Archive for 2011

Maker’s 46 (47%, OB, +/- 2010) – American Whisky Tasting Note

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Maker’s 46 (47%, OB, +/- 2010)

Kentucky Bourbon Whisky Barrel Finished With Oak Staves. The nose is a light dusting of grains and floral notes backed with a very rich sweetness that is intoxicatingly good. There is also some fruit (more tree than berries) which adds to the whole heady experience. The taste is lashings and layers of complex flavours that roil over each other and the mind cannot keep up. Grain notes, sweetness, a little leather and bitter dark chocolate. Really very good. The finish is some black cracked pepper, cinnamon, clove, dark cold unsweetened tea and cedar planks. It goes on forever.

Fantastic.

A steal at $55

Score 90 points

WHISKYBLENDER.COM THE HOME OF YOUR OWN WHISKY! – Scotch Whisky News

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WHISKYBLENDER.COM THE HOME OF YOUR OWN WHISKY!

November 2011 In an industry that has been around for at least 500 years it seems there is still room for innovation. For the first time, people will be able to construct their very own blend of Scotch whisky online thanks to a new website: www.whiskyblender.com

This new website is aimed at educating the consumer and creating a fun and accessible way for people to enjoy Scotland’s national drink, by allowing users to choose from a list of specially selected whiskies to create, label and purchase their own Bottle of Blended or Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. All of which will be done in Scotland.

The concept for the website was originally conceived back in 2009 by two young whisky drinkers from Glasgow. With the economy stalling and demand for whisky growing they decided that the idea was too good to put off for any longer and set about building the website.

“We’re both seasoned whisky drinkers and recognise how incredible the Master Blenders are in developing the iconic brands that exist today, we don’t expect people to be able to create whiskies like those guys, with WhiskyBlender it’s a bit of fun to create something that will taste good but is also unique to the user! ” Drew Nicolson, Creative Director.

The whiskies used for the blend are specially selected for their distinct flavour profiles. Each whisky has been tasted by whisky expert John Lamond (Keeper of the Quaich/Master of Malt) who has supplied the accompanying tasting notes to help guide the user to their own perfect blend. He also has contributed to the ‘whisky school’ an ongoing project of short educational videos that will become an integral part of the WhiskyBlender website.

It is hoped the website will be another layer in the global Scotch Whisky arsenal that will help promote and educate people around the world on the subject of Scotch Whisky . The final presentation will include the hand written Label and Premium Decanter including wooden topped stopper. Pricing is expected to be between £35 – £60 per bespoke bottle.

On sale from 25th November 2011, available for Xmas whilst stock lasts!

For more information please contact: info@whiskyblender.com

WhiskyBlender.com is a supporter of drinkaware.co.uk and encourages responsible enjoyment of alcohol.

www.whiskyblender.com

http://www.facebook.com/whiskyblender

MCLEANSCOTLAND “Official Tour Agent” for Whisky Live Dublin 2012 – Whiskey News

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M C L E A N S C O T L A N D
W H I S K Y    T O U R S    T O    R E M E M B E R

MCLEANSCOTLAND have been awarded “Official Tour Agent” for whisky live Dublin 2012. A great honour after a lot of hard work, research and event planning. They believe it is the first time a tour company have been awarded such a title in the whisky trade. Add all this to their growing reputation and more awards (Clan Gillean USA for example) and you begin to understand what they are all about – perfection, knowledge, service and fun, in all their tours. Truly a grand combination.

The Perth based whisky tour company have had an excellent year, a minimum of one whisky tour per month, rising to six in May! Apart from whisky tours, they offer every tour possible, lochs and glens, castles, food, golf and … of course a mix of whisky and anything else!
The tours have taken them to Islay, Mull, Arran, Jura, Orkney and Skye distilleries (the Islands) plus the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside, (with one distillery in both Low and Highlands) even sneaking in an Irish trip. How many distilleries they visit in any one year is anyone’s guess! With so many excellent trade contacts, they even visit distilleries closed to the public. Their whisky dinners and evening tastings are a superb example of “bringing a taste of Scotland to the masses”.

Apart from their Russian clients, they bring groups from USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Isles, Netherlands, Germany, even England, Far East, Middle East, France and Ukraine. The final tours of the year (December) are from Sweden and South Africa. This last tour is a prize for lucky whisky lovers from South Africa winning a competition by Brandhouse and Diageo, “we are happy working with them” said Paul. Somehow they also found time to attend whisky festivals!

For 2012 many tours are already booked in, once again from all over the world, with tours also in the can for Pernod Ricard all over Speyside. They been described as “The best whisky tour company”. For all readers looking to travel to Scotland or Ireland in 2012, you can find no one better to look after you than MCLEANSCOTLAND.

Quotes;

I think it was really the best vacation of mine – ever. This was a VERY impressive tour – lots of great sightseeing places of Scotland, beautiful castles and the most important – wonderful 36 whisky distilleries (with 21 full-scale distillery tours – I have counted them all ! The tour was truly fabulous – perfectly planned, greatly executed, every little detail was considered. This was a whisky tour of my dream – a truly marvellous experience for a true whisky lover like me ! And I very much appreciate your highly professional approach, your vast historical and folklore knowledge, your lovely sense of humour. I would have no hesitations in recommending mcleanscotland as the best Scotland tour operator (esp. whisky tour!)! I look forward to visiting Scotland with my wife next year – and only on YOUR tour! Timofei Prokopov CFO, Vice President, Finance & Investments,”Protek” Russia

On behalf of all I can say we will treasure this trip as a unique experience of the whisky world. I have been bragging about this trip already at work, they all envy us. For us, this trip was more than we all imagined. We feel that we have seen Scotland in a way only possible with a guide like you. The scenery of this whisky tour was beautiful, the wonderful boat trip to Islay, the nature, the historical places and as special treat the Doune castle where Monty Python made their first feature movie. For me this made the whisky tour just perfect. Your knowledge of whisky and all details attached to it really made it a special trip which I can recommend to all. The different distilleries, the history behind it, the visit to the cooperage, your network allowing access to closed distilleries and the tastings of very special whiskies at different locations was just beyond belief (and taste). I personally thought this trip would make all clear and that at the end I would be able to say what my personal favourite whisky’s would be. Well the conclusion is simple; thanks to you I have to conclude that not only whisky is a more diverse product I ever imagined and that there is more to whisky then Islay whisky in Speyside excellent whisky’s are made. The adventure has just begun! Marc

Contact Liz and Paul at whisky@mcleanscotland.com or check out www.mcleanscotland.com If more whisky were needed, they also run www.angelswhiskyclub.com

The WHISKYBASE SHOP Is Now Open! – Whisky News

The WHISKYBASE SHOP is now open!

Look at http://shop.whiskybase.com and be one of the first to order from all we have to offer.

Already we have more than a hundred whiskies available and we will keep adding new whiskies
regularly.

In addition to Original and Independent bottlings, we will also carry joint bottlings and our own
bottlings. ARCHIVES is the name of our own bottlings.

ARCHIVES stands for quality whisky for a fair price. Especially for the opening of the shop we
have selected four beautiful whiskies. Together they are the Inaugural Release.

Strathmill 1974 Arc
EURO 169.95

Littlemill 1989 Arc
EURO 119.95

Clynelish 1997 Arc
EURO 64.95

Caol Ila 2000 Arc
EURO 59.95

The Whisky-Fässle bottled 3 great whiskies as a joint bottling for WHISKYBASE
Check this out !

Bunnahabhain 1968 WhF
EURO 205.00

Caperdonich 1972 WhF
EURO 195.00

Glencadam 1974 WhF
EURO 155.00

 

WHISKYBASE is the importer of Silver Seal in the Netherlands
Some of their exclusive whiskies:

Bowmore 1995 SS
EURO 110.00

Bunnahabhain 1968 SS
EURO 274.00

Imperial 1991 SS
EURO 140.00

Mortlach 1997 SS
EURO 75.00

 

We were looking for the best bottlers and found another one:

Glen Garioch 1989 AC
EURO 69.00

Ledaig 1972 AC
EURO 195.00

Longmorn 1999 AC
EURO 47.50

 

and another:

Craigellachie 2002 vW
EURO 36.00

Dalmore 1990 vW
EURO 49.75

Fettercairn 1995 vW
EURO 36.00

Glencadam 1972 vW
EURO 129.95

 

and another:

Auchroisk 1981 CWC
EURO 130.00

Deanston 1998 CWC
EURO 55.00

Glenallachie 1971 CWC
EURO 180.00

And many, many more …

THE BOWMORE TWEED SAVILE ROW EXPERIENCE – Scotch Whisky News

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THE BOWMORE TWEED SAVILE ROW EXPERIENCE

The ultimate luxury Christmas gift for the Single Malt whisky-drinking gentleman

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky is collaborating with esteemed Savile Row tailor, Malcolm Plews to create the ultimate premium Christmas gift; a bespoke tailoring session where gents will be fitted with a made-to-measure Bowmore Tweed jacket followed by an in-depth one to one whisky tasting with a Bowmore expert on the range of perfectly balanced, warm and smoky Bowmore whiskies.

The package, which retails at £3,000, also includes first class travel to London from anywhere in the UK, a night’s stay for two at the Malmaison Clerkenwell, and lunch for two at the undeniably chic Sartoria restaurant, Savile Row. A bottle of Bowmore 15YO and whisky glasses complete the package and are issued to the recipient with details of the package just in time for Christmas Day.

Like Bowmore, Malcolm Plews is renowned for creating products of the highest quality and craftsmanship. With over 40 years experience, Malcolm provides the ultimate bespoke tailoring experience from the home of British tailoring. Positioned in the heart of Mayfair, central London, Savile Row tailors have long epitomised the well-dressed man. Malcolm fits and cut all his suits on the premises. Each jacket will take two fitting sessions to complete.

The Bowmore Tweed echoes the brand’s heritage and provenance. Made from the finest British wool, the Tweed has been produced in conjunction with Gordon and Sheila Covell, owners of the Islay Woollen Mill, whose designs have featured in Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart!!

The colour palette is routed in Bowmore’s core, Islay, with the blue inspired by the wild waves of Loch Indaal that surround Bowmore distillery and its legendary No.1 vaults, where the remarkable whiskies spend their long lives. The grey mirrors Islay’s slate and heather on the island and the burnt orange signifies the giant copper still of the Bowmoredistillery as well as the amber colour of the perfectly balanced warm and smoky spirit. ! In addition to bespoke Tweed jackets, Bowmore Tweed is also available in rugs and scarves

The Bowmore Tweed Savile Row Experience is available from www.singlemaltwhiskyshop.com  at RRP £3,000.

For more information visit www.bowmore.com/

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Notes:

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay single malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Legend

• Bowmore 12 Years Old

• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (sherry cask finished)

• Bowmore 18 Years Old

• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries.

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The Famous Grouse Trip of a Lifetime – Scotch Whisky News

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Dear Famous Friend,

Win a trip of a lifetime…

The past year has been full of celebrations for The Famous Grouse as we mark 30 years as Scotland’s favourite whisky and now we’d love to invite you to join in.

As you know we recently launched The Famous Grouse Celebration Blend presented in a limited edition Wade decanter to honour the occasion. With only 10,000 available worldwide, the decanter is set to become a much cherished collector’s item. Made by world leading ceramic makers, Wade, it features three unique illustrations of the iconic grouse taking flight painted exclusively for the decanter by the famous British wildlife artist, Rodger McPhail – the artist who also drew the much loved red grouse.

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This new liquid is the first special blend that Gordon Motion has created since he assumed the role of Master Blender, and contains whisky from the year The Famous Grouse became Scotland’s number one. With the trademark smoothness of The Famous Grouse, the celebration blend has a soft mellow taste with hints of vanilla and blood orange and a light smokiness.

Now, The Famous Grouse would like to invite you to take part in the 30th anniversary celebration, and is giving one lucky blog reader the chance to win a luxury weekend trip to the spiritual home of The Famous Grouse – The Famous Grouse Experience – in Perthshire, Scotland. There, they will receive the decanter and learn how Scotland’s favourite whisky is made before creating their very own blend. For more details on the prize and how to enter visit the blog.

The past year has been full of celebrations for The Famous Grouse as we mark 30 years as Scotland’s favourite whisky and now we’d love to invite you to join in.

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The Ultimate Christmas Gift…

Tired of trying to find the perfect personalised gift for a loved one this Christmas? If so then we have the ideal present for you – The Famous Grouse’s unique labelling system allows you to customise a bottle of Scotland’s favourite whisky, by adding a name to the front label, plus a personalised message to the back – the perfect festive gift with your very own personal touch added. Available to UK customers only.

Available at
www.thefamousgrouse.com
or call 01764 657025 / 01764 657025.

Yours famously,
The Famous Grouse Team

The Soho Whisky Club – Scotch Whisky News

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Soho Whisky Club

Benefits of membership

– New attractive bar in the heart of Soho incorporating large enclosed and heated terrace. Total capacity at any one time 40.

– Over 300 malts on offer, very competitively priced, including whiskies which are no longer commercially available.

– F ree WiFi.

– Any of the wide range of wines/champagnes purchased from The Vintage House can be consumed in the club for a small corkage charge of £12.00.

– Coffee and tea will be available for purchase throughout the day.

– There will be regular tutored whisky/spirit tastings (some will be free to members, others may have a cover charge). Due to limited space, tasting information will be emailed to members and places allocated on a first come first served basis.

– There will be tutored cigar appreciation sessions (weather permitting). Due to current regulations all smoking related events must have a realistic charge.

– The Club room will be available for hire to members. The number of such events will be strictly limited so as not to spoil the enjoyment of other members.

The Soho Whisky Club has been initiated to further the enjoyment of whisky and cigars in central London. The Club is part of The Vintage House which has been trading in Soho since 1944 and has decided to share the breadth of knowledge of it’s staff with fellow enthusiasts. The aim of the Club is to provide a welcoming haven for people in the trade, or people with a passion for whisky or cigars, to learn and share this experience. The Club also has the benefit of a large roof terrace so that one can enjoy a cigar in shelter and comfort during this cold season.

www.sohowhiskybar.com/

The Whisky Exchange Last Vatted Malt: Compass Box Get Reactionary – Scotch Whisky News

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Last Vatted Malt: Compass Box Get Reactionary

Dateline: 22nd November 2011. Time: 11.59pm. Venue: A secret location in London. There’s going to be a raucous party this evening – a sort of ‘pre-wake’, if you will (don’t worry, all will become clear). A fancy Soho joint will be flashmobbed by a … Continue reading >>

and….

The Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 came into force at midnight on November 22nd changing the way that Scotch Whisky must be described. The names ‘Vatted Malt’ and ‘Vatted Grain’ are being retired so boutique whisky creators Compass Box are honouring their passing with two special releases, bottled just before the deadline. They are both available now at The Whisky Exchange:

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Last Vatted Malt

1323 bottles 53.7% £175

A vatting of 35 year old Speyside and 26 year old Islay whisky to create a rich and smoky memorial.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-15770.aspx

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Last Vatted Grain

297 bottles 46% £130

A combination of grain whiskies from Invergordon, Carsebridge, Port Dundas and Cameron Bridge.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-15787.aspx

For our tasting notes and more details of Last Vatted Malt day see the posts from Tim F and Billy over on our blog:

http://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2011/11/last-vatted-malt-compass-box-get-reactionary/  (As seen above)

http://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2011/11/compass-boxs-last-vatted-grain/

We also have an FAQ from Compass Box’s John Glaser explaining the changes and how they affect their whiskies:

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/D-530.aspx

While those two are amongst the finest whiskies we’ve tasted this year, we’ve been keeping an eye on all of the releases to bring you a list of our Top 20 Whiskies of 2011http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/D-528.aspx

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Jim McEwan Master Class in Belgium (Leuven) on December 9th, 2011 – Scotch Whisky News

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Jim McEwan Master Class in Belgium (Leuven) on December 9th, 2011

On Friday December 9th, Fulldram will organize, in cooperation with The Nectar, a tasting with the one and only Jim McEwan, on what will probably be his last visit to Belgium.

For those of you who don’t know Jim: he’s an Ileach, born and bred on Islay, and a true legend in today’s whisky world. A former Distillery Manager at Bowmore and current Master Distiller at Bruichladdich, he started in the whiskybusiness as an apprentice cooper at Bowmore distillery when he was only 15, and has an accumulated experience of almost 50 years in the industry. There are few people with a whisky knowledge as impressive as his and there are even fewer people that elaborate on whisky as passionate as he does. A must see!

The whiskies Jim will be presenting are all true gems:

· Bruichladdich 5y, 50%, Murray McDavid by Jim Murray, for the 5th anniversary of The Nectar, enhanced in Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes casks, 500 bottles
· Bruichladdich 18y 1992 Calvados finish, 46%, OB 2011 for The Nectar, 270 bottles
· Bunnahabhain 33y 1976/2010, 49%, Murray McDavid, Celtic Heartlands, 465 bottles
· Caol Ila 30y 1980/2010, 51.9%, Murray McDavid, Celtic Heartlands, 1017 bottles
· Glenlivet 33y 1977/2010, 47.7%, Murray McDavid, Celtic Heartlands, 1358 bottles
· Bruichladdich 32y 1977/2010 ‘MCMLXXVII’, 47.4%, OB, DNA2, 844 bottles

Don’t miss the opportunity and join us on December 9th 2011 at 8 p.m. in ‘Sportoase’, Philipssite 6, 3001 Leuven.

Price: 60 euro

Register for this unique event via email at whisky@fulldram.be. Beware: your registration is only final upon payment of 60 euro to bank account 063-4514511-69 (IBAN: BE71 0634 5145 1169, BIC: GKCCBEBB). Please mention ‘McEwan’, your full name, email address and phone number as communication with your payment.

Sláinte!
www.fulldram.be

Federal Wines & Spirits The Cyber Monday Sale – Scotch Whisky News

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Monday, November 28th, 2011
The Cyber Monday Sale

The Way It Works:

You need not come to the store!! Order by email or phone.
Prices good til tonight Midnight only or available stock is sold.

First come, first served.
Some items will not be ready for pickup or shipping until Tuesday.
Call before coming in.

Payment Must be Made with Order
Sale is for Pickup or One Delivery to one location only by Sat Dec 3

Malts

Longmorn 30 Year Old: The Distillery derives its name from the Gaelic Lhanmorgund: Place of the holy man. Simply precious the nose is truly heaven from the highlands. While the site of the distillery may be blessed, so rarely are we mere malt-lovers blessed with the opportunity to try this single-malt.

This majestic whisky pours a dark amber. Exhibiting elegant sherry the focus is on rum raisin. The suggestion of christmas spices on the nose confesses the nobility of its age. Not be dominated, however, the true character of the distillery makes itself known in the form of sweet shortbread and flambéed bananas. Water enriches the mouth-feel to sinful levels.
Gordon & Macphail Longmorn 30 Y.O. – $225 – $175-6 available

Glenmorangie 10 Y.O. – $41.99 – $36.99 – 12 Gift sets available. Gift sets include the addition of 3 50mL bottles – 1 of each of the following scotches, also available seperately as full bottles.

Glenmorangie La Santa – $52.99 – $47.99 – 6 available

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – $52.99 – $47.99 – 6 available

Glenmorangie Nector D’ Or – $71.99 – $64.99– 8 available

Federal Wine & Spirits
————————
Email: info@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/


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