Tobermory OB 10yo 40%alc. [NEW STYLE]

(LFW Comments) Released in September 2010, the new style of Tobermory is not chillfiltered and bottled at 46.3%alc.

This gives what was once the feeblest of whiskies a new vigour such that it is now light and zestful.

The aroma has a sea-air freshness laced with wild berries and orange, cinnamon and cloves with some woody notes, we’re talking a punch here? The taste carries the cinnamon and cloves with added vanilla and the extra strength gives a buzzy, butterscotch finish. Water adds further freshness. Overall it’s light and elegant.

On the Flavour map I reckon it lurks in square A3, on the light side of light and delicate.

Tobermory 10 year old

Price excluding VAT: £22.64
£26.60 Including VAT at 17.5%

Visit Loch Fyne Whiskies at www.lfw.co.uk

Our NEW Whiskies of Scotland range has already picked up several awards in the Whisky Magazine Independent Bottlers Challenge 2010. Each whisky is tasted blind by the judging panel of experts and in each category a gold, silver and bronze medal is awarded for the top scoring whiskies. Check out our award winning malts below! A FREE Whisky Magazine with any Whiskies of Scotland bottle.
 
GOLD  Caol Ila 30 Year Old                  
Excl. VAT:£68.93     Incl. VAT:£80.99

SILVER  Teaninch 13 Year Old
Excl. VAT:£28.08      Incl. VAT:£32.99 

BRONZE  Aberlour 16 Year Old      
Excl. VAT:£47.22    Incl. VAT:£55.48   

BRONZE  Auchroisk 10 Year Old
Excl. VAT:£24.67     Incl. VAT:£28.99

phone: 0845 6066145
email: info@singlemaltsdirect.com
web: www.singlemaltsdirect.com
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NEW 50ML FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY

Following the successful launch of South Africa’s first single grain whisky late last year,  Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will now be available in accessible 50ml packs.

Made from recyclable PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) the bottle is light and moulded in the distinctive square shape synonymous with the larger 750ml design.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky recently made its debut in the international competitive arena and in the space of just two weeks it received a gold and best-in-class at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and a silver award at the 2010 International Spirits Competition, both held in the United Kingdom. 

According to brand manager Liezl Dippenaar, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is the only South African produced whisky available in a 50ml at this stage.

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is a uniquely South African product and immensely popular, which is why we wanted to extend its reach to more people and by doing so increase the usage occasion for consumers. The handy 50ml format is perfect for hotel and lodge rooms and to serve aboard airplanes.  In-store, it is also an ideal single size for someone looking to try the brand or for a more convenient serving.”

Created by master distiller Andy Watts at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the whisky is made from the finest quality South African grain. Double-matured in specially selected oak casks, the whisky spends an initial three years maturing before being released from wood and then re-vatted for a further two years’ maturation to continue the distinctive extraction of flavours.

The whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones. The result is a warm and extended mouthfeel with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky takes its name from the Bain’s Kloof Pass, opened in 1853, and according to Watts the pass harmonises seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

“At its base the road cuts into the mountain slopes and winds its way through pine forests and fynbos where many protea species grow on the higher mountain slopes. The whisky pays tribute not only to one of the most picturesque and magnificent passes in South Africa but also honours Andrew Geddes Bain, the creative mind behind its construction.”

The leopards on the crest represent the Cape Mountain leopards which have lived in and roamed the area of Bain’s Kloof Pass for hundreds of years. Regal and agile, these reclusive predators keep to the steep, inaccessible slopes of the rugged mountains. Today, the numbers of these endangered cats have been dramatically reduced but rare sightings are reported from time to time.

ONLINE WHISKY GIZMO TO TICKLE TASTEBUDS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has launched The Spirit Cellars, the world’s first bespoke whisky selection engine which gives users a unique and quirky way to discover the wealth of exclusive Society bottlings. 

A magical world of discovery located deep within the dark vaults of the SMWS’ website (www.smws.com/the-spirit-cellars) The Spirit Cellars combines advanced algorithms with colourful tasting notes to help customers identify their perfect SMWS malt whisky whatever the mood, place or occasion.

With an ever-changing range of single cask, single malt bottlings on offer the Society recognised that both experts and emerging enthusiasts would enjoy a new way of discovering the right choice for them.

Using technology developed for the computer dating industry, a range of engaging widgets such as MoodBot, Palate Equaliser and the Phrenology Lab assess frame of mind, personality, palate preferences and favoured flavours to introduce Society members to their ideal dram. 

Single cask malts to suit specific occasions are also recommended.  With tasting notes to complement fish and chips to an evening of tapas with friends, The Spirit Cellars whisky selection engine aims to pick out the perfect whisky for any occasion.

By providing feedback on how they choose whisky, users will have the chance to develop their own signature online gadget and win an exclusive bottle from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s wide range of single cask malts.

Kai Ivalo, Sales & Marketing Director of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society commented on the Society’s latest development: “Choosing the right whisky is a personal experience, with a myriad of factors affecting the final decision.  The Spirit Cellars whisky selection engine offers a guiding pathway through a minefield of choice, enabling us to pair whisky fans with the right single cask malt and ultimately ensure they get the most from their membership.” 

Notes

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began 26 years ago when a group of discerning friends shared the price of a single cask of fine malt whisky.

The Society has over 26,000 members around the world with branches in 14 countries. It bottles over 300 single casks a year for its members from a range of more than 125 distilleries.

Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.

Exclusive Members’ Rooms are located in Edinburgh and London for tastings, dinners, meeting and presentations.
www.smws.com

Caol Ila 25yo 1979/2005 (58.4%, OB) Bottle #4332

A limited edition bottled 5 years ago at cask strength (but no hint of the total number of bottles) and not to be confused with the current Caol Ila 25yo which is bottled at 43%. The undiluted nose is varnish and peat smoke, smoked banana, sour cherries, orange honey and hints of cinnamon. It’s very rich. With water it immediately becomes sweeter; toffeed and mildly over ripe fruit. It’s significantly more vibrant without water. The undiluted taste is good, sublime, peat smoke, sweetness (toffee) and then for good measure some more of the same. Exceptional taste undiluted but strong, be prepared! There are hints of malt and something vaguely maritime. Caol smoke and light tar. Very nice. The undiluted taste is not the same whisky at all however it is still enjoyable. Mellower and gentler. Sweeter but no off notes pop up. Ground black pepper. The finish is long, very strong, head filling, lashing of cocoa laced peat smoke, lime and then coal smoke drenched malt. Warming and extremely enjoyable.

An excellent Caol Ila and a bonus at cask strength.

£150.00  at the Whisky Exchange http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1627.aspx

Score 87 points

The first in series of Scotch whisky reviews this week that feature samples from 24 years of age to 41 years of age.

Loch Fyne Whiskies has stocked a new product;

Benromach Origins Optic Barley 2000 50%Abv.

Batch 3 – Optic Barley

Distilled: 1999

Bottled: 2010

Cask type: Sherry casks

Phenol level: 2ppm

‘Benromach Origins is a series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how subtle changes to the art of whisky making can help shape the character of the final single malt.

Created using the finest Optic barley, this fine single malt has been matured in hand-selected Sherry casks and displays zesty citrus flavours, softly infused with spicy aniseed and menthol notes.’

Benromach Origins Optic Barley 10 year old

Price excluding VAT: £33.96
£39.90 Including VAT at 17.5%

Visit Loch Fyne Whiskies at www.lfw.co.uk

THREE UNIQUE VENUES

‘Delectable food and drink served in three unique settings…’

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society offers the perfect venues to entertain and delight this festive season. With three impressive properties, each provides a unique backdrop for a memorable Christmas.

With acknowledgments from The Michelin Guide and The Scotsman, the Society executive chefs create delicious food on par with the quality of our world-famous single cask whisky.

Whether it’s period luxury or authentically Scottish, our experienced team will create a one-of-a-kind event for your festive celebration.

So make your own choice this Christmas.

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh
Luxuriate in our beautifully restored Georgian townhouse with its high ceilings, classical details and stunning views over the exclusive Queen Street Gardens.
Christmas at 28 Queen Street

The Vaults, Leith
If you’re dreaming of an authentic Scottish White Christmas look no further than the spiritual home of the Society – The Vaults. Our Members’ Room lounge can now also be exclusively hired from Mon to Wed.
Christmas at The Vaults

19 Greville Street, London
For a secluded Christmas feast indulge in the perfect private whisky tasting and dinner, in partnership with the award-winning Bleeding Heart Restaurant.
Christmas at 19 Greville Street

Early Elf gets the …
Book your memorable Christmas event for ten or more persons before 31 Oct and receive a complimentary Society gift for each guest.

Call the team now on 0131 555 2266 or email events@smws.com

Join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Macdonald House, 18 Westerton Road, Broxburn EH52 5AQ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

 Ireland’s Midleton Distillery features 5 pot stills, eight column stills, and literally dozens of possibilities for making Irish whiskey. It’s home to Jameson, Power’s, Midleton, Paddy, and many other Irish whiskeys. While the Old Midleton Distillery is now a visitors center, the main distillery is off-limits to visitors — until now. You’ll get an in-depth look inside one of the world’s great distilleries on this episode. In the news, the Bourbon Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2010, a shake-up at Maker’s Mark, the details on Amrut’s new expression…and this week’s trivia question.

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

Tasting in the Sky

Good afternoon,

Did I ever mention I believe nosing whisky in the great outdoor is more enjoyable? As a matter of fact, I often take samples of whisky away from my desk and into the open countryside. Many of the tasting notes I have written for this blog were jotted on a notepad outside our restaurant in Dufftown.

I don’t know if there is a scientific reason why the aroma of a whisky should be different outside but I do know I get a lot more out of subtle whiskies when I am not at my desk or at home. Perhaps, those of you who have enjoyed a whisky miniature half way around a golf course will know what I am talking about?

I must have mentioned this to some of my colleagues as I got a unique opportunity to test my theory last week when I was invited to host a tasting in the sky.

The idea came from our PR agency in the UK and as you’ll see on the pictures below, they chose a stunning location to host the event.

I must admit I’m not fond of heights but here I was, 131 feet up in the sky, enjoying a selection of our blends and taking in the scenery. Ale Cask’s nose was even more stunning than usual and celebrity chef Nick Nairn even joined us on one of the lifts.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! Tamara, when can we do it again?

Best regards,

Ludo

Visit http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2010/09/tasting-in-the-sky/ to view all the sky high photos…

Do you want to hear a story?

Join us on 8 October for an evening of storytelling in Manchester’s historic Town Hall. True Tales brings together an eclectic bunch of raconteurs, including special guest storyteller, comedian Alistair McGowan. They’ll be telling stories on the theme of ‘Family’, a subject close to our hearts at Grant’s.

Family stories combine your personal experience with that of the generations before you, to make you who you are today – just as Grant’s award-winning whiskies blend five generations of expertise. So as each storyteller shares their experience, you can enjoy special Grant’s cocktails. Memories are made of this…

Don’t miss your chance to hear special guest storyteller Alistair McGowan at our memorable True Tales evening on October 8 at Manchester Town Hall. Places are limited, so book now. Tickets cost just £5 per person, including entry and complimentary Grant’s cocktails on arrival.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales

Grant’s True Tales

Grant’s is a brand with a rich story to tell. Spanning five generations of charismatic personalities, our story makes us who we are today.

We believe everyone has a story to tell, born of their own rich life experience. We also know that everyone loves a good story. Stories enrich our lives: they take us on a journey and connect us with others. That’s why Grants has created True Tales, a series of events that allow us to share special stories.

True Tales events bring together simple yet potent ingredients: great storytellers, enthralling true stories and, of course, Grant’s whisky.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales-Tickets

Share your tale for a chance to win

Grant’s is a brand with a rich story to tell. Spanning five generations of charismatic personalities, our story makes us who we are today.

We’d love to hear your own true tales, especially those formative family experiences. And if you’re willing to share a little story with us, you could win a wonderful whisky-tasting tour of Dufftown, the Highlands home of Grant’s. Enter our True Tales Competition now for your chance to win a tasting tour of Dufftown.

http://tinyurl.com/Grants-True-Tales-Scotland