Diageo’s Single Malt Whiskies acclaimed by leading whisky experts

Posted by Pat Roberts

Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Lagavulin™, Talisker™ and The Singleton™ of Glen Ord™ have added further polish to their global prestige and long record of success with major wins in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition. The results were announced in London on 6 June 2011.

Talisker 57° North - Master award

The Scotch Whisky Masters awards are decided by expert judging panels after an extensive and rigorous blind tasting process.

The panels, all independent of the whisky industry, included mixologists, managers of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, global retailers, and leading whisky commentators including two former editors of Whisky Magazine, chaired by the widely-respected drinks journalist Patience Gould.

They awarded six ‘Master’ accolades –  the highest award in the competition  –  to Diageo brands: Lagavulin 16 year old (adding to its already substantial collection of awards), The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old, now a major success in Asian markets, Talisker 57° North™, The Distillers Editions™ of Cragganmore™ and Dalwhinnie™  –  and a newcomer: Caol Ila™ Moch™, a recently launched expression of the highly successful Islay malt without an age statement, destined initially for the exclusive enjoyment of the Friends of the Classic Malts.

Talisker confirmed its status as a regular winner by picking up three top medals: a Master for Talisker 57° North, and Gold medals for Talisker 10 year old and Talisker Distillers Edition.

Other Gold medal winners were: Caol Ila 12 year old, Cardhu™ 12 year old, Cragganmore, 12 year old, Dalwhinnie 15 year old, Glenkinchie™ 12 year old, Glenkinchie Distillers Edition, Lagavulin Distillers Edition and The Singleton of Glendullan™ 12 year old.

Nick Morgan, Diageo Scotch Knowledge and Heritage Director, said

“These are outstanding results. And we value this increasingly-influential competition. It stands out by the independence of its judging panels, with members drawn from a wide cross-section of drinks professionals and commentators, many of whom are close to the tastes of our target consumers.”

Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

I have a VERY special treat for you this week….and it doesn’t come from Scotland.

In the state of Colorado, in downtown Denver sits a small brewery started by a fellow named Jesse Graber, called Flying Dog Brewery.  But don’t let the name or the location fool you…in addition to producing some wonderful beers, over the years Jesse has developed a reputation for producing one of the finest whiskies available anywhere: Stranahan’s Colorado Small Batch Whiskey.

Stranahan’s is “old school” whiskey….the kind cowboys drank in saloons across the American West, during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Each bottle comes with its own tin shot glass as well.

This is one of the most delicious whiskies I have ever tasted, and is one of my “Desert Island 5” whiskies, along with Ardbeg Corryvreckan which was the feature of last weeks Whisky Wednesday email.  Stranahan’s is delicious neat, but throw a few ice cubes in a glass, and you’ve got the perfect summer drink, or the foundation for some amazing summer cocktails. 

I just cannot say enough about this whiskey.

Now the bad news: Stranahan’s was purchased by a “big dumb company” about six months ago and, in their infinite wisdom, they’ve eliminated distribution and any access to Stranahan’s Small Batch Whiskey outside of Colorado….good luck finding some, anywhere.

But the good news: I know Nicky “No Neck”…who knows a guy…who knows a guy…which allows us to offer you Stranahan’s Colorado Small Batch Whiskey for $69.95/ bottle, while our supplies last.  But as always, the supply is extremely limited…and once its gone, it’s gone. So if you want a bottle or two to get you through the summer, order it fast.

I implore you…if you are looking to shake up your summer cocktailing, but want to stay “close to home” with whiskey,  get a bottle or two of Stranahan’s.  Your summer BBQ will never be the same.

Doug Stone
Founder

www.ForScotchLovers.com

STRANAHAN’S SMALL BATCH COLORADO SINGLE MALT WHISKY

THE STRANAHANS STORY   

This whiskey glowed amber from the start. When volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a neighbor’s barn fire down the road, he never imagined any good could come of it. But the barn he made effort to save belonged to George Stranahan, long-time liquor connoisseur. When the fire settled, the two discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of fine whiskey. And so Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was born.

They developed a recipe for the smoothest, most flavorful whiskey in the world using the purity of their mountain surroundings to their advantage. Well, to your advantage. They say from each thing bad comes something good. For Jess, George, and fine whiskey drinkers alike, it’s amazing just how good it can be.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Honeycomb, maple, and raspberry with a scotch-like profile. 

TASTE: Hot and spicy pecan, oak, oatmeal, and barley. There is a slight smokey oak finish and hot long warm feeling felt almost immediately. Feels like higher proof than 94, but not harsh, just strong. Opens up wonderfully after the large cube melts. The residual alcohol burn is tamed, leaving a fuller grain bouquet. As the cube melts, even more mineral, dirt flavors come out as well as cinnamon, allspice, and aged vanilla from the minimum aging time of two years spent in charred American white oak casks. 

WOODFORD RESERVE® NAMED OFFICIAL BOURBON OF THE BELMONT STAKES®

Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel will serve as Official Drink of Belmont Stakes

June, 2011, Louisville, KY – Woodford Reserve®, one of America’s fastest growing bourbons, is proud to return as a sponsor of the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11 at Belmont Park® in Elmont, NY. Woodford Reserve will serve as the “Official Bourbon of the Belmont Stakes” for 2011 and will be included in the signature drink of the Belmont Stakes, the Belmont Jewel.

Woodford Reserve will also sponsor the race immediately preceding the running of the Belmont Stakes. Named the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap, the 1 1/4th mile turf race carries a purse of $400,000 and is for three-year-olds and up.  The Manhattan Handicap was inaugurated at Morris Park in 1896 and is named after the principal borough of New York City. The race will be nationally televised on NBC with post time set for 5:39 p.m. ET.

 “Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Belmont Park and a distinguished race such as the Manhattan Handicap,” said Laura Petry, senior brand manager for Woodford Reserve.  “This partnership continues Woodford Reserve’s commitment to the thoroughbred industry and extends it to the East Coast.”

Woodford Reserve will also toast race day with the Belmont Jewel, the Official Drink of Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes.

Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel

Official Cocktail of the Belmont Stakes

1 ½ oz. Woodford Reserve

2 oz.  Lemonade

1 oz.  Pomegranate juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry.

The Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel will be available in the clubhouse on the second floor near the Player’s Club, on the clubhouse third floor next to the food court, in the grandstand on the second floor near the escalators and at Backyard Brews in the Belmont Park Backyard.  

Hal Handel, NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “Woodford Reserve is a premium brand with strong commitment to the thoroughbred industry. This partnership is a perfect fit. We are very pleased to be able to offer our patrons access to Woodford Reserve’s first-class bourbon.”

Belmont Jewel

Belmont Park

Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is the home of the third leg of horse racing’s storied Triple Crown and one of three racetracks operated by The New York Racing Association (NYRA). NYRA also operates Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing in New York through 2033, NYRA contributes more than $2 billion annually to the State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2007, nearly two million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks, and the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $10.9 million. To learn more about NYRA, please visit www.NYRA.com.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a super-premium Kentucky “small batch” bourbon distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, KY. It is a bourbon of craftsmanship and the embodiment of substance and style. Woodford Reserve is also the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and its distillery is the oldest bourbon distillery in America. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Tuaca. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2011

See you in 2012 on May 12!

Thank you to all our exhibitors and guests for making this 7th Spirit of Toronto Whisky Gala such a spectacular evening!

From whisky to cognac to rum… from the Blind Whisky Challenge to hand carved ice balls and cocktails… from the Whisky Shots! video stand to the cheese trays and beef tenderloin… this truly was a night to remember.

Masterclasses were once again fully subscribed and highlights included special guests Willie Tait from Isle of Jura, John Glaser from Compass Box, John Hall from Forty Creek Whisky and Michael Urquhart from Gordon & MacPhail who surprised and astounded his class with a rare sample of The Glenlivet 70 Year Old.

For those of you frustrated at not being able to attend a masterclass, please know that every effort will be made to ensure that as many of you as possible will be able to take part in a tutored tasting in 2012.

Once again it is time to say goodbye, but thankfully much of Spirit of Toronto 2011 has been recorded for posterity on Flickr and on Spirit of Toronto’s YouTube channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/spiritoftoronto

See you in 2012 on Saturday, May 12… and between now and then, have a great summer!

TEACHER’S – INDIA’S #1 SELLING SCOTCH WHISKY, NOW IN A BOLD NEW LOOK

The world’s premier Scotch whisky brand and the No 1 selling premium Scotch brand in India – Teacher’s will now be available in a new exclusive and contemporary look. What doesn’t change is the same uncompromising spirit. The new look forms part of a global refresh exercise to make Teacher’s contemporary and recruit new consumers into the brand franchise. Teacher’s is a Power brand within the Beam portfolio and this new look stays true to its heritage and genuine quality while staying relevant to successive generations of Scotch aficionados. This bold, confident new look adds a new aspirational touch to “The spirit of achievement” and is inspired from the Teacher’s adage that true achievement is not resting on your laurels but striving for the next high.

Teacher’s is a destination brand for consumers looking for fine taste. Over its 181 year history, Teacher’s has had a history of innovation and has changed its packaging over the years with an objective to keep the brand relevant contemporary to the ever evolving Scotch consumer. In 1913 Teacher’s patented “the self opening bottle”. This innovation essentially a tapered cork with a rim gave Teacher’s a 15-year lead over its rivals.

Mr. Harish Moolchandani, CEO & Managing Director, India and Indian Sub Continent, Beam Global Spirits & Wine said, “Teacher’s has grown to its preeminent position by staying true to its heritage and quality. And equally importantly, by embracing change and remaining relevant to successive generation of Scotch connoisseurs who appreciate a fine dram. The same uncompromising spirit, is now in a bold, confident, more premium look that refreshes our brand and brings us closer to the high standards set by William Teacher’s.”

The new Teacher’s Highland Cream bottle now has broader more masculine shoulders, an enhanced bulbous neck adding to style, with William Teacher’s WT insignia proudly embossed adds to authority and reinforces quality. Both the bottle label & the packaging moves away from the traditional all beige look to a new black, white & burnished gold look which shows more liquid and looks elegant and contemporary – representing the new Teacher’s consumer.

Teacher’s 50, the 12 year old blend from the house of Teacher’s retains its old all black & gold look but adapting to the new packaging style and bottle.

Alistair Longwell, Distillery Manager, Beam Global UK Ltd, Ardmore Distillery, said, “The stylish new packaging for Teacher’s accentuates all that is good about this iconic Brand. The boldness of the new bottle design, incorporating the prominent Teacher’s insignia on the bottle front and the Teacher’s name itself down both sides, together with the sleek profile of the new, contemporary label, allow every consumer to clearly see the quality that is present in every bottle – the finest blended Scotch that William Teacher was proud to put his name to.”

Teacher’s has three premium expressions available in India including Teacher’s Highland Cream, Teacher’s 50 and Teacher’s Origin. Teacher’s Origin celebrates William Teacher’s origin as a fine blender of Scotch whisky. It is a premium scotch blend that contains 65% malt, greater than any other standard blend and is maturated in 19th century styled Quarter Casks which impart upto 30% more maturation resulting in a rich and smooth taste. The

heart of Teacher’s Origin is Ardmore Malt Whisky which imparts a more traditional peat smoke flavour and rich robustness

About Teacher’s

Teacher’s Highland Cream was the first internationally known scotch to be launched in India. Today Teacher’s is the largest selling scotch brands, ragingly popular in cocktail circuits across the country. The prestigious Teacher’s 50, a 12 year old scotch whisky was specially blended and launched to commemorate the 50th year of the Indian independence.

Teacher’s Origin is an addition to the Teacher’s portfolio that includes eminent expressions like Teacher’s Highland Cream and Teacher’s 50. Teacher’s Origin celebrates William Teacher’s origin as a fine blender of Scotch whisky. It is a premium scotch blend that contains 65% malt, greater than any other standard blend and is maturated in 19th century styled Quarter Casks which impart upto 30% more maturation resulting in a rich and smooth taste. The heart of Teacher’s Origin is Ardmore Malt Whisky which imparts a more traditional peat smoke flavour and rich robustness.

Our Oldest Blending Book

Good afternoon everyone,

I could tell Paul, our archivist, was on to something when I received an enthusiastic email from him one morning. The subject said – ‘Grant’s Blending Book’ and what I quickly realised as I skimmed over the superlatives and exclamation marks was that Paul had uncovered our company’s oldest blending book and the……(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/06/our-oldest-blending-book/

Kind regards,
Ludo

1911 Lagavulin

1881 LAGAVULIN™ RETURNING HOME

by Pat Roberts

One of the world’s rarest bottles of Single Malt Scotch Whisky returned home to Lagavulin Distillery on 2 June 2011.

1911 Lagavulin

The exceptional 130-year old unopened bottle of “Lagavulin Liqueur” contains single malt whisky that was distilled at Lagavulin Distillery on Islay on 2 June 1881. After an extraordinary 30 years in cask, the single malt was bottled on 2 June 1911 by Mackie & Co of Glasgow, then owners of Lagavulin Distillery and a firm with a long tradition of supplying Islay malts.

It was rare for 19th century whiskies to be offered as single malts – most found their way into blended whisky – but according to Alfred Barnard, celebrated author of The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom (published 1887), “there are only a few of the Scotch distillers that turn out spirit for use as single whiskies, and that made at Lagavulin can claim to be one of the most prominent“.

This precious bottle was acquired at auction by Diageo and forms part of the comprehensive Diageo spirits industry Archive. It was recently exhibited at the Visitors Centre at Royal Lochnagar distillery on Deeside.

But on 2 June, Donald Renwick, the distillery manager at Royal Lochnagar and former distillery manager at Lagavulin, travelled to Islay to carry the bottle back home, where it has been deposited in an ultra-secure display case in the Visitors Centre.

Georgie Crawford securing the 1911 bottle

The handover at Lagavulin Distillery took place on the 100th anniversary of the bottling, and the 130th anniversary of its distilling, to the exact day. Donald Renwick was accompanied on his journey to Islay by two other former Lagavulin distillery managers, Peter Campbell and John Thomson, who joined him in handing the bottle into the safekeeping of the distillery’s present manager, Georgie Crawford.

Lagavulin Distillery

Although Lagavulin Bay may have already been a centre of whisky production in the early 17th century, it was in 1816 that John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin, where it remains, dominated by the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, a 13th century base of The Lords of the Isles. As with most Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland; but a limited-edition of 12 year old expression is regularly issued in the annual Special Releases series.

Four Lagavulin Managers with 1911 bottle

June Outturn Update: Don’t miss out
Bottlings from June Outturn have been tugging at the heart strings…in particular, Closed distillery bottling 104.13 has brought tears of joy (not surprising at only £155 for the 36 yo!)

CLOSED DISTILLERY
104.13 An angel fallen to earth
Speyside Lossie
£155.oo inc free p&p
There is no tasting note for this whisky our pathetic scribblings could not do it justice. In any case the Panel were dumb-struck (unlikely as that may seem) – this whisky closed down the logical, language side of the brain in favour of the more primitive pleasure receptors
(Limited availability)

Other fast-selling June bottlings:
23.69 Dusty muesli and green bananas
5.30 Apples, peaches and oak planks
9.60 Jam making and harvested fields
121.45 Beautifully clean and tasty

June Recommendations:
PAIR: 121.45 & 28.23 for £93.50 (save £16.30)

TRIO: 5.30, 9.60 & 23.69 for £129.50 (SAVE £23.00)

CASE: Take the June PAIR & TRIO and ADD 37.47 only £279.00 (save £60.30)

Society Tastings & Events (66 Society tastings online)

Whisky Dinner  – Bistro du Vin, London, Sat 18 Jun
Enjoy three-courses of simple classic dishes complimenting five-unique Society whiskies served in the beautifully rustic ‘Whisky Snuggle’

Edinburgh ‘Ghost Tour’ Tasting – 28 Queen Street, Thu 28 Jun
A swift Dutch courage dram then our own private Ghost Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town.  We finish with two more drams and supper

Vaults Botanic Tasting – RBGE , Thu 28 Jun
Enjoy four drams in the beautiful John Hope Gateway in the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.  Profits are donated to RBGE.  Exclusive RBGE Membership offer: Society members can enjoy a 10% saving on RBGE membership, call 0131 552 5339 for details

UK-wide Preview Tastings, Fri 24 June
Your chance to explore future bottling lists with a spot of supper
Inverness:           Kingsmill Hotel
Belfast:                   Hilton Belfast Hotel
Newcastle:           The Northern Counties Club
Glasgow:               Radisson Blu Hotel

Father’s Day up-ahead: Sun 19 Jun
Don’t forget to treat Dad – there are over 50 single cask bottles in the online shop waiting for a new home.  Or indulge him with a visit to the William Bros Brewery with The Vaults

Of course Society membership is the gift that keeps on giving, buy membership now until Wed 22 June and get a free four dram tasting at our London Members’ Room.  More details  (terms & conditions do apply).

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).

Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers. 

Bushmills Irish Whiskey…$15.99
Canadian Club 1.75L…$16.99
Canadian LTD 1.75L…$10.99
Canadian Mist 1.75L…$16.99
Chivas Regal Scotch…$17.99
Crown Royal 1.75L…$37.99
Cutty Sark Scotch 1.75L…$19.99
Dewar’s White label 1.75L…$26.99
Early Times 1.75L…$16.99
House Of Stuart Scotch 1.75L…$14.99
Jack Daniels Black 1.75L…$32.99
Jim Beam Black 8 Year…$18.99
Jim Beam Bourbon 1.75L…$21.99
Johnnie Walker Red Label 1.75L…$27.99
Johnnie Walker Black Label …$24.99
Maker’s Mark Bourbon…$22.99
Seagram’s 7 Crown 1.75L…$15.99
Seagram’s VO Canadian ..$17.99
Seagram’s Crown Royal 1.75L…$13.99
Southern Comfort 1.75L…$19.99

GREAT FATHER’S DAY IDEA!

FREE CUSTOM BOTTLE ETCHING

Truly a one-of-a-kind gift for Father’s Day…or any day! Purchase a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and have your personalized message etched for free into the bottle while you wait. Blue Label represents Johnnie Walker’s highest achievement, a unique blend of their most exceptional, rare Whiskys, produced in limited quantities. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Valid W/Binny’s Card – Quantities limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by location. All bottles 750ml unless otherwise stated. No rain checks. Shop early for best selection. Prices valid June 8, 2011 through June 30, 2011 or while quantities last.

•Glenglassaugh Replacement Distillery Manager

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company is pleased to announce that as of 1st July 2011 two new roles will be created to replace the current Distillery Manager role.

Mhairi McDonald has been appointed to the new role of Production Manager  and will be responsible for all activities from raw material to final spirit production. Mhairi is currently working as trainee manager at Glenglassaugh and has a first class honours degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University where she also picked up a number of prizes for her outstanding work. She has previous experience of working with Diageo and Chase Distillery and also previously worked with us in a temporary marketing role.

The new Maturation Manager, responsible for all filling operations and looking after the maturing stock will be Graeme Morrison. Graeme has been with us since we purchased the distillery and his previous experience includes being in charge of the large Chivas filling store operation in Keith.

We would like to wish them both well in their new roles.

For further information, please contact:

Ronnie Routledge, Glenglassaugh Distillery Co.
www.glenglassaugh.com