Longrow OB 18yo 46%alc.

(from www.lfw.co.uk )

Last few bottles…

Limited to just 600 bottles in the UK and so limited to 1 per person.

Official Tasting Note:

Colour: Golden hay

Nose: This whisky has an incredibly sweet nose with some savory notes peeking through. Marshmallows in abundance – the vanilla variety, with icing sugar and foam bananas adding to the sweetness. Upon further nosing the fruit makes an appearance, brambles, mandarines and over ripe damson fruits. Some savory notes pushing through such as linseed oil – do we smell cricket bats?

Palate: This dram coats your palate in a waxy fashion with its continuing sweet flavours as described on the nose. But there is also the familiar, well balanced trace of smoke which makes this a brilliantly complex wee dram that will make you feel right at home no matter where you are.

Finish: The creaminess of this whisky means it doesn’t go away – you feel the warmth of this Longrow all the way down to your boots, creamy, sweet with a gentle smoke finish.

Longrow 18 year old

Price excluding VAT: £67.92
£81.50 Including VAT at 20%

Highland Park first Scotch whisky to enter The Spirit Journal Hall of Fame

Highland Park 18 year old has become the first Scotch whisky to be inducted into The Spirit Journal Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame has been created by Spirit Journal editor F. Paul Pacult, in recognition of brands that have consistently exhibited extraordinary quality over the course of numerous Spirit Journal reviews.

One of only five inductees, Highland Park is also the only ever spirit to be awarded the prestigious Best Spirit in the World, receiving the accolade in both 2005 and 2009 for its 18 year old single malt.  It will now be officially ‘retired’ into the Hall of Fame to take its rightful place in the history of the world’s finest spirits.

Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education at Highland Park, said: “Being the only Scotch to be awarded the Best Spirit accolade, and doing this twice, was an amazing achievement in its own right, but now to be the first Scotch inductee to the Hall of Fame, really shows the status the Highland Park as achieved.  We are extremely proud of our Orkney single malt.”

Pacult said of Highland Park and the four other spirits inducted into the hall of fame: “Among the scores of superlative spirits that have received five stars in the journal, these five have come to represent distillation and production at their finest. These spirits are bona fide icons.”

The Spirit Journal, a quarterly publication, was established in 1991 and is widely acknowledged as the most trusted newsletter on spirits, wine and beer in America. It does not accept advertising and as such offers unbiased reviews and ratings that are considered the gold standard within the alcoholic beverage industry.

Visit Highland Park at http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Please enjoy our brand responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk 

Notes:

Highland Park:

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries. More important than age though, is the combination of traditional whisky-making techniques with obsessive attention to detail that has made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

• Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.
• Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Hi all,

Hope you are all well and warming up nicely for your summer heatwave, which is bound to be as predictable as the rest of the year!

Fresh from my IWSC judging duties (only the 150 whiskies over 3 days…) I have come to the conclusion that whisky is good. Not particularly technical or revelatory but I thought you might like to know what goes on – in fact I may write a little ‘diary’ of the three days for the Facebook page.

I have also come to realise that this coming weekend and week sees the last of our tastings for the first half of the year and until August. There are still places available on all, although not many, but it would be a shame not to have a full house for the fantastic whiskies on show!

They are, of course;

Berry Brothers & Rudd, Manchester, Britons Protection – Friday 17th June
Seafood & Whisky Extravaganza, Newcastle, Blackfriars – Sunday 19th June
Berry Brothers & Rudd, London, Red Lion, Crown Passage – Tuesday 21st June

The Berry’s tastings are £22 per person and are highly recommended (as usual!) with some extraordinary whiskies that are not widely available. The Seafood and Whisky Extravaganza involves the pairing of various lovely drams with a specially designed 6-course taster menu. If you have never tried anything like this before, it is going to be an eye-opener! Cost of this is £45 – bargain!

To find out more or to book any of these, please click here or go to the website.

Festivals

I am pleased to announce there are six further Whisky Festivals from The Whisky Lounge this year! They are, in date order;

Brighton 3rd September
Liverpool 10th September
York 17th September
Stratford Upon Avon 1st October
Manchester 15th October
Leeds 12th November

Phew, I think that’s it so get them in the diary! Tickets and details for the first three will be up very shortly, with the last three very soon after – watch this space…

Chivas Tastings
These were a great success and thanks to all that attended and took part – hope you agree they were excellent tastings. I am writing up the results and some random musings on the Whisky Lounge Facebook page, which can be accessed here. If you don’t do Facebook (and I don’t entirely blame you if you don’t) and would like a copy, I can email it to you. Just send me an email requesting this and I will get it to you as soon as possible.

That’s all for now but I hope to see you at one of the raft of events for the rest of 2011!

Slainte,
Eddie

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com
Twitter me up
Facebook Group

01904 410841
07515 854210

IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present

Father’s Day Gift Ideas From Park Avenue Liquor Shop
 
Father’s Day is fast approaching and the age old question of ‘What to get him’ is sure to be weighing on many of you. Well the Park Avenue Liquor Shop feels your pain and is here to offer many ideas for the Dads (and Grads!) in your life.

There are great deals and new arrivals below. As always, feel free to call us with any questions.

Cheers!

Jonathan & Eric
Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10017
212-685-2442
info@parkaveliquor.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

Lagavulin 16 Year Old
 
“There’s nothing hurried about life on Islay or about dark, intense Lagavulin, which receives the slowest distillation of any Islay malt, then spends sixteen years in old oak casks before being bottled. Pungent and potent, this is a great Islay malt. With richly peaty, deep smoky flavours, it has an intense, long, ambrosial finish”.
 
Our Sale Price: $65

Oban 14 Year Old

Oban is made using only the finest barley, malted to the distillery’s own particular specification. Partly germinated barley is gently dried in a kiln where a light peat smoke gives the malt a distinctive character and taste. The result is the smoky, malty dryness in the flavor and finish of Oban.

The stills used are among the smallest in Scotland; the cramped nature of the site is attested to by the odd position of the worm tubs, fed by unusually short arms, and nestled in the ‘vee’ between the roofs of the still house and an adjoining building.

The taste style is medium, quite malty with a sweet opening, medium body and a generous dry finish. There is also a hint of spiciness, and perhaps seashore on the nose.

Our Sale Price: $65

Auchentoshan 1998 – Limited Edition  (Sherry cask)

Auchentoshan Scotch Whisky just released a 1998 Sherry Cask Scotch. This 1998 batch of single malt whisky was exclusively matured in Fino Sherry barrels with only 750 bottles available.

The Auchentoshan 1998 Sherry Cask is bottled at cask strength (109.2 proof) and is non-chill filtered, both of which yield lots of flavor and complexity. Here are some tasting notes provided by Auchentoshan.

Color – Deep copper

Body – Medium-bodied Lowland

Nose – Butterscotch, honey, preserved orange peel, toasted almonds

Palate – Sweet and creamy aromas at first which then give way to the signature citrus characteristic of Auchentoshan

Finish – A hint of green apple and blossom

Our Price: $80

Winner – “Best Lowland Single Malt” by Whisky Magazine (Issue 95)

Mackmyra – 1st Edition 

(Swedish Whisky) 
 
Park Avenue Liquor Shop the first store in the U.S. to stock “the 1st Edition” Mackmyra. For those of you who are new to Mackmyra – it started as a business in 1999 by 8 college friends who all later became civil engineers. On a ski trip to the Swedish ski resort Sälen they realized that they had all brought a bottle of whisky. This lead to a whiskey tasting; which in turn lead to them wondering why there was no Swedish distillery, and deciding to start one themselves. A year later, they started Mackmyra.

Aged in small hand-made roasted Swedish oak casks stored with care. Notes include, a hint of honey, vanilla and dried fruit. A spicy aroma and fruity elegant flavors followed by citrus and caramel. Non-chill filtered and no additives.

Our Price: $55 (Liter bottle)

 
Glenfiddich – Snow Phoenix   
 
On January 7th, 2010 weeks of snowfall caused 4 warehouse roofs of the Glenfiddich distillery to collapse.  Malt Master Brian Kinsman said, “It was as if some of the distillery angels had finished their ‘share’ and had come back looking for more.” After rescuing the maturing casks and moving them to secure areas an idea was born. The finest casks from the damaged warehouses (some very old, some previously held Oloroso sherry) were married together to create a very special Glenfiddich. It is called, “Snow Phoenix – a great Glenfiddich born of chance and adversity.” 

Limited edition – only bottled in 2010.

Nose – Creamy vanilla, apple, pear with fresh blossom.

Taste – Roasted apples, sweet heather and honey, subtle chocolate, a whiff of coffee and woodsmoke.

Finish –  Exceptionally long, sherry notes, satisfying sweetness.

Our Price: $100

Breuckelen Distilling Co. – Whiskey Batch 7 

The Breuckelen Distilling Co. has bottled 1 cask of its first whiskey. It’s labeled batch #7 because it was the 7th barrel to be filled at the distillery.

Distilled from a mash of New York State grown wheat, it was aged in new American oak for 123 days. Fermented, distilled, barreled, matured, and bottled on 19th Street in Brooklyn.

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop is one if the only stores in NY to stock it.

Our Price: $40

Not responsible for typographical errors. Due to ever-changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. Please contact us with any shipping questions.

*ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERY WHISKY TASTING– THURSDAY 21ST JULY 2011*

We’ve been waiting a long time for this tasting, since June 1995 in fact, when whisky production first started at the brand new Isle of Arran distillery.  This small, but perfectly formed, distillery is now approaching its sixteenth birthday and the time seemed ripe to invite a member of the Arran team along to take us through a selection of both their core range and some limited editions so on Thursday 21st July Andrew Hogan will be here to do just that.

Situated in a carefully chosen (and beautiful) location, the Isle of Arran distillery may be relatively new but it is continuing a tradition of (mostly illegal!) whisky making that was carried out on the island in times gone by, using methods of production that have changed little over the years.  The whiskies they produce tend to be elegant yet complex, and are all unchillfiltered to allow the distillery character to shine through.  Included in the tasting we will have some of the existing expressions plus a couple of new releases so you will be able to taste for yourself just why this distillery is fast gaining a reputation for producing quality malts.  Plus, although Andrew can’t bring with him the trademark eagles that circle over the mountain by the distillery he has promised to bring along some new spirit so you can get a true taste of Arran in it’s elemental form!

The tasting will be held at Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren (www.stantonhouse.co.uk), and will commence at 7.00 for 7.30pm.  Tickets are £10.00 per person, and this also entitles you to a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting.

Tickets are very strictly limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and, as most of you already know, these tickets sell very quickly so it is best to book ASAP.  To buy them just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require, or telephone us on (01793) 765071, or call in and see us at Arkwrights, The Dormers, Highworth, Wiltshire.

Admission to the tasting is by ticket only, and most, if not all, of the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night so come prepared.

These evenings are a great chance to try some new whiskies that you might not encounter otherwise, and to be educated and entertained at the same time.  Come along and join us!

Slainte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

Music and Whisky Tasting Created By Martine Nouet

Time: Saturday, July 2 · 5:30pm – 7:00pm
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Location At the Outback Art Gallery, Sanaigmore, Isle of Islay (Scotland). Further info on the gallery may be seen at http://blog.islayinfo.com/article.php/outback-gallery-sanaigmore

——————————————————————————–
 
More Info Come and experience how “Music an’ whisky gang thegither” on saturday 2nd July 2011.

Presented by Martine Nouet (Photo MaltManiacs.org)

As a prelude to the wonderful Cantilena Music Festival (3rd to 8th July)

Enjoy tasting four great Islay Single Malts (Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain) to the tune of Scottish Fiddle Music played by Cantilena musicians Angus Ramsay and Angus Anderson

Ticket : £20

Book in advance through email to martine.nouet@gmail.com

Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

It’s been my mission of late to find whiskies that will allow me to keep drinking Scotch during the summer months, and offer them to you.  Last weeks offer of Stranahans is a great example of a quintessential summer whisky.  And this week I’ve got another for you.

Call me a bit of a “whisky caste snob”, but while I rarely pour a single malt whisky into a glass filled with ice, I have no problem doing so with a blended whisky.  And this week I’ve got an amazing blend to offer you, at another unbeatable price.

The King’s Crest 25 YO Blended Scotch Whisky is made using only 1977 Glenlivet as its single malt component and 1974 North of Scotland as it’s single grain component. It is bottled at the Glenlivet Speyside Distillery and is drawing casks from Robert Scott’s (of Scott’s Selection fame) legendary collection. King’s Crest is one of the only premium blended Scotch Whiskies to have an age statement meaning that no whisky used in this blend can be younger that 25 years old! The whisky was awarded Double Gold Medal Winner and ‘Best Blended Whisky’ – San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Now the really good news: Turns out Nicky “No Neck” has always wanted to be a “King-Maker”. So we sent him on a quest to find the Holy Grail of a prices on this whisky.  After months on his crusade, Nick came back with this offer:  King’s Crest 25YO Blended Scotch Whisky for $165 / bottle (normally $195 on our site, and typically found for $200-250 elsewhereelsewhere, and compare to Chivas 25 YO for over $300) 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 wish you all a most relaxing, enjoyable and hedonistic Father’s Day.

Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForScotchLovers.com

KINGS’S CREST 25 YO BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

THE KING’S CREST STORY   

King’s Crest Whisky is produced in limited quantities using traditional methods. But the secret, like the King’s Crest itself, goes back to a time when whisky was truly the stuff of heroes and the water of life, a time in Scotland’s history when legends were born in the swirling mists and rushing waters of the Highlands.

This secret is as much as part of the tradition and valour of Scotland as the King’s Crest. When you enjoy a dram of King’s Crest Scotch Whisky, you will be taking part in a custom as old as the highland clans, a tradition which owes everything to an age of heroes entitled to carry the King’s Crest.

Benromach adds hat trick of expressions to range

Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery, Benromach, has added three new expressions of the famous, single malt whisky to its range.

The hat trick of expressions adds to the range of ages, styles and strengths of the malt available in the Benromach portfolio, demonstrating the creativity and innovation synonymous with the boutique distillery.

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage is a subtly smoky single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctly French flavour. The malt was matured in sherry and bourbon casks, before being transferred into oak casks for 22 months that had been used to produce wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Controlee, in the northern Rhone wine region of France.

Matured in first fill bourbon barrels, Benromach Cask Strength is a mouth warming and smooth single malt with hints of spice.  Containing earthy influences it also has a delicate peaty edge and is bottled at 59.9% ABV.

Benromach 30 Years Old is a smooth and creamy single malt whisky with warming festive hints of sherry and spices.  Matured in sherry casks the bright gold, medium malt also has hints of peat emerging.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Benromach Distillery and owners of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“The Benromach portfolio now offers an expansive range – something for a variety of palletes.  These latest expressions really demonstrate the skill of our master distillers in maturing and distilling the single malt.  While different in taste, they all have that recognisable Benromach quality which comes from our unique whisky making process, which includes using the finest Scottish malted barley and pure spring water from the Romach Hills.

“We are also pleased to be able to extend the international flavours in our Wood Finish range with the Benromach Hermitage following on from last year’s launch of Spanish Wood Finish, Benromach Pedro Ximenex.”

Benromach single malt whiskies are available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists.

For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com.

About Benromach

Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in the attractive Moray town of Forres, the gateway to Scotland’s famous whisky producing region, just two expert distillers make this, golden malt whisky.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Tasting Notes and UK recommended retail prices.  Prices will vary from market to market with currency fluctuations and local taxes:

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage, 2001, 45%

Colour: Golden amber

Undiluted

Nose: Initially a subtle smokiness with sweet cured bacon influences. A fruity note of ripe red berries and citrus elements emerge. A creamy toffee element lingers.

Palate: Citrus notes are initially evident – lemon and limes. A subtle hint of peat smoke, with a warming spice – ground black pepper. A pleasant smooth and creamy element lingers.

With water

Nose: Initially fresh, malty notes are present. Hints of freshly bailed hay, with some citrus notes emerging – reminiscent of fresh pink grapefruit and lime zest. A rounded sweetness lingers.

Palate: An initial burst of sweetness, with a toasted malt edge. A very delicate hint of smoke becomes evident. Smooth and balanced.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: The whisky is initially matured in 1st fill sherry and bourbon casks. Finished in Hermitage casks.

Recommended retail price: £31.25

Benromach Cask Strength, 2001, 59.9%

Colour: Dark straw

Undiluted

Nose: Fresh with subtle esters and toasted malt.  Sweet vanilla flavours with hints of cream toffee, with a fresh pear note emerging.

Palate: An initial burst of chilli spice, mouth warming, yet very smooth and creamy.  A hint of liquorice and earthy influences linger.

With water

Nose: Fresh with a subtle hint of smoke and some subtle esters.  A defined poached pear nose with sweet, nutty notes (fudge and almond).

Palate: An initial hint of spice, mouth warming and smooth.  A delicate peaty edge develops.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: First fill Bourbon barrels

Recommended retail price: £40.50

Benromach 30 Years Old, 43%

Colour: Bright gold

Undiluted

Nose: Initial rum and raisin notes, with a delicate vanilla edge.  Smooth peach and nectarine fruit flavours mingle beautifully with toasted malt.

Palate: Hints of rich Sherried Christmas cake, with a touch of marzipan.  Some mixed spices emerge.  Smooth and creamy with mouth warming qualities.

With water

Nose: Subtle ripe green apple notes, with a delicate touch of smoke (charred oak) coming to the fore.  Some malty notes become apparent.

Palate: An initial burst of Sherry sweetness, with a hint of peat smoke emerging.  Some hints of black pepper.  Smooth and moreish.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long and warming

Cask type: 1st fill and refill Sherry casks

Recommended retail price: £149.99

Other Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt. The first batch release in the series is produced using Golden Promise barley, grown in the heart of Speyside. Matured in first and second fill sherry casks, this full bodied single malt displays rich, fruity notes, intertwined with peat smoke a soft spicy flavours.

Further Benromach expressions are also available. Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

Glenmorangie offers a Father’s Day gift to remember

— Iconic Scottish brand will inscribe the names of 1843 special fathers on their new ‘Founders Wall’ in a tribute to year the distillery was opened —

Glenmorangie is offering the ultimate Father’s Day gift this year with the chance for whisky lovers to create their own legacy.

The iconic Scottish brand will inscribe the names of 1843 people on the ‘Founders Wall’ of the Glenmorangie Distillery in a tribute to the year of its foundation. By receiving a bottle of the award-winning Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, whisky lovers can enjoy their own slice of history.

The unique opportunity to make your father part of a ‘Living Legacy’ by having his name engraved on the wall of the Glenmorangie Distillery visitor centre is a timeless gift for Father’s Day.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “The ‘Living Legacy’ initiative means that whisky aficionados can become part of the Glenmorangie story. When they visit our distillery in Tain they can enjoy seeing their own name up on the Founders Wall and feel part of our proud history. This is the ultimate timeless gift for Father’s Day.

“Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is a rare, unnecessarily well made single malt whisky of distinction. It has a silky smooth texture, a long enticing finish. It is an intriguing contrast of the Glenmorangie house style balanced with the flavours of 18 years of ageing which include sweet dried fruit, melting honey and nuttiness.”

Glenmorangie has carved out its reputation as a pioneer, marrying traditional techniques with innovative processes, including using Scotland’s tallest stills. The running of the Distillery is entrusted to the ‘Men of Tain’ – the skilled craftsmen charged with perfecting Glenmorangie’s spirit.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is seen as the brand’s ‘Living Legacy’ due to its combination of heritage and modernity, and its flavour balance of maturity and vibrancy. It was recently awarded a ‘Double Gold’ medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

A limited edition sleeve has been added to the Glenmorangie 18 Years Old outer packaging with an envelope inside detailing the information of how to apply to be a part of this special piece of history. But for those who do not make the first 1843, they are still in for a treat. Full details can be accessed at www.glenmorangie.com/1843

Notes
 
About The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay malt. It also owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Responsible Drinking
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in-line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Father’s Day Gift

Malt Whisky Tasting

Friday 17th June

Amrut Distillery Showcase

with Ashok Chokalingam 

Drams : Amrut Fusion (Voted World Whisky of 2011 by Malt Advocate  + Jim Murray 97 pts/100), + full range including peated cask strengths, unpeated marvels alike, international awards have flowed a pace for Amrut distillery and we have been remis to take so long before showcasing them in Stourbridge…until NOW!!!  with Cheese selection + biscuits. Ticket :£25. Held at Nickolls and Perks Private cellars in Stourbridge ,West Midlands.

Time : 7:30 until 9:30
Tickets cost : £25
Phone 01384 394518 to book remaining seats.
Printed tickets can be posted out.

Visit Nickolls and Perks at www.nickollsandperks.co.uk