Visit Single Malts Direct at www.singlemaltsdirect.com

Hankey Bannister 40 Year Old wins “World’s Best Scotch Blended Whisky”

Once again, Hankey Bannister 40 Year Old has been awarded the coveted title of the World’s Best Blended Scotch at the World Whisky Awards, having taken this title in 2008, then going on to win the World’s Best Blended Whisky in 2009.

300 whiskies battled over three tasting rounds for the coveted title of the “2011 Best Whiskies in the World”. Three intensive rounds of blind tastings were carried out by the Whisky Magazine’s independent editorial panel drawn from the best journalists and retailers across the world, and also by industry representatives made up of master blenders, distillers and brand ambassadors in the final round. The winners of the “2011 World Whiskies Awards” were announced at a dinner at the Waldorf, Hilton Hotel, in London last week.

Hankey Bannister 40 Years Old is an intricate and sophisticated blended Scotch whisky specially selected to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Hankey Bannister partnership.

This precious blend contains some of the world’s rarest and most extraordinary whiskies, such as Garnheath, Killyloch and Glen Flagler, whose distilleries are now no more.

The blends were skillfully hand-selected at 6 years old; this unique and exceptional blend was then re-racked into  ex-sherry Spanish oak casks, which lay quietly maturing at the back of the warehouses until our Master Blender, Stuart Harvey, re-discovered them 34 years later.

Such is the rarity of this precious liquid that there exists only 1,917 crystal decanters of Hankey Bannister 40 Years Old, beautifully packaged in a keep-sake dark brown box with Glencairn crystal glasses.

The Hankey Bannister brand dates back to 1757 when Messrs Hankey and Bannister formed the successful partnership that created a smooth and complex blend of premium scotch whiskies which was awarded royal warrants under King George V and Edward VII. Today Hankey Bannister continues to charm an ever-growing number of consumers with their portfolio of the Original blend, 12 year old, 21 year old and 40 year old blended Scotch whisky, distilled at some of Scotland’s finest distilleries.

Hankey Bannister is the focus brand within International Beverage’s ever growing portfolio of blended Scotch whisky, selling over 230,000 cases a year in over 50 countries.  International Beverage Holdings was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the distillation, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the production, distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

The brands include:

 Chang Beer: one of the most popular beers in Thailand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: the ‘the Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Single Malts Scotch Tasting Seminar at Redwood City

Special Price: $35.00, 2 for $65.00, 4 for $120.00
Regular Price: $40.00

WINEGLOBE invites you to a Single Malt Scotch Tasting & Seminar on Wednesday, March, 23rd 2011 at 6:30PM in the SURAJ Indian Cuisine (Banquets Hall) in Redwood City.

Special guest Ed Kohl ImpEx National Sales Manager/Partner

Space is limited. Please make your reservations 650-298-8548   vijay@wineglobe.com

Following Representative Single Malts Scotch will be presented:

1. Ian MacLeod’s Isle of Skye 8 yrs old “The Blend that thinks it’s a Single Malt”. 94 points by Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2011.
2. Smokehead Islay Single Malt (a mystery distillery) 92 points by Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2011. Gold Medal winner in both BTI 2010 and San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2010.
3. Kilchoman Newest Islay Distillery. Malt Advocate Award for Best Artisan Whisky of the Year
4. Chieftain’s Ardmore Speyside 1992 18yrs 46.00%
5. Chieftain’s Glendullan Speyside 1999 11yrs 46.00% l
6. Chieftain’s Mortlach (Sherry) Cask Strength Speyside 1995 15yrs 55.20%
7. Chieftain’s Strathisla Speyside 2000 10yrs 46.00%
8. Chieftain’s Teaninich Cask Strength Highland 1982 28yrs 46.80%
9. Amrut Single Malt Whisky 46.00 %

Get Answers To The Questions:

 Why is Scotch whisky made only in Scotland?
 Why does Scotch whisky taste smoky?
 Why are single malts more expensive?
 Why do single malts differ in taste?
 Is older whisky always better?
 Does water really intensify the whisky flavor?
 Why are single malts so popular now?
 How long can single malts be stored?
 Why do single malts vary in color?
 What does “cask-strength” mean?

Sullivans Cove NAS ‘Cask Strength American Oak (60%, OB, Bourbon, C#HH0602, 222 Bts, D’ 21/2/2001 B’ 10/09/2009)

‘Distilled with conviction’ A strong citrus nose almost concentrated in character, very different from scotch along with hints of pine and Marmite. Orange, pine Marmite and hidden well below all this activity is some shy malt. It’s quite strong and there’s also moments of hot buttered popcorn and gun oil. And hints of green malt. There’s a lot going on in the glass, quite extraordinary. This call for water; now there is increased popcorn and some heavy diesel notes followed by some green malt. But the buttered popcorn is every where. The taste with water is a sudden and rapid departure from the nose with some good sweetness (think of barley sugar candies) some, light malt and lots of heavy oaky notes and leather. A little of the popcorn desperately waving in the background and shouting “Don’t forget about me!” It’s much different from a Scottish malt however this is not a criticism, it just is and it’s very good. The finish is warming and long with all of the aforementioned descriptors and the conclusion is that it’s quite well balanced.

Opens up nicely with water.

$112

Score 80 points

http://www.tasmaniadistillery.com/

Hello Spirits Lovers:

Only 2 weeks to go until we’re all together toasting the night and the lights out over the Bay! Join in to explore a world of whiskies and fascinating artisanal spirits on-board the San Francisco Belle for the 12th Annual Whiskies of the World Expo, Saturday evening, March 26th 2011 in San Francisco.

The show gates open to Dram Club members at 5pm.  Next boarding is at 5:15 for VIP ticket holders and General Admission begins at 6pm.

The entrance to the venue is on the Embarcadero at Washington Street on Pier 3 through the passage signposted   ‘Hornblower Cruise Lines’. The huge 4 deck yacht alongside the rear of the dock is your destination!! Stroll down the gangplank and walk into a world of whisky wonder to begin the best night of the year….

In keeping with the elegance of the venue, we remind you that we have a dress code …not a demanding one, but it is important. So…anything from business casual to formal wear is great, but nothing that includes shorts, t-shirts or anything that would look like you were on the beach rather than attending a luxurious evening on a yacht honoring the world’s finest spirits is allowable! We truly appreciate you honoring this request-

Although all our incredible MASTERCLASSES may fill their reserved seating before showtime (go to www.whiskiesoftheworld.com to review the options and grab a free seat!) if there are any open seats, you may be able to capture one for yourself if you are at the door of the appropriate classroom at least 5 minutes before the class begins. Again, keep your eye on the website for all details on seating and availability. This is a lineup of Master Distillers, Blenders and Indie Bottlers not to be missed!

As if it isn’t enough to explore 2 full decks of tasting/sampling booths, we are also hosting 4 MIXOLOGY booths this year! Join Beam Global, Diageo, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey and the Boothby Center for an eye opening and mouthwatering sampling of cocktails.

To whet your palate in advance of the Expo, tune in to KGO for interviews on the following dates with these geniuses of the spirits world! On March 19, 12noon, join Davorin of Old World Spirits as he is interviewed on Dining Around. Then on Expo morning, March 26th, Stuart Nickerson will be the Whisky Rock-star on the airwaves.

And two more ways to get wound up for the Saturday night Expo: Thursday March 24th join Stuart Nickerson for an amazing Whisky Dinner evening (all details on our site but space is limited and you need to book it NOW) and then Friday night, our yearly Dram Club Members Gathering at Swig!!

What else can we say? This is going to be such a great evening. Check out the pour list on our website. There are so many new and exciting spirits to sample along with many old favorites and classics. The lineup of experts is extreme. Throw in great food, wonderful music and a boatload of very happy people and there is no way anyone wouldn’t want to come along to the 12th Annual WoW Expo.

We’ll see you there!!!!

More from Edinburgh on this edition, with a look at some of the key places whisky lovers seek out on a visit to Scotland’s capital. We’ll check out Royal Mile Whiskies, The Scotch Whisky Experience, and one of Edinburgh’s best whisky bars. In the news, Whyte & MacKay is about to release a replica of Shackleton’s whisky from Antarctica, Australian whisky comes to the US, an update on Japan’s distilleries after the earthquake, and much more!

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

Company History

Mr. Robert W. Duthie was the nephew of William Cadenhead, and ran William Cadenhead Ltd from 1904 until his untimely death in 1931. Mr. Duthie was also the person most responsible for building the reputation of William Cadenhead Ltd as a bottler of single malts and rum.

Duthies is a new range from Cadenhead’s that are all bottled at 46% and non chill filtered. They are all single malts but not necessarily single cask bottlings.

The old Classic regions (50% vol.) have been replaced by the Duthies Regions series that are bottled at 46% and are non chill filtered. The regions are all Vatted Malts, also known as Blended Malt whiskies.

The firm of William Cadenhead Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants, was founded in 1842 and is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. The company was in the ownership of the same family until taken over by J & A Mitchell & Co.Ltd in 1972, the proprietors of Springbank distillery.
 
The early days

For 130 years prior to this, the firm of William Cadenhead Ltd traded from the same premises in the Netherkirkgate, Aberdeen. It was what subsequently became number 47 that Mr George Duncan established himself as a vintner and distillery agent. The business prospered and in little over 10 years he was joined by his brother-in-law Mr. William Cadenhead. In 1858 Mr. Duncan died following a short illness. William Cadenhead acquired the business and changed the trading name to that of his own. Whilst not much is known of George Duncan, a great deal is on record about his brother-in-law. It must be said that this is not because of his distinction as a vintner but because he was a local poet of renown throughout the Victorian era. Born in 1819, he began working at an early age in a small thread factory where he gained a great deal of respect from his employer. From there he became an overseer in the yarn sorting department of Maberly & Co at their Broadford works, now Richards PLC. About 1853 he left the company and joined his brother-in-law as traveller for Cadenhead’s until Duncan’s death in 1858 where he acquired the business. Apart from his enviable reputation as a poet, he became a prominent citizen taking part in all aspects of local affairs during his long life.

Acquiring a worldwide reputation..

Early on Sunday morning, 11 December 1904 William Cadenhead died. He was succeeded in the business of Wine and Spirit Merchants at 47 Netherkirkgate by his nephew Robert W. Duthie. He was a quiet unassuming man, unlike his uncle, but developed what the firm became most famous for, namely single malt Scotch whisky and Demerara Rum. He advertised extensively on the back of buses, theatre curtains, concert programmes and in much else under the slogan ‘By test the Best’. In addition Mr Duthie developed Cadenhead’s brand whiskies, the de-luxe blend Putachieside and the more plebeian name The Heilanman.

Difficult times

In 1931 in the depth of the depression, the business of William Cadenhead was not in good shape financially. Mr. Duthie was on his way to a meeting with his bank manager when he was unfortunately run over by a tram car whilst crossing the street. Duthie was a batchelor but left two sisters who knew nothing about the Wine and Spirit trade but were determined that the name of William Cadenhead should survive. Responsibility was handed over to a long term employee, Miss Ann Oliver, an eccentric lady who ran the business exactly as she wanted, refusing to move with the times. However, administration was lax and several bad decisions were made during this time forcing Ms Oliver to retire and sell the business.

The turning point

Both the bonded and duty paid warehouses were full from the roof to the cellars of stock, the value of which no-one knew nor for which there were any records. In the end Christie’s who had liquidated considerable stocks of rum were contacted. The result was a two-day sale of the entire stock and was at that date the largest sale of wines and spirits ever held in Great Britain. The sale took place in London on 3rd and 4th of October 1972 and although there were many bargains, on the whole it was most successful and contrary to expectations it resulted in a six figure surplus over liabilities for the firm.

The present day

Thereafter the goodwill, premises etc. of the firm William Cadenhead were sold to J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd., proprietors of Springbank Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries still owned by descendants of its founder. The name of Cadenhead is now a household name in the whisky world, and the present owners have expanded the Cadenhead business whilst still keeping the goals and traditional methods the firm began with in 1842.

The new Duthies bottings for March 2011 with their tasting notes, the bottlings should be available at Cadenhead’s shops soon.

HIGHLAND

Aultmore 1997 13y/o 46%vol

Nose: Like a Scottish hillside on a summer day. Very lively notes of dew-soaked grass, heather and just a hint of oak.
Palate: A very flavoursome whisky. Initially peppery with hints of cumin and basil, opens out to release creamy vanilla and a pleasant malty flavour.
Finish: More oak and malt as the spices return to provide a long-lasting finish.

Clynelish 1995 15y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Creamy cappuccino at first, followed by rich, peppery butterscotch.
Palate: Boom! The flavours just explode in the mouth. Ripe fruits; bananas, melons, demerara sugar.
Finish: Gentle smoke rounds the experience off perfectly.

Glen Moray 1998 12y/o 46%vol

Nose: A sweet-tooth lovers heaven and a dentist’s nightmare! Toffee, fudge and just a little citrus and fruit developing.
Palate: Grassy and floral at first, the palate progresses to reveal flavours of pears and peaches.
Finish: Warm orange marmalade. Yum!

Highland Park 1992 18y/o 46%vol

Nose: Lemon and lime soda, blackcurrants and a touch of liquorice.
Palate: A very pleasant woody smokiness gets the tastebuds tingling as red berries, lilac and blood oranges come to the fore.
Finish: Very sweet and honeyed to complete a very complex dram.

Mortlach 1992 18y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Reassuring aromas of home baking – apple pie, rhubarb crumble and baked fruits.
Palate: Very rich and fruity at first, complemented by smooth chocolate and coconut.
Finish: Liquorice and aniseed complete a very full-bodied whisky.

ISLAY

Ardbeg 1994 16y/o 46%vol

Nose: This is unusual! Caramel, maple syrup and toffee before some of the expected smoke kicks in to remind you that you aren’t really enjoying some pancakes in a New York diner.
Palate: Here comes the peat – but not for long. The smoke gives way to more sweetness with treacle toffee, aniseed and liquorice.
Finish: Short and sweet but with just enough smoke hanging around to complete the dram.

Caol Ila 1995 15y/o 46%vol

Nose: Very sweet; gentle brine and sea salt. A touch of fresh tar.
Palate: Very reassuring. Not overpowering but subtle smoke and seaweed flavour balanced by a great oily mouthfeel.
Finish: More of the same “Islay-lite” style for a perfect winter whisky.

CAMPBELTOWN

Longrow 2001 9y/o 46%vol (sherrywood)

Nose: Your favourite desserts all in one – creme brulee, sticky toffee pudding and vanilla custard with a wee bit of creamy smoke.
Palate: Extraordinarily rich and full-bodied. Buttery and sweet with some lovely hints of toasted oak.
Finish: Coal smoke and peaty embers – very much in keeping with Longrow’s unique style.

LOWLAND

Auchentoshan 1999 11Y/O 46%vol

Nose: A fruity flavour burst. Strawberries, raspberries and a very pleasant sweet confectionary aroma.
Palate: A very gentle, sweet and delicate dram. Orange fondant, icing sugar and more strawberries.
Finish: Lingering vanilla and sugary sweetness.

www.cadenheads.dk

Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers – 

This weeks Whisky Wednesday dilemma: A chance to acquire a hard to find whisky….or a great deal on a spectacular mainstay.

What the hell…lets do both!

First up is the chance for a select few (read: those who act fast) to acquire a bottle of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, a very limited production whisky. Corryvreckan 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 Ardbeg Corryvreckan is $94.50. If you want one, make sure to buy it now. We have an inadequate amount of bottles, so limit is one bottle to a customer please.

Next is the opportunity to acquire a truly wonderful whisky, Glenmorangie Signet, at an unbeatable price. A fusion of unique and rare elements, and clouded in secrecy, Signet is a blend of Glenmorangie’s oldest whisky – distilled over thirty years ago when malting still occurred on site – and spirit matured in a selection of the world’s finest casks, this undoubtedly is the richest whisky in the Glenmorangie range. It was also named Whisky Magazine Best Highland Single Malt for 2011.

Thanks “Nicky No Neck”, we are able to offer you Glenmorangie Signet at the unbeatable price of $150.99, down from our usual price of $187.50

Finally, one last reminder that ForScotchLovers will have a booth at this years Whiskies of the World Expo on March 26th in San Francisco. Because we are participating in the show, I’m able to offer you a great discount on tickets (see below).

I hope you will take advantage of both of these offers. And if you do attend the Whiskies of the World Expo, ya better stop by our booth and say hello.

I hope to see you all there,    

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

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. 

GLENMORANGIE SIGNET

REVIEW – COURTESY OF JIM MURRY’S WHISKY BIBLE 2010

“This has to be Morangie Untraditional. An entirely different directon for this malt thick oak, intensity unique not just to the distillery but any other Highland malt I can think of, beleive me, you are in for one hell of a show.” 

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deep amber

Aroma: A strong Aruba espresso fused with a treacly plum pudding, rich with sherry, and candied orange peel.

Taste: A contrast of rich sweetness with an explosive crackle of sizzling spices and bitter mocha.

Finish: A fresh spring-like breeze of mint with a bright citrus lemony-green quality.

The Dalmore Castle Leod.

A formidable malt.

This limited edition bottling celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie. After all, it was the vision of the Mackenzie brothers that laid the foundation for the distillery’s monumental success.

Castle Leod has been home to the Caberfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, since 1606 and is located just 14 miles from the The Dalmore Distillery.

This classic Vintage 1995 expression was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary 1st cru classe Bordeaux chateau.

To find out more, visit www.thedalmore.com/castleleod or email castleleod@thedalmore.com.

Availability varies by market.

If you’d like to join The Dalmore Custodians, a select group of individuals with an appetite for exceptional single malt, please visit www.thedalmore.com and follow the links.

Grant’s in the Russian Media

Good morning,

On a recent trip to Russia, our local ambassador and I were interviewed by a number of journalists and I thought our Russian-speaking readers (and there are a few!) would enjoy reading the articles below. As always, do get in touch (in English please!) if you have any questions and don’t hesitate to recommend…(click on the link below to read the rest of the post).…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/03/grant%e2%80%99s-in-the-russian-media/

Kind regards,
Ludo