Father’s Day (19th June 2011) is one of the only times of the year that we can truly spoil our father’s with a special gift and what better way to treat them than with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label (SRP: £200).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the perfect gift for people who appreciate the finer things in life. Blended to evoke the qualities of whiskies created by the Walkers in the early 19th century, this prestigious blend has a dark gold appearance with dense shades of amber, and highlights the full power of flavours such as hazelnuts, rose petals, sherry and oranges.  The blend has a well balanced, long and intense finish with hints of smoke, Islay seaweed and vintage oak resulting in a truly unique taste experience.

Of the seven million casks of Scotch whisky available to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Master Blender only about 1 in every 1000 are deemed to hold the exceptional flavours and properties necessary for Blue Label. Some of the distilleries that produced these casks no longer exist, making the whiskies literally irreplaceable.  Others come from exclusive distilleries with such small stills that only a small amount of whisky can be produced at any one time, adding to the final product’s exclusivity and high value.

These distinctive casks are carefully selected soon after they are distilled and are then set aside for Johnnie Walker Blue Label and matured until they are at their absolute peak. Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky is best enjoyed from a balloon glass, the palate having first been cleansed with a sip of ice-cold highland spring water, served on the side.

Available at Harrods, Selfridges and The Whisky Exchange

I’m sorry to badger you but I need your help…

There’s some right mince on eBay isn’t there? I received an email the other day asking about a valuation for a bottle of whisky on eBay (as always, with valuations, you are far better going to the likes of McTears or these guys than me).

But then I spotted something, so incredibly… tat… that I just had to have it.

And that’s where you come in. What can I do with the Whyte & Mackay badgers I’ve just bought?

I’m seriously open to all and any ideas – trying to post them around the world, sending them to you guys to send to each other – so let me know your thoughts. At least one of them’s got to be a winner – and I need to get rid of them before Margaret comes back from her holidays! (And no, I don’t think the wife would welcome them either!).

Global thirst for learning about Scotch whisky quenched

A course designed to give an understanding of Scotch whisky is being launched online today (Wednesday 8 June, 2011) in a bid to satisfy increasing global demand from students.

Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access.  It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing.  A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.

Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.

Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom.  Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course – making it even more accessible.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky.  By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.

“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”

Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky.  Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control.  Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.

Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:

“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.

“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression.  The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions.   New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”

Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:

“Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”

The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195.  It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries. 

Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk

Notes

[1] Over the last ten years enrolment for the CD Rom version of the Whisky Course has included people from the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

About 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 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres.  After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998.  The award winning range includes Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be certified by the Soil Association.

About Moray College UHI:

Moray College UHI is a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which has only recently become Scotland’s newest university. The college has its origins in Elgin Technical College, which was founded in 1971 and which changed its name to Moray College following the incorporation of Scotland’s Colleges in 1993.

With over 9,800 students, Moray College UHI provides a wide range of courses covering many subject areas at various levels of study which meet the needs of a diverse range of people. The rich landscape and energetic community of the surrounding area form a key component of many courses, through study tours and work placements.
 
The college has a commitment to bring out the very best from its students, at all the various levels of attainment, and some of its proudest moments are in following the subsequent careers of so many of them. It seeks to provide the skills and knowledge and ways of thinking to shape a new generation, and warmly welcomes students from all places and all age groups and all walks of life.

About The Scotch Whisky Association:

Scotch Whisky, which by law must be made in Scotland, is one of the UK’s leading export industries generating £3.45billion for the balance of trade. It is an icon for Scotland is almost 200 countries around the world.

The Scotch Whisky Association represents the interests of distillers, bottlers, blenders and brand owners at home and abroad.

Its objective is to facilitate long term growth worldwide by promoting Scotch Whisky as a spirit of the highest quality produced in Scotland from natural ingredients, encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol as part of a modern, healthy lifestyle, protecting the integrity of Scotch Whisky if necessary through the courts, and negotiating for the removal of trade barriers or disproportionate regulatory measures that undermine the competitiveness of the Scotch Whisky industry.

THERE’S NO TURNING BACK AS PIONEERING ARCTIC ROWERS CHRISTEN THEIR VESSEL

Arctic and maritime adventurer Jock Wishart and his crew have today christened their specially designed rowing boat, The Old Pulteney ahead of its pioneering voyage into the unknown. The  expedition team named the boat after their sponsors, Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky at a ceremony outside Boisdale’s at Canary Wharf, London.

Wishart will lead a six strong team on the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole expedition in a bespoke ice boat – today christened The Old Pulteney – which will set off from Canada’s Resolute Bay on the 1st of August on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage to the magnetic North Pole which, if successful, will make history as a world first.

The Old Pulteney has been constructed to accommodate a six-strong crew and their equipment during the four to six week voyage. The crew comprise of five experienced oarsmen, and one carefully selected novice, David Mans. Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer and Afghanistan veteran from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants of the Old Pulteney Pole Position Competition earlier this year, offering one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jock Wishart told the audience: “It is hard to imagine that in the 21st century there are still parts of our oceans that have never been explored. This is truly a voyage into the unknown – within 60 nautical miles of the start of our voyage; we will be taking The Old Pulteney through waters that have never been navigated by any surface vessel.”

The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition and has only now become possible due to the increase in seasonal sea ice melt and its deterioration because of climate changes. The final leg of the journey is only navigable for a few weeks of the year before refreezing, and Jock and his crew will be working with scientific research partners to deliver environmental data and insight from the journey.

David Mans, the crew’s oceanographer, said: “Last summer the ice melted to its third lowest extent. Already this year the ice is shrinking at a rate of 15,000 square kilometres a day and indicating that the conditions could well be right for us to make it all the way.”

Christening the boat at the launch, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: “Old Pulteney is a long standing supporter of maritime activity and we’ve been working with Jock and his team for over two years on building up to this day. It’s fantastic to christen the boat The Old Pulteney and we wish Jock and his crew the best of luck for the expedition.”

During their epic row, the crew will be sleeping on board their cramped boat and experiencing temperatures as low as minus 15 Centigrade and they will have to consume over 7,000 calories to survive.

“It’s daunting” comments oarsman Billy Gammon, “I’m taking time out from my job to do this, but I am sure there will be times it won’t seem like such a good idea!”

To help the crew navigate the journey safely and identify the route through the disintegrating ice, Jock Wishart will be studying detailed satellite photos taken by MDA Geospatial’s Radarsat 2: “The satellite images are our eye in the sky. Without them it would be much more difficult to navigate,  especially in the later stages of the expedition when we expect the amount of ice surrounding us will be greatest.”

www.rowtothepole.com

Notes

• The certified position of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.
• See Jock Wishart’s biography attached for more information on his previous feats as an oarsman, polar explorer and navigator.

‘The Old Pulteney’ Ice Boat

The Old Pulteney was designed by Dutchman Peter Bosgraaf of Peter Bosgraaf Yacht Design from Amsterdam in collaboration with Hugh Welbourne of Welbourne Yacht Design from East Allington, Devon, who advised on the laminates and under water construction. Roger Daynes of Snowsled Polar from Tetbury in Wiltshire advised on the design and construction of the “runners” on the bottom of the ice boat. The boat was built by Cris Rossiter of Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky is crafted at the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland in Wick. The distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom and it’s this maritime heritage that gives the whisky its name as the Maritime Malt. Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:
 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Glenfiddich 19 year old – Age of Discovery.

A new exclusive released shortly after the much sought after Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix.

This rich and delicious nineteen year old Glenfiddich single malt whisky has been matured in oak casks previously used to age fine madeira wine.

The majority of the Madeira casks came from the Canterio warehouse of Henrique & Henrique, a famous family owned Madeira company established in 1850. This is where the casks were first used to mature wine made from luscious Tinta Negra mole grapes before being transported to The Glenfiddich Distillery.

Brian Kinsman, the Glenfiddich Malt master and only the sixth in history since the distillery was built in 1886, has personally selected the Glenfiddich Scotch Whiskies used to create this exclusive Glenfiddich Madeira Cask Finish and the first in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Range.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: A deep earthy aroma of sweet ripe figs and orange marmalade form a backdrop to bright notes of fresh gooseberries and grapes ripening on the vine

Taste: Rich and spicy, cinnamon and crushed black pepper rest on a base of deep earthy notes, caramelised fruits, crystallised ginger, raisins and hints of dry oak. The texture is satisfying, silky smooth.

Finish: Pleasingly dry with warmth that fades into a lingering sweet marmalade finish.

£124.99 inc VAT

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

June 2011

Dear Customer

Being released in March we have eight (8) new bottlings under the OLD MALT CASK label plus a couple of new 20 cls bottlings.

Tasting notes for OLD MALT CASK:

OMC 2031 DALMORE 12 Year Old
Nose: Intensely malted, clean/fresh and sugary sweet
Palate: Tingling delivery – warming to soft dark sugar and mocha
Finish: Now toffee sweet, attractively spiced – gently warming (F)

OMC 2030 Dailuaine 14 Year Old Bourbon
Nose: Dryly spiced initially – warms to vanilla + late honey.
Palate: Carries Scottish tablet, honey, porridge and late sweet Malt.
Finish: Back to (now warming) spices, cough drops + barley. (F)

OMC 2033 MACDUFF 21 Year Old
Nose: Big – aromatic and full of malt – spice – oak and honey
Palate: Much more honey now + soft spices and barley
Finish: Vanilla toffee + melting sugar and a drift of smoke (F)

OMC 2034 BALMENACH 27 Year Old
Nose: Sherbet candy + malty grist +a honey on bread style
Palate: Barley sugar + distinct oak +spice and real barley
Finish: Cough drop spices + vanilla + toast and soft green fruit (F)

OMC 2035 DUFFTOWN 28 Year Old
Nose: Dryly spiced initially – warms to light oak, vanilla/malt/citrus
Palate: Now warmingly spiced + honeyed oats – with late sweet barley
Finish: Lightly and aromatically smoked – still spicy and now toffee’d (F)

OMC 2032 ST MAGDALENE 28 Year OldNose: Fresh and malty, lightly spiced + some autumnal fruits.
Palate: Mouthcoatingly viscous, toffee’d and full of spice.
Finish: That spice runs on + barley sweetness – and vanilla. (F)

OMC 2041 CAOL ILA 30 Year Old
Nose: Spiced fruit character carrying a softly chewed leather character
Palate: Iinitially sweetly toffee’d running to a warming, salty/smoky quality
Finish: Llong – nutty – still sweetly smoked + an attractive liquorice style (J)

OMC 1965 GLEN GRANT 35 Year Old
Nose: Light & fresh – carrying a ripe (fermenting) fruit quality
Palate: Still fruity (poached pears in syrup) running to soft smoke
Finish: Sweet & spicy character develops to a charred oak style (J)

ADVANCE SAMPLES

SMC 0387 Dalmore 14 Year Old

20 cl CIGAR MALT

SMC 0394 MacDuff 10 Year Old Sherry
And after all that – maybe you will need one of these fine Malts! Meantime – as always –we send you our

Best wishes

Fred H Laing

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

Mackmyra Swedish Whisky Tasting
Thursday, 9th June, 15:00 – 18:00

The Famous Grouse (and Black Grouse) 
Friday, 10th June, 15:00 – 18:00
 
Park Avenue Liquor Shop 
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442
info@parkaveliquor.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

We are pleased to announce that Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release has arrived in the U.S.
 
This bottling is a vatting of 70% 3 year old in first fill bourbon barrels and 30% 4 year old in first fill bourbon barrels.  

The 4 year old has been finished in Oloroso sherry butts for five weeks.
 
Thank you,
 
The ImpEx Beverage Team

EARLY TIMES KENTUCKY WHISKY UNVEILS  “REEL IN A MILLION” CONTEST

Consumers Are Invited to Show Their “Fish Face” to Win a Chance to Fish with Professional Angler Kevin Wirth for One Million Dollars

Louisville, KY – Early Times Kentucky Whisky announces the popular Reel in a Million contest will return for 2011. The winner will receive a dream fishing trip to Lake Louise, Lake Butler and Lake Palmer in Orlando, Florida for a chance to catch a tagged bass worth one million dollars.

Early Times will lend the help of Team Early Times’ Kevin Wirth, one of the world’s top-ranked anglers, as his or her fishing partner for the day. Together they will try to reel in 50 tagged bass connected to great prizes including the “Big Cash Bass” worth one million dollars. 

“This year we’re bringing our winner to Florida for a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a fish that could be worth a million dollars,” said Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “Not only is there a million dollars on the line, but this is the only fishing promotion we know of where a consumer will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with a world class angler like Kevin Wirth.”

Starting June 1, 2011, consumers 21 years of age and older can enter the Early Times’ “Reel in a Million” contest on the Early Times Facebook page at www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky by submitting their best “fish face” photo. Entries must be received by July 31, 2011. Early Times will choose 20 finalists whose entries will be posted on the Early Times Facebook site. Early Times will then select a grand prize winner from among the 20 finalists in early August. The Reel in a Million event will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The winner and one guest will be provided with travel to Orlando, FL along with two nights accommodations.

In addition to the million-dollar tagged bass, the lucky angler is eligible to pull in other tagged bass worth $100,000, $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000. Whether it is Wirth who catches a tagged bass or the sweepstakes winner, Early Times will give all prizes to the winner of the sweepstakes. For full sweepstakes details visit www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky.

About Early Times

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, is enjoyed in 28 countries around the world and the Early Times Mint Julep is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby™.” For more information visit www.earlytimes.com. For over 140 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Woodford Reserve. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.