Glenlivet 70 Year Old 1940

The World’s Oldest Bottled Single Malt Whisky

The world’s oldest whisky ever released – a Glenlivet aged for an absolutely extraordinary 70 years. This is a truly record-breaking single malt.

£13,000 -70cl Decanter

http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenlivet-70-year-old-1940-whisky/

There is also a 20cl version available for £3200.
 
£3200 -20cl Decanter
 
 http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenlivet-70-year-old-1940-20cl-whisky/

Whisky Live – thanks to those who came and thanks for the award!

Fantastic weekend at Whisky Live in London – lovely to meet so many of you (and as always nice to put real names to people who don’t have their own name as their Twitters name – though I’m one to talk with @the_nose), great to see so many people interested in whisky, being curious about what Whyte & Mackay have planned for the year and interest in Shackleton’s whisky. (There’s some nice pictures of the event, taken by Michel-Francois Hill, here (on facebook).)

It was also very touching to be named an Icon of Whisky by Whisky Magazine and awarded Whisky Ambassador of the Year and thanks to everyone who voted for me. It’s especially nice because everyone is an ambassador for whisky really. If you’re reading this, you’re probably an ambassador for whisky. I’ll bet you’ve shared a dram, helped answer questions about whisky (I hope you told them ‘no ice’), tried new drams and experimented with various expressions and shared your thoughts on them.

Nonetheless, thank you very much. But there’s no pause for praise with me! I’m now off to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for a few days. I’ll try and get some pics up here, Twitters or Facebook. Until then, SLAINTE!

(Before I forget – The Edinburgh Whisky Blog lads are having a charity night in Edinburgh on March 16 at The White Horse Pub for Marie Curie – and apparently there’s a free dram in it.).

Canadian Club 1.75L…$16.99
Canadian Mist 1.75L…$16.99
Chivas Regal Scotch…$17.99
Crown Royal…$18.99
Dewar’s 12 Year Old…$19.99
Evan Williams Bourbon…$19.99
Glenlivet 12 Year Old…$27.99
Jack Daniels Black 1.75L…$34.99
Jim Beam Bourbon 1.75L…$21.99
Johnnie Walker Black Label…$25.99
Johnnie Walker Red Label 1.75L…$26.99
Maker’s Mark Bourbon…$21.99
Southern Comfort 1.75L…$21.99

*Prices valid W/Binny’s Card March 9 through March 15, 2011. Not responsible for misprints or typographical errors.  Sizes 750ml unless otherwise stated. Advertised items limited to quantities on hand.
 
Don’t forget to use your Binny’s Card! Get discounts on mixed case wine purchases and work towards a 2% rebate on every $500 of eligible purchases. Get your free card at a Binny’s near you.

Visit Binny’s at www.binnys.com

JAPANESE whisky – and specifically that made by SUNTORY – was the big winner in this year’s World Whisky Awards organised by Whisky Magazine. The two major categories, Best Single Malt in the World and Best Blend in the World were both won by the Japanese whisky maker with Yamazaki 1984 and Hibiki 21yo respectively, the first time in the history of the competition that a single distiller has taken both of the top prizes.

A team of international judges of writers, retailers, distillers and blenders from UK, US, Canada, France, Germany and Japan tasted whiskies ‘blind’ over two rounds to first discern sub-category, then category winners.

Yamazaki 1984, for example, first had to triumph in its age category within Japanese single malts and then against all other Japanese single malt sub-category winners to become the best Japanese single malt winner.

In the final round, it was pitched against all the other single malt sub-category winners: Springbank 12yo, Auchentoshan 1998, Glenmorangie Signet, Glenfarclas 40yo, Bowmore Tempest, Highland Park 25yo, Redbreast 15yo, Bushmills 16yo and Kavalan Solist.

“Undoubtedly this was the highest quality final round we have seen yet in the WWA,” said Dave Broom, chairman of the judges. “All the whiskies there were superb examples of their region and style and to take the top prize was a major achievement. For one distiller to take both prizes is a phenomenal achievement and shows the world the quality which exists within Japanese whisky. This achievement will send a clear message around the world – Japanese whisky is a force to be reckoned with.”

In the blended malt category, Glenmorangie’s James Martin’s 30yo beat the incumbent champion Takesturu 21yo, while the best overall North American whisky was Parker’s Heritage. The top Canadian was Wiser’s Legacy and Greenore 15yo retained its title as the World’s Best grain.

Spey Cast 12yo (40%, James Gordon & Co, +/-2010)

Who’s’ heard of Spey cast and James Gordon & Co., Elgin? Well, we’ve been told they are owned by Gordon & MacPhail who are also in located Elgin and a quick search of the G&M website reveals that Spey Cast won a Silver Award in the 1982 and 1985 International Spirit Competition. In any case Richard Joynson of Loch Fyne Whiskies notes that it is “One of my favourite blends, very fruity and quite thick for a blend. Ace.” The nose reveals some heaviness in the form of rich fruit, hints of barley dust and some sweetness quickly followed by some wood notes. After a few minutes in the glass some citrus notes emerge. The taste is gentle at first but then the flavour rises up, very honeyed, fruit, some citrus, sparkling malt and some good grains in the back ground but not over whelming.  All in balance and very good. Warming, really very nice. Now a moment of definitive orange. Take a really big mouthful, lots of happiness here. The finish is gentle but still with all the previously described flavours and it’s quite long and continues to be very good.

A lot of value for the money

£21 at Loch Fyne Whiskies.

Score 87 points

Careers @ The Whisky Exchange

The Whisky Exchange currently has two full time vacancies: we are looking for a Customer Services Administrator and a Web Content Editor.  Candidates ideally should be within a 10 mile radius of our head office in Park Royal as this is where they will be working on a daily basis.

Customer Services Administrator
The role will involve dealing with retail and trade customer orders from receipt through to despatch, including making recommendations where necessary; processing confirmed orders and any amendments on our internal admin and accounting systems; and full aftercare customer service support including liaising with customers to resolve any queries or order issues.

You will need to be polite and professional at all times, whether serving customers on the telephone, by email or on a face to face basis, as you will be the point of contact for ‘walk-in’ customers to our Park Royal showroom.

The ideal candidate should have some previous customer service and administration experience. Product knowledge and experience in retail or within the drinks industry are beneficial but not crucial.

Applicants for this position must be flexible & be willing to work on weekends during busy periods. For a full job spec for this position, please email kiran[at]thewhiskyexchange.com. CVs may also be sent to this email address for consideration.

Web Content Editor
The role will involve writing and managing the creative content of all our websites; generating valuable content for existing customers; attracting new customers to the site using both conventional PR (press releases) and digital media activity.

The candidate will need a good working knowledge of all categories of spirits and liqueurs, plus fast and efficient research skills and the ability to write clear, engaging and effective copy to tight deadlines. Flawless vocabulary and grammar skills are a prerequisite for this role.

You will need to be well-organised and self-motivated; comfortable under urgent time pressures; able to effectively prioritise a large and varied workload.

Roles & responsibilities will include: ensuring new products are added to websites swiftly, accurately and with a maximum of concise detail and description, including sourcing tasting notes where necessary; ensuring product info is up-to-date on our system; adding relevant articles and planning and executing new offers and features; writing newsletters and blog posts; taking an active role in digital media, including viral and affiliate marketing, social media, blog sites, forums etc..

Applicants for this position must be flexible & be willing to work on weekends during busy periods. For a full job spec for this position, please email kiran[at]thewhiskyexchange.com. CVs may also be sent to this email address for consideration.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/about-careers.aspx

ST. PATTY’S DAY SCOTCH & IRISH WHISKEY TASTING

Saturday, March 12, 1:00-4:00pm

Sample over 30 different single malts, Irish whiskies, and Scotch blends. Taste from a variety of well known distilleries that include Aberlour, Cragganmore, Laphroaig, and Glenrothes. Sample Dewar’s, Jameson, Tullamore Dew, and Chivas, as well as other favorites. Free W/Binny’s Card.

Call 847-966-2300 or email niles@binnys.com for reservations.

Niles Location

8935 N. Milwaukee | Niles | 847-966-2300

 March 2011

Dear Customer

Being released in March we have eight (8) new bottlings under the OLD MALT CASK label, and one (1) under the CLAN DENNY Grains label.

Tasting notes for OLD MALT CASK:

OMC 1992 Tamdhu 13 Year Old Wine Finish
Nose: Distinctly sweet and honeyed in aspect + sugary barley.
Palate: Mouth tingling spice + stewed apples + muscovado sugar.
Finish: Citric – vanilla’d – spiced – still honied – and interesting! (F)

OMC 1995 Glendronach 15 Year Old
Nose: Sweet & malty – runs to warm apples + milk chocolate
Palate: Spicy & sweet carrying a cocoa butter, banana & toffee character
Finish: Llong – rich – still spicy – develops to an elegant oak tang (J)

OMC 1997 Scapa 17 Year Old
Nose: Sweetly malted, fresh, clean and honied + oak.
Palate: Sweet with toffee, fruit, barley and late peppermint.
Finish: Scottish tablet – (lightly salted) + dry spices. (F)

OMC 1994 Bladnoch 18 Year Old
Nose: Clean & fresh carrying a sweet malty style + poached fruit
Palate: Sweet & creamy – herbal – runs to soft boiled fruity sweets
Finish: Long, still pleasingly fruity & sweet + ripe apples & pears (J)

OMC 1996 Aberlour 20 Year Old
Nose: Non aggressive – barley rich/ even barley sugared! – and spiced.
Palate: Lightly gingered beyond its sweet, soft, smooth maltiness.
Finish: Now dryly spiced + light oak + the lightest of smoke. (F)

OMC 1990 Macallan 20 Year Old Wine Finish
Nose: Lightly spiced + a fruit shop tone + dry toasted oak/late toffee
Palate: Viscous – with chewy fruit flavoured toffee + malt & spice
Finish: Now drier + a cough drop sweetness + late soft red fruit (F)

OMC 2000 Lochside 21 Year Old
Nose: Sweet + a tropical fruit style – running to spice + antique oak + barley
Palate: Richly spiced – still fruity – carrying a warming, sweet cedar quality
Finish: Llong & richly spiced alternated with a fruity (strawberry & cream?) style (J)

OMC 1999 Clynelish 21 Year Old
Nose: Clean, fresh & fruity, warm citrus fruit + crushed sugar
Palate: Still fresh & sweet, warms to a spicy, lemon pith quality
Finish: Llong, carrying a lemon meringue (slightly burnt) character (J)

Tasting Notes for the CLAN DENNY GRAIN

DEN 0059 Girvan 45 Year Old
Carries crunched sugar (then barley sugar) + spices, sweet oils and a bit of the original Bourbon cask – all on the nose. Massively sweet on the palate – distinctly syrupy it then warms to an Italian herbal liqueur style + those same earlier detected spices. It has a short but still sweet finish with a late/more oaky suggestion to it. (F).

We believe we have selected some real “beauties” for you to enjoy.

All best wishes

Fred Laing

Visit Douglas Laing & Co. Ltd. at www.douglaslaing.com

Exclusive, 70 Year Old Malt and the ‘Lifetime’ of one of Scotland’s Most Iconic Whiskies Revealed

‘Sequel’ to world’s oldest whisky unveiled

From today, whisky lovers will get the chance to own the ‘lifetime’ of one of Scotland’s most iconic whiskies, with the jewel in the crown being a £13,000 bottle of 70 year old Scotch.

Family-owned whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, will unveil one cask of The Glenlivet 70 Years Old, one of the world’s oldest whiskies, at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle. Described as a “stupendous”, “smooth” and “voluptuous” single malt, and released under G&M’s Generations label, only 100 full-size bottles of this exclusive whisky will be available to buy in 2011.

To make these exclusive purchase extra-special, enthusiasts will also be able to buy a limited edition set, the “Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades.” This set contains a bottle from every decade from the 1950s to 1990s – giving collectors the rare opportunity to own the ‘liquid lifetime’ of the malt.

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.

David and Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“Following on from the phenomenal success last year of Mortlach 70 Years Old, we decided to release this ‘sister’ Generations cask as there is clearly an enormous demand for greatly aged Scotch Malt Whiskies.

“This cask of The Glenlivet was laid down on 3rd February 1940, on the instruction of our grand-father, John Urquhart. Since then, successive generations of the Urquhart family have been waiting for today – the day it would be ready to share with fellow whisky lovers.

“Throughout the 115 years since we were founded, we have made it our business to nurture and mature some of the finest whiskies Scotland has to offer. The ‘Glenlivet Decades’ collection revisits this special malt throughout the years, allowing whisky enthusiasts to get a real sense of how the cask and the maturation process change the character of a whisky.

“Altogether, these six whiskies represent the ‘liquid lifetime’ of The Glenlivet, and six decades of experience, dedication and passion on the part of our family. We’re confident that this investment has resulted in a suite of whiskies of unparalleled quality: a realcollector’s piece.”

The whiskies will be revealed to an audience of invited guests at a 1940s-themed ceremony at the historic location of Edinburgh Castle.

Well-known whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean described the launch:

“Made at the height of the Battle of Britain, The Glenlivet 1940 opens a door into a different time, another country. To smell and taste this exquisite whisky is to experience the past in a unique way – layer upon layer of flavour, profound and evocative. Its companions from the succeeding five decades provide an unrepeatable opportunity to explore subtle differences in the flavour of this Prince of Whiskies over half a century – as well as being a Blue Chip investment!”.

Each bottle will be beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Elm.

The Glenlivet 70 Years Old was matured in a First Fill Sherry Butt, and bottled at cask strength (45.9% ABV). Only 100 70cl bottles and 175 20cl bottles will be released in 2011. The 70cl decanter has a recommended retail price in the UK of £13,000 and the 20cl version has a recommended retail price in the UK of £3,200. It is the second in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon & MacPhail under its ‘Generations’ brand.

Fifty limited edition collector’s packs are also available, containing all five Private Collection whiskies, priced at £2,850 per pack. The packs contain one bottle of each of the following whiskies: Glenlivet 1954 50.6%; Glenlivet 1963 40.6%; Glenlivet 1974 50.1%; Glenlivet 1980 48.5%; and Glenlivet 1991 54.4%.

The Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades bottlings are also available individually, with recommended retail prices in the UK ranging from £95 to £1,250.

Prices may vary in different countries due to different excise and sales taxes and currency fluctuations.

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

Notes:

About Gordon & MacPhail

GORDON & MACPHAIL GENERATIONS GLENLIVET 1940 – 70 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

100 x 70cl and 175 x 20cl decanters available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail price in the UK is £13,000 for 70cl decanter and £3,200 for 20cl decanter. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep amber, with tawny lights.

Aroma: A mild nose-feel. The first aroma is of an old cocktail cabinet, with Sherry notes predominating: polished wood, soft leather and a trace of candlewax. Behind this are fruity notes, lightly baked apples (even Tarte Tatin), but also fresh orange juice, and just a thread of smoke or ash in the distance. Adding a drop of water suppresses the fruity notes and slightly enhances the sweetness (now tablet) and smokiness.

Taste: A waxy, teeth-coating, mouthfeel; smooth and voluptuous. The taste is sweetish to start, then savoury, with a trace of salt – might this be a rare example of ‘umami’ in whisky, the elusive fifth primary taste? The finish is long, with a faint smokiness in the aftertaste. Drinks well at natural strength. With a drop of water the flavours remain intact.

About others:

Gordon & MacPhail used a number of Scottish companies in the creation of Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old. Details of which follow below:

Navyblue design (www.navyblue.com) – original design
Glencairn Crystal (www.glencairn.co.uk) – decanter supply
Scottish Silver (www.scottishsilver.com) – silverware
Samson’s Joinery, a member of the Scottish Furniture Makers Association (www.samsonsjoinery.co.uk) – Scottish Elm box
Blue Box Design Ltd & Dewar Brothers Ltd – transit packaging
Gavin Watson & Reid Printers (www.gavinwatson.co.uk) – certificates and seals

To make these exclusive purchase extra-special, enthusiasts will also be able to buy a limited edition set, the “Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades.”  This set contains a bottle from every decade from the 1950s to 1990s – giving collectors the rare opportunity to own the ‘liquid lifetime’ of the malt.

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.

David and Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Following on from the phenomenal success last year of Mortlach 70 Years Old, we decided to release this ‘sister’ Generations cask as there is clearly an enormous demand for greatly aged Scotch Malt Whiskies.

“This cask of The Glenlivet was laid down on 3rd February 1940, on the instruction of our grand-father, John Urquhart. Since then, successive generations of the Urquhart family have been waiting for today – the day it would be ready to share with fellow whisky lovers.

“Throughout the 115 years since we were founded, we have made it our business to nurture and mature some of the finest whiskies Scotland has to offer. The ‘Glenlivet Decades’collection revisits this special malt throughout the years, allowing whisky enthusiasts to get a real sense of how the cask and the maturation process change the character of a whisky.

“Altogether, these six whiskies represent the ‘liquid lifetime’ of The Glenlivet, and six decades of experience, dedication and passion on the part of our family. We’re confident that this investment has resulted in a suite of whiskies of unparalleled quality: a real collector’s piece.”

The whiskies will be revealed to an audience of invited guests at a 1940s-themed ceremony at the historic location of Edinburgh Castle.

GLENLIVET DECADES 5 BOTTLE PACK

50 Private Collection: Glenlivet Decades packs are available, priced at £2,850 per pack.

They contain one bottle of each of the following whiskies: Glenlivet 1954 50.6%; Glenlivet 1963 40.6%; Glenlivet 1974 50.1%; Glenlivet 1980 48.5%; and Glenlivet 1991 54.4%.

Limited quantities of these vintages are sold as single bottles. Tasting notes for each of these vintages follows below.

GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION GLENLIVET 1954 50.6%

135 x 70cl bottles available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail in the UK is £1,250 per bottle.

Appearance: Deep amber, with rose lights.

Aroma: Very mild nosefeel; with an increasingly drying effect. Immediately, a profoundly fruity nose – juicy to start, then raisins and currants macerated in liquor; dry dates and figs; a trace of glace orange peel. A shake of fine hard-wood sawdust. Add only a spot of water to open it: now the aroma becomes sweeter, with an initial trace of fondant, then more vinous (old Madeira?), with a hint of pencil-boxes.

Taste: Sweet, then drying, with considerable spice in between and a long dusty finish, leaving a venerable ‘old wine’ aftertaste. A drop of water reduces all these characteristics slightly but leaves them intact.

GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION 1963 40.6%

169 x 70cl bottles available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail in the UK is £750 per bottle. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

Appearance: Pale amber.

Aroma: The low strength means a very mild nosefeel and a low aromatic intensity. The first nose was lightly fruity (fresh peaches in mixed fruit salad, becoming more acidic after a while – Kiwi fruits?), with a slight eucalyptus-leaf medicinal note, combined with a faint smokiness. Fresh and interesting.

Taste: Sweet and smooth, even slightly oily. A predominantly sweet taste, but with a slight citric tingle and a lengthy, warming finish. Liqueur chocolates in mid-palate and peach cream, soft-centre chocolates in the aftertaste.

GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION GLENLIVET 1974 50.1%

189 x 70cl bottles available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail in the UK is £500 per bottle. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

Appearance: Deep amber, with crimson lights; Cream Sherry.

Aroma: Very mild nose-feel. Takes a while to open up, but then cooked fruits, led by fresh strawberry jam, becoming ‘Jammy Dodger’ biscuits, then mince pies. Lightly nose-drying, with traces of lint bandages and sunflower oil. Water increases the oily note, and momentarily introduces a whiff of sulphur, soon vanishing into crème caramel.

Taste: Sweet and voluptuous; plenty of body; warming and drying as you swallow. A sweet taste overall, with a long finish and some bitter dark chocolate in the aftertaste. Becomes sweeterand drier with water, with some burnt caramel in mid palate and chocolate in the finish.

GORDON & MACPHAIL. PRIVATE COLLECTION GLENLIVET 1980 48.5%

61 x 70cl bottles available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail in the UK is £250 per bottle. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

Appearance: Dark gold.

Aroma: Very slight prickle, and somewhat nose-cooling (pine sap). Dusty, with faint dried mixed herbs, and slightly waxy, but then increasingly sweet (even apricot-jammy for a moment), with an elusive scent of sweet chestnuts. Opens considerably when water is added; light coconut to the fore, with natural turpentine and fragrant wood behind.

Taste: Sweet and smooth, but with some peppery spice over the surface of the tongue. A return of the apricot jam in the aftertaste, which is surprisingly long. Water sweetens it, simplifies it and reduces the spiciness. Pleasant and easy to drink, with desiccated coconut in the aftertaste.

GORDON & MACPHAIL PRIVATE COLLECTION GLENLIVET 1991 54.4%

203 x 70cl bottles available for sale in selected markets worldwide. Recommended retail in the UK is £95 per bottle. Pricing in international markets may differ due to exchange rates and local taxes.

Appearance: Light gold.

Aroma: Mild nosefeel. A predominantly fresh-fruit aroma – fruit salad including apples, pears, figs and pineapple. Behind this a trace of marzipan, becoming sweet fondant. Somewhat shy and withdrawn before water is added, but with a dash of water opens up, becoming more floral-fragrant, with whin flowers and almond cream chocolates. Also more typically Speyside.

Taste: Sweet and fresh, with a fresh citric acidity, and light coconut (whin flowers) in the finish and aftertaste. Warming. A soft texture at reduced strength; not so sweet, but retains the lively acidity, and a curious taste, possibly umami, the mysterious fifth primary taste, rarely encountered in whiskies, and loosely described as ‘savoury’.

Visit Gordon & MacPhail at www.gordonandmacphail.com