Macallan 17yo (43%, OB, ‘Fine Oak’, +/-2010

This is the newer version with the ‘two tone’ label’ white upper and mauve lower, the back label describes it as ‘triple cask matured in a unique, complex combination of exceptional oak casks; European oak casks seasoned with sherry, American oak casks seasoned with sherry and American oak casks seasoned with bourbon.”

The nose is fragrant and honeyed at first, delicately, followed fruit and malt. There’s also a significant amount of sherry and it’s very good. Spicy oak also makes and appearance along with hints of bees wax; it’s a really fine collection of aromas that are in harmony. The taste sweet (sherried) along with the malt and then the oak spice and smooth, gentle but not docile; it’s much like the nose but very good. This is brilliant whisky. The dryness and hints of Fry’s cocoa powder are really good. The finish is dry at first followed by more of the cocoa and hints of leather and cured but unlit tobacco. More spice, very active and very good. Sherry and spice. Very long, warming and pleasant. After a few minutes a dry sweetness develops and is in a steady holding pattern for quite a while. Never an off note…

What a very nice dram. Fine Oak indeed; worth a try once again, things have changed.

C$115

Score 88 points.

(Sample kindly provided by Macallan ambassador J. Wheelock)

Buy your tickets NOW for the Isle of Arran Distillery 15th Anniversary Open Day!
 
Buy your tickets now to join us all on the beautiful Island of Arran for our 15th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday 3rd July! A fantastic day lies ahead of us in the stunning surroundings of our Lochranza distillery. Why not make a weekend of it and really soak up the atmosphere on one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, with one of Scotland’s best single malts.

Here are just a few of the things you can look forward to on the day:

Limited Edition Bottling of 3 x 1995 casks, especially for the occasion, exclusive to the Arran Distillery Visitor Centre – you won’t find these anywhere else!

Master-classes with Dave Broom and James MacTaggart

Island showcase featuring all of the fantastic food & drink producers on the Isle of Arran – including a special ale brewed for the event by the Arran Brewery

Evening ceilidh in Lochranza Village Hall with live ceilidh band “Skerryvore”.

Please note that master classes are not included in the ticket price. There will be 3 masterclasses: one with Andy Hogan priced at £15, one with Dave Broom at £15 and the James MacTaggart Masterclass is priced at £20.

These can be booked by phoning the Visitor Centre on 01770 830 264 or e-mailing them on visitorcentre@arranwhisky.com or via the on-line shop at http://www.arranwhisky.com/ProductCategories.aspx?cat_id=41

Calling All Whisky Lovers
 
Between now and May 30th, selected restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow will offer you and your dining partners a free dram of Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky to enjoy after your meal. Just look for the Bunnahabhain logo when making your booking on our Dining Out site. Bon appetit!

http://scotsman.5pm.co.uk/

Bowmore is Islay’s oldest distillery, and the second oldest in all of Scotland. It’s at the heart of Islay’s largest town, and plays a major role on Islay. It’s also the only distillery with two Feis Ile special bottlings, and distillery manager Eddie McAffer is making one available to a WhiskyCast listener! Details in this episode, along with a visit to Islay’s best whisky bar and music from the Spirit of Islay Pipe Band.

www.whiskycast.com

GLENDRONACH SPIRITS SOAR AT HOME AND ABROAD
 
BEING sold by the Swedish alcohol monopoly, Oddbins and Carrefour has boosted the sales of GlenDronach’s new core range in the first twelve months, it announced today (May 25).
 
Since being launched last spring, the Aberdeenshire distillery’s new range of single malts has sold some 25,000 cases worldwide, yielding extra sales of some £2.4 million.
 
Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “When we launched the range last year, we promised our customers “A Journey of Re-Discovery”. From the terrific sales we’ve generated, it’s clear they’re thoroughly enjoying their journey!”
 
Established in 1826, the GlenDronach Distillery at Forgue is famous for producing richly-sherried single malt whiskies. This time last year saw the re-launch of the already popular 12 year-old Original as well as the return of the iconic older expressions – the GlenDronach 15 and 18 year-olds, now under the new names of Revival and Allardice respectively.
 
Alistair said GlenDronach has acquired a strong new following in a number of markets including the USA, France, Belgium, Scandinavia and Taiwan.
 
“Sweden is now one of our most prosperous markets, and it’s partly due to the GlenDronach 15 year-old (‘Revival’) being listed by Systembolaget, the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly.”
 
He explained: “Systembolaget’s product range is very comprehensive and, significantly, is developed continuously to match changes in trends and in consumers’ tastes.
 
“To be accepted by the monopoly is a real feather in our cap, as it shows they see us as one of Scotland’s outstanding malt whiskies. It also provides the GlenDronach 15 year-old expression with national distribution in a country that is home to many of the most passionate malt enthusiasts in the world.
 
“And looking at the UK market, we’re also delighted to be on sale in Oddbins now, again with GlenDronach 15 year-old as well as a couple of expressions from BenRiach, our other distillery. That development shows that persistence pays – they’ve been on our radar for a number of years and now we’re available in-store and online.
 
“In fact Revival is one of our star performers in the last twelve months. It’s a classic GlenDronach, a very dynamic and full-bodied dram. It has all the characteristics you would expect from really good Oloroso sherry casks – dark chocolate, raisins, coffee and orange notes.”
 
In addition to Sweden and the UK, the distillery recently made some significant advances in France, having developed an exclusive GlenDronach expression called ‘Octarine’ (‘the colour of magic’) for multiple retailer Carrefour.
 
Regional Sales Director James Cowan commented: “Together with our French agents, La Maison du Whisky, Octarine has been developed as an exclusive regional listing within the world-renowned Carrefour Group. We see this as a significant milestone in the ongoing re-launch of the GlenDronach brand.
 
“Globally, the brand growth is still in its early phase but this major retailer has clearly seen the unique selling points and fine brand heritage that GlenDronach has to offer. This will undoubtedly pave the way for bigger and better things in the months to come.
 
“The Octarine project was made feasible through rigorous and exacting cask selection drawn from the diverse inventory carried on-site at the distillery. We are excited and eager to continue our portfolio development which will appeal to our growing client base.”
 
The team at GlenDronach sees 2010 as another big year for the brand, as Alistair explained: “Each year represents an important step in re-establishing the GlenDronach brand. In 2008 we took over the distillery and started to get to grips with the stock and the distillery production.”
 
“In 2009 we enhanced the core range, revising the12 year-old and introducing the 15 and 18 year-old expressions. We also released our first batch of single casks bottlings, to much excitement, as these had been few and far between under previous regimes.
 
“This year we may surprise some of the GlenDronach faithful, with the imminent release of four new bottlings that are not exactly typical of the distillery.”
 
Almost from the very first day that the BenRiach Distillery Co. purchased GlenDronach, Master Distiller and Managing Director Billy Walker embarked on a programme of wood management and experimentation that would allow the company to bring some real diversity to the GlenDronach portfolio.
 
The result is that this June will see the launch of a series of GlenDronach wood finishes – Sauternes, Virgin Oak, Moscatel and Tawny Port.
 
Alistair explained: “To any malt drinkers who are familiar with what we have done at BenRiach over the last six years, it will come as no surprise that Billy has been tinkering away in the GlenDronach warehouses to come up with some new creations!
 
“But, seriously, while the focus will always be on sherry cask maturation for GlenDronach, it’s worth seeing what else the whisky is capable of, and for sure our customers have reacted positively to news that we are broadening this whisky’s horizons.
 
“So, along with the new 31 year-old ‘Grandeur’, which we launched earlier this year, and with the second and third batches of single casks scheduled to be released in 2010, it’s going to be a busy year for GlenDronach!”

Visit GlenDronach Distillery at www.glendronachdistillery.com/

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.