Toast the Bard into the Wee Sma’ Hours!
– Society Joins up with Lennoxlove to Celebrate Burns –

The world’s leading authority on single cask, single malt whisky has joined forces with one of the country’s finest historic homes, Lennoxlove House, for a special 2010 toast to Scotland’s most famous Bard.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Lennoxlove are offering guests an exclusive opportunity to stay at the famous 14th Century home of the Duke of Hamilton, as well as the chance to taste a rare selection of single cask, single malt whiskies.

The Society offers the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies, with private Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh and London.

Lennoxlove, in East Lothian, has recently been restored to its former splendour and is considered one of the UK’s finest exclusive use properties. Each of the 11 rooms is luxuriously appointed and blends fine period features and state-of-the-art facilities.

As part of the special celebratory weekend, guests will be invited to make Lennoxlove House their home over 22 – 24 January. A champagne reception will be held at The Society’s Georgian Members’ Room at 28 Queen Street in Edinburgh.  A single malt tasting and dinner will follow, with Burns Karaoke for the more adventurous lads and lassies.

Visitors will receive a special insight into the life of the Burns’ family, with a visit to the nearby home of the Bard, as well as a recital of music and verse performed by the renowned Grants Brae Society.

A formal dinner dance in the Great Hall at Lennoxlove will complete the weekend’s activities. Toasts will be led by a Society Ambassador, while whisky tasting sessions will be available at the ‘Society Whisky bar’ into the wee sma’ hours!

Whiskies for the occasion have been selected from the Society’s unrivalled range of single cask, single malts, all of which have passed the rigours of the Society’s uncompromising Tasting Panel. 

Paul Miles, managing director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “Burns is a highlight in our annual calendar and we are delighted to be celebrating the Bard in partnership with a location of such historical significance. Guests will not only be able to sample some of the world’s finest single malt whiskies, but also sit back and toast Burns in a truly unique setting.”

For further information or to book please call: 01620 828 619 or
email: ken-buchanan@lennoxlove.com

For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, visit www.smws.co.uk.

Ends         12 January 2010

Issued on behalf of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society by Weber Shandwick. For more information on or to request images contact:

Jenny McMahon    Stephanie Robertson
0131 556 6649     0131 556 6649
07770 886925    07809 665773
jmcmahon@webershandwick.com srobertson@webershandwick.com

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has over 26,000 members worldwide with Members’ Rooms, in Edinburgh and London. The Society bottles single casks from a range of over 125 malt whisky distilleries. Only the very best single cask, single malt whisky is selected, having been approved by the Society’s Tasting Panel

Winter approaches and I trust your thoughts are turning, as always, to Highland Park.

I am really excited about our latest release which, as a high-strength whisky that is bursting with flavour, is perfect for this time of year and will warm you on the chilliest of days.

Earl Magnus is a 15 year old Highland Park with the addition of some casks from the early 1990s to add even greater depth and a firmer structure. It takes its name from the most famous of the Viking Earls of Orkney, in whose memory the stunning cathedral in Kirkwall was built (less than a mile from the distillery) and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval master masons.

The Highland Park archive is home to many venerable bottles; one in particular, dating from the late 19th century, fits perfectly as an inspiration for celebrating the life of Earl Magnus, featuring an image of the saint taken from an ancient stained glass window.

The whisky has been created by Max MacFarlane, Whisky Maker, and is bottled at 52.6%. He has supplied the following tasting note for Earl Magnus:

Appearance: Golden honey, clear and bright.
Nose: Cedarwood and lemon. Mango chunks with hints of ginger and cinnamon bark.
Palate: Vanilla, balanced smokiness, milk chocolate and crystallized ginger.
Finish: Medium sweet with lingering spiciness.

Earl Magnus costs £85 per bottle and will be available in the UK, Canada, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Russia, Scandinavia and Switzerland. This bottling is a limit release of only 5976 bottles.

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World, please visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

International Whisky Competition: First Whisky Competition to be hosted Live via Twitter and YouTube

January 13, 2010

First Live Whisky Competition Broadcasted over Internet and Mobile Devices

CHICAGO; Jan. 13, 2010 – The International Whisky Competition (IWC) today announces that the first edition of this world-class competition will be broadcasted live via Twitter, YouTube and Ustream to the delights of whisky fans throughout the world.
 
“We believe all whisky fans from around the world should have their say in the whisky rating process and their votes will contribute to the Public Choice award category” said Sylvain Allard, Managing Director at the IWC.  “By hosting the event live on the Internet we’re ensuring this is an open and truly international competition. I hosted the first live whisky tasting on GoogleWave last year and the response was very good.” said Blair Bowman, Judge at the IWC.

The International Whisky Competition will take place at the Hotel 71 in Chicago, IL USA from April 8th to 10th 2010.
 
About International Whisky Competition
International Whisky Competition is a young and creative company organizing a world-class whisky competition.  The International Whisky Competition is the first whisky-only international competition in the world. Our goal is to bring as many whiskies from around the world to be tasted and rated by a panel of judges. The annual International Whisky Competition attracts whisky lovers from across the world via the web and these can vote on whiskies participating in the competition.  The company was founded in Canada by a group of four whisky connoisseurs in 2009.  Its home page is www.whiskycompetition.com.

Indie Bottler Laphroaig week ….4 out of 4……concludes,

Laphroaig 16yo 1989/2008 (54.6%, SMWS of America 29.64, sherry)

What do we have from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America? A sherried Laphroaig no less and a decent cask at that.  As everybody understands, the peat reek effect does not increase with maturation but decreases over time; this can be some what of a surprise to new comers to the world of malt whisky, much like the fact that all scotch whisky (or new spirit) comes off the still colorless. Or the fact that there really isn’t a tooth fairy.

The nose is rich, complicated and oily; peat reek, diesel smoke and brine. Is it possible for the aroma of an Islay scotch whisky to improve on this? There’s also hints of muted Fisherman’s Friends, kippers and spicy oak but not overly dry (think of the three bears & porridge; just right!). A very different aroma to be sure…..The taste is sherried; sweet at first and then incredibly dry along with the afore mentioned oak and salt as well as some syrupy notes and even more peat reek. Peated malt. Absolutely marvelous. There is also a fresh orange juice vibrancy that is very refreshing. The finish is somewhat like being smacked about the face with a kipper; brief moments of the sea along with a shock every few seconds on either side of the face. Quite long, chewy peated malt and very much like the ocean….

Quite a different Laphroaig to say the least…..

US$130

Score 90 Points

Well after a hectic last few days before Christmas we were all looking forward to a Christmas break which started mildly enough in Portsoy with the snow which had fallen just before Christmas totally disappeared by the 25th. However by the time New Year came we had our share of cold weather and snow which got worse in the first week of January. Some of the team couldn’t make it in due to the roads being closed and so with threats of the gas supplies possibly being shut-off we have delayed start-up for a week. We should now be ready to start next week by which time I will be in Canada heading for the Victoria Whisky Festival.

For those of you who have been following my ramblings during last year, you will remember that we produced a small amount of peated spirit at the end of the year. While we are still awaiting the analyses of the spirit and the measured phenol levels, both Graham and I were pleased with the taste of the spirit and are sure that this will produce excellent whisky in future years. Later this year we will make available a very small amount of bottles of the peated new make spirit and more details of the unique way in which we will sell this product will be available shortly.

Finally although we have had some snow, I know that many of you have fared worse than us and indeed some of other Scotch Whisky companies have suffered considerably with warehouse roof collapses. To date we have not been affected by this and I can only hope that the thaw, when it comes, does not do too much damage.

Slange

Stuart

Hello everybody,

A new year for all and we’re looking forward to a cracker (little post Xmas reference there!) We are hoping for a whole new line-up for 2010 to excite and educate your taste-buds.

To start with we have a Tasting happening in just a couple of weeks, on the 26th of January when Annabel Meikle from Glenmorangie will be here for the High street launch of the new Sonnalta.

Those of you who were lucky enough (sic) to be at our “In House” tasting will already know this to be a fine expression of the Glenmorangie, and those who were not, now’s your chance.

Along with this new release we will be tasting another 5 Glenmorangie from their core range including the fabulous Astar, the exquisite Quarter Century, and an exclusive cask sample brought down especially for the evening.

Now we know that a good percentage of you will have “given up drinking for a month”, but resolutions are there for your own good, and missing this would not be good for anybody, now would it?
 

Tickets are £25 per person with the usual 2 per person (although we will have a standby list in case too many people have will power) and will go on a first come first served basis.

They will go on sale next Monday 18th January at 3pm. To secure yourself a ticket, just give us a ring after 3pm on the number below and we will take your CC details there and then.

Please be patient with the redial button as we haven’t set up our 2nd 3rd or 4th phone lines quite yet.

Many thanks, and good luck,

The Team

The Whisky Exchange

Vinopolis

1 Bank End

Southwark

London

SE1 9BU

Tel:-  +44 (0) 207 403 8688

Fax:- +44 (0) 207 403 8788

e-mail:-   vinopolis@thewhiskyexchange.com

website:- www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Laphroaig Indie Bottler week continues …..3/4……

Laphroaig 11year old (46%, Duthies, 2009)

Robert W. Duthie was the nephew of William Cadenhead and he ran the company after the passing of Mr. Cadenhead in 1904.  Cadenhead’s recently re-established the brand. Bottled at 46% without chill filtration or the addition of colouring (which as everybody knows is a good thing). 

The nose is medicinal, peated and there is also brine and some whiffs of toffee however this is muted. There are also some vague hints of fresh cut hay and green cereal grains (think of a head of barley but still green and right off the stalk in the field). After some time in the glass the peat reek starts to grow and crowd out the other aromas and it changes to more coal smoke. The taste is gentle at first but grows as the peat reek takes hold, there is also some good malt, some sweetness and some dark unsweetened chocolate that is all very nice. There is also some pepper and spice. After a short while it is all peat reek and malt. The finish is very long and peated with the dark bitter chocolate and the malt. The green notes now make an appearance as green malt however it does not detract and it is a great finish. The peated malt continues to grow on the finish over time….and after nearly 10 minutes is much like coal smoke malt…

A very well balanced dram that is consistent and delicious; a really good Laphroaig. Well done!

C$99

Score 87 Points

PRESS RELEASE: Jan 12 2010

PIONEERING SPIRITS…

A UNIQUE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE HOTEL DU VIN/MALMAISON GROUP AND THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BRINGS EXCLUSIVE MALT WHISKIES TO ALL

The Hotel du Vin / Malmaison Group and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are announcing an exciting new collaboration to provide Society members and non-members the opportunity to sample and enjoy some of the world’s rarest malt whiskies in the superb environment of Hotel du Vin and Malmaison hotels.

Until now members have been able to enjoy the Society’s single cask, single malt whiskies in its three members-only venues throughout the UK; two in Edinburgh and one in London.  This unique partnership will now enable the Society’s 26,000 worldwide members to enjoy its limited edition bottlings, Society members’ events and luxurious ‘Society Suite’ hotel rooms in three new properties as from the end of January 2010.  

Aberdeen’s Malmaison, Birmingham’s Hotel du Vin and Brighton’s Hotel du Vin will all open their doors later this month with a special Society snug – the ‘Whisky Snuggle’; dedicated lounges and bar areas where Society members and hotel guests can discover a range of different Society bottlings in unique and inspiring atmospheres.

Commenting on the partnership, Robert B.Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, says: “We are always looking at ways in which to innovate and bring something very special and unique to our customers.  The Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group together with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society share the same passion for excellence and I believe it is a natural business fit for us.   We are confident that this collaboration will be a success.

Paul Miles, Managing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, commented: “This partnership will allow members, prospective members and their guests to truly immerse themselves in the relaxed atmosphere that the Society is renowned for now in the luxurious surroundings of the Hotel du Vin & Malmaison Group hotels.  We look forward to offering an increasing number of members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society the opportunity to sample Society malts on their door step with members’ dram prices and special offers on dinner and rooms while non-members will be able to sample Society whiskies and learn about the benefits of Society membership.”

Launch Opening Dates:

Aberdeen Malmaison: January 22 2010

Birmingham Hotel du Vin: January 29 2010

Brighton Hotel du Vin: February 5 2010

– Ends-

Media Contacts:

Issued on behalf of Hotel du Vin/Malmaison Group and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society by The Big Partnership.  Contacts:

The Big Partnership: Kelly Kilner or Linda Edstrand on 0131 555 5522

Kelly.Kilner@bigpartnership.co.uk or  Linda.Edstrand@bigpartnership.co.uk

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society: Mark van der Vijver on 0131 555 2266

Mark@smws.com

Notes to Editor

HOTEL DU VIN AND MALMAISON GROUP

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin are recognised as the UK’s leading lifestyle hotel group with 1,900 bedrooms across the UK.  Recipient of the following awards:

2009

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year – Scottish Restaurant Awards 2009

2008

Conde Nast Gold List

Travel and Leisure top 500

Travel and Leisure Food & Wine Go-list winners

Catering in Scotland – Hotel of the Year

Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards – Glasgow Hotel of the Year

Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards – Chef of the Year

Bistro accredited with 3AA Rosettes

Best small traditional Venue – Scottish Event Awards 2008

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Membership of the Society provides the following

The opportunity to sample and buy from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies. The Society bottles over 200 single casks every year from 126 distilleries.

Attend a range of whisky tastings and events around the UK and at our three venues.

Use the Members’ Rooms bars and restaurant in Edinburgh, Leith and London.

Receive the award winning quarterly magazine Unfiltered and have full access to the website at www.smws.co.uk

New members also receive the Society’s beautiful membership pack, which includes four different 10cl bottles of single cask, single malt whisky together with their Members’ Handbook and membership card

Individual Membership costs from £100 for the first year. Annual renewal thereafter costs from £49.50.

Membership information:

To join please apply online at www.smws.co.uk or call (+44) 131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm)

Canada’s Premier Malt Whisky Appreciation Society

Hello everyone, 

Happy New Year!

We have a fantastic  Bowmore Dinner scheduled for  Tuesday January 26th    at Chill Winston in Gastown !  Chef has put together a fantastic menu paired up with five whisky’s from the Bowmore family.  The new release of “Tempest” a cask strength matured in bourbon barrels will be poured for your added enjoyment!

Date:   January 26th Chill Winston, 3 Alexander Street (Gastown), Vancouver, British Columbia.

Reservations:   send Marcus an email (via  http://thequaich.com/ ) or reserve at the restaurant,  (604) 288-9575

Cost: Members – $55 

Non Members – $65 

Time: 6:30 pre scotch

7p.m. dinner

Special thanks to Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd. and Pako Velikov 

See you there

Slainte!

Marcus

Indie bottler Laphroaig Week Continues …2/4….

Laphroaig 10yo 1999/2009 (46%, Coopers Choice, C#4211, 720 Bts., Refill Butt)

A pale independent bottling from Coopers Choice sporting new bottle livery and happily bottled without artificial colouring or the ‘Un-chillfiltered’; good for Coopers Choice.

The nose benefits a short while in the glass to open up and then the race is on; peat reek, heather, juniper, malt dust and some sweet dessert wine notes however the evidence of the butt mentioned on the label is muted. The overall aromas are pleasant and a little hand warming coaxes out some more of the heather and juniper along with the peat reek. After a few minutes there is also some muted bandages, cocoa and peanut shells. The taste is malty and full of peat reek; there’s some attitude in here that perhaps has been calmed in the reduction for cask strength but the overall taste is very good. There are also hints of the heather, malt and cocoa along with some further sweetness that is not overwhelming but in harmony with the peat smoke. The finish is malty and somewhat akin to peanut butter along with some oak notes and the heather and juniper. After a minute or two there is the faintest hint of diesel which ties in the maritime aspect of maturation quite nicely. The peat continues un abated for quite some time…….and becomes even more malty.

One has to conclude that this is a refill – refill butt however no matter since it is simply a very good dram.

C$100

Score 85 points

http://www.vintagemaltwhisky.com/product-cooperchoice.html