Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

This weeks Whisky Wednesday: A chance to acquire a truly amazing whisky that is incredibly hard to find, at a terrific price: Ardbeg Corryvreckan, 

Corryvreckan is a very limited production whisky, and one of my personal “desert island 5” whiskies. It takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram.  

A bottle of Corryvreckan is normaly $94.50, but thanks to Nicky No Neck, we’re able to offer it to you for a 2-day special price of $79.95. If you want one, make sure to buy it now. We have a very limited number of bottles, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Doug Stone

Founder

www.ForScotchLovers.com

ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN
 
ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN REVIEW – by JOHN HANSEL of  THE MALT ADVOCATE 

Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg, this one stands out. The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise and smoked seaweed are supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning…This is a great whisky!
 
Malt Advocate magazine rating: 96

Malt Advocate “Whisky of the Year” for 2009

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deepest amber

Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful.

With the first sniff, encounter the deep and turbulent force of Corryvreckan as it pulls you inwards. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. As you succumb to its power, a collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths.

Swirl water into the glass, and observe the magical collision of whisky and water. As the liquid warms up, the seething cauldron bubbles and bursts, as you edge closer to sniff a pot full of gutsy cayenne-peppered steak and oysters smothered in hot pepper sauce. Salty seasoning brings a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries.

As the whirlpool narrows and quickens moving ever deeper, surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.

Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and taste the mysterious depths of Corryvreckan. Torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue with its intense tastes and textures.

The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.

Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.

Fathers’ Day

Hello all,

If you are reading this in Russia, Bulgaria and many other countries you might be wondering why I am mentioning Fathers’ Day today but according to Wikipedia, the third Sunday of June is the day when most people around the world celebrate their hard-working fathers.

With this day rapidly approaching, I thought now might be……(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/05/fathers%e2%80%99-day/

Ardbeg Embassy at TWE Vinopolis

After years of quietly sipping away at their whiskies, and occasionally selling a bottle or three, we are very proud to announce that The Whisky Exchange at Vinopolis has been invited to become an official Ardbeg Embassy – a privilege only extended to a handful of specialist whisky retailers around the globe. As an Ardbeg…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

LIMITED EDITION BUNNAHABHAIN 30-YEAR OLD RELEASED

Whilst one of the most exciting decades in world history unfolded back in 1980, the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the Isle of Islay, off the west-coast of Scotland, gently prepared the casks for what today can be enjoyed as the Bunnahabhain 30-year old Islay single malt.

According to South African spokesperson for Bunnahabhain, Brian Glass, there are only 357 bottles, each hand-numbered, available world-wide. And only 17 South Africans will be able to purchase a bottle here locally. Quite uniquely this exceptionally rare whisky also bears the 1980 vintage year on the label, proudly acknowledging the whisky’s undisturbed maturation for 30 years at the Bunnahabhain distillery’s shore-side warehouse.

“This limited-edition single malt whisky is truly one of the finest examples of the craftsmanship and distilling traditions of the Bunnahabhain Distillery. It is a pity there are so few bottles available of this extraordinary whisky but then again, if it wasn’t the case, it wouldn’t have been such a rare find. This is the kind of whisky you keep, savour on special occasions and treat with the utmost love and admiration.”

The whisky is un-chillfiltered, with a natural cask strength of 45.4% alcohol by volume, and released in its most pure form, the way whisky would have been produced at the hands of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. According to master distiller Ian MacMillan by un-chillfiltering the whisky, nothing is taken away or added so whisky lovers can enjoy the whisky at its very best, giving them a better whisky experience. “The whisky retains its depth of flavour, allowing the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.”

Only a select few of the Bunnahabhain casks that reached the gracious age of 30 have been selected for this whisky.  After careful, ongoing selection over the years, and much deliberation, MacMillan selected two ex-sherry hogshead casks which reflect the finest qualities and superior characteristics one would associate with a vintage whisky from Bunnahabhain.

MacMillan says the whisky holds a rich, aromatic nose with a sophisticated balance of oak, gingerbread, moist fruit cake, prunes, old leather, roasted nuts and a hint of sea air. “The palate opens up to produce a creamy, silky taste with sweet oak, liquorice and nutmeg intertwined with citrus, vanilla, eucalyptus and a hint of coconut. The finish is long and elegant with flavours of digestive biscuits, soft vanilla, a tinge of ginger and sea salt coating your mouth.”

To celebrate its release, the whisky comes beautifully packaged in a natural un-dyed leather case and includes a pewter Quaich, a historic drinking vessel that is one of the most symbolic elements portraying friendship, sharing and trust. A small leather tag, embossed with the Bunnahabhain seafarer on the label and the bottle number, is attached to the handle of the case.  The set also includes a small glass tube containing a parchment scroll commemorating the release of this limited-release whisky.

Bunnahabhain, known for its single malts with a gentle taste profile due to the use of unpeated barley, is crafted by MacMillan, a master blender and distiller with over 40 years’ experience. The distillery produces a 12-, 18- and 25-year old, which are available in South Africa from leading liquor outlets.

There are only 17 bottles of the limited-edition Bunnahabhain 30-year old available in South Africa from selected liquor outlets and it is expected to retail for around R3 800 per bottle. If you are interested in finding out the nearest outlet stocking the Bunnahabhain 30 year old or would like to order a bottle, please send an email to AvanRooyen@distell.co.za.

Friday 17th June   Amrut Distillery Tasting

Speaker : Ashok Chokalingam – International Sales
 
Ashok has single handedly taken this distilleries products to market in the UK and quickly established an incredible record of achievement. Awards and prizes continue to stack up as he tirelessly offers us the chance to taste and enjoy during masterclasses and festivals all over. (These whiskies are made from 100% malted barley , batch pot stilled.)

 
Amrut Fusion (Voted World Whisky of 2011 by Malt Advocate  + Jim Murray 97 pts/100 and best whisky world new comer), + full range including peated cask strengths, unpeated marvels alike + NEW limited releases available to taste and buy on the night……we have been remiss in taking so long to showcase them in Stourbridge…until NOW!!! 

Ticket :£25

Contact: 01384 394518

Venue : Nickolls and Perks Private Cellars

Time: 7:30pm start

———————————————-

Midlands Whisky Festival News!

Limited Tickets remain! Over 150 tickets sold this month…if you ‘aint got, nows the time to get one. Sat 24th September 11 till 5:30 pm. Online at www.whiskyfest.co.uk  or on 01384 394518

See you all there!

Cheers

David.

Visit Nickolls & Perks at http://www.nickollsandperks.co.uk/

Hi all,

Hope you are keeping well and enjoying further good weather and the general spring-like feeling…

I have just come back from London where I was helping a famous whisky brand bring it’s distillery to life in Covent Garden. Images can be found here if you’re interested, and if you’re in the area, the ‘shop’ is there until 5th June.

Quite a few events in all venues to tell you about, some of which are coming up fast…

Whisky & Seafood – A Culinary Tasting Experience
Sunday 12th June
Blackfriars Medieval Banqueting Hall, Friar Street, Newcastle
7pm, £40 per ticket
An amazing six-course tasting menu put together for this night only by the award-winning chefs at Blackfriars. The whiskies have been chosen by yours truly to compliment and I would be amazed if you didn’t walk out of this event truly delighted and chomping for more! Perfect event for couples and for those needing converting to the liquid gold…

Berry Brothers & Rudd – Independent Bottlers
£22 per ticket
A mini-series of tastings featuring whiskies from our good friends at Berry’s. If you have tasted their whiskies before, you know that the quality is up there with anything on the market at the moment. If you haven’t… well shame on you to begin with, and an opportunity awaits…
Newcastle customers fear not, we are hoping to bring them to ‘Toon’ later in the year!

Manchester – Friday 17th June, Britons Protection, 7.30pm
London – Tuesday 21st June, Red Lion, St. James’s, SW1

Bluffer’s Guide to Whisky
£10 per ticket!
For those looking to learn about our favourite liquid from a ‘beginners’ perspective. A tasting, yes, but more importantly a chance to ask questions and generally find out more about whisky in all its forms. I will be conducting each class and it will be informal (as always!) and fun.
A great opportunity for those seeking knowledge or a fantastic present for anyone you know who would enjoy this.

York – Saturday 13th August, Cedar Court Grand, Station Rise
London – Monday 22nd August, The Red Lion, St. James’s, SW1
Manchester – Friday 26th August, Britons Protection, Gt Bridgewater St.
Newcastle – Saturday 27th August, Blackfriars, Friar Street

If you would like to book onto any of these events they are now available on the website – simply click here – or email or phone me to make a booking.

Father’s Day 2011

If any of these tastings tickle your fancy as a gift for your Dad then we can email you a PDF of the ticket for you to print, trim and pop in a card of your choice! We also have some gift vouchers in the ‘shop” area of the website if you would like something but the current dates don’t suit.

Newcastle Whisky Festival 2011 – Thanks!

Just a very quick thanks to all of those who made it to this years event. It was our busiest yet and I appreciate all the feedback you’ve already given and will work hard to make it even better next year! If you would like to see a video of the event click here and/or for some images on Facebook, click here.

Anyway, that’s quite enough for now – I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Slainte!
Eddie

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com

Thursday June 9th:- P/O/U/R/S £20/17*

Thursday June 23rd:- Arran £tbc
Machrie Moor peated 46%
‘Oran Mor’ 56.4% sherry cask 236 bottles
10yo 57.1% Bourbon cask 219 bottles Loch Fyne Whiskies bottling
Cadenheads 1998 12yo 57.4%
plus another one to be confirmed

Thursday July 7th P/O/U/R/S £20/17*

Thursday July 14th Lagavulin £23/20*
LG2
Distiller’s Edition 1994 – 2010 43%
16yo 43%
1995 12yo European oak 48% Friends of Classic Malts
Available only at the distillery bottled 2010 52.5%

Future Themes:

18yo- ‘Us’ and ‘Them’: comparisons of distillery bottlings with independant expressions – Highland Park, Glendronach and Tamdhu.

Ben Nevis: Cadenheads 1996 – 03/2009 12yo 57.1% Bourbon hogshead 256 bottles, 10yo 46%, single blend, single grain, Cadenheads ‘dumpy’ 06/1965 – 12/1981 16yo 46%.

Bladnoch: Rare Malts 23yo, Cadenheads 17yo 55.1% Bourbon hogshead, peated, sherry cask plus one other example.

Peaty blends 40%: Islay Mist, Islay Hallmark 8yo, Black Bottle 10yo, Black Grouse, Black Bottle, plus a special guest (Brora or Port Ellen).

All of the Jolly Toper’s whisky tastings take place on Thursday nights from 7:30pm until approximately 10pm at the Tolbooth Tavern, 167 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, meals available up to the time of the tastings. For more details on the tastings themselves, please click here

*P/O/U/R/S = Peaty, Old, Unusual, Rare and Sherry cask matured

Visit the Jolly Toper at http://www.jollytopertastings.co.uk/

Kentucky Cooperage Tours

Mon.-Fri. ♥ 9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

712 E. Main St.

Tel. 270.692.4674

marcia.morgeson@kentuckycooperage.com

Kentucky Cooperage makes the charred oak barrels critical for the production of bourbon. See how “charring” is done, how staves are shaped, how hoops are put in place and how barrels are made leak proof without manmade sealers.

Find out more about Lebanon Kentucky at www.visitlebanonky.com

EAGLE RARE BOURBON LAUNCHES
SECOND ANNUAL RARE LIFE AWARD
Award Winner Will Receive a $20,000 Donation to the Charity of their Choice

 FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY. – Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey has won its share of honors and awards. Now the bourbon is sharing its passion for excellence for a second year in a row by opening the nomination season for the 2012 Rare Life Award. 

This past February, the 2011 Rare Life Award was awarded to Grand Prize winner Master Gunnery Sergeant Charles Padilla for his incredible story.  After more than 20 years of service in the Marine Corp, Padilla ran 3,530 miles across America to raise money to benefit wounded soldiers. For his amazing story, Eagle Rare donated $10,000 to the Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit set up to provide immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.        

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Rare Life Award at www.eaglerarelife.com. The award will be awarded to a person with an amazing life story that demonstrates the bourbon’s core values of courage, leadership, survival, heroism, devotion and character. The 2012 Grand Prize award winner will be awarded a $20,000 donation to the charity of their choice. In addition, six others will be selected and awarded $2,000 to the charity of their choice. Entries will be posted at the Eagle Rare website online and the general public can vote on who they think most embodies the “Rare Life” core values through January 5, 2012. All winners will be chosen from the top 20 stories that receive the most votes and will be announced in early February 2012.

“We are thrilled to double the prize money for the 2012 Rare Life Award,” said Kris Comstock, Eagle Rare Brand Manager. “Last year we received hundreds of nominations and we hope to hear more amazing stories this year. This country is filled with courageous, generous and hardworking people who lead rare lives every day. We want to hear their stories. Eagle Rare Bourbon embodies life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This award will honor those who do the same. We can’t wait to hear their stories and award them.”

About Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is part of the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery, a family-owned company based in Frankfort, (Franklin County), Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Eagle Rare Bourbon is a ten-year-old single barrel bourbon that has won multiple awards, including five double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more about Eagle Rare visit www.eaglerarelife.com.

Isabella’s Islay…redux

It seems that my rant last week about the Isabella’s Islay, the “World’s most expensive whisky”, has come to the attention of LBC, the folk that are producing the product. I was having a bad day, slightly worse the wear after a visit to Balvenie’s Whisky Den (of which more in a later post – …(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

http://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2011/05/isabellas-islay-redux/#more-2009

AND BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENTS AFTER THE ARTICLE!!

The Fuss