Whisky Israel publishes its 300th post, and celebrates its two year birthday with a ‘Balvenie’ 3 sample set Raffle

As a token of their appreciation to their readers , Whisky Israel is giving you a chance to win a wee prize. A Balvenie 3 sample kit (3X50ml) containing the : 12 double wood, 12 year old ‘Signature’ and a 15 year old single cask.

To enter the competition you have to be a friend of whisky Israel whether on FB, or on twitter, and send an email with the following answers to : competitions@whiskyisrael.co.il

1. Your name
2. Your FB/twitter name you’re following us with (if you are not, then indicate that)
3. A short (100 words max) story telling us which whisky got you hooked, and where and when you got the chance of drinking it.

Mail it over to : competitions@whiskyisrael.co.il

The deadline for submitting your answers is September 1st.

Good Luck!

Alberta Premium 30yo (40%, OB, 2011)

On the nose there is some hard flinty rye, however this is fleeting; the resulting descriptors are ‘soft’ with some really good oily & fruity notes. Earthy, loam, very much all in that vein but backed by the ever present rye; fragrant and soft. While the aromas are very gentle there is still a lot activity and it’s all very good. Sensational actually. Whisky doesn’t always have to slap you in the face with a wet kipper to be sensational. Time in the glass only improves the collection of aromas. The taste is all Alberta Premium and it does not disappoint; good fruit, oak spice (quite lively), some welcome unsweetened Fry’s cocoa, some rye but not over whelming. The taste keeps on evolving, very complex, multi faceted and very drinkable. The finish is very much of ginger, oak spice and latterly the rye and then the oak spice while both being very, very long.

A beautiful vibrant whisky that any distiller would be damned proud to have in their portfolio. Not an off moment to be found affirmed but the lack of shady characters jumping up unrepentantly and shaking their tainted fists at you.

$50 (However esentially sold out…pity)

Score 91 points

RARE AND AFFORDABLE ALBERTA PREMIUM 30 YEAR OLD LIMITED EDITION® WHISKY TO BE RELEASED THIS JUNE

Toronto, ON  – Starting this June, in time for Father’s Day, Canadian whisky lovers in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are in for a rare and special treat. Calgary, Alberta-based Alberta Distillers Ltd., the producer of Alberta Premium®, will release a limited amount of its rare Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition® – a must-have addition to any whisky lovers’ collection.

What makes this a unique whisky is both its age and limited availability. Developed by Alberta Distillers Ltd., owned by Beam Global Spirits, Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition has been aged for 26 years in charred oak casks until its smooth and unique taste emerged, decanted and then casked again for four more years.

According to Rob Tuer, Director of Operations at Alberta Distillers, whisky fans can expect Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition to deliver a unique blend of wood, spice, chocolate and a hint of smoke. Tuer describes the rare liquid as having rich, full- bodied, extremely smooth and mellow taste with distinctive rye notes.

“Alberta Distillers is proud and excited to introduce this rare, top quality whisky to Canada,” says Tuer. “This small batch 30 Year Old Limited Edition is an exceptional opportunity for Alberta Premium lovers and whisky connoisseurs to enjoy.”

Whisky connoisseurs consider Alberta Premium a top quality rye whisky. It is heralded for its flavour, bouquet and value, and is one of the few 100 per cent rye whiskies still made in North America. Accolades for the brand are global.

In his 2011 edition, whisky expert Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible, calls Alberta Premium a “throbbing, pulsing rye on a variety of levels: full and juicy, dull and dusty, firm and flinty. Unique and unmistakable; the first whisky of my day – and it needs to be.” Alberta Premium has been awarded “Canadian Whisky of the Year” by Murray in his 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Whisky Bibles. The 25 Year Old Limited Edition bottling won “Canadian Whisky of the Year” in the 2008 version. Alberta Premium also won the 2010 San Francisco World spirits competition Gold Medal.

Availability

Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition will be available in Ontario, British Columbia (in July), Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan at a retail price of $49.95 / 750 mL bottle.

About Alberta Distillers Ltd.

Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100 per cent Canadian rye whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for over 50 years. The Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality. As of 2010, Alberta Premium is owned by Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., a unit of Fortune Brands.

About Beam Global Canada Inc.™

Beam Global Canada is building brands people want to talk about. Inspiring conversations in Canada and around the world, our brands include Canadian Club® Canadian Whisky, Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Banff Ice® vodka, and Alberta Premium® Canadian Whisky. Distribution partnerships in Canada include: The Macallan® and Highland Park® Single Malt Scotches, The Famous Grouse, Brugal® Rum, Russian Standard® vodka and Bols® Liqueurs.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

THE NAKED GROUSE SCORES A HAT-TRICK

The Naked Grouse – the newest member of The Famous Grouse family – has won another gold award (best in category), this time at the International Spirits Challenge. This news comes only weeks after picking up rave reviews at the Scotch Whisky Masters and the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2011.

The rigorous judging panel featured nine whisky experts including some of the most well known and respected master blenders in the industry. Over an intense three day period the judges nosed, tasted and assessed 350 samples from all around the world. Their verdict on The Naked Grouse was that it has “good depth and maturity, long, rich sherried finish”.

Gerry O’Donnell, Director, The Famous Grouse commented: “Any accolade from the International Spirits Challenge is highly respected within the industry, so we are delighted that The Naked Grouse has achieved a gold award and best in category. These judges have the best noses and palates in whisky, so to pick up top marks for our newest family member is a fantastic endorsement.”

The Naked Grouse, which launched across the UK and in Russia in June, contains two of the world’s most renowned malts – Highland Park and The Macallan, which are then slow-matured in first fill sweet sherry casks – amongst the most expensive in the world. This process gives the whisky an unrivalled smoothness of flavour, creating a new breed of Scotch that’s sherried, ultra smooth and easy to drink.

The Naked Grouse is available in high end bars and retail outlets such as Royal Mile Whiskies, Vintage House, Tesco and Asda priced at £27.69.

Notes:

About The Famous Grouse Family

The Famous Grouse Finest, the original member of the Famous family, is now flanked by a range of whiskies to appeal to different consumers and consumption occasions: The Famous Grouse is smooth with a chocolate orange flavour with a long, slow finish.The Snow Grouse is delicate and vanilla sweet – perfect for serving straight from the freezer. The Black Grouse is smoky but smooth and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in the Black and Black. Finally The Naked Grouse, famously smooth, ultra sherried whisky ideally served on the rocks or in a classic cocktail like the Naked Old Fashioned.

About The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in Scotland and no. 6 blended whisky worldwide. The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries. Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand. The brand became so popular that on August 12th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.

About the International Spirits Challenge

The International Spirits Challenge is home to some of the finest palates in the world. Each of the judges must have demonstrated their skill and knowledge in spirits before joining a specialist panel. The judges are truly international and representative of the industry: they consist of the most respected leaders in the business and include master blenders, master distillers, importers, distributors, buyers, consultants, journalists, authors and independent experts.

Sept Outturn Previews: 121.43 & 53.153 (save £10)
We’ve released a pair of previews from September’s Outturn – and what a lovely pair! Enjoy 121.43 & 53.153 for only £86.70 and save £10.

53.153 Lovehearts in a coal sack
Islay
£52.60 inc. free p&p
A fabulous mix of smoke, scorched heather, TCP and clean seaweed with marshmallows, vanilla and fresh laundry

121.43 Songbirds and golden eagles
Highland Island
£44.10 inc free p&p
The palate sang extravagantly, like a bird in spring, of vanilla slices on bakery shelves, Parma violets, sherbet, cooked apple and flower beds

Try our August Recommendations: ENDING SOON!
PAIR OFFER: Buy 4.154 & 3.177 for only £84.90 (save £10)
4.154 Edinburgh rock and bath salts
3.177 The gentle giant

TRIO OFFER: Buy 50.44, 73.43 & 93.45 for £132.20 (save £15)
50.44 A pleasant little charmer
73.43 Meadow flowers and herbs de Provence
93.45 An unusual sweetie shop

CASE: Take the Aug PAIR, TRIO and ADD 28.23 for £274.50 (save £30)
28.23 Attention grabbing spicy wood

Browse all bottlings
(45 single casks online)

Society Tastings & Events (51 Society tastings online)
Winchester Preview Tasting – Royal Hotel, Fri 19 Aug
Chester Preview Tasting – New Blossoms Hotel, Fri 19 Aug
Durham Preview Tasting – Oldfields Restaurant, Fri 19 Aug
Aberdeen Preview Tasting – Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Thu 25 Aug
Sept Preview Tasting with Cheese – 28 Queen Street, Tue 30 Aug
Sept Preview Tasting for Meat-Lovers – 28 Queen Street, Wed 31 Aug

More Society tastings

Edinburgh Festival Fever is HERE
Celebrate the Edinburgh Festival at the Society with our programme of Tutored Tastings – three specially selected Society drams and a bit of chat for only £12! Dates available:

Fri 19 Aug at The Vaults
Sat 20 Aug at 28 Queen Street
Thu 25 Aug at 28 Queen Street
Fri 26 Aug at The Vaults
Sat 27 Aug at 28 Queen Street

Plus get you hands on last few tickets to our Festival Tasting with John Campbell

Win Tickets to Whisky Live in Glasgow:
Sat 3 Sept – ends tomorrow
The nice folks at Whisky Live have kindly given us a PAIR of complementary tickets to this year’s Whisky Live in Glasgow. You could be in with a chance of winning the tickets by simply emailing us with your name and contact details. Competition ends TOMORROW (Saturday)!

Enjoy Full Day access to the show along with tickets to one of the master classes being held. CAN’T WAIT? – We’ve also secured an exclusive 10% discount for SMWS members just use promo code’SMWS10′ on their website. More Whisky Live 

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.

A trip to Speyburn

This is the third instalment of Billy’s trip around the Inver House distilleries.  If you haven’t already, check out his visits to Balblair and Pulteney. The next stop on our tour of the Inver House distilleries was Speyburn, which someone had foolishly decided to site in Speyside, quite a long way from our current location of […please click on the link to read the remainder of the article..]

THE LINK

Speyburn

“Legend’s of Whisk(e)y Dinner”
Monday, September 12, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Los Gatos Brewing Company: Downtown San Jose, CA
(By San Pedro Square)

Presented by Beam Global’s Legend’s of Whisk(e)y:

Dan Tullio, Simon Brooking Bernie Lubbers,
Master Ambassador Global Ambassador Whiskey Professor
Canadian Whisky Laphroaig Small Batch Bourbons

Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in a full range of the “water of life” with excellent company and delectable food.

Menu:
* Wild Mushrooms in Philo
* Smoked Salmon with summer succotash
* Grilled Hangar Steak with olive oil poached potatoes and green beans
* Dessert: Petite Fours

Whiskies:
* Reception Cocktail
* Canadian Club 12 Year Old
* Knob Creek Single Barrel
* Booker’s
* Laphroaig 18 Year Old
* Surprise Whisky

$65 ALL INCLUSIVE!
Save 10% until 8/17 ($58.50). Use discount code LOW10P
Click to BUY Tickets
Vegetarian Selection is available when requested in advance.

Whisky and Cigar After Party
Let us know if will be staying for our whisky and cigar after party.
(Whisky and Cigar feature not included in the price of dinner).

We look forward to sharing a Dram with you!

Tickets Must be Purchased in advance. Must be over 21 to attend.

Showcase Airport Store Boosts Sales of Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey sales are up by 30% at Dublin Airport this year due to a new showcase outlet for Irish whiskey, which opened in Terminal 2 last November.

The opening of the Irish Whiskey Collection, a new store within a store concept devised by DAA’s in-house retail team, has boosted whiskey sales by almost one-third over the past seven months. The new shop was developed to stimulate demand for Irish whiskey and to showcase the category to both Irish and international travellers.

“Increasing our sales by 30% in the current economic climate is an incredible achievement and it’s all thanks to the Irish Whiskey Collection,” according to DAA Retail Director Paul Neeson. “We wanted to create an amazing shop window for Irish whiskey, and we’re already reaping the benefits of our investment in the category,” Mr Neeson added.

The Irish Whiskey Collection outlet has helped grow Dublin Airport’s duty free Irish whiskey sales by 39% this year and has also had a dramatic impact on duty paid sales for customers travelling within the EU, which have increased by 25%.

Given the success of the Irish Whiskey Collection, DAA is now planning to introduce the concept to Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport and to Cork and Shannon airports.

The Irish Whiskey Collection stocks more than 125 different products in an 80 sq m store that takes its design cue from the luxury cosmetics and perfumery sectors rather than the traditional airport liquor shop.

The store stocks a full range of Irish whiskey, with all the leading brands fully represented as well a number of smaller independent brands and several exclusive premium whiskeys, which are only available at Dublin Airport. “Our goal is to be the best Irish whiskey shop in the world,” Neeson said. “This is a shrine to Irish Whiskey, which is one of this country’s greatest exports. By providing a quality shop window for the Irish whiskey sector and by working in partnership with the trade we aim to increase the profile and grow sales for the entire Irish whiskey industry.”

The design of the store is aimed at meeting the needs of the existing whiskey buyer and also drawing in travellers who would not normally enter a whiskey shop. “We wanted to de-mystify the Irish whiskey category,” says Neeson.

The walls have a high black gloss lacquer finish, LCD screens are used to tell the Irish whiskey story, and the point of sale material carries clear information on each product and its provenance, as well as Irish Whiskey Collection branding. The centrepiece of the outlet from a design perspective is a black Tipperary Crystal chandelier while museum-style display cases feature some of the premium whiskeys available.

DAA’s decision to invest in the Irish whiskey sector is stimulating growth across the entire range of products and will also underpin growing export sales for Irish whiskey. “We are working closely with all the major suppliers and brands and we’re sure that the Irish Whiskey Collection will play its part in showcasing the fantastic range of products available within the Irish whiskey sector,” said Neeson.

The shop hosts regular tastings for customers, has also produced “The Ultimate Guide to Irish Whiskey,” a free mini guide to the sector. “All passengers, whether purchasing or not are given the same level of service by our enthusiastic staff, who have been highly trained to become in effect whiskey consultants,” according to Neeson.

The Irish Whiskey Collection stocks major brands such as Jameson, Bushmills, Paddy, Powers, and Tullamore Dew, as well smaller independent whiskies such as Inis Turk Beg, John L Sullivan and Coleraine. The store also carries a number of exclusives, such as a 19-year-old Greenore Single Cask and a 1991 Midleton Distillery Single Cask, both of which are only available at Dublin Airport.

“We are committed to carrying the entire range of Irish whiskey to satisfy aficionados and novices alike. It we don’t have an Irish whiskey then it’s not worth having,” according to Neeson.

Whiskey expert Tanya Lawless of Cooley Distillery discusses the merits of a Greenore single grain Irish whiskey with customer Edward O’Grady-Walshe at the Irish Whiskey Collection outlet in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport.

JF Hillebrand Secures Three Year Global Deal with William Grant & Sons

11th August 2011 – JF Hillebrand is delighted to have been awarded a three year logistics contract with William Grant & Sons, providing in-house management, logistics and distribution services within several of their key global locations, including the majority share in volume from their global headquarters in Bellshill, Glasgow.

William Grant & Sons will benefit from JF Hillebrand’s total commitment to the beverage industry. With efficient and cost-effective transport solutions and state of the art order management technology, all supported through the global network of the Hillebrand Group, it can ensure William Grant & Sons products will be handled with the utmost care and attention along every step of the supply chain.

William Grant & Sons core brand portfolio includes The Balvenie, Grant’s, Glenfiddich, Sailor Jerry, Hendrick’s and Tullamore Dew.

JF Hillebrand’s Area Director for UK & Ireland David Mawer said: “We are extremely proud to have enhanced our position with William Grant & Sons as one of their strategic and logistical service partners. It reinforces our position as market leader within the beverage sector and endorses the service excellence that we consistently deliver to our clients. Our global network of offices specifically concentrating within the beverage sector will ensure that William Grant & Sons will experience the highest quality of service, at all times.”

JF Hillebrand has 45 offices and over 1800 employees, providing exclusive logistics services in land, sea and air, complemented by our award winning supply chain management solutions and in house management teams.

Notes:

About JF Hillebrand: With a global network headquartered in Mainz, Germany, JF Hillebrand employs 1800 people in 45 offices around the world.

Since 1844, it has dedicated itself to the efficient and cost-effective logistics of wines, spirits and beers. As well as offering first class logistics services, it also leads the way in the development of innovative products, services and IT tools to the global beverage industry.

JF Hillebrand was voted “Best Logistics Company” in the 2010 &2011 Drinks Business Awards. JF Hillebrand won the “Customer Care” Award at the 2010 IFW Freight Industry Awards.
For additional information, please refer to our website: www.jfhillebrand.com/uk

Fellow whisky enthusiasts,

Less than 4 weeks to go until the third edition of Maltstock. Time for an update.

Maltstock Morning Walk by Glenrothes
Those of you who have been at Maltstock before know we traditionally have a very nice morning walk on the Maltstock Saturday. A de-tox walk. Together with local guides we walk for about 1,5 hours in the beautiful nature area surrounding Maltstock. This year the walk will be back. But it will be a bit different. The terrific Dutch Glenrothes team decided it is a great opportunity for you to discover the great tastes of nature! It promises to be a very special walk. Everybody at Maltstock is welcome to join the walk. But we do need to know upfront how many will join. So if you want join please sign up by sending an e-mail to tastings@maltstock.com. Please do so before September 1st. More info is on the Maltstock website under “free tastings”.

Donald MacLellan at Maltstock
There was one masterclass still to be announced. We are happy to tell you it will be hosted by Donald MacLellan. He will bring some very nice expressions of both BenRiach and GlenDronach. You can find the complete tasting schedule at the Maltstock website. And as always, the tastings are included in your Maltstock ticket.

Master of Malt free sample
The guys from Master of Malt are offering a free sample with every order by a Maltstock visitor. You will get a sample of their brand new 27y Dailuaine with every order. If you haven’t received the special code yet, please contact us. Master of Malt is an award-winning independent bottler and online retailer with a range of thousands of whiskies and other fine spirits. They also offer a huge range of samples in their “Drinks by the Dram” section. Your chance to try before you buy. Master of Malt will also be present at Maltstock and will be hosting a special “lost distilleries” masterclass. Click here to visit the Master of Malt website.

10% discount at The Whiskyshop Dufftown
A final reminder: every Maltstock guest will receive a 10% discount at The Whiskyshop Dufftown. And owner Mike will also be at Maltstock. So you can collect your bottles at Maltstock if you like. If you haven’t received the special discount code, please contact us. The Whiskyshop Dufftown is right in the hart of Whisky Country and offers a fantastic selection of whisky. They also host many great tastings again during the Autumn Speyside festival. (Tickets available through the WSD website.) Both the shop and the festival are well worth a visit! Click here to visit their website.

Maltstock bottling
We need your help! At Maltstock Jan Beek from Van Wees Holland will be bringing four samples. All of them will be tasted blind. And you will decide which one you like best. The winning sample will be bottled as a Maltstock bottling!

Maltstock Clothing
As mentioned in our previous newsletter we now have Maltstock clothing available in our webshop. If you want to be sure you have your t-shirt, polo or hoodie ready for you at Maltstock, than please order now. Orders placed after this Tuesday (August 16th) will not be ready before Maltstock. And we will have a very, very limited stock at the Maltstock weekend.

Maltstock almost sold out!
Yes, indeed, Maltstock is almost totally sold out! We only have a few beds available in the Maltstock dorms and a few hotel rooms. And that’s it. We will be welcoming over 40% more guests than last year. Fantastic!

We’re all really looking forward to the third Maltstock! Only a few more weeks to go…

Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier & Teun
www.maltstock.com