More from Edinburgh on this edition, with a look at some of the key places whisky lovers seek out on a visit to Scotland’s capital. We’ll check out Royal Mile Whiskies, The Scotch Whisky Experience, and one of Edinburgh’s best whisky bars. In the news, Whyte & MacKay is about to release a replica of Shackleton’s whisky from Antarctica, Australian whisky comes to the US, an update on Japan’s distilleries after the earthquake, and much more!

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

Company History

Mr. Robert W. Duthie was the nephew of William Cadenhead, and ran William Cadenhead Ltd from 1904 until his untimely death in 1931. Mr. Duthie was also the person most responsible for building the reputation of William Cadenhead Ltd as a bottler of single malts and rum.

Duthies is a new range from Cadenhead’s that are all bottled at 46% and non chill filtered. They are all single malts but not necessarily single cask bottlings.

The old Classic regions (50% vol.) have been replaced by the Duthies Regions series that are bottled at 46% and are non chill filtered. The regions are all Vatted Malts, also known as Blended Malt whiskies.

The firm of William Cadenhead Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants, was founded in 1842 and is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. The company was in the ownership of the same family until taken over by J & A Mitchell & Co.Ltd in 1972, the proprietors of Springbank distillery.
 
The early days

For 130 years prior to this, the firm of William Cadenhead Ltd traded from the same premises in the Netherkirkgate, Aberdeen. It was what subsequently became number 47 that Mr George Duncan established himself as a vintner and distillery agent. The business prospered and in little over 10 years he was joined by his brother-in-law Mr. William Cadenhead. In 1858 Mr. Duncan died following a short illness. William Cadenhead acquired the business and changed the trading name to that of his own. Whilst not much is known of George Duncan, a great deal is on record about his brother-in-law. It must be said that this is not because of his distinction as a vintner but because he was a local poet of renown throughout the Victorian era. Born in 1819, he began working at an early age in a small thread factory where he gained a great deal of respect from his employer. From there he became an overseer in the yarn sorting department of Maberly & Co at their Broadford works, now Richards PLC. About 1853 he left the company and joined his brother-in-law as traveller for Cadenhead’s until Duncan’s death in 1858 where he acquired the business. Apart from his enviable reputation as a poet, he became a prominent citizen taking part in all aspects of local affairs during his long life.

Acquiring a worldwide reputation..

Early on Sunday morning, 11 December 1904 William Cadenhead died. He was succeeded in the business of Wine and Spirit Merchants at 47 Netherkirkgate by his nephew Robert W. Duthie. He was a quiet unassuming man, unlike his uncle, but developed what the firm became most famous for, namely single malt Scotch whisky and Demerara Rum. He advertised extensively on the back of buses, theatre curtains, concert programmes and in much else under the slogan ‘By test the Best’. In addition Mr Duthie developed Cadenhead’s brand whiskies, the de-luxe blend Putachieside and the more plebeian name The Heilanman.

Difficult times

In 1931 in the depth of the depression, the business of William Cadenhead was not in good shape financially. Mr. Duthie was on his way to a meeting with his bank manager when he was unfortunately run over by a tram car whilst crossing the street. Duthie was a batchelor but left two sisters who knew nothing about the Wine and Spirit trade but were determined that the name of William Cadenhead should survive. Responsibility was handed over to a long term employee, Miss Ann Oliver, an eccentric lady who ran the business exactly as she wanted, refusing to move with the times. However, administration was lax and several bad decisions were made during this time forcing Ms Oliver to retire and sell the business.

The turning point

Both the bonded and duty paid warehouses were full from the roof to the cellars of stock, the value of which no-one knew nor for which there were any records. In the end Christie’s who had liquidated considerable stocks of rum were contacted. The result was a two-day sale of the entire stock and was at that date the largest sale of wines and spirits ever held in Great Britain. The sale took place in London on 3rd and 4th of October 1972 and although there were many bargains, on the whole it was most successful and contrary to expectations it resulted in a six figure surplus over liabilities for the firm.

The present day

Thereafter the goodwill, premises etc. of the firm William Cadenhead were sold to J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd., proprietors of Springbank Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries still owned by descendants of its founder. The name of Cadenhead is now a household name in the whisky world, and the present owners have expanded the Cadenhead business whilst still keeping the goals and traditional methods the firm began with in 1842.

The new Duthies bottings for March 2011 with their tasting notes, the bottlings should be available at Cadenhead’s shops soon.

HIGHLAND

Aultmore 1997 13y/o 46%vol

Nose: Like a Scottish hillside on a summer day. Very lively notes of dew-soaked grass, heather and just a hint of oak.
Palate: A very flavoursome whisky. Initially peppery with hints of cumin and basil, opens out to release creamy vanilla and a pleasant malty flavour.
Finish: More oak and malt as the spices return to provide a long-lasting finish.

Clynelish 1995 15y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Creamy cappuccino at first, followed by rich, peppery butterscotch.
Palate: Boom! The flavours just explode in the mouth. Ripe fruits; bananas, melons, demerara sugar.
Finish: Gentle smoke rounds the experience off perfectly.

Glen Moray 1998 12y/o 46%vol

Nose: A sweet-tooth lovers heaven and a dentist’s nightmare! Toffee, fudge and just a little citrus and fruit developing.
Palate: Grassy and floral at first, the palate progresses to reveal flavours of pears and peaches.
Finish: Warm orange marmalade. Yum!

Highland Park 1992 18y/o 46%vol

Nose: Lemon and lime soda, blackcurrants and a touch of liquorice.
Palate: A very pleasant woody smokiness gets the tastebuds tingling as red berries, lilac and blood oranges come to the fore.
Finish: Very sweet and honeyed to complete a very complex dram.

Mortlach 1992 18y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Reassuring aromas of home baking – apple pie, rhubarb crumble and baked fruits.
Palate: Very rich and fruity at first, complemented by smooth chocolate and coconut.
Finish: Liquorice and aniseed complete a very full-bodied whisky.

ISLAY

Ardbeg 1994 16y/o 46%vol

Nose: This is unusual! Caramel, maple syrup and toffee before some of the expected smoke kicks in to remind you that you aren’t really enjoying some pancakes in a New York diner.
Palate: Here comes the peat – but not for long. The smoke gives way to more sweetness with treacle toffee, aniseed and liquorice.
Finish: Short and sweet but with just enough smoke hanging around to complete the dram.

Caol Ila 1995 15y/o 46%vol

Nose: Very sweet; gentle brine and sea salt. A touch of fresh tar.
Palate: Very reassuring. Not overpowering but subtle smoke and seaweed flavour balanced by a great oily mouthfeel.
Finish: More of the same “Islay-lite” style for a perfect winter whisky.

CAMPBELTOWN

Longrow 2001 9y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Your favourite desserts all in one – creme brulee, sticky toffee pudding and vanilla custard with a wee bit of creamy smoke.
Palate: Extraordinarily rich and full-bodied. Buttery and sweet with some lovely hints of toasted oak.
Finish: Coal smoke and peaty embers – very much in keeping with Longrow’s unique style.

LOWLAND

Auchentoshan 1999 11Y/O 46%vol

Nose: A fruity flavour burst. Strawberries, raspberries and a very pleasant sweet confectionary aroma.
Palate: A very gentle, sweet and delicate dram. Orange fondant, icing sugar and more strawberries.
Finish: Lingering vanilla and sugary sweetness.

www.cadenheads.dk

Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

This weeks Whisky Wednesday dilemma: A chance to acquire a hard to find whisky….or a great deal on a spectacular mainstay.

What the hell…lets do both!

First up is the chance for a select few (read: those who act fast) to acquire a bottle of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, a very limited production whisky. Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. 

A bottle of Ardbeg Corryvreckan is $94.50. If you want one, make sure to buy it now. We have an inadequate amount of bottles, so limit is one bottle to a customer please.

Next is the opportunity to acquire a truly wonderful whisky, Glenmorangie Signet, at an unbeatable price. A fusion of unique and rare elements, and clouded in secrecy, Signet is a blend of Glenmorangie’s oldest whisky – distilled over thirty years ago when malting still occurred on site – and spirit matured in a selection of the world’s finest casks, this undoubtedly is the richest whisky in the Glenmorangie range. It was also named Whisky Magazine Best Highland Single Malt for 2011.

Thanks “Nicky No Neck”, we are able to offer you Glenmorangie Signet at the unbeatable price of $150.99, down from our usual price of $187.50

Finally, one last reminder that ForScotchLovers will have a booth at this years Whiskies of the World Expo on March 26th in San Francisco. Because we are participating in the show, I’m able to offer you a great discount on tickets (see below).

I hope you will take advantage of both of these offers. And if you do attend the Whiskies of the World Expo, ya better stop by our booth and say hello.

I hope to see you all there,    

Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForScotchLovers.com

ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN

ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN REVIEW – by JOHN HANSEL of  THE MALT ADVOCATE 

Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg, this one stands out. The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise and smoked seaweed are supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning…This is a great whisky! 

Malt Advocate magazine rating: 96

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deepest amber

Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful.

With the first sniff, encounter the deep and turbulent force of Corryvreckan as it pulls you inwards. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. As you succumb to its power, a collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths.

Swirl water into the glass, and observe the magical collision of whisky and water. As the liquid warms up, the seething cauldron bubbles and bursts, as you edge closer to sniff a pot full of gutsy cayenne-peppered steak and oysters smothered in hot pepper sauce. Salty seasoning brings a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries.

As the whirlpool narrows and quickens moving ever deeper, surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.

Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and taste the mysterious depths of Corryvreckan. Torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue with its intense tastes and textures.

The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.

Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan. 

GLENMORANGIE SIGNET

REVIEW – COURTESY OF JIM MURRY’S WHISKY BIBLE 2010

“This has to be Morangie Untraditional. An entirely different directon for this malt thick oak, intensity unique not just to the distillery but any other Highland malt I can think of, beleive me, you are in for one hell of a show.” 

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deep amber

Aroma: A strong Aruba espresso fused with a treacly plum pudding, rich with sherry, and candied orange peel.

Taste: A contrast of rich sweetness with an explosive crackle of sizzling spices and bitter mocha.

Finish: A fresh spring-like breeze of mint with a bright citrus lemony-green quality.

The Dalmore Castle Leod.

A formidable malt.

This limited edition bottling celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie. After all, it was the vision of the Mackenzie brothers that laid the foundation for the distillery’s monumental success.

Castle Leod has been home to the Caberfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, since 1606 and is located just 14 miles from the The Dalmore Distillery.

This classic Vintage 1995 expression was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau.

To find out more, visit www.thedalmore.com/castleleod or email castleleod@thedalmore.com.

Availability varies by market.

If you’d like to join The Dalmore Custodians, a select group of individuals with an appetite for exceptional single malt, please visit www.thedalmore.com and follow the links.

Grant’s in the Russian Media

Good morning,

On a recent trip to Russia, our local ambassador and I were interviewed by a number of journalists and I thought our Russian-speaking readers (and there are a few!) would enjoy reading the articles below. As always, do get in touch (in English please!) if you have any questions and don’t hesitate to recommend…(click on the link below to read the rest of the post).…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/03/grant%e2%80%99s-in-the-russian-media/

Kind regards,
Ludo

You are cordially invited to join us for an evening of fine whiskies with host J. Wheelock, the Macallan Ambassador at the Quamichan Inn on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. J Wheelock is an amazing speaker that is sure to entertain us all. Tickets for the evening are $40.00 each and can be reserved by emailing jodi@bcmpliquorstore.com or by calling 250-715-2025. There are only 50 tickets available and will be open to our ‘whisky group’ until April 4th which it will then go to the public.

Thank you

Jodi McLean
Manager
Beverly Corner Liquor Store
http://www.bcmpliquorstore.com/

Visit the  Quamichan Inn at http://www.thequamichaninn.com/

Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or 12yo (46%, OB, +/-2010)

Usually found without an age statement and some what of a mystery of how this sample arrived at Whisky Intelligence world headquarters but it is here so it must have its teeth checked, so to speak. The label proclaims that “This non chill-filtered single malt is initially matured in bourbon casks then extra matured in Sauternes ‘Barriques’ to create a sumptuous taste” The nose shows a little alcohol at first but then some rich raisin and citrus notes emerge that evolve into a jumble of pleasant sweet and sour aromas. With more time in the glass heady rich sun drenched raisin notes take over along with some hints of coffee in the background. There is also a goodly amount of the malt that some many Glenmorangie drams are famous for. Very nice. The taste is warming and immediately filled with rich, rich raisin notes and then some strong oaky leather tastes that really contrast the sweetness of the sun dried raisins very well. The malt makes a late appearance but it is there. Also some creamy notes hovering in there somewhere. The finish is more of the sweet and sour followed by loads of malt and all this continues for some while, it’s a long finish. It’s nice to see the malt take over at the end. Dusty malt after a number of minutes.

The Sauternes has done its work and added depth.

No idea on cost…

Score 86

www.glenmorangie.com

THREE SHIPS SHINES AT WORLD WHISKY AWARDS

The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish received the category award for the Best Rest of the World Blended Whisky at Whisky Magazine’s 2011 World Whisky Awards. More than 300 whiskies were tasted in a set of three tasting rounds, all vying for the coveted awards.

The annual World Whisky Awards includes a selection of the finest whiskies produced internationally and categories are based on style, process and production. Hosted by Whisky Magazine, the competition is chaired by Dave Broom, contributing editor of Whisky Magazine and editor-in-chief of Whisky Magazine Japan.

Master distiller, Andy Watts, says the award is an enormous recognition for a proudly South African product, especially since the whisky also recently received gold at the 2010 International Spirits Challenge.

“The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is South Africa’s first whisky consisting of both malt and grain components which have been distilled and matured here. If you consider the large number of blends produced throughout the world, it is in my view a remarkable achievement not only for our whisky but also for South Africa.”

He says that after the initial maturation of three years, the final blend is matured for a further six months in first-fill bourbon oak casks, resulting in the slight honeyed sweetness on the nose.

“Considering the short period the whisky spent in the bourbon casks, we were amazed at just how much flavour was extracted. The whisky has a rich golden syrup colour and a soft, estery, warm nose. The slight honeyed sweetness with vanilla notes on the palate is complemented by subtle hints of pepper and spice. The finish is lingering, with a hint of flavour from the bourbon casks.”

The range of Three Ships whiskies are produced at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington. Since the launch of the Three Ships Select just over two decades ago it has undergone several upgrades which has transformed it into a state-of-the-art distillery.

The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R115.

Wemyss 15yo “The Hive” (46%, OB, Hogshead, 396 Bts., 2009)

“Each cask that is chosen for bottling is representative of the best characteristics of its regional origins and only the best casks are chosen by our Nosing Panel, which is chaired by Charlie Maclean. This strict selection process limits the number of casks which are of the exceptional quality required to be elevated into this range.”

“The Hive Single Highland Scotch Whisky” Distillery unknown. The nose takes a moment to open up and then the aromas arrive; some slight green notes right off  and then….it’s somewhat retrained. Good, but retrained, light fruit and some hints of floral notes. Also hints of barley, some winey notes and some oak spice. Subtle. The taste is much different from the nose with lots of flavour in the form of malt, oak spice, fruit (oh crap, this is the same as the nose), grapefruit, citrus and cocoa. It’s actually very good which is a relief after the restrained start on the nose. The finish is malty with wine like characteristics and some good malt moments. It’s quite long and clean, not off notes and then some really excellent dark chocolate and another burst of malt. It’s very long.

A single malt that builds from nose to finish. Well done Charlie! Many thanks to Al and Maggie for the sample.

$114 at Hi-Time in California

Score 84 points

Cadenhead’s have just released several new bottlings for March; here are the tasting notes. The bottlings should be on the web shop sites soon. (www.cadenheads.dk)

Cadenhead tasting notes

SPEYSIDE

Aberlour – Glenlivet Distillery 1989 21Y/O 57.5%

Nose: Light on the nose, hints of gooseberries and abundance of sour green apples.
Palate: Freshly baked bread and fruity. Green apples still present on the palate.
Finish: Mild and fruity.

Caperdonich Distillery 1996 14Y/O 51.7%

Nose: Crisp and clean vanilla tablet. Buttery and sweet.
Palate: Butter/toffee popcorn. Malty, yet sweet and very buttery.
Finish: A subtle finish with lots of honey present.

Glentauchers – Glenlivet 1998 12Y/O 56.1%

Nose: Big and rich nose of chocolate, coconut and extremely buttery.
Palate: Wholesome heather and clover sweetness still with the chocolate present.
Finish: A long and very sweet finish.

Mortlach Distillery 1994 16Y/O 54.2%

Nose: Raisins, honey and candy peel.
Palate: Fruit and nut, orange peel and dry oak.
Finish: A dry finish that tingles on the tongue.

NORTH HIGHLAND

Dalmore Distillery 1989 21Y/O 51.4%

Nose: Warm, baked pear pudding with chocolate topping and custard. Dark chocolate, almost evident as coco powder.
Palate: Dark chocolate orange with a minty tint.
Finish: a lively finish with hints of eucalyptus.

SOUTH HIGHLAND

Glenturret Distillery 1995 15Y/O 53%

Nose: Truly nutty – full of almonds and walnuts!
Palate: Again, nutty notes evident as peanuts and monkey nuts. Woody flavours with hints of sweet varnish.
Finish: A long savoury finish.

ISLAY

Caol Ila Distillery 1991 20Y/O 53.4%

Nose: Smoked mackerel, seaweed, tar, sooty and some sweetness of peanut butter.
Palate: Smoky and sweet, the sooty coal notes are very evident on the palate yet still hints of sweet peanut butter.
Finish: Long, reliable and smoky.

ISLAND

Arran Distillery 1998 12Y/O 57.4%

Nose: Plum chutney with rich, ripe plums mixed with dark toffee.
Palate: A real sweet whisky, rich in ripe red apples and sun drenched raisins.
Finish: Peppery but still a very sweet long finish.

CLOSED DISTILLERIES

LOWLAND

Rosebank Distillery 1990 20Y/O 52.9%

Nose: Full of brown sugar almost evident as raw palm sugar. Honey comb, caramel, milk chocolate covered digestive biscuits.
Palate: Oaty and malty with sweetness of honey
Finish: A round finish with hints of cappuccino through the brown sugar.

WORLD WHISKIES

Bourbon (Heaven Hill) 14Y/O 59.8%

Nose: Rich treacle and toffee with strong hints of aniseed mixed with eucalyptus.
Palate: Chewy Danish liquorice sweeties and full flavour of blackcurrants.
Finish: Blackcurrant fruity flavours linger on, with hints of liquorice still evident – a very long finish.