Archive for July, 2011

Highland Park 25yo (48.1%, OB, +/-2010) – Scotch Whisky Tasting Note

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Highland Park 25yo (48.1%, OB, +/-2010)

The nose is slightly diesel oily with some good malt, some very good notes that are characteristic of Highland Park along with some very good sweetness. This is not a giant collection of aromas but some what subtle but still very good; they all work very well together. Perhaps a tinge of smoke lurking in the back ground? Time in the glass only improves the overall collection of aromas. The taste is honeyed with some good malt moments and lashings of orange and citrus, dry cake, wet cotton and a hint of smoke (or not) it’s quite vague. But it’s all very good. The finish is warming, long, sweetish and tinged with some good oak moments. Some more of the citrus and now some oak spice along with a little tobacco (unlit like when you crumble a cigarette and smell the tobacco in your hands). Dried fruits (apricots, apples & peaches.

Huzzah! Well done

$283 or £135 from the Whisky Exchange

Score 91 points

 

Introducing The Third In The Magnus Series – Earl Haakon – Scotch Whisky News

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If I was to say Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus, I am pretty confident that you will say what about Earl Haakon? Well for some time now Highland Park fans around the world have been patiently waiting for the third, and final, edition in Highland Park’s Magnus Series.

But now I can exclusively reveal to you, and only you as an Inner Circle member and foot soldier in the Highland Park army, that Earl Haakon will be available from today.

The long-awaited and much anticipated Earl Haakon continues the story from the Orkney Inga Saga but reflects the darker, more sinister character by bringing the murderous cousin into the spotlight. Whilst the first two bottlings in the Series celebrated the influential 11th century Earl Magnus who was canonised to become Saint Magnus only 20 years after his untimely death, his cousin Haakon was far closer to the warmongering and violent Viking of legend. It was in fact Haakon who ordered the death of Earl Magnus under the most deceitful and murderous of circumstances.
 
The story of Magnus and Haakon is truly legendary in Orkney. The two were joint rulers of Orkney for a period of peace and harmony however things changed and they become enemies. Legend has it that the two agreed to meet for a peace meeting but the treacherous Haakon sailed up with eight fully-equipped warships, outnumbering Magnus and sealing his fate. Haakon had won the battle for supremacy over Orkney but it is Magnus who is remembered today.

Earl Haakon adopts the character of its namesake through 18 year old cask strength single malt giving a character-busting ABV of 54.9%. This Orcadian beast encapsulates the spirit of Haakon, a true berserker and warrior, to capture the depth of flavour of Highland Park’s multi-award wining 18 year old but adding a new dimension achieved through one vatting.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich russet, clear and bright
Nose: Shellac, hot fudge, gingercake, lemon zest and blackcurrants with a hint of damsons
Palate: Sweet vanilla, wood smoke, cedarwood and ginger
Finish: Lingering spiciness, medium sweet and long

This time around we are only making 3,300 bottles for the whole world, so I would set pretty good odds that this will sell out in record time and build on the success of both Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus. Earl Haakon will be available from www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £160.

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I do hope that you will act quickly and take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, as I’ve no doubt that Earl Haakon will become a legend in the history of Highland Park.

Slainte!

Gerry Tosh
Head of Brand Education,
Whisky Ambassador of the Year

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society “August Preview Bottlings: The Magic Number” – Scotch Whisky News

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August Outturn Previews: The Magic Number
THREE…terrific bottlings released early from our August Outturn. Buy 50.44, 73.43 & 93.45 for £132.20 (save £15)

50.44 A pleasant little charmer
Lowland
£56.50 inc free p&p
This little charmer pleasantly surprised us all – the nose had tropical fruits (orange, pear, lychee, glacé cherries) sunny splashes of flowers (violet, jasmine, geranium), grass and toffee and rum-and-raisin fudge

73.43 Meadow flowers and herbs de Provence
Speyside Deveron
£47.50 inc free p&p
The nose started clean and fresh with fruit (green apple, pineapple) flowers (lilies), butterscotch and polished wood, turning herbal later (herbes de Provence we were assured)

93.45 An unusual sweetie shop
Campbeltown
£43.20 inc free p&p
Treacle toffee, liquorice, aniseed, tattoo ink (what?) and moist ginger cake followed each other in rapid succession: a dark, rich nose, with a hint of yoghurt and a sweet, spicy taste of plain chocolate Smarties (and their tube!)

JULY SUMMER SIPPING SAVINGS (Offers ending soon):
SPORTY PAIR
: 1.158 & 76.83 only £89.90 (save £10)
1.158 Cricketer’s Dram
76.83 Cocktails after rugby

Za Za Zoom Trio:
125.45, 36.53 & 29.101 for £135.40 (save £15)
125.45 Complex and thought-provoking
36.53 Syrupy zestiness
29.101 Tarred, feathered and set on fire

Harmonious six: All of the above PLUS 7.66 for
£283.70 (save £30)
7.66 Harmonious co-existence of flavour

Browse all bottlings  (66 single casks online)

Society Tastings & Events (55 Society tastings online)
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House, Fri 22 July
Falkirk Wheel Tasting – Queen Street, Thu 28 July
New Members Tasting – London, Thu 28 July
Greenock Prevew Tasting – The Tontine Hotel, Fri 29 July
Tunbridge Wells Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 29 July
Stirling Preview Tasting – Golden Lion Hotel, Fri 29 July
Blind Man Bluff – The Vaults, Fri 29 July

More Society tastings

Edinburgh Festival Fever: August is on the horizon
The Edinburgh Festival is nearly upon us, get your tickets NOW for our Big Malt Hitters events with Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich & John Campbell, Distillery Manager at Laphroaig. And your taste-buds are in for a treat; the casks we’ve squirreled away for our three-dram Tutored Tastings are fantastic!
Don’t miss out…. More

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. 

Benromach to Share the Secret with the Arts – Scotch Whisky News

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Benromach to Share the Secret with the Arts

Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is sponsoring the National Theatre of Scotland’s successful production The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, in the company’s first major venture into the arts.

The new partnership has been successful in securing a Scottish Government Arts & Business New Arts Grant, designed to build private sector sponsorship of the arts, and has made it possible for Benromach to sponsor the show for its entire six week run.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart takes theatre into pubs and other unlikely venues, where stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. It’s an evening of supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert Service. The show opens at Òran Mór in Glasgow on 21 July 2011 before transferring to Ghillie Dhu for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2 – 27 August 2011.

Commenting on the sponsorship, David Urquhart Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Benromach Distillery in Forres, said:

“The National Theatre of Scotland is the perfect partner for Benromach. It is a pleasure to be associated with such an individual and artistic performance, which we feel reflects many of the distinctive qualities of the various expressions of our malt whisky. We look forward to the continued success of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart and to being able to share the secret of Benromach with the audience.”

In atmospheric pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh audiences can look forward to an afternoon of anarchic theatre, haunting folk music, wild karaoke and strange goings-on. Watching with a refreshment to hand is recommended.

The tale of Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, follows her as she sets off to attend a conference one wintery morning in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Her wild journey through the night takes her into and out of different supernatural and natural realms looking for folk songs.

Elly Rothnie, Development Director, National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to welcome Benromach on board as sponsors. She said:

“2011 is a milestone year for us as we celebrate five years of being Scotland’s national theatre and the partnership with Benromach is a wonderful birthday present.

“The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is a terrific show that showcases some of Scotland’s finest contemporary artistic talent in the unique atmosphere of traditional Scottish pubs and we know it will provide a fantastic platform for the Benromach brand.”

Those attending the performance will be invited to sample Benromach 10 Years Old, Benromach Organic or Benromach Peat Smoke at the bar after the performance and will also receive a miniature of Benromach Traditional to take away.

Located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, the Benromach Distillery is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. From Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery emerged a single malt with distinctive qualities reflecting its exclusive hand-made credentials as well as encapsulating the self-reliance, sophistication and modern values of Scotland today.

Just two experienced distillers create Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach Distillery for many years.

Notes:

About Benromach

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by 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.

Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.

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.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

About the National Theatre of Scotland

The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 137 update productions in 125 update different locations. With no building of its own, the Company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to almost 600,000 people, across three continents. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

MILROY’S OF SOHO JULY NEWSLETTER – Scotch Whisky News

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MILROY’S OF SOHO JULY NEWSLETTER

First off this month we have a quick run through of our newest arrivals, advance notice of a pair of gems (don’t delay in placing an order, especially at our exclusive Newsletter prices) and we wrap up with news on a couple of upcoming tasting events.

IN STOCK NOW

Kilchoman 100% Islay
Made from barley, grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £67.95
More info

Bowmore 1982, 29 Years Old
Aged in North American Oak, this is an extremely limited edition of only 501 bottles.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £280

Yamazaki 1984
Voted the World’s Best Single Malt at the 2011 World Whisky Awards, the whisky is a perfect marriage of Japanese ‘Mizunara’, American and European oak casks. Extremely Limited Release.
£550

Longrow 18 Years Old
The fantastic new Longrow 18 is already sold out in many stores across the UK, but we still have a small amount left. So be quick!
£95
More info

COMING SOON

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix
The long awaited return of the Snow Phoenix has finally come to an end…well almost. The Phoenix will be landing in store soon, so make sure you pre-order one now.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £50

Auchentoshan 1975, 35 Years
Only 499 bottles at cask strength (46.9% abv) so order soon to avoid disappointment.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £325

UPCOMING TASTING EVENTS

For an evening of fun, entertainment and a bit of learning you just can’t beat a whisky tasting.

Peated Whisky, 20th September 6.30pm – 8.30pm
When tasting that smoky, earthy flavour, most people immediately think of Islay whisky, however there are other areas of Scotland and indeed other countries that are now starting to produce excellent peated whiskies. Expect to taste some rare editions of old favourites as well as some quirky alternatives from ‘the rest of the world’ and discover the best peated whisky available today.
£45 per person
More info

How to taste Whisky, 4th October 6.30pm – 8.30pm
The perfect introduction to the world of whisky, this tasting is a must for those who are just starting to discover whisky and all its joys, as well as a great gift for those whose passion and palate for whisky is ever growing. All will become clear and you will leave with a broader understanding of this wonderful elixir.
£45 per person
More info

To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk
call Lee on 020 7437 2385 or email Lee.Tomlinson@milroys.co.uk

Our mailing address is:

Milroys
3 Greek Street
London, Eng W1D 4NX

Duncan Taylor News – Scotch Whisky News

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New name adopted DUNCAN TAYLOR SCOTCH WHISKY LTD will help clarify our focus and will occupy all stationary and branding in the future. We have also refreshed our logo to bring us up-to-date. The Latin, Fons et Origo means “from the source”, underlining our provenance. 

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We are proud to announce that Black Bull 12 Year Old has been judged best in its field as ‘Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 Years and Under’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2011.  Black Bull 12’s unique 50% Malt, 50% Grain, 50% ABV profile highlights our dedication to uncompromised quality and delivers a boldly refined, world leading scotch.

Visit Duncan Taylor at http://www.duncantaylor.com/

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project at K&L California – American Whiskey News

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United States – Bourbon and Rye

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #100 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #131 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #132 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #163 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #164 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #3 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #35 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #36 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #4 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #67 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #68 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #99 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

WhiskyFest San Francisco & New York Tickets on Sale Now – Whisky News

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WhiskyFest always sells out. Order your tickets now while they are still available.!

5th Annual WhiskyFest
San Francisco
Friday, October 7, 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 pm
San Francisco Marriott Marquis

14th Annual WhiskyFest
New York
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 pm
New York Marriott Marquis

$4 handling charge per ticket. A per order fee of $4.50 applies to all telephone orders.
 
Tickets are on sale now at www.whiskyfest.com. Buy yours today to guarantee your spot at the premier event for whisky enthusiasts!

For additional information,  visit Malt Advocate on the web at www.whiskyfest.com

Scottish Whisky Legend Unveils His ‘Pride’ – Scotch Whisky News

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Scottish whisky legend unveils his ‘Pride’

— Dr Bill Lumsden creates a modern masterpiece: Glenmorangie Pride 1981 —

Almost three decades in the making, Dr Bill Lumsden has unveiled his finest creation.

A very rare single malt, Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is a marriage of two of the most iconic names in whisky and wine – created by maturing Glenmorangie in Château d’Yquem Sauternes ‘barriques’.

Just 1,000 bottles of Glenmorangie Pride 1981 will be made available worldwide – many of which have already been snapped up by connoisseurs. A waiting list is now in place for the remaining bottles of this rare single malt, retailing at £2,500.

Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is the culmination of 28 years of passion and artistry from the Company’s whisky creation team headed by Dr Bill Lumsden, the only man to win leading US whisky magazine Malt Advocate’s “Industry Leader of the Year” Award three times.

Dr Lumsden was also honoured by the IWSC with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ – the UK industry equivalent of an Oscar. He describes Glenmorangie Pride 1981 as his signature whisky and his finest creation to date.

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The genesis was October 1981, when the original whisky of Glenmorangie Pride 1981 was distilled and selected to mature in Glenmorangie’s finest oak casks. By 1999, the liquid had transformed into an exquisite vintage 18 Year Old.

Already recognised as a pioneer in his field it was Dr Lumsden’s idea to experiment with adding the Sauternes character to this whisky. He proceeded to obtain an extremely limited number of ‘barriques’ from the prestigious vineyard of Château d’Yquem.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “We are always looking to push boundaries and innovate, and Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is the pinnacle of those efforts. It is my personal pride and joy. Creating this whisky felt like bringing together two legends in their respective fields.

“The opportunity to mature this superb 18 Year Old whisky for a further ten years in Château d’Yquem barriques was too exciting to pass up. The resulting liquid, one of our most mature to date, is characterised by rich flavours of sumptuous desserts, and undertones of oak tannins, resulting from the extra-maturation process.”

Glenmorangie Pride 1981 was extra-matured in Château d’Yquem Sauternes barriques for a further ten years – which is also the longest period any Glenmorangie whisky has ever undergone extra-maturation. The resulting liquid is a rich, opulent deep gold colour with scents of apple tart, nutmeg and aniseed.

In order to highlight this superb single malt whisky it is presented in a striking Baccarat crystal decanter which is the work of talented French designer Laurence Brabant. Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is presented in a wooden gift box conceived by the Dutch designer, Wouter Scheublin, a rising star of furniture design.

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Notes

Stockists of Pride:

Gleneagles, Gordon & MacPhail, Royal Mile Whiskies, Loch Fyne Whiskies, Scotch Whisky Experience.

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.

About Glenmorangie Pride 1981

Glenmorangie Pride 1981 is a beguiling whisky bottled at 56.7%, with captivating aromas and flavours. The influence of the Sauternes casks produces the delectable scent and full texture of desserts such as apple tart, with sprinklings of Demerara sugar, nutmeg and aniseed. These are underpinned by rich oak tones, reminiscent of antique furniture.

A splash of water releases a myriad of exotic fruits and spices – sherbet lemons, melon, kiwi, with background notes of liquorice and roasted chestnut. Glenmorangie Pride 1981 leaves a long, lingering finish, succulent and sweet with sultanas, toasted almonds and the memory of lemon and coconut desserts.

About Dr Bill Lumsden

In his role as Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation, Dr Lumsden oversees the creation of the entire Glenmorangie range. He is regarded as a pioneer in the malt whisky industry, touring the world in search of the best oak casks in which our whiskies will be given unique characteristics. He is also the only person to have been honoured three times with The Malt Advocate ‘Industry Leader of the Year’ Award. In 2010 the IWSC honoured him with an award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in the Scotch Whisky Industry.’

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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.

ANGELS WHISKY CLUB & MCLEANSCOTLAND sample a unique dram… – Scotch Whisky News

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ANGELS WHISKY CLUB & MCLEANSCOTLAND sample a unique dram…

MEN O’QUAICH Caperdonich 1974  Many thanks to our Russian Ambassador Tim, for presenting us with this unique bottling.

A Duncan Taylor dram, distilled in 1972 at the now demolished distillery in Rothes. This rare whisky was bottled in March 2011 after 3 months finishing in fresh sherry octave cask, in its natural colour, unchilfiltered.  We have bottle number 4 of a limited run of only 67. Can I just say this is a superb dram and I thanks Tim very much.  This one is the first in a collection we are told.  Men O’Quaich are a group of friends living in Russia. The cask was selected by The Whisky Man. 

PRESS RELEASE; Caperdonich 1972/2011 (48.3%, Men O’Quaich Collection, Duncan Taylor, cask number; 417407, limited to 67 bottles).  A group of Russian friends (two are members of Angels whisky club, one a very good friend of ours)  have selected this, it’s actually a superb dram, and I am thinking; “should I drink this or should I have kept it for a collection?” Oh well, it’s open now and very tasty it is.  I have my very good friend (Russian Ambassador to Angels) Tim to thank for the bottle.  PAUL MCLEAN

In August we (Liz and Paul) will be meeting up with Tim again and several friends in Huntly at the end of another whisky tour.  We believe that there will be a series of the Men O’ Quaich bottlings and aye, I do have the second one; Glen Grant 1974, another from DT, cask 411658, limited to 71 bottles, I have number 12 courtesy of Tim once again. Ah you ask; has he opened this one?  Answer is NO, no yet anyhow.  This one is a 36 year old single malt, distilled 1974, bottled May 2011 after 5 months finish in a sherry octave cask. Unchilfiltered. 50.7% volume. No added colouring. A selection by The Whisky Man. How long can it remain in the bottle is the big question.

www.mcleanscotland.com

www.angelswhiskyclub.com


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