www.ralfy.com fends ooff an attack of a sherry-monster with whisky review 214 – Ben Nevis 25yo (cask 98/35/12)

Quality in Quantity as Chivas Brothers Whiskies Scoop Top Awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is celebrating after winning a covetable Trophy, an impressive five Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals and two Gold awards at this year’s prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, continued its legacy as the original and inspiring single malt by claiming the IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy for The Glenlivet Founders Reserve. Launched to mark the expansion of The Glenlivet distillery in 2010, the bottling pays tribute to the whisky’s founder George Smith and reflects the year of its foundation with the limited release of just 1,824 bottles.

Further triumph for The Glenlivet came when Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals were awarded to The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive. The brand also picked up a Gold medal for its bold and innovative expression, The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old.

Chivas Brothers’ extensive blended Scotch whisky portfolio also scooped ‘Best in Class’ Golds for Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Royal Salute 21 Year Old.

Aberlour, a leading single malt Scotch whisky in France, scooped two of the top accolades in the competition, including a Gold ‘Best in Class’ for the Aberlour Double Cask Matured 16 Year Old and Gold for the 18 Year Old expression.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted with these exceptional IWSC results, which are testament to the quality of our comprehensive portfolio of Scotch whiskies. Recognition from the IWSC’s expert panel of judges not only reinforces our position as an authority within the industry, it also highlights the craftsmanship and dedication of our master distillers and blenders.”

The IWSC was founded in 1969 to promote and reward the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Winners are selected following a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and a detailed technical analysis. The competition is backed by a group of vice-presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

International Wine and Spirit Competition Results:

The IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 21 Year Old

Gold Best in Class
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
Royal Salute 21 Year Old

Gold
The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old
Aberlour 18 Year Old

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information: Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

New Whisky & Music Festival in London 24th & 25th September,  2011
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Pure Festival is a new kind of whisky event for music and whisky lovers. Taking place at The Garage in London over two days the festival boasts an excellent line up of bands on two stages. For more information visit http://www.purefestival.com

Whiskies on offer include esteemed Scottish single malts such as Ardbeg, Talisker and AnCnoc, Irish whiskey from independent distillery Cooley and premium blends such as Whyte and Mackay and Dewar’s. Well respected whisky writer, Dominic Roskrow is curating a stand where festival goers have a chance to try some of the World Whisky Masters medal winners, featuring some sensational whiskies from around the world.

The Musical line up features whisky loving artists and some of the most innovative artists around including the Danish pop-noir of The Raveonettes, James Yorkston’s laptop folk and Electric Soft Parade’s understated, anthemic, indie-rock. Moody and marvellous madrigal maidens, Smoke Fairies are a much talked about act, former Beta Band man Steve Mason is a much revered live performer while Kassidy’s harmonious pop and Charlie Waller’s rebellious soul music make for a host of sumptuous aural delights. Newly announced are celebrated former Brit Pop man Martin Rossiter and Hatcham Social and who bring their hook heavy, killer pop songs.

A host of much talked about new artists are also on display including Electricity In Our Homes, Sissy and the Blisters, Shake Tiger Shake, Ray Edwards Group, Heart Kill Giant, Roxanne De Bastion and The Cellophane Flowers. Pure festival has collaborated with respected music promoters Fierce Panda and Rock Feedback to secure some of the most exciting names in music right now.

The festival is being organised by Whisky Social Network http://www.connosr.com and who are on a mission to bring whisky to new and wider audiences.

Pure Festival is the perfect event if you love your music and want to dive deeper into the world of whisky. If you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied with Dominic Roskrow pouring some smashing world whiskies and the likes of Whyte & Mackay bringing their full range up to the Whyte & Mackay 22 years old

Whisky sampling will take place with distillers leading Pure festival goers through their individual whiskies between 4pm and 7pm. Festival goers will be able to move at their leisure from one distiller’s stand to another, sampling whichever whiskies they wish to taste as part of their ticket price and enjoying the music. Pure aims to educate people on Whisky in a fun and informative way and the festival is a unique opportunity to sample a number of fantastic whiskies in a relaxed, informal setting. Brown spirits are enjoying a huge renaissance in the UK from both male and females and there is a real demand to know more about the origins and the marked differences in different brands.

Ticket price and link – £28.50 – http://www.hmvtickets.com/events/3900

Full line up – http://www.purefestival.com

Open 4-10pm. Whisky tasting 4-7pm

Age 18+

The Smoke Fairies

The Kensington Wine Market is proud to announce the official launch a 70 year old whisky at two exclusive tastings: Thursday August 25th and Friday August 26th 2011. These sold out tastings ($200/person), which are being conducted by Michael Urquhart, Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, are expected to raise up to $3,500.00 for a local charity. The whisky, Gordon & MacPhail’s Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year Old, will be available from the Kensington Wine Market, after August 26 at the price of $21,999.99 for a 700ml bottle and $5,999.99 for a 200ml bottle. The Glenlivet 1940 ties a record, also held by Gordon & MacPhail, for the oldest whisky ever bottled. It will be sold exclusively by the Kensington Wine Market in Canada, along with five other Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet vintages, one from each of five decades: 1950-1990. Together they are one of the most unique and interesting whisky collections every put up for sale.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year

– Bottled after 70 years in a single First Fill Sherry Butt.

– Filled into bottle at 45.9%

– Only 100 numbered 700ml decanters available worldwide; 2 in Canada.

– Only 175 numbered 200ml decanters available worldwide; 10 in Canada

– The hand blown crystal decanters are in the shape of a tear and have a British Hallmarked silver stopper.

– The decanter is cradled in a sterling silver base, in a bespoke Scottish Elm box handmade in Scotland.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Decades Bottlings

1. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 5 Decade Set – 50 Sets Available World Wide– Only 1 set to Alberta – 1 bottle each of the following vintages: 1954, 1963, 1974, 1980 and 1991. – $5664.99

2. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1954 – 56 Year – 135 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.6% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $2193.99

3. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1963 – 47 Year – 169 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 40.6% – First Fill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $1325.99

4. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1974 – 36 Year – 189 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.1% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $923.99

5. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1980 – 30 Year – 61 bottles – Only 3 bottles to Alberta – 48.5% – Refill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $496.99

6. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1991 – 19 Year – 203 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 54.4% – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $202.99

More About Gordon & MacPhail

– Located in the north-east of Scotland in the heart of the world famous whisky producing region of Speyside, Gordon and MacPhail is an independent family owned and managed firm which has been bottling Single Malt Whiskies for over 115 years.

– From its humble beginnings as a retailer, Gordon and MacPhail has grown to become a diverse and dynamic company with a number of different business interests today which include the retailing, wholesaling, exporting, bottling and distilling of single malt Scotch whisky.

– Owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family, Gordon and MacPhail celebrate family values, embracing the philosophy that the future is shaped by what is done today and today is represented by what has been done in the past.

– In 1993 nearly 100 years after its founding the company fulfilled a long-time goal of acquiring their own distillery, Benromach.

More About Michael Urquhart – Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail

– Michael is part of the third generation to own and manage the 115 year old company. The 4th generation of the Urquhart family has also entered the business.

– A Chartered Accountant, Michael is responsible for the Finance and Export functions at Gordon & MacPhail.

– Since 2007 he has also taken over the responsibility for Whisky Production and Supply within the business.

– In 1999 he was made a Keeper of the Quaich in recognition of services of promotion of Scotch Whiskies worldwide and continues to travel extensively in this respect.

More About Kensington Wine Market

– One of the first private liquor stores in Canada.

– The doors opened on Friday, May 15, 1992, two-and-a-half years before the provincial government fully privatized the sale of alcohol.

– Richard Lindseth, a Calgary architect, and local businesswoman Nancy Carten, formed a partnership which became the Kensington Wine Market.

– We have grown from a small family of 4 employees to a larger one of 20 dedicated oenophiles, beer and whisky experts.

– From our humble origins we are recognized as one of the most respected liquor stores in Canada.

– Up to 1/3 of our wines are exclusively imported, we have an impressive selection of import and micro brewed beers and our whisky selection is second to none in the country.

o We select and bottle our own casks of whisky.

o Stock 40+ exclusive whiskies.

o And specialize acquiring the most rare and unique whiskies to find their way into Canada, like these Glenlivets.

More About Andrew Ferguson – Kensington Wine Market’s Scotch Whisky Expert

– One of Canada’s most respected authorities on Scotch whisky.

– First Canadian retailer to be inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich, and one of only 12 Canadians to be honoured by the organization.

– Has helped Kensington Wine Market become one of the most well known specialist whisky shops in North America.

– Writes a whisky newsletter distributed to nearly 5,000 recipients.

– Conducts tastings and Master Classes all over Canada.

– Organizes and leads week long small group premium Whisky Tours in Scotland.

More About Gold Medal Marketing and Andy Dunn

– Andy is one of the most well known promoters of Scotch whisky in western Canada, having spent the last 17 years working in the privatized Alberta liquor market.

– Andy started Gold Medal Marketing in 2000 after a number of decades working in various facets of the Western Canadian liquor industry.

– For his service to the Scotch Whisky industry Andy Dunn was made a Keeper of the Quaich (one of fewer than a dozen in Canada) in 2008.

– Gold Medal Marketing represents more than 125 brands in Alberta and is specialized in Scotch whisky, representing:

1. Gordon & MacPhail

2. Benromach

3. Springbank

4. WM Cadenhead

5. Tullibardine

6. Kilchoman

7. And others.

Morning dew now appearing – time for an Hakuro cocktail

London  August 2011: Some are excited to see the first appearances of morning dew, others become slightly depressed because summer is becoming just a memory.

With their 24 seasons the Japanese have just the answer, time to mix two very appropriate cocktails for the month of September. These are from a range of seasonal cocktails created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador.

Hibiki Hakuro is the cocktail to banish the blues or to celebrate the coming of the cooler seasons when dew appears.

Hakushu Shuubun will repeat the effect in the second half of September, time of the Autumn Equinox.

Hakuro – when the white morning dew appears

That fall in temperature is the wake-up call for an Hibiki Hakuro cocktail.

Hibiki Hakuro : 50ml Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended

Malt whisky

50ml Sugarcane juice

2.5ml Milk thistle

Pour ingredients over ice, stir thoroughly

Serve in a chunky highball glass

Garnish with a twist of orange

Shuubun – the time of the Autumn Equinox

For that balance between celebration or banishing the blues try an Hakushu Shuubun.

Hakushu Shuubun: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old

Single Malt whisky

20ml Yuzu juice

20ml Gomme syrup

1 Egg white

Shake ingredients thoroughly and pour into a cocktail goblet

Garnish with lemon twist

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. There is something about their subtle aromas and delicate flavours which appeals to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Hakushu 12 year old Single Malt whisky and Hibiki 17 year old Blended Malt whisky are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Taste them at their best in the Hibiki Hakuro and Hakushu Shuubun cocktails above.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Yamazaki single malt whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nicols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and www.drinkon.com priced from:

Hakushu 12 year old £52

Hibiki 17 year old £70

The Yamazaki range of single malt whiskies from Suntory is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

Loch Fyne Whiskies  Stocks GlenDronach Batch 4 Single Casks

 GlenDronach Batch 4 Single Casks

 1971 40yo
 1972 39yo
 1989 21yo
 1990 20yo
 1992 19yo
 1994 17yo

You may view the latest bottlings at GlenDronach batch #4

Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

Ballantine’s Extends its Lead as Europe’s Favourite Whisky and becomes a Major Hit on YouTube

According to the latest data published by IWSR* Ballantine’s has reinforced its position as No 1 selling Scotch whisky in Europe and No 1 whisky overall for the region. Ballantine’s grew volume in Europe in 2010, selling 4m cases, extending the lead to over 600,000 9L cases versus the No 2 competitor.

Over 70 million bottles of the world No 2 Scotch whisky were purchased in the last year, ranging from the ever popular Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old to the brand’s comprehensive aged blended Scotch whisky range, which makes Ballantine’s the No1 ultra premium whisky in Asia Pacific.

According to Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, “The brand’s continued popularity across Europe and worldwide is down to a mix of proud heritage and consistent, multi-award winning quality together with dynamic and engaging marketing initiatives that resonate with Ballantine’s drinkers.”

The recent success of Ballantine’s has been driven by the hugely acclaimed and distinctive global marketing campaign ‘Leave an Impression’, which was initially launched in more than 100 countries. Phase 2 was rolled out in 2010 with the ‘Plan Ballantine’s’ communication platform, which focuses on Ballantine’s Finest.

This year Ballantine’s Finest launched a major digital campaign ‘The Human API’ on Facebook. The campaign video received a viral response with over 1 million views on YouTube when it showed an artist tattooing a client live on Facebook. During the four hour session, fans took part in some of the creative decisions and the resulting tattoo featured a QR code that linked to an animation – a first in tattooing.

Ballantine’s also launched a creative TV advertising campaign across Latin America and pan-Europe, entitled Transformation, which inspires people to ‘change their plan and leave an impression’.

Ballantine’s has also continued high profile golf sponsorships like the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea and the Barclay’s Scottish Open, which are particularly popular with drinkers of the brand’s aged Scotch whisky range.

Notes:

* International Wine & Spirit Research’s Database 2011

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

Whisky Tasting Company Launches Premium Whisky Gift Sets for Independents

Whisky Gift Set specialists The Whisky Tasting Company are targeting independent merchants with their new range of premium tasting sets.

With over 100 whiskies, including many old and rare single malts, each merchant can create their own range of bespoke gift sets. And with a choice of either three or five whiskies per set plus tasting cards and a tasting mat, they can be based on specific budgets.

In particular, the newly released smaller sets enable super-premium malts to be accessible at an affordable price.

The company is focusing on small and medium sized merchants who share an interest in promoting quality independent brands.

Owner and managing director Colin Sinclair said “There is huge consumer interest in premium and rare whisky, and our unique concept makes these available in an educational way that appeals to whisky enthusiasts as well as the gift market.”

“We offer something special which the merchant can design themselves that is found no-where else. It also allows retailers to supply their customers full-sized bottles should they enjoy the tastings.”

About the Whisky Tasting Company

Launched in July 2010, with special permissions from independent distillers, bottlers and blenders, the company creates luxury gift sets from a wide range of single malts and blends.

Since winning ‘Star Idea’, an innovation award at one of 2010’s biggest business events, the company’s products have received superb feedback.

The company already supply a small number of quality independent wine merchants including Corks Out, Tanners Wines as well as Fortnum & Mason. They also supply independent whisky shops on Orkney, Islay and in Dufftown.

The company have access to single malts from almost all of Scotland’s distilleries, as well as Penderyn single malts from Wales. They work with:

Douglas Laing & Co, Murray McDavid, Isle of Arran, Compass Box, Bruichladdich & Penderyn.

Colin Sinclair
The Whisky Tasting Company Limited
Hazelmere 179 Wenlock Road
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6LB
Website: www.whiskytastingcompany.com

Award Winning Whisky
 
 Dear Friends

We are e-mailing you with some exciting news…

In July 2011 The Spirits Business staged ‘The World Whiskys Masters’ in a drive to find and reward the finest brands on the world stage. Dominic Roskow, editor of The Spirits Business, along with a panel of leading spirits and on-trade specialists were the judges in this competition to discover World Whisky Masters 2011.

After entering this, our first ever whisky competition, we won 4 top whisky awards (a Master award being the highest!) in the following categories:

European Single Malt Standard

Chapter 9, 46% – Master Award

Chapter 6, 46% – Gold Award

European Single Malt Premium

Chapter 11, 46% – Master Award

Chapter 11, 59.7% – Master Award

These were all blind tasted by a panel of highly rated whisky critics.

 www.englishwhisky.co.uk 

A wee drop o’ the Irish for yer!

Paul McLean of MCLEANSCOTLAND recently made a wee trip across the water to the land of his mum, Ireland. Why? To arrange as many events as possible for the week long series of events in Dublin at next years whisky live. www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/DUBWHISKYLIVE.asp

As part of the trip, Paul “just had to visit distilleries”!!! It’s a hard life eh! Arriving in Dublin, staying a couple of days here, he had previously made appointments all over the city and beyond. First call was to Clontarf Castle Hotel, where he set up an extra special masterclass for next May; Clontarf whiskey at Clontarf Castle, is there any better way to sample these Irish drams? The session will include nibbles and at least 4 drams at the castle. Thanks to Gillian at Clontarf whiskey and Bronagh at the castle.

Next on the list; meeting up with the lovely Linda from Cooley’s distillery. Sharing a few drinks in the Palace Bar downtown Dublin, with owner Willie and pal Dave, a good evening had by all and some really good notes on another special tasting here at the Palace. This will include a very sspecial tasting direct from a cask specially made for the occassion, watch this space!

Day two saw Paul travel to Kilbeggan, where he had a superb tour of the distillery, setting up another tour trip and visit for next year. Leaving a happy man (with gifts) he headed back to Dublin. A few more drams to settle back into Dublin followed.

Day three – travel north by train to Dundalk and then taxi to Cooley’s distillery. A grand tour here with Raymond, he has been there over 20 years! Both malt, blend and grain whiskey produced here, a fascinating tour, not what you would call a normal distilelry tour, no visitor centre and not spik and span (re; Glenfiddich or Diageo) and not a tourist visit, so much the better for our group trip next year! Upon leaving we were given a bottle of Tyconnel each, not only that, at the distillery pub (just doon the road) we were given more drams and a set of miniatures each, good man at Martins pub!!! Continued north to Belfast for two days of pipe bands!

A return to Dublin, met up with Mike at O’Neills pub, another event arranged here. Also in the bag for next year, a whisky special, a tasting session, followed by a 3 course meal and Irish dancing and entertainment, what a end to the day! With a couple of other whisky events still in the chat stage, it was a huge success in Ireland, we are all looking forward to whisky live next May in Dublin.

More info on Whisky Live Dublin soon.

Paul McLean is the owner of WWW.MCLEANSCOTLAND.COM