Rare whisky launched to mark Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A 60 year old Single Malt Whisky is being launched today (6th February 2012) in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee by one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists.

Gordon & MacPhail – the Elgin based and family-run Single Malt Whisky specialist – has released only 85 bottles of Glen Grant 60 Years Old.

Distilled on 2nd February 1952, four days before the Queen acceded the throne,   the whisky was bottled on 2nd February 2012 at cask strength, making it exactly 60 years old.

Gordon & MacPhail’s Joint Managing Director Michael Urquhart said: “Glen Grant 60 Years Old is a rare single malt whisky and we are delighted to be releasing it to mark the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

“With whisky of this quality and rarity – each bottle comes with a certificate of authenticity – we expect considerable interest, not just in the UK, but from the international marketplace where recent export figures have shown we have an avid consumer following.

“In producing the packaging for this remarkable Single Malt we worked with Scottish craftsmen, allowing us to showcase some of the finest talent in the country.”

Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 60 Years Old is described as having poise and great complexity, displaying aromas of Cox’s Pippins and Granny Smith apples, laced with cinnamon and root ginger. 

The palate reveals the age and depth of character as rich, burnt fruit notes mingle with a drying, spicy edge and a dusting of white pepper.

The Single Malt is presented in a pyramid shaped crystal decanter adorned with a diamond shaped stopper.  Each decanter is expertly engraved – the script in-filled with silver – and uniquely numbered. 

The decanter carries an engraved crown with a sparking Swarovski crystal, set at the meeting point of the crowns two arches.   A silver collar, placed around the neck of the decanter completes the presentation.  

The decanter is packaged in a hand-crafted box made of Scottish Elm, felled a short distance from Holyrood House, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.   The decanter nestles in the box lined with luxurious, purple Harris

Tweed and a dust jacket made from the same material protects the box and the precious contents.

The limited edition bottles are now being put on the market for a recommended retail price in the UK  of £8,000 per bottle. Prices in export markets will differ depending on duty and import taxes.

The launch of Glen Grant 60 year old is supported by an online social media campaign and dedicated microsite www.gordonandmacphail.com/diamond and Facebook page.  Both display images of the hand crafting bottling process and packaging of the final product. 

Notes:

1.                   Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 60 Years Old will be sold in specialist wine & spirit retailers, Duty free outlets and consumed in high quality on-trade establishments.  A single decanter will have a UK RRP of £8,000. 

Prices in export markets will differ depending on duty and import taxes.

TASTING NOTE:

After maturing slowly for sixty years the result is a beautifully balanced Single Malt with poise and great complexity. The introduction to the whisky is one of fresh fruit and spices – aromas of Cox’s Pippins and Granny Smith apples, laced with cinnamon and root ginger. In the background linger subtle hints of lavender and rose petals, all wrapped in a sweet, toffee parcel.

A sip of the whisky reveals the age and depth of character. Initially there are hints of cedar wood and freshly cut grass. However, these are quickly replaced by rich, burnt fruit notes with a drying, spicy edge and a dusting of white pepper.

A smokiness twists its way through the flavour leaving a slightly bitter, treacle toffee finish.

About Gordon & MacPhail:

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant who have been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its founding, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled Single Malts.  In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious

Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres.  After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998.  The award winning range includes

Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be fully certified by the Soil Association.

Gordon & MacPhail named drinks wholesaler of the year

Elgin based whisky, wine and spirit merchant, Gordon & MacPhail, has been named Drinks Wholesaler of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2012.

The awards, held at The Dorchester in London on 7 February 2012, brought together the leading lights of the drinks industry to recognise innovation and best practice across the sector.

Established in Elgin in 1895, the family owned and managed business of Gordon & MacPhail is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist wholesalers.  Gordon & MacPhail stocks over 4,500 product lines, including an extensive wine list, an impressive portfolio of spirits and a wide range of micro beers.  The company is the UK’s top wholesaler for Malt Whisky, stocking every distillery bottling of Single Malt available in the UK market. 

The award was presented to Gordon & MacPhail in acknowledgement of the company’s extensive portfolio of products,  investment in staff training and commitment to delivering excellent customer service. 

The judges were also impressed by the company’s investment in technology including a new voice activated picking system.

Receiving the award on behalf of Gordon & MacPhail, Joint Managing Director, David Urquhart said: “Since 1895, we have placed our customers and their requirements at the heart of our business. 

We value our working relationships and are eager to listen to our customers, working with them to meet their objectives.  Along with the ongoing support from our suppliers and customers, winning this award is testament to the commitment and skills of the Gordon & MacPhail team at and their drive to continually exceed customer expectations.”

The company employs 140 people from its base in Elgin, of which a sales team of 20 covers the length of the UK.  Gordon & MacPhail operates wholly owned bonded and duty paid warehouses, along with an own transport network (supplemented by courier). 

Notes:

About Gordon & MacPhail:

The family owned and managed firm of Gordon & MacPhail is located in Elgin, Scotland.  The iconic retail shop on South Street still thrives today on the site where the business began in 1895. 

Since those early days the company has grown significantly and has business interests as a bottler, exporter, distiller, and wholesaler.

As a wholesaler

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the UK’s leading independent specialist wholesalers and distributors, stocking over 4,500 products, including an extensive portfolio of wines, spirits and UK specialist beers and ciders.

As a bottler and exporter

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

The World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, Gordon & MacPhail bottles more than 300 expressions of Single Malt Whisky under various ranges – selling them throughout the UK and exporting  to more than 50 countries worldwide.  

In 2009 the company won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, following a 94% increase in exports over five years. 

In March 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history as it launched the world’s oldest single malt whisky – Gordon & MacPhail Generations Mortlach 70 Years Old – at an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle.  

This was followed up in March 2011 with the release of another ancient Single Malt – Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old.

As a distiller

Gordon & MacPhail owns Benromach Distillery.  Located on the outskirts of Forres, Benromach is Speyside’s smallest working distillery, employing just two experienced distillers.  Established in 1898 the distillery went through many changes of ownership and closures before being ‘rescued’ by Gordon & MacPhail, who purchased it in 1993.  The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

When the worms come out to play there is even a Japanese cocktail to mark the occasion – a Yamazaki Keichitsu

With 24 seasons each lasting 2 weeks the Japanese have the knack of finding interesting reasons to celebrate with their wonderful whiskies.

Early March sees the end of insect hibernation and a reason to mix the simple but very delicious Yamazaki Keichitsu cocktail to toast the worms, or anything else as the earth warms up for spring.

Yamazaki Keichitsu – Worms come out of hibernation (5March)

What better way to welcome them into the sunlight!

Recipe:

50mlml Yamazaki 12 year old single malt whisky

2 barspoons Saffron-infused caster sugar

4 Kumquats

Muddle kumquats in a glass, add crushed ice and rest of ingredients

Serve in an Old-fashioned glass over ice

Here’s mud in your eye!

 
Hibiki Shunbun –The middle of spring (20 March)

As spring warmth spreads a cool, refreshing cocktail is called for in the Hibiki Shunbun cocktail.

Recipe:

40ml Hibiki 17 year old blended whisky

25ml Ume shiso (Japanese mint)

2 drops of Old Time Aromatic Bitters (The Bitter Truth)

Orange zest

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with orange zest

Both cocktails are from a range of 24 seasonal cocktail recipes created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador, to welcome the warmth of spring.

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.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt and Hibiki 17 year old Blended whiskies are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Enjoy them and the warm glow that comes with the Yamazaki Keichitsu and Hibiki Shunbun cocktails.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

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

Yamazaki 12 year old £42

Hibiki 17 year old £70 

Dear Client,

 This month we have selected four (4) PROVENANCE bottlings. PROVENANCE Tasting Notes follow:

PRV 0767 Dalmore 10 Year Old On the nose it is strawberry caramel sweet, citric and clean with a backdrop of barley. Spiced still with summer fruit (plus cream!) and sugar on the palate – it all runs to a finish carrying more warming spices, together with both mocha and liquorice flavours. (F)

RV 0768 Aberlour 11 Year Old Opens clean and fresh on the nose – carrying a zesty lemon style plus some honey. The palate opens sweetly with a fruity (peach & banana) character running to a soft creamy vanilla style. The finish is still sweet – now buttery – still fresh – and runs to a soft spicy tail. (J)

PRV 0778 Dailuaine 11 Year Old Sherry The nose opens with an attractively spicy and sweet character – carrying an interesting butterscotch style. The mouth coating palate remains spicily sweet and carries a toffee’d apples and buttery quality. The finish is medium long, still sweetly spiced with a ripe peach aspect. (J)

PRV 0780 Glentauchers 12 Year Old Opens clean and fresh on the nose carrying a sweet gristy quality and develops to crushed sugar and ripe pineapple. The palate is warmingly spiced, still fruity with dark cherries and apricots. The finish is medium long, still sweet and softly spiced. (J)

We hope you and your customers will like them as much as we do, and that we can progress together when convenient to you. Happy to be of assistance!

Yours sincerely

Fred Laing Managing Director

Hello Fellow Whiskey Lovers –    

I have some very exciting news to share with you.

As of today, ForScotchLovers has a totally new look, a vastly improved user experience…and a new name: ForWhiskeyLovers.com

The new site reflects the perspective we’ve heard from so many of our members, brand ambassadors and whiskey industry folk, and friends: that amazing whiskey is being produced in all corners of the world. 

The mission of the site hasn’t changed: provide a resource of expert whiskey content; a forum to learn from and share your passion with other whiskey drinkers; and a store that offers an unparallelled selection of amazing whiskies from around the world at fair prices. 

The new website, and all this talk of “world whiskies” around the FWL offices caused our boy Nicky “The Neck” to spring into action, as if on a new mission: Find a truly wonderful single malt whisky produced in some far corner of the world, and bring it on home Nick!

And because he IS “The Neck”, he succeed…which brings me to this weeks Whiskey Wednesday special: Lark Single Malt Single Cask Tasmanian Whisky.

That’s right…Tasmanian whisky…and man is it good!  

Lark Distillery produces all its whiskey in single quarter casks, smaller than the usual size, which means they gain more oak contact, ageing faster and acquiring many more flavours. This, along with the way Lark lightly peat their whisky and the fact that they own their own peat bog, results in a uniqueness that is enjoyed in every sip.

The actual barrel selected for bottling is carefully chosen at its peak for excellent drink-ability and is taken from the storehouse and bottled. The barrel number is hand written on the label of every bottle. Single barrel whiskies have the ultimate in uniqueness, where each barrel has a slightly different flavour profile to the next, meaning that Lark whiskies will always bring you something new.

Lark Single Malt Single Cask Whisky is the flagship product of the Lark Distillery. First produced in small quantities in 1992, it is distilled from Tasmanian (Franklin) barley, malted at the Cascade Brewery. The whisky is double distilled in locally crafted potted stills and it is only the “honey sweet” HEART of the run which we keep for barrelling in 100 litre oak casks. It is matured up to eight years in the smaller barrels which have a much larger surface area-to-volume of liquid. This allows a faster rate of evaporative losses and a considerably shorter maturation period than that required with the larger barrels used in Scotland.

The whisky is a lovely whisky, superbly made that is lightly peated (approximately 50% of the malt is peated) and resembles in flavour a Scottish Speyside or Highland whisky.

This is also a limited production whisky, but as always Nicky The Neck secured more than our fair share. And so I am thrilled to be able to offer you Lark Single Malt Single Cask Tasmanian Whisky for $149.95/ bottle.  
 
I hope you will take advantage of this exciting offer to try a wonderful whisky from “down under”…but do it fast…because as always, once it’s gone, it’s gone…

Until next Week…

Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForWhiskeyLovers.com

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LARK SINGLE MALT SINGLE CASK TASMANIAN WHISKY
    
 
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DISTILLERY TASTING NOTES: LARK SINGLE MALT SINGLE CASK WHISKY
 
COLOR: Varies due to single cask bottling from pale straw to golden honey rich.

NOSE: Malty, lightly peated, peppery spices dig into the oily malt.

TASTE: Massively malty, clean and fruity with a powdery oak offering further complexity, oily and fat.

FINISH: Beautifully spiced and delicate with fluttering malty tones caressing the palate.

Federal Wines & Spirits

A Precious Scotch to Share and Savor Old Malt Cask Glen Grant 30 Y. O.

Today we offer to you a 30 year old single-malt from The Glen Grant distillery. This single-cask independent bottling is a wonderful dram of which we only have 15 bottles. We feel it will go very fast.

The bottler, Old Malt Cask, is one line of single cask scotch whisky from The Laing family. It is one of many brands from this scotch blending company, which was started in 1948 – 1949 by Fred Douglas Laing and is now run by his two son’s: Fred and Stewart.

Boston has not seen enough from these brands in the past, now their future is looking much brighter with a new importer and wholesaler. We should see many more very good selections from their holdings of single malts and single grain whiskies.

This 30 Y.O. Glen Grant is from a refill sherry cask bottled at the cask strength of 46.9% (with a few drops of water it really opens up). The sherry on the lighter side, and integrates seamlessly with the malt. Very well balanced, it shows wonderful depth. A moorish dram that not enough people will taste.

Below are tasting notes that are on the bottle.

Nose– malty freshness, sweet biscuit(sponge style) with a citric aroma

Palate– smooth, balanced with sweet spices, delicate for it’s age!

Finish– medium long, remains fresh and carries an herbal quality.

Pricing   Reg. $ 264.99 – Sale $234.99

The 2nd Nth Whisky Show in Las Vegas 2012

This is the 2nd. year for this very exclusive festival. This is not your regular whisky show. the Nth is a festival that is looking to showcase some of the most elite whisk(e)y in the world, to those who may want to purchase some of the rarest and most exquisite gems of the whisky world. It may not be a show for all whisky lovers, but if you are thinking of going, I have heard only great things . Although I did not attend last year, this year I will be there!

Let me know if I can help you in any way, we will attach a link to their website here.

Please pass this on to any friends who are Scotch enthusiasts!

Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits

——————————————————————

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

While Distillers release mega-expensive Malts, Ralfy releases mega-cheap Whisky Reviews, just like this one,  Whisky Review 248 – White Horse 12yo.

Good things need not be expensive.

The Dalmore has released Cromartie, the third in a series of limited edition releases, named after the spiritual heartland of the Mackenzie clan, to raise much needed funds to help return the Scottish castle to its former glory.

The Dalmore Cromartie follows the successful releases of the Mackenzie and Castle Leod, both of which have now sold out raising more than £35,000 in total towards castle restoration and other clan projects.

Limited to 7,500 70cl bottles with an RSP of £100, the Dalmore Cromartie goes on general release from late February across Europe, available from specialist whisky retailers and in Duty Free Travel Retail.

The packaging for The Dalmore Cromartie displays extracts from an ancient map, depicting the lands of Cromartie, which was produced in 1762 as part of the government’s order to map ‘rebel estates’.  The whisky was initially matured in American white oak casks before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks form world renowned bodega Gonzalez Byass, Jerez de la Frontera.

The Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson

“The Cromartie is the third in the series of the very successful Mackenzie clan releases and once again we have gone to great lengths to create a whisky with a deep complexity and a rich attractiveness.   It is very different from the others in the range as it is matured in Oloroso sherry, whereas Mackenzie and Castle Leod were finessed in Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon respectively, giving it enticing flavours of Seville oranges, Ximenez grapes and spicy cinnamon. This whisky really is elegance personified.”

Caberfeidh of the Mackenzie clan, John Cromartie

“The Dalmore’s Mackenzie releases have provided vital funds for the restoration of our Clan home. I can’t thank Richard and his team enough for the work they have put into producing these three limited editions expressions – each one of exceptional quality.”

The Dalmore and the Mackenzie Clan

The Dalmore has a long association with the Mackenzie clan.  Not only did the family once own the Highland distillery, their clan symbol – the royal stag – sits on each and every bottle of the Dalmore in a tribute to its regal heritage and aristocratic pedigree. The Clan have held lands in Cromartie since the 1600’s and to this day the clan chief still bears the title ‘Earl of Cromartie’. Castle Leod, home of the Mackenzies, is nestled in the Scottish highlands just 14 miles from the Dalmore distillery. Built in the early 15th Century it is still one of the few castles in Scotland that was built and occupied by direct descendants of the original family owners.

Tasting Notes

This malt is a complex composition of unashamed luxury with captivating aromas of bergamot, mandarin and lemon grass.

Exciting notes of dark bitter chocolate, rich Columbian coffee and old English marmalade.

An intricate infusion of Seville oranges, sun-drenched Pedro Ximenez grapes and spicy cinnamon reward the palate.
 
 WEBSITES

http://www.thedalmore.com/

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Highland Park Thor’

Highland Park Thor  52.1% abv  £111.00 inc vat  £92.50 ex vat 

Highland Park Thor OB 16yo 52.1%alc.

Official blurb:

“This is the very first bottling in the Highland Park Valhalla Collection, a series of four truly elemental whiskies, which draw their influence from the Norse gods themselves.

First up is the mighty hammer-slinging heavyweight himself – Thor. Thor, undoubtedly the most legendary of all the Norse gods, Son of Odin, the ruler of Asgard, was avidly worshipped by Viking warriors as the defender of mankind and gods alike. In fact, it was said that you can see Thor’s handiwork on Orkney, at the roughly hewn cliffs of Yesnaby on the far western shore. An epic piece of stone masonry if ever there was!

Highland Park Thor is a unique single malt, aged for 16 years and bottled the natural strength of 52.1%. Like its namesake, Thor is a meeting point of nature’s forces, exuding a dynamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart. This limited edition bottling comes housed in a carved wooden frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.”

Official Tasting Note:

Appearance:

Rich amber, with an iron ore glow

Nose:

Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of aromatic smoke, pungent fresh ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden syrup. With water, earthy notes emerge, like a garden after a heavy rain shower.

Palate:

Thor’s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go. Initially dry, with fiery gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big flavours swirl around the mouth, some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving Thor and unexpected layer of complexity and depth.

Finish:

The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and an intense spiciness. For more information about Thor and the rest of The Valhalla Collection (some big surprises are yet to come) head on over to www.whiskyofthegods.com

BenRiach 17yo Peated Septendecim 46%
Colour: Rich summer gold with a freshly harvested barley impression.
Nose: A robust mix of fresh peaty aromas, constructed around a central core of apples and toasted nuts which have been dowsed in wild mountain honey. Full of energy and vibrancy.
Taste: Sweet concentrated peat flavours dominate from the start. Bold and intense. The peaty heart is united with honey-infused raisins, roasted nuts and a luxurious leather impression. Full-bodied with fantastic length. A real heavyweight, which will impart a lasting impression on the palate.

BUY NOW ONLY £47.99

Springbank Rundlets & Kilderkins
Nose: Honey, vanilla, chocolate, nougat and toffee in abundance followed by hints of wholesome freshly ground nutmeg.
Palate: Creamy and rich as expected from the nose, with notes of chocolate covered honeycomb mixed with pistachio and crushed almonds. Rich and oily from its maturation in small casks, it gives an impression of bein older than its ten years.
Finish: The ground nutmeg is still evident on the finish but the creaminess outstays the spices to a long smooth and sweet finish. With water this dram develops an even sweeter finish, fruity and sugar candy, it becomes even smoother.

BUY NOW £55

BenRiach Solstice 2 17yo peated/port finish 50% 70cl
Colour: Impressive colour spectrum, showing distinct rose characteristics, with a bright copper crest.
Nose: Fabulous aroma of stewed summer berries including strawberries, blackcurrants and red currants. The berry component is richly locked together by a muscular peaty blast. Latter traces of fortified wine and grape like qualities become apparent.
Taste: Initially dry roasted nutty flavours flow over the palate. This advances to become a heavy peaty affair. Subtle notes of dried raisins and candied fruit. Clean and very enticing with the dominant peat flavours lingering on the palate. Smooth and very long.

BUY NOW ONLY £59.99

NEW YEAR – NEW PRODUCTS
Out with the old (drink it up) and in with the new…Ready for your drinking pleasure!

 
This has been a long but eagerly awaited arrival… but it is here at last. Of the allocation that we received only 3 bottles are left for sale and only one purchase per customer please…

BUY YOURS NOW FOR £175
but be quick…..

Our mailing address is:

T.B.Watson Ltd.
11/17 English Street
Dumfries, Scotland DG1 2BU