAGE BOURBON

The 16th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon to Begin Shipping After Holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the release of the 2001 edition of its highly acclaimed Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 16th annual release of the series.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill—the grain recipe—is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who along with his son Craig produces and selects each vintage from among Heaven Hill’s 900,000 barrels of aging Bourbon.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”
 
Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned and operated, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the latest vintage in the landmark series for 500 members of its Bardstown Whiskey Society in an elegant setting at Louisville’s famed Derby Museum at Churchill Downs back in November.
   
As with the previous 15 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2001 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  This new edition features the traditional corn, malted barley and rye mashbill, and stringent selection of barrels from the top three floors of the rickhouse, that are the hallmarks of all of Parker and Craig Beam’s Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons.  The 2001 edition will be available nationally beginning in January 2011 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, which is why it has also been named a “Best Buy” award winner by Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazines, among others.    

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

A lot has changed since the 4th October when I first offered 5 barrels each of Aberlour, Tomatin and Linkwood. Since then, I’ve been able to offer more of these, as well as 4yo Balmenach, 4yo Miltonduff and 7 yo Craigellachie. For all you peat fans out there I managed to purchase 5 barrels of 10yo Caol Ila, but due to demand have had to go back twice for more. I’m awaiting delivery of 5 barrels of 1991 North British Grain Whisky and 5 hogsheads of 1991 Grain Whisky from the recently closed Port Dundas. For the serious whisky drinker I’ve also been able to make available 19yo Cragganmore (now sold), 26yo Linkwood, 27yo Balmenach and 28yo Mannochmore. Finally for those wishing to invest in the future, I purchased 5 hogsheads each of New Make Spirit, distilled at Royal Brackla and Glenfarclas Distilleries in early 2010.

I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has purchased a cask so far (approaching 80 casks gone) and I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to any of your friends who might be interested.

The Port Dundas Grain whisky may not be of interest to everyone but as the distillery was closed earlier this year, it may become very rare in the future.

Also coming in 2011 are hogsheads of the following, Balmenach January 2008, Tomatin January 08, Glenburgie March 08, Knockdhu April 08, Auchriosk April 08 and Benriach April 08.

If there is anything you would like to see available, please let me know and I’ll keep an eye open for it. Please write a comment on the guestbook of my website, especially if you have purchased a cask. Finally, if you have any website related suggestions, don’t hesitate to send me an email.

Martin Armstrong

www.whiskybroker.co.uk

The Malt Maniacs are very please to welcome Keith Wood and Olivier Klimek into the madhouse. Chris Bunting and Gordon Homer have departed to pursue other interests.

Visit the Malt Maniacs at http://www.maltmaniacs.org/

BUNNAHABHAIN IN ELITE TOP 4% OF WORLD’S FINEST WHISKIES

Bunnahabhain, crafted on the Isle of Islay, is basking in the glory of receiving Liquid Gold status for its 18-year old single malt in the 2011 Jim Murray Whisky Bible Liquid Gold Awards.  Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, the definitive guide to whiskies across the globe, covers over 4 500 offerings with  Liquid Gold conferred on an elite 4% of those earning a score of at least 94/100.

Over a four-month period, Murray tasted more than 1 000 whiskies to reach his final selection. In his book he salutes distillers for “maintaining and furthering the finest traditions of whisky making and taking the craft to the very highest levels.”

Bunnahabhain is known for its gentle taste profile and unique character across the portfolio of 12-, 18- and 25-year old single malts. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows freely underground, with no impact from the peaty moorlands. The name, meaning “mouth of the river” in Scottish Gaelic, is pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn and refers to the Margadale River which flows close by. 

According to the brand’s spokesperson in Africa, Brian Glass, the award is an exceptional honour not only for the whisky but also for master distiller Ian MacMillan who has over 35 years’ experience of whisky distilling and blending.

“The Bunnahabhain distillery, located on the north-eastern tip of Islay, has been known for producing outstanding whiskies since its inception in 1881.  It holds a proud heritage of maintaining quality and a unique taste profile. MacMillan has an extraordinary ability to continue that tradition.  All his single malts consistently receive top accolades at international whisky and spirit competitions.

“The new Liquid Gold accolade enhances the standing and distinctiveness of Bunnahabhain and is an important affirmation for whisky connoisseurs.”

Enjoy the Bunnahabhain 18-year old neat or with a splash of water to reveal its fragrant nose of honeyed nuts, subtle sea-induced salty tang and wafts of toffee and leather, balanced by sweet oak spice and sherry on the palate. 

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R725. For more information please visit www.bunnahabhain.com

Notes to Editors

Bunnahabhain belongs to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands, including Black Bottle and Scottish Leader. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are involved in a joint venture as equal partners, owning and marketing the selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Warm holiday wishes from your friends at WoW!

Christmas is just around the corner and we are honored to share this special time of year with you, our whisky friends. What better time than the winter holiday season to share your favorite dram with family and friends. Cold nights, crackling fires and festive gatherings create the perfect backdrop for enjoying these warming spirits.

Expo Update

We’re spending the last few days of the year preparing for WoW Expo 2011. The list of distilleries participating in next year’s event continues to grow and we’ll be bringing you regular updates on what you can expect to taste in the coming weeks. See what’s New as well as what’s best from the past! We’re excited to bring you several Master Classes that will include
* Diageo’s very own Stephen Beal who will be presenting a tasting and educational overview of the Classic Malts portfolio.
* Isle of Jura Master Distiller, Willie Tait, will be among our distinguished presenters and we’re looking forward to learning from one of the world’s great whisky masters.
* The intriguing Simon Brooking will guide us through the ultimate Laphroaig experience.
* Stuart Nicholson will take us to “Glenglassaugh – a distillery reborn.”
* The engaging Ed Kohl who will treat participants to an overview of independent bottlings from your favorite distilleries.
* There will be a Craft Panel Discussion with our expert guests and, to round out the evening’s class offerings, we are happy to include a
* Cigar Masterclass for those who find the pairing of whisky and tobacco irresistible. Since this year’s Expo will be hosted on the San Francisco Belle, cigar aficionados will be able to enjoy their favorite tobacco roll out on the upper-deck without having to leave the boat.

Christmas Sale on Tickets – Don’t be a Scrooge

Tickets for WoW are on sale now and you can get your tickets at a discount if you buy them by Saturday, December 25th. Make your ticket purchase a gift by dressing it up in a gift box. If you’re still looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite whisky lover, a pair of WoW tickets will warm the heart of even the biggest Grinch!

                                              Price   Sale Price
General Admission:            $110   $100
VIP Ticket:                      $135   $125  (Almost Sold Out)
Dram Club Expo Ticket:      $120   $110
Dram Club Membership:      $60    $45

Gift Box:   $1.50
Order By Dec 19 to receive before Dec 25.

http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/store/index.php

Whisky Season Wonderland: Cask Ends Sale

Ever wondered what it would be like to take a wander round a whisky wonderland?  Warm your fingers, toes and tongues with our Wonderland Cask Ends Sale:

        Wonderland Parcel 1: Ex-sherry casks

        Wonderland Parcel 2: Ex-bourbon casks

        Wonderland Parcel 3: Ex-bourbon & ex-sherry cask mix

All our wonderland parcels are £92.50 inc free P&P
Sale ends: Fri 31 Dec, midnight
Subject to availability

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events
Tis the season to be jolly well-entertained.  And the Society once more is bringing you a wintery wonderland of events…

World Whisky Tasting 2 – The Vaults, Fri 17 Dec
The Vaults Christmas Carvery – The Vaults, Sun 19 Dec
Hogmanay Party at The Vaults – The Vaults, Fri 31 Dec
Hogmanay Party – Members’ Room – Queen Street, Fri 31 Dec
Hogmanay Party – The Dining Room – Queen Street, Fri 31 Dec

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

The Malt Maniacs have published a new epistle by Louis Pearlman, see for yourself at; 

http://www.maltmaniacs.org/whisky-articles/Malt-Maniacs-2010-11-Scotch-vs-Bourbon-and-Holiday-Whisky-Buying-Guide.pdf

Ralfy has the “three glass educator” stuff for you at www.ralfy.com whisky review 171 – J&B 15yo Reserve.

… for those who like your Whisky a little less orthodox.

Benromach sponsors whisky app for Android phones

Speyside’s smallest distillery is helping whisky and technology merge online by supporting a new application for Android phones, created by the team behind a popular whisky podcast.

Based on the Internet’s most successful whisky podcast, the new WhiskyCast Android application will allow users to listen to episodes online, check tasting notes for whiskies while at a bar or retailer, and even find whisky events while they’re travelling. The WhiskyCast app is free to users thanks to sponsorship from Benromach.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, who own Benromach, said:

“We are delighted to be able to support this exciting new application for Android users, which is a fantastic resource for whisky lovers everywhere.

“Now people will be able to access information on their favourite dram, or a new discovery, at the touch of a button.”

Since the first WhiskyCast episode hit the Internet in November of 2005, more than 850,000 episodes have been downloaded, making WhiskyCast the most popular podcast devoted to whisky. Each episode features the latest news on new whiskies from around the world, along with upcoming whisky events, tasting notes from host Mark Gillespie, and interviews with distillers, authors, and other whisky experts.

In addition to Gillespie’s tasting notes, the WhiskyCast app will let listeners access the four most-recent episodes directly from their phone without the need to download and sync their player to a computer.

WhiskyCast is available on the web at www.whiskycast.com.  For more information on Benromach visit www.benromach.com

Notes

History

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt. The first batch release in the series is produced using Golden Promise barley, grown in the heart of Speyside. Matured in first and second fill sherry casks, this full bodied single malt displays rich, fruity notes, intertwined with peat smoke a soft spicy flavours.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.