Benromach Peat Smoke 2002/2010 (46%, OB, Batch #3, 1st Fill Bourbon)

From the third batch of Peat Smoke from Benromach distillery peated to 35 PPM and matured in 1st fill bourbon barrels for 8 years. The nose is of juniper, peat smoke and bourbon, a heady combination. Very vibrant, some pleasant malt fights past the juniper for attention dragging some cocoa by the hand behind. The taste is smooth and peated however the peat smoke is not massive but just right (shades of the Three Bears here) and is also showing some dryness with a little bandages and hints of Dettol. Actually much like many young Islay. All good. The finish is dry and smokey but with the malt and other cereal notes taking over here. The juniper makes a reappearance and is joined by a little ground black pepper. It’s very, very long and filled with peat smoke…

An Islay lovers dream

$70

Score 88 points

Visit Benromach Distillery at www.benromach.com

TheWhiskyBarrel.com Exclusive Macduff 11 Year Old Sherry Cask Scotch

Just in time for the holiday season, online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com releases a spectacular Macduff 2000 vintage single malt Scotch. From a single sherry butt and bottled at cask strength 60% this richly sherried delight is sure to keep the cold dreich nights at bay.

Specially selected by Doug McIvor of Berry Brothers & Rudd, a fresh sherry cask from the Banffshire, Speyside distillery in the north east of Scotland. Brimming with rich dried fruit, winter spices, toffee and the slightest wisp of smoke all wrapped up in lashings of sweet sherry.

Only available online at TheWhiskyBarrel.com and limited to 120 bottles priced £33.33 GBP ($52 USD).

Tasting Notes: Macduff 11 Year Old Berry Bros & Rudd for TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Nose: Rich dried fruit aromas, orange peel, a touch of liquorice with a wisp of background smoke.

Palate: Full bodied – the sweet sherry coats the mouth with plenty of dried fruit and teasing sweetness.

Finish: Long and warming finishes with dark toffee and peppery spice.

Bottling: Macduff 2000 Vintage / 11 Year Old / Cask 5774 / Berry Bros & Rudd

Distilled: 2000

Bottled: November 2011

Cask Type: Fresh Sherry Butt #5774

Volume: 70cl

ABV: 60.0%

Order online at: http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com

The Whisky Barrel

www.thewhiskybarrel.com

Notes 

Release Date: November 2011

Availability: Online at TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Price: £33.33 GBP ($52 USD) 70cl

Distributor: Berry Bros & Rudd (London)

No. Bottles: 120

Bottled for: TheWhiskyBarrel.com online whisky shop Edinburgh, Scotland.

Distiller of the Year again and again!

Hello all,

William Grant & Sons has been crowned Distiller of the Year nine times in the last 12 years at either the ISC or the IWSC – the industry’s two main competitions.

It’s was made official when the company was awarded both the ‘Distiller of the Year’ and ‘International Spirits Producer of the Year’ titles at… (please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo

Ballantine’s Continues to Impress Whisky Expert Jim Murray

Ballantine’s Finest, the No 1 whisky in Europe, has been named Best Scotch Blend of the Year (standard no age statement), for the fourth consecutive year, by leading whisky connoisseur Jim Murray, in the 9th edition of his Whisky Bible.

Murray has tasted just under 1,500 new whiskies to complete the 2012 edition of the much-celebrated Whisky Bible. Ballantine’s Finest received its accolade after achieving an impressive 96 of a possible 100 points. The world-renowned whisky expert describes Ballantine’s Finest “as a major work of art”. He also pays tribute to Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, commenting, “take a mouthful of this and experience the work of a blender very much at the top of his game”. *

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, comments: “It is an honour to receive an accolade like this from one of the world’s most respected whisky writers. Not only is this a testament to the expertise of our Master Blender, but it also further enhances the reputation of the Ballantine’s portfolio as an unrivalled range of high-quality blended Scotch whiskies.”

With almost two decades of experience in the whisky industry and as author of many best-selling books on the subject, Murray is widely regarded as the world’s leading whisky commentator. His unwavering dedication to the spirit is aptly demonstrated in his Whisky Bible each year, with his vast knowledge and passionate writing style. His latest issue, features an encyclopedia of tasting notes on more than 4,500 of the world’s whiskies, from leading to lesser known brands.

Notes:

*Jim Murray

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

Award-Winning Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Introduces New Triple Wood to U.S. Market

Laphroaig Triple Wood Offers Three Times the Complexity for Scotch Enthusiasts

Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is pleased to introduce its latest award-winning expression, Laphroaig Triple Wood, just in time for the holidays. Garnering its name from a distinct triple maturation process, only 13,500 bottles of Laphroaig Triple Wood (48% ABV; 96 proof) will be available in the U.S. market in 2011, making it the perfect holiday gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The newly available expression has enjoyed time in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century style quarter casks and European Oak Oloroso sherry casks, revealing a rich blend of subtle sherry sweetness and hints of sea salt. The spirit’s gentle suggestion of vanilla and smooth nutty flavor is complemented by Laphroaig’s signature peat smoke and a slight tang from time spent in rich White Oak casks – bold characteristics that earned Laphroaig Triple Wood a Best in Class Gold Medal honor at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

“Laphroaig Triple Wood is one of the most complex expressions we have ever bottled, and we are delighted to begin offering it to our U.S. consumers,” said Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell. “Triple Wood will satisfy palates with unique notes that are fresh, yet remain true to the Laphroaig heritage and standards of Scotch whisky.”

To build on the excitement of Laphroaig Triple Wood’s arrival, the brand is answering consumer demand by launching an integrated iPhone® app that allows whisky enthusiasts and scotch newcomers alike to easily locate venues nearest them that offer expressions from Laphroaig’s celebrated portfolio. To access the new Laphroaig Bar Finder iPhone app, visit http://itunes.apple.com.

Laphroaig Triple Wood is currently available at participating retail locations beginning in September 2011. Suggested retail price is $60.00 for a 750ml bottle.

ALDI LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION 40 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR UNDER £50

Whisky lovers will be queuing overnight to get their hands on Aldi’s luxury, limited edition, 40 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky, on sale this Thursday (8th December) for the unbelievable price of £49.99.

The first supermarket ever to sell an own-label spirit 40 years old, discounter Aldi will be releasing 3,000 bottles of the whisky throughout its 450 UK stores as a special Christmas present to loyal shoppers. The coveted whisky is predicted to sell out within hours and could even appear for sale on eBay as hard-up Brits look to capitalise on the amazing deal.

Aldi’s Spirits Buyer said: “Whisky of this quality and age would usually sell for around £300 plus.  Aldi is giving customers the chance to get hold of a very high quality luxury product for a very low price.”

The Speyside Single Malt comes from one of Scotland’s finest distilleries and has been matured in European Oak Sherry casks, resulting in a very intense and rich flavour. The beautiful decanter is presented in a stylish gift box.

With an aroma of dark chocolate and dried figs, the sweet taste gives off a marmalade zestiness, and the dry oak tannins fade into a lingering sweet and mellow finish.

Glenbridge 40 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – £49.99, 70cl, 40% ABV On sale from 8th December 2011, available as long as stock lasts.

ALDI LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION 24 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR UNDER £30

Impress Dad or Hubby this Christmas with Aldi’s limited edition, unbelievable value Glen Marnoch 24 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, on sale as a Special Buy from 24th November.

There will be just 3000 bottles of the whisky released throughout Aldi’s 450 UK stores.

Casked in 1987, this very special Scotch whisky comes in a stylish gift box, making it the perfect gift for that special man in your life.

With a delicate floral aroma, notes of blooming heather and green vines and a very mellow taste, including gentle vanilla oak and a silky texture, this single malt provides a very rewarding taste experience for whisky lovers.

Glen Marnoch 24 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – £29.99, 70cl, 40% ABV On sale from 24th November, available as long as stock lasts.

Win A Chance To Make the 2012 Vintage

On 11th November, The Glenrothes is launching the second installment of its Vintage Maker contest. Whisky enthusiasts are invited to recall and share a game changing or halcyon moment in their life, whether it be plucked from your career, love life, traveling days or something else inspiring or memorable.

The four most compelling storytellers will be flown to the Speyside region of Scotland, the home of The Glenrothes, from 21st – 28th May 2012. There, they will nose a wide gamut of drams before selecting the best casks to be laid down for maturation, to eventually be bottled and released as The Glenrothes 2012 Vintage.

The new installment of The Glenrothes Vintage Maker follows hot on the heels of over 10,000 budding whisky makers entering the 2011 draw. Entrants must submit 1500 characters or less in answer to the question “Tell us about your Vintage moment,” and may also upload a picture or link to an online video to supplement their written entry.

For more information on how to enter, plus rules and regulations, visit www.TheGlenrothes.com , facebook.com/TheGlenrothes or facebook.com/Liquor.com . The competition closes on January 31, 2012 at 11:59:59 pm EST. You must be age 21 to enter.

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Talisker Boat 34yo’

Talisker Boat OB 34yo 45.1%alc.

“Talisker have created a beautiful wooden boat-shaped, ultra discerning gift with unique 34 year old aged Talisker single cask strength whisky and crystal rocking glassware.

Includes a commemorative copper disc reclaimed from the stills at Talisker

Inspired by our home at Loch Harport on the shores of the Isle of Skye this gift is designed with authentic craftsmanship to offer consumers an amazing experience.

Only a total 250 units available globally (50 available for GB)”

RSP- £1000

Talisker Boat 34 Year Old

Price excluding VAT: £729.17
£875.00 Including VAT at 20%

Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

Irish Whiskey has been the fastest-growing segment of the whisky business for the last several years. William Grant & Sons acquired Tullamore Dew last year, and has been investing millions of Euros to build the brand. A new “Irish True” marketing campaign for Tullamore Dew debuted this week in New York City, and we’ll hear more from John Quinn and Shane Hoyne about the brand’s heritage and its future…which may include a new Tullamore Dew distillery at some point. In the news, the Kentucky Distillers Association and Sazerac settle their legal dispute over the Bourbon Trail, new whiskies from The Glenlivet, Kilchoman, and The Whisky Exchange, and WhiskyCast gets a boost from Hollywood!

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com