Ardbeg Alligator (51.2%)
Limited new general release matured in heavily charged air-seasoned American white oak. £72.99 (£59.99 ex VAT) via the link below.
Hi all,
Just a very quick reminder for those attending and for those who have missed the build-up to the 9th York Whisky Festival that takes place this Saturday, the 17th September!
Details;
York Whisky Festival 2011
Saturday 17th September
The Park Inn (across the river from the Guildhall)
North Street
York
YO1 6JF
It takes place between 12am and 5pm and costs £20 per person. There are still a few tickets available at the door, so don’t miss out!
Masterclasses
There are still places available on all of the following classes, but if you haven’t booked, please be quick as these won’t hang around in the main.
12.30-1.30pm
Beginner’s Guide to Whisky with Eddie Ludlow £5
1pm-2.15pm
Diageo, Six of the Best with Colin Dunn £10
3pm-4.15pm
Glenfiddich, Tales from the Solera with Jamie Milne £7.50
3.30-4.45pm
IWSC – Liquid Gold with Eddie Ludlow £15
If you would like to take part in any of these then please email me by return with details of how many places you require and a contact number in order to secure the booking.
Festival Bottlings
We have no less than 5 exclusive 20cl festival bottlings this year, ranging from £12.50 up to £40. Come and taste these at the Whisky Lounge Stand/Shop inside the festival. These are a great memento of a great event to take away with you!
That’s all for now.
We are very much looking forward to the event and seeing many of you there!
Slainte.
Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist
thewhiskylounge
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com
WHAT IS IT?
An Octave cask is 1/8th the size of a standard cask and contains approximately 50 litres of whisky. Shorter maturation in 1/8th size octave casks.
UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY
The Octave range features whiskies from Scotland’s finest producing and non-producing distilleries including Bowmore, Caperdonich, Glenlivet, Glenrothes, Laphroaig, Macallan, Port Ellen, Springbank and many more. Each non chill-filtered, non coloured whisky is the product of a single cask and is bottled at cask strength. Approx only 70 bottles are produced from a cask, making every release in the Octave range a unique and unrepeatable example of whisky making at its finest.
WHY USE IT?
The increased wood-to-spirit contact in the Octave cask carefully expands the character of the whisky without masking it, creating a bigger, bolder spirit with a true multi-dimensional character.
For further information visit: www.duncantaylor.com
Email: info@duncantaylor.com
Telephone: +44(0)1466 794055
Scotland – Single Malt Scotch
1991 Auchroisk 20 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99)
1979 Caol Ila 28 Year Old Malt Trust Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 11 available ($179.99)
2002 Craigellachie 8 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($65.99)
Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99)
1998 Glen Ord 12 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($65.99)
1977 Glenfiddich Single Vintage Distillery Bottling 750ml (Elsewhere $830) – 2 available ($699.99)
Laphroaig “Triple Wood” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($64.99) Multiple Reviews on this limited release that was supposedly for European Travel Retail only! Lucky for us some popped up in California. This essentially Quarter Cask finished in Oloroso Sherry Butts. “so in addition to the intense charcoal smoke attack there are rich fruity notes; blackcurrant and berries. It’s an evening barbecue whisky. Grill that fish until it’s blackened and crispy, drizzle on lemon, and as the smoke rears up in protest, sip this. Big, moody, broody, fruity, and rich: what’s not to love? ” 94 Points Dominic Roskrow Malt Advocate,”Similar to Laphroaig Quarter Cask, but also finished in oloroso sherry casks. Fruit and smoke: fleshy red berries, red licorice, toffee, ripe barley, coal tar, sun-baked seaweed, peat smoke, and a hint of coffee grounds. Tarry finish. I rated the Quarter Cask a 91, and I think this whisky is in the same ballpark. If you like sherry-influenced whiskies, then go for the Triple Wood. If not, then consider the Quarter Cask.” 90 points
2000 MacDuff 10 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($65.99)
Ireland – Single Malt Scotch
2000 Cooley 11 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Irish Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($89.99)
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
The latest auction at www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com goes live today….with 227 items available for your bidding pleasure…
AUCHENTOSHAN LOWLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
– NEW PRODUCT: Valinch – By popular demand, Auchentoshan introduces this limited-edition, cask-strength version of its “Classic” expression. What is a valinch, you ask? A cellar master’s best friend. (It’s the tube that goes into the cask to pull out samples for him to taste and determine if the whisky is ready for bottling). Auchentoshan is the only triple-distilled malt in all of Scotland, making it smooth, smooth, smooth. Auchentoshan Valinch – approx $59.99, launching Oct 2011.
– NEW PRODUCT: 1999 Bordeaux Wine Matured – A rarity! There are single malts that are finished in wine casks but not very many at all that are 100% fully matured in ex-Bordeaux casks. And this one is. See what interesting flavors 11 years in a red wine cask imparts to this smooth, Lowland malt. Auchentoshan 1999 – approx $69.99, launching Oct 2011.
– The Auchentoshan Switch – US and UK are switching bartenders! This friendly competition will name 1 US bartender that will travel to the UK to work at famed 69 Colebrooke Row for 2 weeks. And one UK bartender will come to NYC to work. Ergo, the ‘switch’ – stay tuned for my announcement of the top 20 US bartender finalists that will go to Las Vegas for the final shoot out that will name the winner. Las Vegas finals on Oct 26, 2011.
BOWMORE ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
– NEW PRODUCT: Tempest Small Batch No. 3 (coming later this Fall) – Inspired by the violent gales that at times wage war against its weather-beaten distillery (the first one on Islay), Bowmore will introduce Tempest No. 3, the third in this series of limited editions. Launching fall/winter 2011.
– Sail New York Harbor with Bowmore – Sat, Sept 17, NYC – Bowmore and Liquor.com host a sail around NYC Harbor and a Bowmore tasting for the public. Tickets available here – http://liquor.com/tasting-ny-cruise/
GLEN GARIOCH HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
– NEW PRODUCT: Glen Garioch 1994 Vintage – this will be the SMOKIEST Glen Garioch ever released. Since 1995, the house style has been no smoke at all. Since this is the last vintage laid down pre-1995, it is the smokiest you will ever taste from this Highland distillery. Ever. Approx $109.99, launching Oct 2011.
PARK AVENUE LIQUOR SHOP
– Located in the heart of New York City, this shop is renowned for its collection of whisk(e)y available at retail (400+ bottlings including exclusive and special bottlings created just for them) and its vast and enviable inventory of Bordeaux and Burgundies. Listen in to Martha Stewart Radio “Living Today” on Sirius/XM each month as proprietors and spirits/wine experts Jonathan and Eric Goldstein give advice on wine pairings, new and noteworthy whiskies, top seasonal beverages and more. Jonathan and Eric are superb spirits and wine experts if you are looking for someone to quote for a story. Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 292 Madison Ave, NYC.
Savona Communications Update
JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK FOR ICONIC LUXURY BOTTLE
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the pinnacle Scotch Whisky blend from the House of Johnnie Walker, has unveiled a brand new look for its iconic luxury bottle.
Inspired by the original 19th century Johnnie Walker bottle, the contemporary redesign of this famous bottle features crafted details embodying rarity and exclusivity, and reflecting the House of Johnnie Walker’s commitment to both heritage and modernity. An ultra-thick glass base and side walls made from light blue glass frame the blend inside, allowing the whisky to shine through. The iconic John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant are printed directly onto the glass in a rich gold colour, while each bottle is individually numbered to reflect the limited nature of this Scotch Whisky.
The new bottle is presented in a redesigned luxurious, silk touch effect box, the outer finely embossed with the gold John Walker & Sons monogram and Royal Warrant, and inside, the bottle is delicately framed by a gold lining, reflecting light onto the Scotch Whisky within.
Speaking of the redesign James Pennefather, Managing Director Reserve GB, said: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label is built on an unwavering commitment to blending excellence. This commitment to excellence is something that our new bottle reflects in every way and we believe that it is now as beautifully crafted as the Scotch Whisky it contains.”
The commemoration of Alex Walker’s remarkable Old Highland Whisky of 1867, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a skilful blend of the rarest whiskies taken from the four corners of Scotland. Handpicked by Master Blender Jim Beveridge, only 1 in 10,000 casks are deemed of sufficient character to deliver the remarkably smooth signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, Jim nurtures and blends in small batches, to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.
To mark the launch of the new bottle, the first 1,867 numbered bottles will each be personally gifted to those who have made extraordinary accomplishments today. Alongside this, The House of Johnnie Walker has commissioned the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Journal, a chronicle that tells the inspirational story of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s epic journey from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world.
The new look bottle will be priced at RRP £200 and available from usual Johnnie Walker Blue Label stockists from September 2011.
Notes
About JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL is the pinnacle of Blended Scotch Whisky from the House of JOHNNIE WALKER.
The rare casks used in blending JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL are truly special, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste.
The rare craft that lies behind JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL sees today’s Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, hand-picking and skilfully blending rare whiskies, with elusive flavours, drawn from the four corners of Scotland to produce a true masterpiece.
Jim, part of an unbroken blending heritage stretching back over 190 years, nurtures supremely rare casks, from unparalleled reserves, for as long as they take to mature to perfection, and then blends them in small batches to create this most intense and complex of whiskies.
Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL. Using a relatively small number of whiskies requires incredible skill and exceptional liquids as each will play a significant contribution to the final result.
BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
Available at Harrods, Selfridges and online at RoyalMileWhiskies.com
ABOUT DIAGEO
DIAGEO is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER, GUINNESS, SMIRNOFF, J&B, BAILEYS, CUERVO, TANQUERAY, CAPTAIN MORGAN, CROWN ROYAL, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.
DIAGEO is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2011.
Catto’s 25yo 150th Anniversary (40%, OB, 2011)
On the nose there is a significant amount of very good fruit (tinned fruit salad, over ripe peaches or pears) along with some dusty malt and very light wood notes. In many regards it presents as a malt; a little vague pipe smoke brings it altogether. Vanilla bean and a very little heather; everything is pulling together here. The taste is of cocoa, a lot of the fruit and some very good moments of the pipe smoke and surprisingly a hint or two of some green notes (the heather or roses?) either way it’s not important as it’s very slight and pleasant. Some good malt moments here, chewy and then some dryness. Again this does not taste like a blend and it’s all very good. Sensational actually. The finish shows some characteristics of being a blend but not matter since the ending mirrors the other two parts so very well. Some really excellent dark cake with chilies for the briefest of moments. Long luxurious and malty.
A very good whisky period. Any whisky enthusiast would be please to have this in their cabinet.
Score 91 points
Please read Press Release for further information on this whisky.
Part three of three this week looking at three very distinctive blended Scotch whiskies.
Glenfarclas welcomes HRH The Duke of York
To mark the 175th anniversary of the Glenfarclas distillery, we were delighted to receive a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of York earlier this week. His Royal Highness was accompanied by Clare Russell, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, and the visit was hosted by George Grant, Director of Sales.
His Royal Highness was given a tour of the distillery by Shane Fraser, Production Manager, which included being shown the distillery’s new mashing and fermentation control system, and being introduced to the company’s longest serving employee, Alistair Miller, Mashman, who joined the company in November 1972. To mark the occasion of the visit during the distillery’s 175th anniversary year, His Royal Highness filled a commemorative cask with new spirit. The sherry hogshead will be matured on site at Glenfarclas until it is ready for bottling, possibly during the distillery’s bi-centenary year in 2036.
With an interest in international trade His Royal Highness was briefed on the company’s exports to more than fifty countries worldwide, by Robert Ransom, Director of Sales and Marketing. To conclude the visit His Royal Highness was presented with a bottle of the Glenfarclas Chairman’s Reserve, a limited edition of 1296 bottles released for the distillery’s 175th Anniversary.
Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK
Glenmorangie Scotch Tasting
September 19th. 4:30 P.M. Or 6:00 P.M. with Global Brand Ambassador David Blackmore
David Blackmore will be in to host what will be a wonderful evening showcasing how much time and dedication is involved in the Glenmorangie line. Finealta is the second release from a new line called Private Edition that is shaping up to be a new creation every year. This bottling is a recreation of a whisky sold to The Savoy Hotel in England In The Year of Our Lord 1903. Comprised of many components, their cask of bespoke single-malt was suited for their taste, having the Glenmorangie style and character with some extra depth and a little peat such that it shows a quality atypical of Glenmorangie’s modern style – which is a wonderful thing. This highland style is not seen enough and we’re delighted to share with you a brilliant single-malt. We will also taste a few more from the line.
(What is listed may change, we will offer a discounted pricing on the full range.)
Bottling Original Price – Sale Price
Original 10 Y.O. $41.99 – $37.99
LaSanta 12 Y.O. $53.99 – $48.99
Quinta Rubin 12 Y.O. $53.99 – $48.99
Nector D’Or 12Y.O. $71.99 – $65.99
Finealta $83.99 – $77.99
Extremely Rare 18 Y.O. $97.99 – $88.99
Exclusive Glenmorangie Dinner at the Omni Parker House
Sunday, September 18th. Highlighted by a taste of the new Glenmorangie Pride A 28 Year Old Single-Malt with a 10 year Sauterns Finish. RRP $3800 Tickets are $150 plus tax & tip, inquire with Joe or go to their website
Please pass this on to any friends who are Scotch enthusiasts!
Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits
——————————————————————————–
Email: joe@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/
