New Arrivals – November

With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve had a busy month stocking up the shelves at www.abbeywhisky.com

November has seen 38 new malts arriving that include some very tasty drams from Gordon & MacPhail, a beautiful 25 year old anniversary Macallan along with some cracking Christmas gift ideas…

Below is a small selection from our latest arrivals; to view all that’s new this month click here…

Keep up to date with all Abbey Whisky news and offers via our Twiitter & Facebook pages….

Sláinte

Abbey Whisky

www.abbeywhisky.com

Blair Athol / Distillery Only 2010 / Limited Edition

Blair Athol Highland single malt whisky, bottled in 2010 at cask strength and only available at the distillery.

£75.00

Abbey Whisky
07890 983 844 
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com 
www.abbeywhisky.com

Old Forester Bourbon Honors Creator through Founder’s Day

George Garvin Brown Celebrated, Best-Selling Author Tom Kelley and Master Distiller Chris Morris Recognized as Modern Innovators

Louisville, Ky. (November 2011) – George Garvin Brown, creator of Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon, has been honored for his major contributions to the bourbon industry with Founder’s Day. Brown laid the foundation that allowed Old Forester to be the only bourbon still in existence that was sold before, during and after Prohibition, and built what is now the Brown-Forman Corporation.

On the inaugural Founder’s Day, Old Forester celebrated Brown’s 165th birthday and honored his pioneering spirit with the establishment of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation Excellence and Dedication to Community. This annual award was created to honor individuals who exhibited leadership traits that were evidenced in Brown – a passion for learning and a leader without compromise who recognized the importance of giving back.

“When we think of George Garvin Brown, we consider him to be one of the forefather’s of bourbon. Indeed without him, the industry might not be where it is today,” said brand manager Therese McGuire. “This lifetime achievement award not only honors his legacy but recognizes those currently on the forefront of innovation and who hold the same values as Brown.”

More than 140 years ago, Brown led the industry with his revolutionary ideas. His commitment to making quality bourbon resulted in putting Old Forster in a sealed bottle with his guarantee of excellence and his signature prominently displayed just as it is today. With this inaugural award Old Forester honors two modern day innovators: Master Distiller Chris Morris and best-selling author and General Manager of IDEO Tom Kelley.

“Through the work and leadership of Chris Morris and Tom Kelley, cutting-edge products have been introduced and set the stage for future industry advancements,” said McGuire.

As Master Distiller for Old Forester and a spirits historian, Morris’ passion for innovation in the spirits industry has lead to numerous new products and rare releases. Morris created a combined Nuevo Beaujolais concept with vintage dated single malt whiskey which became the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Additionally, he initiated a study of wine finishes and alternate wood mellowing processes that are groundbreaking in the world of whiskeys. Morris is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Kentucky Distillers Association and was Co-Chairman of the DISCUS Master Distillers Committee, as well as a former Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.

Kelley is one of the world’s most respected experts on managing innovation and design but is also the author of two books on innovation and creativity: The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. As the General Manager of IDEO the renowned design and development firm, Kelley spearheaded the introduction of the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and hundreds of other cutting-edge products. IDEO was listed as number five in Fast Company’s list for 2008 of The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Additionally, Kelley is actively involved in the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the American Cancer Society.

“Old Forester and Brown-Forman are extremely proud to recognize these individuals as the first recipients of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award,” said McGuire. “We are excited to see what future innovations hold for not only our industry but throughout the world.”

About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, and Korbel California Champagnes.

For more information on Old Forester, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com  or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester .

TALISKER WHISKY ATLANTIC CHALLENGE LAUNCHED IN LONDON

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the world’s toughest rowing race, was launched on 9th November when nine of the crews assembled at London’s historic St Katharine Docks and seized the chance to meet their fellow competitors and to apply some Talisker single malt whisky to name their boats.

Julia Immonen cracks a bottle of Talisker over her boat

Some of the crews talked about their aims, captured in this film.

Less than a month now remains before a total of 17 ocean-rowing crews depart from the Spanish port of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands.

They will then row the ‘Columbus Route’ – over 2,549 nautical miles (over 4,600 kilometres) across the mid-Atlantic to Port St Charles in Barbados. Amongst the crews participating in the epic charity fundraising event are Row for Freedom, who are aiming to become the first all-female crew of six to row across the Atlantic.

The challenge will also feature the Row2Recovery crew: a crew of four seriously injured and two able-bodied soldiers, who are raising money to help wounded servicemen and women, and have so far raised over half a million pounds.

Row2Recovery

Competitors are expected to arrive in Barbados from mid-January onwards, taking roughly 50 days to complete the challenge. All will spend Christmas and New Year at sea. Regular updates will be posted on the Talisker Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Talisker

Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day

The Glengoyne team look forward to welcoming guests for a free tour to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

What: Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day

Brief description: Glengoyne Distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour, including a dram of 10 Years Old Single Malt, to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

Date: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2011

Location: The Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow, G63 9LB

Cost: Free!

Further information: www.glengoyne.com  Tel: +44 (0)1360 550 254

Dumgoyne, 22 November 2011; On the weekend of 26 and 27 of November Glengoyne will be offering free admission to “Scotland’s most beautiful distillery” to celebrate St. Andrews Day and the launch of Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Open from 10.00am – 5pm (last tour 4pm) the picturesque distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour (normal price £6.75) which lasts one hour and includes a dram of 10 Years Old Highland Single Malt as you watch the brand new visitor information film. The film will give a glimpse into life at the distillery before you are taken to meet the stars on a fun and informative tour of the working distillery, learning the methods of whisky making handed down over the generations.

Stuart Hendry, Brand and Development Manager for Glengoyne commented: “What better way is there to celebrate Scotland’s national day than with Scotland’s national drink. We are always looking for new ways to share distillery life and the passion we have for whisky and hope that by offering free entry for St. Andrew’s Day we will be able to meet a host of potential new Glengoyne fans.”

Glengoyne Distillery, which offers an unrivalled visitor experience, is situated just 30 minutes outside Glasgow, looking out over the breath-taking West Highland Way. The event is open to all ages.

For directions and further information visit www.glengoyne.com or call 01360 550 229

For more information on the range of events for Scotland’s Winter Festivals please visit www.scotland.org/winter  

Glengoyne will also be at the Edenmill Farm Food Festival on 26 & 27 November offering tastings and Christmas gift ideas. For more information see www.edenmill.co.uk/food-festival

Notes:

Owned by independent family company, Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne, Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, has been producing its unique and complex, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky for over 175 years. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne has nurtured and perfected the art of producing the authentic taste of Malt Whisky, untainted by peat smoke. The result is a portfolio of multi-award winning whiskies including the core 10, 17 and 21 Years Old range, as well as special limited edition Single Malts, released each year.

Compass Box’s Last Vatted Grain

We’re rather fond of Compass Box’s Last Vatted Malt, having received a bottle a few days for approval, but I’ve been waiting for something else – The Last Vatted Grain. I’m a big grain whisky fan, ever since I did … Continue reading >>

Macallan NAS Cask Strength (58.6%, OB, Sherry Oak, +/- 2010)

Rumored to be discontinued (perhaps only in some markets) on the nose there is deep rich sherry notes with a good oiliness lurking and lots of dried fruit; apricots, plums and raisins. Perhaps even some tinned fruit salad and some really nice oak notes, but not over whelming, very much as an accent and a welcome addition. All in all a very good collection of aromas. Perhaps some coffee grounds in the back ground; yet another layer of richness. The taste is equally sherried and of oak influence at first and then a quick change to all sherry quickly followed by some very assertive dryness but still very evocative of the cask which adds to the flavour. Again everything works very well together to make a complete picture and a lovely one at that. The finish is very warming and very long with some of the oiliness reappearing but the tussle between the sherry and the oak continues.

A delightful Macallan; if you can find a bottle, buy it.

$96

Score 89 points

Visit The Macallan at www.macallan.com

We’ve just announced our first pre-sale tasting at Mulberry Bank Auctions. We’re a new auction house featuring several whisky auctions a year and as far as I know we’re the first in a long time that will host regular pre-sale tastings. The first tasting features some incredible old bottlings.

10 December 2011 Auction Details

Rare and Collectable Whisky and Wine

This sale will feature a variety of whiskies and wines of all ages and rarity.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 23rd November.

Viewing will take place on: Thursday 8th December 9am – 7pm and Friday 9th December from 9am

On Friday 9th December between 5pm and 7pm we will be holding a whisky talk and tasting hosted by Angus MacRaild. To book your place please call on 0141 225 8181 or email AngusM@mulberrybankauctions.com It will be on Friday December 9th at 7pm in our Glasgow auction room. 30 places only £30 per ticket. A fairly unique tasting event in Scotland.

Mullberry Bank Auctions

Meet our new Russian Ambassador

Good morning everyone!

Today I’d like to introduce Valentina, our new Russian Ambassador, who has just arrived in Dufftown for her initial induction to the company.

Valentina and I will be travelling around Scotland this week, visiting our different distilleries and meeting many of our hard-working craftsmen. I’ll be tweeting throughout our road trip, so if you…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo

Ballantine’s Unveils Premium Offering for the Gifting Season

Ballantine’s, the No 1 whisky in Europe, is launching a stylish gift pack for its Finest expression, in time for the lucrative festive period. Available in 70cl, 75cl and 1L variations globally, the contemporary design aims to ensure strong shelf stand out for the blended Scotch whisky during the holiday season.

The sleek metal tin has a matt soft touch finish that gives it a contemporary look and feel. Familiar brand cues including the logo, the original George Ballantine & Son seal and the founder’s signature wrap around the tin, with elements of blue and red embossing for additional prominence.

Peter Moore, Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments “This year’s Ballantine’s Finest gift packaging combines the rich colours that are synonymous with the brand with premium cues and contemporary finishes. The results are set to enhance brand visibility during this key sales period and attract new and existing blended Scotch whisky lovers.”

The limited edition pack will be available in more than 30 markets from October 2011 in 70cl and 75cl variations.

Notes

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s Finest is a complex blend of single malts and grain whiskies from four renowned whisky regions of Scotland – Islay, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. Its elegant signature style is a balance of soft and sweet, due to the key malts of Glenburgie and Miltonduff.

www.chivasbrothers.com 

WE ARE MAKING SOME CHANGES TO SCOTCH TASTINGS, WE WILL ONLY HAVE 1 TASTING PER MONTH ON EVERY FIRST SUNDAY IT FALLS ON AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE AT 4 P.M. We are really excited for these changes and it will be important to either call us at 402.553.9501 or email us to make a reservation for tastings. The tasting in December will be Sunday, Dec 4th @ 4 p.m. More details to follow.

The Dundee Dell
5007 Underwood Ave,
Omaha Ne 68132
402.553.9501
www.dundeedell.com