Smokehead teams up with Smokeheads

Edinburgh: Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has formed a partnership with its namesake book, Smokeheads, the brand new release by Scottish writer Doug Johnstone.

Smokeheads is set on the famous whisky producing island of Islay, home to the mystery distillery which produces Smokehead Single Malt. The book follows four late-thirties ex-university mates heading to Islay with a serious thirst. ‘Four friends, one weekend, gallons of whisky. What could go wrong?’ Over a weekend soaked in the finest cask-strength spirit, events spiral out of control, they are all thrown into a nightmare that gets worse at every turn.

Smokehead Single Malt sponsored the book’s launch event, held in Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms, where ‘Smoke and Coke’ was flowing, adding to the atmospheric reading by the author.

The partnership also includes ongoing promotions and discounts such as competitions to win copies of the book and bottles of Smokehead at www.faber.co.uk and www.waterstones.com plus exclusive discount codes offering 10% off bottles of Smokehead for readers.

To enter or for more information visit www.smokehead.co.uk or www.faber.co.uk/work/smokeheads
 
Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £31.99. For details of stockists and to buy online please visit www.smokehead.co.uk

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk  www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Tasting notes:

SALE OF ICONIC WHISKY AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH TO AID JAPANESE QUAKE AND TSUNAMI VICTIMS

The sale of a £13,000 bottle of Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old, launched earlier this month, is to be auctioned at a special evening at Bonhams, Edinburgh on 29 March in aid of the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Family owned whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail unveiled the iconic Single Malt Whisky at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March. Distilled in 1940, only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011. Decanter number 1 of 100 has been presented for this special event.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, had been due to fly to Japan to launch the whisky when the tragedy struck. He had the idea of auctioning the bottle in Scotland to raise much needed money for the relief effort. The proceeds will be donated to the British Red Cross Japan Appeal. The special, single item, charity auction will be held at Bonhams, 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh on Tuesday evening 29 March at 7.00pm GMT to allow buyers in the USA and the Far East to take part. Bonhams are giving their services for free.

Michael Urquhart said, “Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family-owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief. I think we all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy like this so it is good to be able to do something practical. I hope people will respond generously.”

Bonhams Managing Director in Scotland, Miranda Grant, who lived in Japan as a child, said, “We’re just pleased to be able to help Everyone has been shocked by the scenes of devastation and the loss of life and we’re all hoping to raise a good sum.”

Norman McKinley, director of the Red Cross in Scotland, said, “This is an extremely generous gesture by Gordon & MacPhail and Bonhams. The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan have caused widespread destitution and suffering.

“The costs of the relief effort and of rebuilding the homes and lives of those affected will be immense. Donations to the British Red Cross will be used towards helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster over the coming months and years.”

The charity auction itself will be preceded by a reception at 6.00 and a talk at 6.40 by the renowned whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean.

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/scotland

For further press information please contact Andrew Currie on 0207 468 5871 or andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com

NOTES 

Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (February 2010).

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant who have been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 40 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies.

British Red Cross: in the event that the British Red Cross receives more donations to the Japan Tsunami Appeal than the Japanese Red Cross and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can reasonably and efficiently spend, any surplus funds will be used to help us prepare for and respond to humanitarian disasters both here in the UK and overseas.

The Joy of Whisk(e)y

With only THREE DAYS (now TWO!) left until the big night, the anticipation is building. Oh, what a night…This year’s show is packed with a variety of wonderful whiskies and we have a lot of interest from the public. We’re trying to hold onto tickets for those who procrastinate, but it is getting more difficult by the day! So order your tickets now (only a few left). Please note:Tickets ordered now will be held at Will Call.

Masterclasses  
We thank everyone for utilizing our new on-line registration. The system sends emails to confirm your registration.  We have sent out an additional email confirmation today.  This works as a reminder and a confirmation that you have signed up for a class. If you no longer wish to attend a class, please respond to today’s confirmation email so that we can make room for others.

Still Available

Independent Bottlers with Ed Kohl.
This will be an incredible experience to learn just what/who independent bottlers are and how they shape the Whisky landscape. Taste side-by-side an independent bottling with the distillers bottling. You’ll learn and taste the difference of an independent bottling.  Compare Glen Grant Distillery list with Chieftains. Have a taste comparison with Isle of Arran,  Lochranza Raw Cask. This is an experience no other Whisky Show offers.

Wonders of Craft Distilling
American craft distilling is a growing luxury segment of the spirits industry. Artisanal spirits makers can be found all of over the US. This seminar will be conducted by some fantastic distillers who will present their distillery, talk about their exciting innovations in spirits making, their choice of spirits and recipes, and unravel the science behind the art of true small batch distilling. You will sample a variety of handcrafted whiskies and taste the love and care that goes into producing every drop.

Classic Malts with Steven Beal
Walking through the Regions of Scotland
The Classic Malts Mentor Seminar uses the extensive knowledge of the Diageo Master of Whisky to educate Scotch enthusiasts on a sampling of the Classic Malts Distiller’s Editions. This multimedia, multi-sensory seminar takes consumers through the history, production process, regionality and most important the flavor profiles of this vast selection of single malt Scotch. Each guest will leave the seminar with an increased confidence to order his/her new favorite single malt Scotch whisky.

Everything Else …
WHISKY:  Every sense contributes to the enjoyment of whisky.  You hear it being poured, your see its amber color, you nose it, you taste it and you feel it ignite your senses. However, nosing the whisky, and recognizing the aroma and flavor, judging body, palate, and finish is considered the most reveling and fun. 

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING:  Nosing or sipping and spitting are the BEST methods to discover the beauties of whisky in an
enjoyable and safe way. Remember to spend most of the night NOSING and save your tasting for a careful and manageable selection. The event is four hours. Eat a little, sample a little, eat a little. Plenty of time so take your time and work in a Masterclass also. You’ll thank me.

SPECIAL GUESTS:  Whisky is affected by the environment, water, the peat smoke, the cask, even the mood of the distiller. Talk about this phenomenon with distillers, whisk(e)y pioneers, chefs and well known experts, keep your  eyes open to catch the name tags of the Special Guests wandering the Expo throughout the evening. They are there to heighten your experience through the knowledge they have to share.

SIP SMOKE SAVOR:  We love the sensuality of Whisky pairings and now we have Sip Smoke Savor taking this art to new levels. Check out their must visit booth on the third deck.
CIGARS:  Cigar lovers, don’t miss a chance to enjoy a fine stogie on our upper deck at the Expo.  SeriousCigars.com has teamed up with Sip Smoke Savor  and Rocky Patel, to pair two quality brands with a matching single malt scotch for your smoking pleasure while you enjoy the evening skyline of San Francisco.

SURPRISE BOTTLINGS:  There are a number of surprise bottlings coming to the Expo this year. Douglas of Drumlanrig and Clan Denny (which are now available on the West Coast),  Oban Distiller’s Edition (VIP), and …   New to the Irish landscape, Mickey Finn, and Mickey Finn Apple.  Be the first to enjoy this spirit. You’ll also be thrilled to know Wild Geese and Irish Soldiers are back with a new distributor.  We missed them while they were gone. Also this year, we’ll be treated with the Double Distilled, award winning Michael Collins. Last and very important, a staple of every whisky cabinet, Bushmills!  VIP folks must sample the Bushmills Crystal Malt. Find out what all the excitement is about over the Kilchoman Winter 2010 release.
 
RYE:  Find out why rye is the new rage:  We have the new Bulleit Rye release, and the New Kuchan Organic Dark Rye. These are in addition to our local Fog’s End Monterey Rye, several High West Ryes, Michter’s Rye, Old Potrero Rye, Templeton Rye (No matter what you think of Al Capone he had good taste for this Rye).  Find the perfect Krave Jerky to pair with these Irish Whiskeys.
 
SAN TASTI:  Try a great alternative to cleaning the palate.  SanTásti restores your palate and refreshes your taste so you can experience more flavors from more foods and beverages by moderating sweetness, acidity and astringency.
 
WHISKY RELATED PRODUCTS:  In addition to the many, many spirits booths in the Main Tasting Hall, there are unique whisky-related products to check out; a kit for handcrafting your own whisky, beautiful Scottish goods and whisky paraphernalia.  

WATER:  We will have water pitchers and glasses available throughout the night to make sure you stay hydrated.  There will be mineral free bottled water on hand to pour into your whiskies to open the nose and/or dilute the strength. Nose, sip, add water, and sip again-you’ll see how the world changes.

AND MORE:  There will be a delicious buffet and lively music.
Don’t let anything pass you by!

Helpful Tips for WOW:
Dram Club – registration open at 4:45pm
VIP – registration opens at 5pm
General admission – registration opens at 5:45pm

Dress Code:  We encourage everybody to help us maintain the elegance and style of the event and dress appropriately. No shorts,  jeans or t-shirts, please. And if you feel like wearing kilts…well free to express your love for everything Celtic.

Parking and Public Transportation Information
http://www.hornblowerweddings.com/Directions/san-francisco-parking-pier3.htm

______________________________________________________________________
We’ll let you go now…..see you in only three TWO days for the big night!

www.whiskiesoftheworld.com

The Family Reserve

Can you please tell us about your recipe? If only I had a penny for every time I have been asked this question…

Don’t get me wrong, the question does not annoy me, in fact, it has quite the opposite effect. The Family Reserve was first blended by William Grant in 1898 making it Scotland’s oldest…(click on the link below to read the rest of the post).…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/03/the-family-reserve/

Kind regards,
Ludo

The Latest epistle from the Malt Maniacs #2011-02 by Davin de Kergommeaux, Canada is now available for your reading pleasure;

http://www.maltmaniacs.org/whisky-articles/Malt-Maniacs-2011-02-The-trouble-with-tradition.pdf

Dear Customer, 

Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over thirty years and members of our family owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief.  We all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy so we are looking to do something practical.

I was due to fly to Japan to take part in a series of events to launch Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old when the disaster struck.  

We have decided to donate bottle No. 1 of Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old to a special charity auction to raise money for the relief effort.  All funds will be paid to the Red Cross who will use them to help the Japanese people recover from this devastating natural disaster.  

Bonhams Edinburgh, who are giving their services for free, will deliver the special charity auction on Tuesday 29 March 2011 at 7.00pm GMT.  The auction will be held at Bonhams 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh and online at http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/19503/lot/1/

As I am sure you are aware Gordon & MacPhail launched Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old at a special event at Edinburgh Castle on 8 March 2011.  Distilled in 1940 only 100 full sized decanters have been released for sale in 2011.  Whisky connoisseur Charles Maclean describes the single malt: “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.”  

The whisky is 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.

I would be grateful if you could make as many people as possible aware of this special charity auction.

Your faithfully, 

Michael

SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS 

Michael Urquhart | Joint Managing Director

GORDON & MACPHAIL, GEORGE HOUSE, BOROUGHBRIGGS ROAD, ELGIN, MORAY, SCOTLAND, IV30 1JY

www.gordonandmacphail.com

OWNER OF BENROMACH DISTILLERY | www.benromach.com

All highlighting by Whisky Intelligence

Now available to watch inside Warehouse 24, this series of
35 films offers hours of whisky pleasure for both new and old enthusiasts alike.

So why not explore The Whisky Academy and let industry experts, such as Charles MacLean, Gavin D. Smith and David Stewart, guide you through the history, science and craft behind malt whisky whilst answering some of the most frequently asked questions?

I hope you’ll find the time to enjoy these fascinating films.
I know I will.

Slainte mhath,

David Mair
The Balvenie Ambassador

“Working with filmmaker and single malt enthusiast Stuey Burnett, we’ve created something that really doesn’t exist anywhere else online…it’s a fascinating series that’ll have whisky fans enthralled.”

Sam Simmons, academic and Ambassador for The Balvenie

CHANGE OF VENUE! NOW IN CHAPLAINCY CENTRE!

Dalmore Rivers Collection Tasting
 
When: Wednesday 23rd March – 7pm SHARP
Where: THE CHAPLAINCY CENTRE, Highstreet, Entrance round the back!
Bring: Ticket + Membership Card + Ca$h for raffle
 
This event has SOLD OUT.

Are you going???

Morrison Bowmore Tasting

Wednesday 20th April – 7pm

Tickets go on sale this Wednesday at the tasting then from Butchart Reception.

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
aberdeenwhisky@googlemail.com

Ralfy’s back with a review …

Whiskey review 192 – Jameson Whiskey

at www.ralfy.com

viewer discretion advised !

… no marketing present in this review.