First of all we’d like to thank everyone who managed to make it to last month’s Compass Box tasting. We certainly enjoyed John’s fantastic tutelage, and it was brilliant to see so many new faces at one of our events.
 
With St. Patrick’s Day looming, and following the huge success of our tasting with Cooley in March last year, we have decided to celebrate in style with a whiskey tasting evening hosted by Ed McAvoy from Irish Distillers Limited (the wonderful people responsible for such Irish classics as Redbreast, Jameson and Midleton).

 
Irish Distillers Tasting at The Whisky Exchange, Vinopolis
Monday 21st March, 7:00pm
 
For this tasting evening, Ed will be taking us through the history of Irish Whiskey with half a dozen expressions from the IDL range, hopefully clearing up many of the common misconceptions surrounding one of the world’s most popular whisk(e)y-producing countries. For those of you who are relatively new to whisky, Irish styles tend to be a little bit softer in character than their Scottish counterparts, and are typically distilled three times for a lighter spirit character.
 
Due to room constraints we were not able to host this tasting on St. Patrick’s Day itself, so we’ve rescheduled it for Monday 21st March at TWE Vinopolis, meeting at 6.45pm. Tickets are priced at £25.00 per person, and as always are limited to 2 places per booking. They will be available from 3:00pm on Monday 14th March by calling us on +44 (0)207 403 8688 with payment details. The tasting itself should last no more than 2 hours. 
 

World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky

Hi everyone,

As many of you already know, I was in London last week judging this year’s World Whiskies Awards and what a great day it turned out to be!

The venue for the event was London’s Honourable Artillery Club, where a number of panellists and 21 whiskies met for a final round of nosing and tasting.

We…(click on the link below to read the rest of the post).…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/03/world-whiskies-awards-and-icons-of-whisky/

Kind regards,
Ludo

Expo Update

Countdown to WoW … only 3 weeks to go!!!!

With the days flying by we want to bring you up to date on some of the amazing spirits and features you will find at the 12th annual WOW Expo in San Francisco, Saturday night March 26, 2011 on board the docked San Francisco Belle. Three ballroom sized decks of whiskies and features, music and food with an open air top deck looking out over the Bay.

PURCHASE TICKETS http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/store/index.php

Since you KNOW we’ll be following up with a list of whiskies that will make your mouth water, we’ll tease you a bit and talk first about some of the great fun at the show other than what you will sample and nose….

Let’s begin with the outrageously educational and FUN Masterclasses presented by the stars of the whisky world. How better to begin the evening than to sign up NOW on line at the website for one of these space limited experiences? You’ll get up close and personal with Master Distillers and Blenders of some of the world’s most remarkable spirits as well as having an opportunity to see and hear a debate panel of experts. All the Masterclasses are very space limited and should be signed up for in advance.  Click through and check out your incredible options…this isn’t fair! It’s too hard to choose!!!

In case you can’t wait for Expo night itself, remember that the Expo has pre show evenings for you to enjoy starting on Thursday March 24th. Details on the site…but here’s an example: Join the man that so many acknowledge as the world’s greatest nose, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore. Richard will be at The Whisky Shop, 360 Sutter Street for bottle and book signings from 4-5:30 pm, Friday March 25th. And…if you can’t get enough of Richard, sign up for his Expo masterclass and sample a range of some of the most extraordinary whiskies you’ll ever experience under the tutelage of a grand master!

Onto the whiskies and some wonderful palate pleasers of the culinary type as well…

Tired of being told that blends are inferior to single malts?  Check out Hankey Bannister’s range of hand blended Scotch whisky. From 12 all the way to 40 year old bottlings, these blends will turn your head and change your mind!

Curious about the micro-distilling explosion in the USA? Meet and talk with one of the most intrepid gents in the industry. Rick Wasmund’s is the classic tale of a man who threw away the corporate life to chase his dream, build a single malt distillery (in Virginia of all places!!) and make a name for himself and his spirits…as well as his unique aging process. Wasmund’s Single Malt from Copper Fox Distillery will be an adventure on the palate for any whisky lover. And Rick will talk to you all night , if you like, about his passion for distilling and life on the US whisky trail!  Be sure to ask him about his whisky-van…a distillery away from a distillery on the road!

Are you one of the many cigar lovers at the Expo? If so, don’t miss the Sip/Smoke/Savor booth where whisky, chocolate and cigars come together in the ultimate blending of taste experiences.

So many whiskies, so little time…but be certain to join Wild Geese for yet another great Irish whiskey experience new to the US market. Remember when Irish whiskey was just Irish whiskey? Nowadays the variation and quality are profound and one could spend an entire Expo night just exploring the gems of the Emerald Isle. From the early submission it looks like Wild Geese alone will be pouring at least six variations on their bottlings!  That’s not it for the Irish… Satiate your taste buds also with Bushmills, Michael Collins, Mickey Finn, …

Tasty snacks for Whisk(e)y pairing

Back again with the most delicious condiment this side of  Loch Lommond…MacQuade’s Celtic Chutneys compliment spirits, as well as cheeses brought to us by Fiscalini and the unusual all natural Krave Jerky that you’ll find at the Expo. Don’t miss any of these taste delights!

California does it again

…bringing us yet another micro distilled whiskey wonder; straight from Petaluma you must try Wylie Howell’s Corn Whiskey. Another opportunity to meet an adventurous small batch distiller marching to his own drummer! The Expo has gained a reputation for bringing you the new and unusual…and here we go again!   Wait, another one… A brand new Rye, Kuchan Dark Rye Whiskey from Old World Spirits of Belmont. Listen to Davorin Kuchan as he is interviewed by Gene Burns. (March 19. KGO talkradio AM810 10:am – 1:pm Dining Around with Gene Burns)

Comparison Tasting with Independent Bottlers

For the 12th Annual WoW Expo we bring you an in depth look at Independent Bottling with the ever lovable and brilliant Ed Kohl. Ed brings us a Masterclass filled with everything you could possibly want to learn about the process of cask selection, barrel knowledge and expertise including just how indie bottlers source and choose their cask, and more. And of course…Ed will take you through a heavenly comparison tasting! Remember… SIGN UP IN ADVANCE. http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/wow_apps/

We’ll leave you here to dream of Expo eve and hope you’ll be bringing friends and co workers who have never before experienced this greatest of whisky events!
Slainte!

Speaker Classes: Sign-up on-line

Once again we are offering you the opportunity to attend some unforgettable Masterclasses with the stars of the spirits world! *****Please note that the first round of classes starts at 6:00 which  is the same time as general admission opens. If you sign up for a 6:00 class, you can bypass the general admission queue and go straight to the class.

Sign up on-line to guarantee a spot. Please be at class 5 minutes early to guarantee your seat.

6:00 pm Simon Brooking (Laphroaig) “Where Whisky Meets the Cask”.
6:00 pm Steven Beal(Classic Malts) “Walking through the Regions of Scotland”.
7:15 pm Richard Patterson(The Dalmore) “Learn from the Nose”
7:15 pm Ed Kohl (Impex Beverages) “Independent Bottlers-Who Are They?”
8:30 pm Chip Tate(Balcones), Rick Wasmund (Wasmund’s), Andrew Webber (Corsair Artisan), Bryan Schultz (Rough Stock)  “Wonders of Craft Distilling”
8:30 pm Tim Wong (Rocky Patel), Surprise Guest, “Cigars and Whisky –A Perfect Combination”
Details and sign-ups http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/wow_apps/index.php

The WoW Team

Glenfarclas Single-Malt Scotch Tasting with George Grant
Monday, March 14th 4:30 & 6:00 PM

Glenfarclas Distillery

Joe writes,

Given the speed with which our Dinner/Masterclass sold out, we’ve decided to add two in-store tastings with George Grant, at no charge. He’ll join us in tasting through the range of single-malts offered by this venerable distillery. Glenfarclas is one of the last family-owned distilleries in Scotland, going strong for six generations, and we’re honored to have a member of the family celebrate their 175th anniversary here with us. What a country! Those attending will have to opportunity to purchase bottles to be signed by Mr. Grant, and will likely hear some great stories. This opportunity is not to be missed, as I’m sure stories of this event will be told for many years to come. Stocks of some bottles may be limited at the time of the event, so we will be taking pre-orders if you would like a bottle to be signed by Mr. Grant.

We’ll taste the following whiskies:

Glenfarclas NAS “105” 60% Regularly: $87.99 Sale: $78.99

Glenfarclas 12 Y.O. 43% Regularly: $55.99 Sale: $49.99

Glenfarclas 17 Y.O. 43% Regularly: $104.99 Sale: $94.99

Glenfarclas 21 Y.O. 43% Regularly: $127.99 Sale: $114.99

Glenfarclas 25 Y.O 43% Regularly: $179.99 Sale: $159.99

…and we may get a wee taste of a whisky we feel is so special, we would award it Single-Malt Scotch Whisky of the Year, if we gave such an award; and we have a feeling we’re not alone.

Also available for sale at the tasting will be the Glenfarclas 40 Y.0. 46% Unchill-filtered which was just awarded Single Malt Scotch-Whisky of the Year by Malt Advocate Magazine. Regularly: $549.99 Sale: $474.99

Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits

——————————————————————————–

Email: joe@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

The Final Manager’s Legacy and Sherry Octaves

Manager’s Legacy

The final release in this popular series of single cask bottling is now available. The idea behind the series was to celebrate the contribution of the managers who had created the spirit that we are now bottling, which I believe is something that is often overlooked when new products are developed. It is much easier just to use the present day incumbent even though he will have had no contribution to the original spirit.

During my time with Highland Distilleries in the 1980’s I had had the privilege of knowing and working with three of these managers and so wanted to do something that meant their story lived on and the most fitting way of doing this was to chose one cask from each of their respective periods of being in charge and then bottle the whisky.

The first two releases in the series “Dod Cameron” and “Jim Cryle” are now both sold out, while the third one “Bert Forsyth” was released in January. I did not know Bert previously but  met him during the research for the project and he still lives in Rothes, in the heart of Speyside and continues his interest in Glenglassaugh. I instantly liked him and found his story fascinating and I think that the whisky which is fruity and complex is a fitting tribute to him.

Walter Grant  is the man who as Production Director of Highland, employed me in my first distillery management role when he took a chance on a 28 year old to become the manager of Highland Park in 1984. He is no longer with us but I believe that the 43 year old whisky which was chosen from a 1968 cask with its sherry influence and elegant qualities sums up his character and I am sure that he would have enjoyed it.

Walter Grant Retirement 1986

Jim Cryle (2nd Left Middle Row), Dod Cameron (with glasses, 4th Left Middle Row),Stuart Nickerson (with beard beside Dod), Walter Grant (seated front row with decanter).

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die

A great little book that has taken on an almost cult status as many people are working their way through all of the whiskies in the book. We feature 3 times in the book with the 26 Year Old and “The Spirit Drink That Dare Not Speak Its Name” in the main list while Ian also states in the forward that he would have liked to include the Glenglassaugh 40 Year Old (original single cask bottling which won the IWSR Best 40 Year Old Trophy in 2009) but the price of the product was above that which he wanted for products in the list.

I am very pleased that the book has done so well because I also found it very easy to read and very enjoyable and because I like Ian and he deserves the success.

An Opportunity to Purchase Special Octaves.

Following a number of requests, we can now offer ex-Sherry Octaves for filling. These will be priced at £100.00 more than the existing Octaves which means £600.00 for non-peated spirit and £700.00 for peated spirit.

They are being delivered direct from Spain and consequently there is a long delivery time with the casks only arriving around 4 months after we place the order.

If you are interested in one of these Octaves then please let us know by the end of March, at which time we will place a bulk order. We have modified the order form and it is now available for download from the website.

Slange

Stuart

Visi Glenglassaugh Distillery and Stuart’s blog at http://www.glenglassaugh.com/News/Blog/?p=417 

Glenlivet 70 Year Old 1940

The World’s Oldest Bottled Single Malt Whisky

The world’s oldest whisky ever released – a Glenlivet aged for an absolutely extraordinary 70 years. This is a truly record-breaking single malt.

£13,000 -70cl Decanter

http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenlivet-70-year-old-1940-whisky/

There is also a 20cl version available for £3200.
 
£3200 -20cl Decanter
 
 http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/glenlivet-70-year-old-1940-20cl-whisky/

Whisky Live – thanks to those who came and thanks for the award!

Fantastic weekend at Whisky Live in London – lovely to meet so many of you (and as always nice to put real names to people who don’t have their own name as their Twitters name – though I’m one to talk with @the_nose), great to see so many people interested in whisky, being curious about what Whyte & Mackay have planned for the year and interest in Shackleton’s whisky. (There’s some nice pictures of the event, taken by Michel-Francois Hill, here (on facebook).)

It was also very touching to be named an Icon of Whisky by Whisky Magazine and awarded Whisky Ambassador of the Year and thanks to everyone who voted for me. It’s especially nice because everyone is an ambassador for whisky really. If you’re reading this, you’re probably an ambassador for whisky. I’ll bet you’ve shared a dram, helped answer questions about whisky (I hope you told them ‘no ice’), tried new drams and experimented with various expressions and shared your thoughts on them.

Nonetheless, thank you very much. But there’s no pause for praise with me! I’m now off to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for a few days. I’ll try and get some pics up here, Twitters or Facebook. Until then, SLAINTE!

(Before I forget – The Edinburgh Whisky Blog lads are having a charity night in Edinburgh on March 16 at The White Horse Pub for Marie Curie – and apparently there’s a free dram in it.).

Canadian Club 1.75L…$16.99
Canadian Mist 1.75L…$16.99
Chivas Regal Scotch…$17.99
Crown Royal…$18.99
Dewar’s 12 Year Old…$19.99
Evan Williams Bourbon…$19.99
Glenlivet 12 Year Old…$27.99
Jack Daniels Black 1.75L…$34.99
Jim Beam Bourbon 1.75L…$21.99
Johnnie Walker Black Label…$25.99
Johnnie Walker Red Label 1.75L…$26.99
Maker’s Mark Bourbon…$21.99
Southern Comfort 1.75L…$21.99

*Prices valid W/Binny’s Card March 9 through March 15, 2011. Not responsible for misprints or typographical errors.  Sizes 750ml unless otherwise stated. Advertised items limited to quantities on hand.
 
Don’t forget to use your Binny’s Card! Get discounts on mixed case wine purchases and work towards a 2% rebate on every $500 of eligible purchases. Get your free card at a Binny’s near you.

Visit Binny’s at www.binnys.com

JAPANESE whisky – and specifically that made by SUNTORY – was the big winner in this year’s World Whisky Awards organised by Whisky Magazine. The two major categories, Best Single Malt in the World and Best Blend in the World were both won by the Japanese whisky maker with Yamazaki 1984 and Hibiki 21yo respectively, the first time in the history of the competition that a single distiller has taken both of the top prizes.

A team of international judges of writers, retailers, distillers and blenders from UK, US, Canada, France, Germany and Japan tasted whiskies ‘blind’ over two rounds to first discern sub-category, then category winners.

Yamazaki 1984, for example, first had to triumph in its age category within Japanese single malts and then against all other Japanese single malt sub-category winners to become the best Japanese single malt winner.

In the final round, it was pitched against all the other single malt sub-category winners: Springbank 12yo, Auchentoshan 1998, Glenmorangie Signet, Glenfarclas 40yo, Bowmore Tempest, Highland Park 25yo, Redbreast 15yo, Bushmills 16yo and Kavalan Solist.

“Undoubtedly this was the highest quality final round we have seen yet in the WWA,” said Dave Broom, chairman of the judges. “All the whiskies there were superb examples of their region and style and to take the top prize was a major achievement. For one distiller to take both prizes is a phenomenal achievement and shows the world the quality which exists within Japanese whisky. This achievement will send a clear message around the world – Japanese whisky is a force to be reckoned with.”

In the blended malt category, Glenmorangie’s James Martin’s 30yo beat the incumbent champion Takesturu 21yo, while the best overall North American whisky was Parker’s Heritage. The top Canadian was Wiser’s Legacy and Greenore 15yo retained its title as the World’s Best grain.

Spey Cast 12yo (40%, James Gordon & Co, +/-2010)

Who’s’ heard of Spey cast and James Gordon & Co., Elgin? Well, we’ve been told they are owned by Gordon & MacPhail who are also in located Elgin and a quick search of the G&M website reveals that Spey Cast won a Silver Award in the 1982 and 1985 International Spirit Competition. In any case Richard Joynson of Loch Fyne Whiskies notes that it is “One of my favourite blends, very fruity and quite thick for a blend. Ace.” The nose reveals some heaviness in the form of rich fruit, hints of barley dust and some sweetness quickly followed by some wood notes. After a few minutes in the glass some citrus notes emerge. The taste is gentle at first but then the flavour rises up, very honeyed, fruit, some citrus, sparkling malt and some good grains in the back ground but not over whelming.  All in balance and very good. Warming, really very nice. Now a moment of definitive orange. Take a really big mouthful, lots of happiness here. The finish is gentle but still with all the previously described flavours and it’s quite long and continues to be very good.

A lot of value for the money

£21 at Loch Fyne Whiskies.

Score 87 points