February Outturn: Hot date with eight?

This February Outturn we celebrate our love of the single cask with 8 new bottlings guaranteed to make you hot under the collar

    HOT Date Recommendations:

    PAIR: 53.146 & 36.51 for £90 (save £17.70)

    THREESOME: 29.89, 64.28 & 44.48 for £131 (save £26.40)

    CASE OFFER: 53.146, 36.51, 29.89, 64.28, 44.48 & 1.156
    for £259.50 (save £50.00)

    Romantic dinner at home? Try..
    77.21 Crispy duck and jasmine tea
    Highland Northern
    £69.10 inc free p&p
    Wonderfully rich deep aromas of old leather, and perfumed smoke intermingle with apple crumble, honeycomb, fresh rhubarb and orange pomanders   

   Valentine night on the edge…
    29.89 The dark edge of Saturn
    Islay
    £71.20 inc. free p&p
    The palate, with liquorice, coal-dust, Black Jack chews, burnt heather and blackened chicken, suggested the colour of Saturn (merrymaking in December’s darkness)

Society Tastings & Events (48 Society tastings online)
New Members’ Tasting – Queen Street, Tue 8 Feb
Whisky Quiz – London, Tue 8 Feb
Penderyn Tasting – The Vaults, Fri 11 Feb
6 Nations Wales V Scotland Lunch – The Vaults, Sat 12 Feb
6 Nations Wales V Scotland – Queen Street, Sat 12 Feb
Valentines’ Champagne & Whisky Tasting – Queen Street, Mon 14
Dining Room Valentine Dinner – Queen Street, Mon 14 Feb
Valentine Dinner at The Vaults – The Vaults, Mon 14 Feb
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House Hotels, Fri 25 Feb
Harrogate Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 25 Feb
Brighton Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 25 Feb
6 Nations Ireland V Scotland Lunch – The Vaults, Sun 27 Feb
6 Nations Ireland V Scotland – Queen Street, Sun 27 Feb

Share your adventure with a friend
“Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life”

Recommend a friend to the Society – we’ll reward you a £15 e-voucher for every friend that joins.  You can use your e-voucher online against any of our whisky, tasting tickets or even your membership renewal. 

There’s no limited to the number of friends you can recommend so spread the word and start saving! 

http://www.smws.co.uk/your-society-adventure/share-adventure?afc=PromoteIT_367266

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Dear Customer

This month we have six (6) new bottlings under the PROVENANCE label. Their Tasting Notes are:

PRV0669 CAOL ILA 9 YEAR OLD
Opens big and sweetly on the nose running to a smoked ham and burning hay character. The palate is sweetly smoked carrying a burnt/ashy quality – burnt home bake style – SMOKY! These qualities all run through on the finish – more ashes, still sweet and a smoky, oily character that runs and runs. (J)

PRV0670 BENRIACH 11 YEAR OLD
Clean and self evidently malty on the nose – it is the palate which excels with its initial spicy burst. Held there – detect crunched white sugar, honey and Scottish vanilla tablet flavours – all leading to a toasted barley mixed with vanilla finish. (F)

PRV0684 BRAEVAL SHERRY 11 YEAR OLD
On the nose detect autumn fruits with dry spices and a barley gristiness – all “perfumed” together. On the palate
anticipate crunched sugar, barley, spicy fruit and oak – all leading to a toffee’d – fruity -barleyed and lightly oaked finish. (F)

PRV0681 ABERLOUR 12 YEAR OLD
The nose carries an attractively sweet and fruity character – a fresh fruit salad with lots of ripe banana. The palate is round and still sweet, replicating the nose – Pisang style. This sweet banana character runs through on the finish with late orange pith appearing. (J)

PRV0682 AUCHENTOSHAN 12 YEAR OLD
The nose is distinctly sweet, carrying a vanilla tablet and cotton candy quality. Still sweet, the clean palate now carries a more floral, fruity character, reminiscent of wine gums. The finish remains fruitily sweet, carrying an orange tang – “Grand Marnier” style. (J)

PRV0680 GLENGOYNE 12 YEAR OLD
The fragrant nose carries a gristy sweet character running to a lemon style plus a barley sugar quality. The palate is light, sweet and fresh carrying more citrus characteristics. The finish remains fresh and fruitily sweet with late orange pith apparent. (J)

We hope you will find that there are some really interesting new Malts offered in this selection . We are enthusiastic about them and hope that you will enjoy them.

With all best wishes, I remain

Yours faithfully

Fred H Laing
Managing Director

Viist Douglas Laing at www.douglaslaing.com

Newsflash!  Old and rare whisky tasting in Oxfordshire on Wednesday 16th February.

We are presenting a tasting of old and rare whiskies for the Portwell Cellar in Faringdon, Oxfordshire (http://www.portwellcellar.co.uk/) on Wednesday 16th February.  The event will run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and there are going to be some great drams included.  The age of the whiskies will range from 18 to 45 years old and will include a single grain from a closed distillery, a Lowland, Speyside, Highland, Islay (clue – it might come from a late and lamented distillery…), and Orkney.

The Portwell Cellar is a small and intimate venue so places are very limited and will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  The cost is £25 per head and to book for this tasting you will need to contact Sarah on 07845 932021 or email Portwellcellar@hotmail.co.uk.

Hope to see some of you there.

Slainte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

ACCLAIMED IRISH DESIGNER PAUL DALY TOASTS ST PATRICK’S DAY WITH A SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE FOR JAMESON

Jameson, the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey, has teamed up with internationally acclaimed Irish artist Paul Daly to launch a new limited edition bottle for St Patrick’s Day.

The contemporary bottle design, which will appeal to collectors, was inspired by the legendary Celtic illustrations in The Book of Kells. By using a screen-printing technique, the image is textured while all gold-coloured elements are foiled to highlight the brand’s premium positioning and offer on-shelf stand-out. The launch will be supported by bespoke POS including engraved glassware and limited prints of the artwork.

The Jameson limited edition St Patrick’s Day bottle will be available from mid-February in selected markets including the UK, Latvia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Travel Retail Europe.

The launch forms part of the brand’s global St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which include the Jameson Global Radio Broadcasts taking place in the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin and the Jameson St. Patrick’s Day Party, featuring special guests Groove Armada. For the first time ever, Jameson will be broadcasting globally online via their St. Patrick’s Day radio station, JFM, streamed on www.jamesonwhiskey.com on 17th March.

Howard Southern, Jameson Marketing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard says: “Our vision is to make St Patrick’s Day more contemporary and relevant to our global consumers while raising the profile of Jameson Irish Whiskey. By commissioning contemporary artist Paul Daly, we have created a limited edition bottle, with a striking, modern design, which will be the centrepiece of our activity and will appeal to both our on and off trade customers in key markets. We are confident that it will strike a chord with our core consumers while attracting those new to the brand and category.”

Paul Daly commented: “As an Irishman who has spent much of his life abroad, the opportunity to fuse my interests in Irish culture with art and a truly Irish brand like Jameson, was one I couldn’t refuse. St Patrick’s Day is always a fun-filled celebration of the Irish, and it was a great experience creating something that consumers around the world could enjoy on the big day.”

Notes:

Paul Daly

Paul began his illustrious career at the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) in Dublin, followed by a BA Degree in Goldsmiths College, London, where he worked alongside contemporaries Gary Hume, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas and Fiona Rae.

With Gary, Paul set up trendy Hoxton Square and remains the longest resident in the location, having been there since 1988. Paul founded Zigfrid and its basement, Underbelly as well as numerous other bars and restaurants in London and cities around the world, including Vendome in Mayfair. Aside from his bar designs, Paul has also worked with the likes of Ozwald Boateng, setting up his first establishment on Saville Row, and also designed the props for two of U2’s World Tours.

Paul is also the Founding Director of The Elbow Room chain of bars across the UK and has worked with Treasury Holdings to produce the luxurious Spencer Dock Penthouses in Dublin. Paul hopes to be working with Treasury once again on the recently approved £5.5bn renovation plans for Battersea Power Station.

The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is a lavishly decorated account of the four gospels, written around the year 800 AD and is thought to have inspired much of modern Celtic art. It remains an important part of Irish heritage and is still very much alive at Trinity College in Dublin, the city in which Jameson was founded.

Jameson

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in over 120 countries worldwide.

The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin, Cork Crimson Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For further information visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

For immediate release:

BenRiach Solstice and Horizons at Specialist Whisky.

Now available are these 2 very special releases from BenRiach, the Solstice and Horizons.

Each release has 3600 bottles available worldwide.

We now have them available to order, and they will be dispatched as soon as they arrive with us.

BenRiach Solstice @ Specialist Whisky:
http://www.specialistwhisky.com/BenRiach-Whisky/Solstice/15-Year-Old/prod_1927.html

BenRiach Horizons @ Specialist Whisky:
http://www.specialistwhisky.com/BenRiach-Whisky/Horizons/12-Year-Old/prod_1928.html

More exciting releases coming soon from Specialist Whisky.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky:

appreciation, elucidation, information

Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six

2nd Saturday    every month    6 – 9 p.m.    no reservation required

Enjoy 5 half-ounce samples of single malt Scotch whisky, $20:

    ♦  We feature 3 single malts, including a Malt of the Month *

    ♦  You roll a die then pick your choice from one of the six Scotch regions

    ♦  You pick your Connoisseur’s choice from our menu of 72 single malts

Peruse our whisky library. Learn about each of our single malts in Bob’s menu book: distillery info, tasting notes, prices, and more.  Light hors d’oeuvres included, and the saloon’s open to non-whisky drinkers.

February 12, 2011

Balblair 1997 *

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Strathisla 12 yo

March 12, 2011

Singleton of Glendullan    12 yo *

Glenlivet Nadurra 16 yo

Ledaig 10 yo

http://www.minersdelightinn.com/

Bob at work...

Master Classes – Saturday 19th March 2011

Guests of the ‘Nth 2011 Show’ will have the opportunity to purchase and attend from a choice of 19 Master Classes. Each class will be conducted by world-renowned brand ambassadors and include discussions and tasting flights of some of the rarest and finest premium whiskies.

Classes and presenters will be finalized as the 2011 Show date approaches. Please stay tuned for updates.

Class size is limited, so we encourage early booking once the classes are advertised.

Classes
MC1 – THE GLENLIVET – CELLAR COLLECTION VS CLASSIC RANGE

Brand Ambassador Rick Edwards will conduct a sampling of three rare marques from The Glenlivet: 1983 Cellar Collection, 1973 Cellar Collection, 1964 Cellar Collection as well as a comparison from two of the classic range counterparts, the 15year and the Nadurra.

MC2 – MACALLAN – A SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Mr Graeme Russell and Mr Eden Algie, The Macallan Brand Ambassadors, will host a unique sensory nosing and tasting experience and offer an educated insight into the creation of both the traditional Macallan Sherry oak whiskies and the newer fine oak series.

MC3 – GLENGLASSAUGH – A DISTILLERY REBORN

Stuart Nickerson Managing Director of Glenglassaugh distillery will conduct this class and taste with you three of the ‘Spirit Drinks’ (Clearac, Blushes and Fledgling XB) as well as the 26 year old and the Aged Over 30 year.

MC4 – FOUR ROSES – THE RETURN OF A BOURBON LEGEND

Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge will present the history, process and 10 unique recipes behind “The Return of a Bourbon Legend”. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the 2010 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch.

MC5 – GLENFIDDICH – OLD AND NEW

Ian Miller Global Brand Ambassador will present Glenfiddich’s latest three innovations,(Rich Oak, Snow Phoenix and Age of Discovery), a dram of the 30 year old and a 1978 vintage.

MC6 – MORRISON BOWMORE – JEWELS FROM MORRISON BOWMORE?

Guests will be treated to some rare and exclusive expressions from Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and Bowmore to include the latest and rarest release from Islay’s oldest distillery – Bowmore 40 Years Old.

MC7 – GLENMORANGIE – MAKING OF A LEGEND “SCOTLAND’S FAVORITE SINGLE MALT”

Join Global Master Brand Ambassador, David Blackmore for an 
in depth masterclass covering the extra unseen steps that only 
Glenmorangie goes to when making its pioneering single malts. From early 
pioneering work perfection the process of wood finishing to more recent 
cutting edge expressions such as Astar, Signet and now Finealta.

MC8 – AMRUT – FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END

Ashok Chokalingam Brand Ambassador of this Indian Single Malt Whisky will take you through the full production process including the unique aging process. Attendees will have a chance to sample Amrut at various stages of maturation and enjoy a variety of fully matured expressions.

MC9 – DALMORE – SHINING EVER BRIGHTER

Tutored master class with Master Blender Richard Paterson covering the art of crafting The Dalmore and tasting new spirit, 15, 18, Castle Leod, 1981 Amoroso, 40yr

MC10 – GLENDRONACH/BENRIACH – SPEYSIDE GEMS

Benriach Distillery Co. Ambassador and Sales Director Alistair Walker compares expressions from two of Speyside’s old favorites. GlenDronach 1995 cask # 2045(Preiss exclusive single cask), 31yr(Grandeur), 1972 Single Cask Bottling and Beniach 25yr plus 21yr( Authenticus – peated).

MC11 – SMWSA – THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Taste the whisky regions of Scotland with Alan Shayne President of SMWSA. Cask No. 53.144 (Islay); Cask No.27.87 (Campbeltown); Cask No. 5.28 (Lowland); Cask No. 4.148 (Highland); Cask No. 30.62 (Speyside).

MC12 – SUNTORY – A CULINARY TRADITION

We will explore Shinjiro Torii’s vision of Japanese whisky as a culinary endeavor.  We will discuss the “how’s” and “why’s” of an often overlooked tradition that is today gaining in interest and respect.

MC13 – GLENFARCLAS – THROUGH THE FORTIES

The Grant family aire and Brand Ambassador George Grant takes you on a tour of Glenfarclas Forties. Millennium 40yr, Family cask 40yr, 105 40yr, and the New 40 yr.

MC14 – BALVENIE – THE SEVENTEEN YEAR LEGACY

Global Brand Ambassador Sam Simmons presents and samples all the annual limited edition Seventeen year Balvenie casks since 2001. Islay Cask, New Wood, New Oak, Sherry Oak, Rum Cask, Madeira Cask, Peated Cask.

MC15 – GLENROTHES – VINTAGE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH & CHOCOLATE

Taste through four of  The Glenrothes Vintages, to understand why maturity matter, not age. Each vintage will be paired with a different chocolate to taste how the whisky changes with the influence of food. We will finish the tasting with a taste of the exquisite and extremely rare John Ramsay.

MC16 – BENROMACH – SPEYSIDE BOUTIQUE

Michael Urquhart Co-Managing Director of Gordon & Macphail, will awaken your taste to the grand flavors of the smallest distillery in Speyside. 10yr, Organic, 21yr, 25yr and 1981 cask strength (52.2%)

 MC17 – HIGHLAND PARK – ORKADIAN LEGEND

Hosted by Martin Daraz, Ambassador for the Highland Park Distillery. A rare opportunity to sample Orkney’s unique marriage of Sherry Oak Maturation and gentle aromatic peat. Guests will be sampling the 25 and 30 year old expressions alongside expressions that have never been seen before in the US!

MC18 – ARDBEG – RENAISSANCE TO ROLLERCOASTER WITH THE ULTIMATE ISLAY MALT

Join Global Master Brand Ambassador, David Blackmore for a peaty adventure through the turbulent history of the “Untamed Spirit of Islay”.

MC19 – HIGH WEST DISTILLERY – A ROCKY MOUNTAIN STAR

David Perkins, the Proprietor at High West Distillery, will lead a tasting of High West Whiskeys including their new High Country Single Malt Whiskey in its aged and unaged formats.  The class will also feature a Malt Whiskey “virtual distillation” where participants will taste and learn about the cut points High West uses between heads, heart, and tails. In between will be some “Whiskey 101″, discussing blending, distillation, the barrel, and even a little Utah spirits  history.

Visit http://universalwhiskyexperience.com/ for tickets and quote code VF135890 for a 15% discount off show tickets (not including masterclases).

Jim Murray isn’t one to hold his tongue when he doesn’t like something, and the man behind the Whisky Bible shares some of the things that are bothering him these days in this episode, along with some of the whiskies that surprised him this year. We’ll also hear from Andrew Ferguson of Calgary’s Kensington Wine Market about his hotbed of whisky in the middle of the cold Canadian prairie, along with the rest of the week’s news and much more.

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY AWARDS – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Six whiskies from some of Speyside’s most iconic distilleries have made the finals of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards. 

The judging panel for the first round of the awards, including industry representatives, whisky writers and specialist retailers, gathered at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday (27th January) for a blind tasting of 52 of Speyside’s finest malts, hosted by Richard Lochhead MSP.

The judges selected two finalists in each of the three categories.  Aberlour a’bunadh and Balvenie Signature 12 Years Old will battle it out in the ’12 Years and under’ class.  The Glenlivet 15 Years Old and The Glenlivet 18 Years Old go through to the final in the ’13 to 20 Years Old’ class, while Balvenie Portwood 21 Years Old and Glenfiddich 30 Years Old came out top in the ’21 Years and over’ category.

Jim Royan, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Board said: “These whiskies are the expressions of the highest quality of Speyside’s wonderful spirit.  I’m sure that their success will confirm their international recognition.”

Richard Lochhead, MSP, added:  “The Speyside whisky sector is a huge success story that is supported by the region’s pristine environment.

“As part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, it is now a tradition to host the first round of the annual judging of the awards in the Scottish Parliament and I am always proud to play a role in the event. There is a great team behind the festival and I pay tribute to all of them.

“The Festival is set to once again attract thousands of visitors to Speyside in a few months’ time injecting cash into the local economy and boosting tourism. These benefits could not come at a more crucial time.” 

The six finalists will now go on to a public vote at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival on Thursday, 28th April, a unique judging process which has helped the Awards gain international recognition since their inception in 2005.

Visitors to the Festival can book tickets for the exclusive final judging of the best of Speyside malts, and the winners will be announced shortly afterwards at the Opening Dinner to be held at the Knockando Distillery.

Tickets to take part in the judging of the Awards finals at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival or to attend the Opening Dinner are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.   And whisky lovers can keep up to date with the Festival programme 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
– Tickets to take part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards judging event cost £10; tickets for the opening dinner at Knockando Distillery cost £65.
– The judging panel for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards comprised Martine Nouet (whisky writer), Mike Lord (The Whisky Shop Dufftown), Dr Stephen Lunn, Ewen Mackintosh (Gordon and MacPhail), Mike Collins (Northern Scot), Ian Black (The Herald), Hamish MacDonell (The Scotsman), David Wishart (whisky writer), Andy Cant (Diageo)

– Speyside is easily accessible 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

February 18, 2011
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

France 44
4351 France Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-925-3252
www.france44.com
Contact:  Jeff Hammerschmidt
 
Admission:  $15.00 per person
 
Presented by: 
Ed Kohl
North American Marketing Manager
ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
 
Malts to be tasted:
Chieftain’s Range ~ Aultmore 1997  13 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Clynelish 1992  18 yr, North Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Dalmore 1996  14 yr, Rum Finish, Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Linkwood 1991  16 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Moray 1989  18 yr, Speyside
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay
Isle of Skye 8 yr, Premium Blended Scotch Whisky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 17, 2011
8:00 PM
 
South Lyndale Liquors
5300 Lyndale Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612-827-5811
www.SouthLyndale.com
Contact:  PJ Zavada
 
Admission:  $15.00 per person
 
Presented by: 
Ed Kohl
North American Marketing Manager
ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
 
Malts to be tasted:
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Grant 1997  13 yr, White Burgundy Cask, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Clynelish 1992  18 yr, North Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Dalmore 1996  14 yr, Rum Finish, Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Linkwood 1991  16 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Moray 1989  18 yr, Speyside
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay
Isle of Skye 8 yr, Premium Blended Scotch Whisky

ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
360 Swift Ave, Lot B, Unit #9
South San Francisco, CA  94080
650-872-1113