$11.99 Scotch Whisky Week Continues…….

Lauder’s 36 Months (40%, Imported, Blended Scotch Whisky, +/- 2009)

From http://www.bartonbrands.com/lauders.html  Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky: “A smooth, blended Scotch whisky imported from Scotland. Steeped in taste and history, it was a Gold Medal Winner at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. One of the finest imported Scotch whiskies-one of the world’s affordable luxuries.”

On the nose there is some strong acetone and industrial notes and not very much that would identify it as a scotch whisky and after some time there are some mild and vague green or vegetal notes. It’s a struggle to detect anything else. The taste is surprisingly smokey at first but that soon drops away to reveal some grain (finally) and the industrial notes. Hiding in the back ground is some sweetness. The finish has some light fruit, no appearance of the smoke and some bitterness that is slightly off putting. After several minutes some malt (or some overly active grain) makes an appearance but it’s too late to make any difference.

Some mere moments of happiness at the end but some lack of balance…and all the other unhappy characteristics…..one has to conclude that things have gone down hill since Chicago in1893.

$11.99

Score 59 points

Dear All,

Still the whisky weather continues…

There’s been no slacking at Adelphi in 2010. A great 4 day trip to Norway (-27c one night…), and off to the famous Linkoping Whisky Festival in Sweden this weekend. Meanwhile, Antonia will be travelling to the Ghent Whisky Festival.

Some studious sampling in late December and we managed to find a fantastic parcel of Bunnahabhains which are now trickling into the bottling warehouse. Expect to see sherry butts from 1968, 1975, 1978, 1991 and 1998 over the next few months, and just to get things going this month’s offer is a “reservation” offer on a cracking 1st fill butt from 2000.

We are due to bottle this in 2 weeks time at the youthful age of 9 years. Charlie, Antonia and I will be writing official notes for it next week, but in the meantime some snippets from the selection session:

Bunnahabhain 2000 9 year old Islay, 59.2% vol, 554 bottles estimated.

Rich amber colour, really jammy on the nose – raspberries, strawberries, cherries and Armagnac. Some well-aged balsamic vinegar, pickled gherkins with a sweet brown sugar finish.

The Estimated Dancey Man price for this is £53.20

Please let me know if you would like to reserve any, and we will confirm price and availability after bottling is complete.

Best regards,

Alex.
 

Alex Bruce

Sales & Marketing Director

Adelphi Distillery Ltd.

Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1383 842 912

Mobile: +44 (0) 7795 424 838

Skype: alex.bruce

Email: alex@adelphidistillery.com

Web: www.adelphidistillery.com

The big reveal continues…..

The 16th Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards winners are being announced one per day through February 11th.  John has been busy posting and receiving comments on each of the categories.  Come on in, take a look around What Does John Know and be sure not to leave without sharing your thoughts.  And the winners announced to date are:

Scotch Whisky: “Single Malt of the Year”: Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Scotch Whisky: “Blend of the Year”: Compass Box, “The Peat Monster”
“Irish Whiskey of the Year”: Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve (2009 release)
“Canadian Whisky of the Year”: Crown Royal Cask No. 16
“American Whiskey of the Year”: Parker’s Heritage Collection “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon
“Artisan Whiskey of the Year”: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
“Best Buy Whisky of the Year”: The MacPhail’s Collection
“Pioneer of the Year”: Whisky Bloggers!
“Industry Leader of the Year”: Mark Brown (Buffalo Trace Distillery)

Visit the Malt Advocate at http://www.maltadvocate.com/

Dear Single Malt Scotch Lover:

Peter Currie from Springbank will present the Springbank Single Malt Scotch for tasting on Thursday, February 11th, 2010, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.. This is an informal tasting, no RSVP is needed, but since the space is limited, please refrain from coming in large groups.

$11.99 Scotch Whisky Week!

“36 months is so much more mature than 3 years” ….40% and 36 months… ‘just’ barely scotch whisky……W.I. is on the Hawaiian Island of Maui and taking a look at the lower end of the price spectrum…..

Scoresby 36 Months (40%, Very Rare, Blended Scotch Whisky, +/- 2009)

“The Connoisseur’s Scotch Whisky” so says the label……

An internet search revealed very little about Scoresby; it seems Diageo wants to keep details a secret?? Come on Diageo, you can do better than that……

The nose is very much of grain whisky with very little evidence of any malt whisky however while it is quite one sided towards grain there are no evil notes like gasoline or strong solvents but there simply isn’t much here. The taste is middle of the road in flavour profile and tastes like whisky with some nice sweetness which is a pleasant surprise. It’s also quite vibrant but there is still little evidence of any malt. Once again there is nothing alarming in the taste. The finish has some fruit and …… some grain ( think of corn or chewing on wheat grains straight from the field). Some chewy moments towards the end and once again nothing to set off the alarm bells, actually quite a vibrant finish, not dull. Some very light green notes towards the end of the finish that is surprisingly long. There some grain in there however not a hint of the malt that must be in there somewhere. After a few minutes there’s some slight hints of NutraSweet at the very tail end of the finish.

Just for fun, since the large majority of whisky consumed in the USA is poured over ice this was done, merely in the interests of science.

Not a huge change from the un-iced sample and perhaps a mild improvement however after a short while in the glass the ice begins to dominate and it changes somewhat to become slightly like a chilled vodka (think of that Polish Vodka with the blade of grass in the bottle). A nice drink and well done for maintaining balance throughout or perhaps this is merely due to the lack of character. However it should be noted that there are simply no dire notes; perhaps this is the most redeeming character?

US$11.99

Score 69 points

tomorrow….Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky……

Please find below some new whisky titles Meluki has in stock or will if not yet published.  
 
9781405319669  Malt Whisky Companion 6th Edition (hb)
Author: Michael Jackson

Publisher:  DK Publishing April 2010

9780756654436  World Whiskey (hb)  $30.00

Author:  DK Publishing

Publisher:  DK Publishing

World Whiskey is a long overdue visual bible of over 700 worldwide whiskeys. Whiskeys Worth the Wait directory spreads make up the body of the book, marrying together distillery history, in-depth tasting notes, and a photograph. Guiding you through every important distilling nation – starting with the rich varieties in Scotland, going on to woody bourbon and rye in the US, and finishing with the range of varieties available in Asia and Australasia – you’re sure to find a satisfying dram wherever you are.

9780470431214  Whiskey & Philosophy  $25.95

Editors: Fritz Allhoff and Marcus P. Adams

Publisher:  John Wiley & Sons

Everyone becomes a philosopher with a drink in hand, but Whiskey & Philosophy takes this natural pairing to a new level. It explores a range of philosophical topics related to whiskey through engaging reflections written by philosophers, whiskey writers, and others.

You will learn things that are both practical (how do tasting notes vary across guides and whiskey brands?) and thought provoking (why is there the popular conception that drinking whiskey makes people mean, and is it true?). Whether your interest lies in the drink itself or in the philosophical issues surrounding it, you’ll find something to interest you in this unusual book.

9780955414565  Ardbeg: A Peaty Provenance (hb) $54.95

Author:  Gavin D. Smith

Publisher:  GW Publishing

Ardbeg – A Peaty Provenance is a large format 216 page book published as a tribute to the distillery’s 190 year history and to recognise the past 10 years of its remarkable revival from closure and dereliction to becoming possibly the most sought after whisky today. With a detailed history, setting the record straight and highlighting some overlooked figures, the book gives an intriguing and complete account with contributions from former and present employees together with Ardbeg fans and collectors. Colourfully and attractively written, the story is supported with many large and stunning images, both historical and current.

9780955414572  The Whisky Kitchen  (hb)  $35.00

Author:  Sheila McConachie & Graham Harvey

Publisher:  GW Publishing

From their restaurant in Speyside, Scotland, Sheila McConachie and Graham Harvey have spent some considerable time learning and understanding the characteristics within differing Scotch whiskies. These findings have been used to create a range of recipes that compliment or contrast with the various whisky flavours, perfecting the best balance to enhance but not overpower the food. From traditional Scottish and local recipes to some new creations, the Whisky Kitchen presents over 100 mouth-watering, tempting and easy to make recipes including starters, main courses, sauces, desserts and baking. These are fantastic recipes that have truly been transformed by the addition of Scotland most recognised drink. Supported with full colour photographs throughout.

Regards,

Jocelyn

Meluki Book Marketing

Visit Meluki at http://www.meluki.ca/

Batch 6 of the Award Winning
Islay Blended Malt

A shovelful of single malts distilled at Ardbeg, Coal Ila, Bowmore and Port Ellen bottled unchill-filtered.

The ideal Valentines gift, Big Peat!

Let us wrap it up for you, gift wrapping now available at the checkout.

£31.99 (£27.23 ex VAT)

Visit the Whisky Barrel at www.thewhiskybarrel.com

Great news! The brand-new BenRiach website is now live!
 
To view, please visit www.benriachdistillery.co.uk

Glenrothes OB Alba Reserve 40%alc.
Alba Reserve, originally put together for the orthodox Jewish community in New York. it is made using 100% American oak (Quercus Alba) so lots of coconut & vanilla. Sweet easy drinking.

Price excluding VAT: £32.77
£38.50 Including VAT at 17.5%

Visit Loch Fyne Whiskies at https://www.lfw.co.uk/

REMINDER:

• 1: Glenlivet Whisky Tasting Tomorrow!
15 EXTRA tickets have just been made released!
• 2: Bring £10 for The Grill Tasting Next Week!
4 special drams and a pie!
• 3: Bring £40 deposit for the Whisky Weekend Trip!
An incredible Whisky orientated tour of Scotland!

and don’t forget to…
join our Facebook group!
follow us on twitter!
check in at our events on FourSquare!

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Don’t Forget:
Glenlivet Tasting Tomorrow!
EXTRA TICKETS SELLING FAST!

Location: Chalpaincy, High Street, Old Aberdeen
Time and Date: 7pm (SHARP!) – Wednesday 10th February 2010
If you arrive after 7.15pm you may not have a seat.
What to Bring: Ticket + Membership Card + money for raffle

See you there!
 
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The Chaplaincy office is ONLY for Tasting Tickets!

Do not bother Gillian about the deposit etc etc…
Please be nice to her as she is doing this to help us!

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Chaplaincy
High Street
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3TT

aberdeenwhisky@googlemail.com