ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS GO GLOBAL WITH JAMESON

Jameson fans from around the world are being encouraged to party with the Irish this St Patrick’s Day, as the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey unveils an exciting line-up of activities to support its markets and allow consumers around the world to embrace their Irish Spirit.

Festivities will include the Jameson Global Broadcast – an annual event that offers markets the unique opportunity to invite their local radio stations to Dublin, to broadcast their shows live from the Old Jameson Distillery. With the Jameson master distillers on hand throughout the day for interview, as well as a host of Irish musicians and comedians, the presenters can tailor their programme to convey the spirit of the celebrations to listeners back home.

With more than 35 stations already signed up, the Jameson Global Broadcast is estimated to reach more than 50 million listeners, including a large proportion in Jameson’s No. 1 market, the US.

The Jameson St Patrick’s Day Global Party, which takes place in the heart of Dublin, will be headlined by renowned indie rock band, Razorlight and attended by invited guests. Markets hosting their own Jameson parties, including Dubai and Sofia, will be invited to link up live with the event, in an effort to create a global party atmosphere.

Jameson’s limited edition St Patrick’s Day bottle, created by internationally acclaimed Irish designer Paul Daly and first introduced in March 2011, will be rolled out to more than 30 markets including the US, Russia, Spain and Australia. The contemporary bottle design, which appeals to collectors and was inspired by the legendary Celtic illustrations in The Book of Kells, is available from mid-February.

International Brand Director for Jameson, Nick Blacknell says: “We have an exciting line-up of events planned for St Patrick’s Day 2012 – both here in Dublin and in our markets around the world, ensuring that Jameson is the drink of choice for this annual celebration. The growth in popularity of these celebrations is testament to the continued success of events such as the Jameson Global Broadcast and the Global Party. We are confident that through this activity we can encourage even more Jameson fans to embrace their Irish spirit by joining the festivities of a global whiskey community”.

Further incentives for consumers to embrace their Irish spirit include a new app, available from 17th February on Jameson’s Facebook page. The ‘Slainte-O-Meter’ app allows Jameson followers to create their personal St Patrick’s Day toast and share it with their friends online. A ‘Guide to St Patrick’s Day’ party kit will also be available to download from the brand’s website www.jamesonwhiskey.com.

About Jameson:

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally, including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For further information visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

THE FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND, ALEX SALMOND SIGN A BOTTLE OF TWEEDDALE WHISKY – 9th March 2012.

From Alasdair Day of The Tweeddale Blend

Two years ago I attended the World of Whiskies Conference held at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. This was before the 1st batch of The Tweeddale blend was released. At the Conference I meet Alan Wolstenholme a Consultant with over 40 years experience in the Whisky industry.

I had arranged to meet Alan yesterday at the Radisson Hotel to discuss a project that I have recently started work on to build a distillery in the Scottish Borders. There are currently no distilleries in the Borders although there have been in the past. I would like to create a unique Borders malt whisky that would become the heart of the Tweeddale Blend in the future.

I had a great meeting with Alan and we were just finish up when the First Minister, Alex Salmond arrived. He was at the hotel ahead of the SNP conference in Glasgow this weekend. He very kindly agreed to sign a bottle of The Tweeddale Blend.

My wife Sharon has recently recovered from her treatment for breast cancer and is going to do the MoonWalk in Edinburgh this year. So we will be auctioning the bottle of Tweeddale Blend signed by Alex Salmond and the proceeds will go to the charity.

So feel free to make a bid!

http://www.walkthewalk.org/AboutUs/Media/TheMoonWalkEdinburgh

More so than normal – we believe we have some particularly attractive and note worthy releases this month. Look out for the Queen’s Jubilee bottling of Royal Brackla 12 year old from the two (2) OLD MALT CASK releases. From OLD & RARE we have two (2) new bottlings including a Port Ellen 32 year old and within five (5) new releases of the DIRECTOR’S CUT you will see a 27 Years Old Highland Park, a 45 Year old Ben Nevis and a 50 Year Old North British Grain bottling –some of which we are certainly hoping will be of interest to you and your valued clients.

Tasting Notes for OLD MALT CASK:

OMC 2138 Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Queen’s Jubilee bottling
The nose opens with a nutty and spicy character and is crowned with marzipan and orange zest. The palate is right royally spiced and runs to a fresh walnuts and dark chocolate quality. The finish is long, still spicy and carries a sceptre of hazelnut and mocha. (J)

OMC 2017 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Sherry
Nose: Opens ich & spicy with toffee and a caramelized fruit style Palate: Round & mellow – richly spiced – running to a briny quality Finish: Smooth – still spicy – carrying a hard candy character (F&J)

Tasting Notes for DIRECTOR’S CUT:

DIR 0010 Bowmore 15 Year Old
Nose: Buttery & sweet + vanilla (burnt crème brulée) + a gentle smoke quality
Palate: Still sweet – runs to a soft smoke and sweet barbecue ashes character
Finish: Long – still sweet, now with a rich dark chocolate style + soft chewy tar

DIR 0009 Blair Athol 16 Year Old Sherry
Nose: Opens sweet & fruity, carrying a rich malty character and running to sweet spices & vanilla
Palate: Mouth coatingly spiced – lightly smoked – developing to sweet cherries and ginger shortbread
Finish: Sweet & citric – barley sugar style – then running drier to a crisp malt quality (J)

DIR 0014 Highland Park 27 Year Old
Nose: Honey sweet showing – barley, sugar linseed and assorted spices.
Palate: A myriad of different spices + late cedar, maple syrup + more honey.
Finish: Now lightly spiced – but with cough drops, herbs + late baked cake (F)

DIR 0012 Ben Nevis 45 Year Old
Nose: Spicy, with a Sherry trifle style and a drier/oaky backdrop.
Palate: Warmly spiced & tingling – heads drier to cloves in oranges.
Finish: A cough drop quality – mentholated! – dry yet warming (F)

DIR 0011 North British 50 Year Old Grain
Nose: So old yet so fresh – round, full of sweet autumn fruits + light oak, coffee, cedar & tobacco.
Palate: Carries softly ripening fruit flavours + mocha + cough drop spices and candy floss.
Finish: All too fast! – but detect those soft warming spices which are still very apparent. (F)

Tasting Notes follow here for OLD AND RARE:

OAR 0165 Littlemill 20 Year Old
Opens clean and fresh on the nose, carrying a fruity and creamy vanilla character plus an attractive barley sugar style. The palate remains creamy – now with a macerated fruit quality and runs to sweet spices – particularly
ginger. The finish is medium long, still spicy, running drier to a soft cedar wood style (J)

OAR 0159 Port Ellen 32 Year Old
Opens richly spiced, carrying a fresh leather character – still surprisingly peaty for its age with an earthy, smoked grist character. The palate is initially sweetly peated and runs to a smoke, toffee and spiced character – each pushing for more attention until they harmoniously join in the long finish, now with salty liquorice – soot and a charcoal ashy quality. (J)

As always – we are at your service for any enquires you may care to send on to us.

All best wishes
Fred Laing
Managing Director

Visit Douglas Laing & Co at www.douglaslaing.com

Quatrefoil Restaurant in Dundas, Ontario, presents Imbibe: The Whisky Tasting Dinner on April 3rd, 2012. Six course menu by Chef Fraser MacFarlane and whisky pairing by Danny Krupp.

Visit http://quatrefoilrestaurant.com/ for further details.

Kilchoman Machir Bay 46%abv

(Comments by LFW)

Another enjoyable dram from the distillery that produces great whiskies without the handicap of age statements. This time youth shows but no harm in that at all.

Here is the first “general release” from Kilchoman a vatting of 3, 4 and 5 year old, matured in fresh bourbon barrels with the 4yo finished in Oloroso sherry butts for 8 weeks. Machir (pronounced macker) is the wonderful bay and wide sandy beach next to the distillery.

Initially the aroma of of peat and nutmeg, hot ash, fruit (apples and pears) and a curious lava and chlorine note, smoky bacon cooked in a lake on a volcano. I also have a note here of ‘piano keys’, but I’m sure you know what I mean. Just at the point of tipping I got a hint of furniture polish.

Tasted it is warm, quite thick with peat, Germoline and youth. Peaty barley is the overall effect with a dry swallow and finish. Water sweetens it up adding chocolate and caramel and banana esters.

Kilchoman’s flavour position is established mid-way between oily Caol Ila and the stomping-peats of the south, this standard is a fine example of our new member of the clan Single Malt.

C10 on the Flavour map
On the smoky side of light and smoky

Kilchoman Machir Bay

Price excluding VAT: £31.58
£37.90 Including VAT at 20%

Ballantine’s Draws on its Inner Depths with New Signature Distillery Editions

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, is set to unveil two Signature Distillery Editions of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old – part of a new four-strong collection of innovative whiskies that highlight the influence of the signature malts that provide the depth to Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Specially created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, each limited edition aims to showcase the unique contribution of one of four distilleries – Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers – by accentuating their characteristics within the limited edition blend.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Scapa Edition is a 43% ABV blended Scotch that dials up the influence of Scapa, the single malt that gives Ballantine’s 17 Year Old its rich, sweet top dressing, while contributing to the initial burst of fruity, floral flavours. As a result, this whisky is bursting with a zesty, fruit sparkle of sweet orange and peach flavours but remains incredibly smooth, creamy and luxurious.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glenburgie Edition is a 43% ABV blended Scotch that highlights the influence of Glenburgie, the single malt that sits at the heart of the Ballantine’s blend. Located in Speyside and surrounded by temperate and fertile terrain, Glenburgie distillery produces a fruity, floral and rich-flavoured malt. As a result, this limited edition provides smooth aromas of apples and blackcurrants with a honeycomb sweetness whilst maintaining the soft, elegant and balanced style of Ballantine’s.”

Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, says: “Ballantine’s 17 Year Old is a blend of more than 40 different malt and grain whiskies from all over Scotland, but Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers stand out as having played a monumental role in the blending process of our master blenders over the years. These stunning limited editions offer the whisky drinker an insight into blending and the role that these malts play in the original and much-celebrated Ballantine’s 17 Year Old blend.”

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Scapa Edition will be available in limited quantities in Korea while Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glenburgie Edition will be available in limited quantities in duty free. The range is priced from RRP 69 USD in Asia Duty Free.

Notes:

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific and the range sells over 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.

About 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 Scotch.

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

For further information: www.chivasbrothers.com

Stars Set to Toast Ballantine’s Championship Fifth Anniversary

Major Champions Darren Clarke and YE Yang will help toast the fifth anniversary of the Ballantine’s Championship when they headline an impressive ‘blend’ of star names at Blackstone Golf Club, in the Korean capital, Seoul, from April 26-29 2012.

Reigning Open Champion Clarke and 2009 US PGA Champion Yang will be joined by World Number Eight Adam Scott, of Australia, who makes his debut at the event, and World Number Ten Dustin Johnson, the American Ryder Cup player who finished fourth at Blackstone last year.

Also adding to the vintage will be Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up, and his Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter, who have amassed an impressive 29 European Tour titles between them.

The world class field, headlined by the six star names unveiled today, underlines the growing reputation of the Ballantine’s Championship, which returns to Blackstone Golf Club for a second successive year.

Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, says: “The Ballantine’s Championship has truly established itself as one of Asia’s biggest golf tournaments by continuing to attract the world’s best players. We are delighted to support this prestigious event as part of our long-term investment in world class golf.”

Clarke, who lifted the Claret Jug at Royal St George’s last July, is relishing his debut in the tournament, with the Northern Irishman aiming to add the title to his previous success in Asia at the 2008 BMW Asian Open. He will also hope to celebrate the Ballantine’s Championship’s fifth anniversary edition by following in the footsteps of compatriot and fellow Major Champion Graeme McDowell, who won the inaugural tournament in 2008.

“The Ballantine’s Championship is a new opportunity for me and somewhere that I’m very excited to go to,” said Clarke. “It’ll be great to go there as the Open Champion. The Claret Jug has been travelling around the world quite a lot with me so it’ll be great to take it to another place that hasn’t seen it before.”

“I have heard a lot of good things about the course at Blackstone. It is tough but fair, with
a lot of risk and reward so you’ve got to think a little bit and figure out your way around it, which I will look forward to.”

He added: “From what all the other guys have said in the past, Ballantine’s put on a fantastic event and I’m sure this year will be no different, so I’m certainly looking forward to going there and seeing how good the tournament is.”

While the Korean fans will be eager to see The Open Champion, their support will undoubtedly be behind home favourite Yang, who became the first Asian to win a Major Championship when he famously held off Tiger Woods at Hazeltine National three years ago.

The 40-year-old, who won the 2007 HSBC Champions in Shanghai and the 2010 Volvo China Open in Suzhou, will be keen to put on a show for his compatriots after missing the cut in each of the past two Ballantine’s Championships.

Jiménez and Johnson return to Korea hoping to improve on last year when they came up just short behind champion Lee Westwood, with Jiménez missing a 15ft birdie opportunity on the last hole to take the tournament into a play-off.

Johnson was a further two shots back and he will return hoping to become the first American winner of the Ballantine’s Championship, adding his name to a trophy previously won by Northern Ireland’s McDowell (2008), Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee (2009), Australian Marcus Fraser (2010) and Englishman Westwood (2011).

Meanwhile Poulter and Scott will both be seeking further silverware in Asia, having won the UBS Hong Kong Open and Barclays Singapore Open respectively in 2010.

Debutant Scott will be determined to build on an impressive 2011 campaign during which he won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, while the highlight of Poulter’s year was his victory in the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain.

Hello Fellow WhiskeyLovers –

I have three exciting bits to share with you this week.

First, if you’re in the San Fran area later this month, you can be part of one of the must-attend Whiskey events of the year: the Whiskies of the World Expo 2012 on the SF Belle, Hornblower Yacht at Pier 3 on Saturday March 31st.

Those who have attended a WoW Expo in the past know this is one of the year’s prime whisky appreciation and learning events, and this year promises to be the best ever. I’ve been told by event MC Doug Smith he is ready to pour over 200 phenomenal whiskies to the lucky WhiskeyLovers in attendance.

FWL will be there, sharing a booth with blokes from Lark Distilleries. And to help you get there, we have a $10 discount on your ticket in, by simply entering the code “FWL10D” in the coupon/promo code field when you’re checking out.

And be sure to come by the FWL booth, and share a dram of Lark with me.

Next, my last email coyly left you with the parting shot “Coming soon: The return of The Drammies…!”. For those of you not familiar with the Drammies, it was “the peoples choice” whisky awards started by FWL contributing editor Kevin Erskine, in his prior role as the unofficial voice of the whiskey consumer, via his industry-first blog TheScotchBlog. Launched in 2007, the Drammies became arguably the most respected whiskey awards competition, and certainly most terrifying for those making a living in the industry.

In 2011 Kevin moved on to new challenges, and joined FWL last summer. So…guess where the Drammies are now (coy riddle #2). Next week, the answer.

Finally last months launch of ForWhiskeyLovers.com has not gone without its glitches and bumps. But yesterday I was reminded why we did it, when I hosted a Bourbon-addicted buddy coming to visit his old college friend for an afternoon. Knowing of our relaunch, he excitedly handed me a stunning bottle with angels wings emblazoned on the bottle, and implored me to locate two whiskey glasses as fast as humanly possible.

Lickety-split I urgently located two glass vessels, and liberated two unreasonably large rations of the beautiful amber liquid from within the bottle. Like highly trained athletes, the muscle memory in our respective arms reflexively responded with precision, lifting the glasses to our noses, then lips…and within seconds a large swig of the whisky was swirling its way over tongues and taste buds, down our gullets…followed immediately by a synchronized-as-if-rehearsed “wow that’s good whiskey“…and I mean really really good whiskey….and a swift replenishing of the glasses.

Which brings me to this weeks Whiskey Wednesday featured whisky: Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey…a single-malt whisky drinkers’ bourbon, and Lincoln Henderson’s’ baby.

Having spent almost forty years as Master Distiller and Research Fellow for the Brown-Forman Corporation, Mr. Henderson is the Master Distiller behind Angel’s Envy. During his B-F tenure, he planned, developed and produced nearly every type of distilled spirit.

And Angel’s Envy is truly his Masterpiece.

Depending on where you live, and because its a limited production/ small batch bourbon, Angels Envy can be impossible to find. But as always, one call to Nicky The Neck, and we find ourselves n the fortunate position to offer you the opportunity to purchase Angle’s Envy Bourbon at the great price of $45.95/ bottle.

So this week, get your WoW tickets, ponder your “favorites/least fave’s” for Drammie nominations, and spend some time with and Angel.

And until next week…have fun!

Doug Stone

Founder

www.ForWhiskeyLovers.com

________________________________________________________________________
ANGEL’S ENVY KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

________________________________________________________________________

HOW THEY MAKE IT

Crafting fine bourbon is a marriage of science and art, and like the best of marriages, is rooted in love. Angel’s Envy begins with Kentucky. They use only mineral-rich Kentucky lime stone water and locally sourced grains.

After distilling, Angel’s Envy is placed in hand-selected American white oak barrels for a minimum of four years. Once the bourbon is tasted by Mr. Henderson and deemed ready, it’s placed in Port wine barrels he personally selects from Portugal. The barrels are then hand-situated throughout the distillery to age at the perfect temperature. This final process takes between three to six months.

________________________________________________________________________

TASTING NOTES – JOHN HANSEL – The Whisky Advocate

Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in a port pipe. This is veteran master distiller Lincoln Henderson’s newest creation, and it’s a beauty. Richly textured, silky, and well-rounded, with ripe berried fruits, candied tangerine, light toffee, maple syrup, and creamy vanilla, sprinkled with spice (cinnamon, hint of mint). Smooth, silky finish, and dangerously drinkable! The port pipe notes dovetail perfectly. Lovely just the way it is, but it’s begging for a cigar. My only gripe: why not 45 or 50% ABV? But I’m splitting hairs. I really enjoy this stuff!

Grant’s in Australia

G’day,

The first recorded sale of Grant’s in Australia dates back to April, 1910. A century later, Grant’s is the second-favourite Scotch whisky in the country and this week, I had the privilege of visiting Melbourne and Sydney for the local launch of Grant’s 12 Years Old.

Media interviews, presentations and two main launch events were on the…(please click on the link to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Ludo

Plans and ‘drams’ revealed for top whisky event

8th March 2012: Preparation for 2012’s most unique whisky event is hotting up as the inaugural Edinburgh Whisky Stramash, which takes place at Surgeons’ Hall on 26th & 27th May, reveals some of the mystery behind the exciting plans and ‘drams’.

Confirmed so far, is:

• Glenfiddich Warehouse 47
• The Cocktail Pod
• Molecular Experiments
• Dewar’s Barber Surgeon
• The Jura Murder Mystery
• The Balvenie Brand Ambassadors
• Glen Moray, Surgeons’ Hall’s own whisky, Dancing Stag Single Bottlings, along with the already announced; Bunnahabhain, Finnieston, Isle of Mull, Arran Single Malt, Dalmore, Fettercairn, Whyte & Mackay, Aberfeldy, plus many more will be in attendance

Glenfiddich Warehouse 47 will tease all five senses by immersing small groups in an atmospheric room where guests will be taken on a pioneering virtual tour of the Glenfiddich Distillery stillhouse, cooperage and warehouses.

Hosted by Glenfiddich Ambassador, Jamie Milne, the experience will also feature whisky barrels, aroma samples, photographs and advertising images from Glenfiddich’s past and present, as well as a chance to try your hand at making a whisky barrel. The whole experience will really bring a tasting of Glenfiddich 12, 15 and 18 year old whiskies to life.

Multi-award winning mixologist Jon O’Connor will be on-hand to create bespoke whisky cocktails at The Cocktail Pod. Visitors will help the bartender choose from an amazing array of ingredients to create their perfect cocktail and they will receive a copy of their recipe so they can recreate it at home.

The Molecular Experiments will focus on whisky in different and unusual ways including: whisky caviar, a range of gourmet infused whisky and smoking unpeated whisky by Stramash’s very own Heston Blumenthal-esque chemist.

A Sweeney Todd-style bladed barber surgeon, in partnership with Dewar’s Blended Whisky, will offer those brave enough to volunteer procedures of the follicle kind.

Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky is sponsoring the Murder Mystery, which will entice and entertain. The classic whodunit will give one lucky visitor the chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Jura, including a special distillery tour, if the cunning culprit is guessed correctly.

The Balvenie’s crack team of top brand ambassadors will enlighten dram enthusiasts about the craftsmanship behind the nation’s top tipple. This captivating tour around the show will ensure an exciting and engaging learning experience, guiding visitors through an exploration of all things whisky.

Scotland’s largest independent brewery, BrewDog, is serving its extraordinary creation of Jura whisky beer; beer matured in casks to infuse the ale with the wonderful flavours of the finest dram. Robert Graham will be sampling a range of its special premium single cask bottlings including Linkwood, Ben Nevis and Deanston.

Darroch Ramsay, founding partner of the Whisky Stramash, said: “As the event draws closer, we are increasingly excited about the number of whisky brands who have signed up. It’s great to be able to offer the industry something unique and a far cry from the usual whisky associated events. Plans are falling into place and we can’t wait to see it all in action!”

The Stramash will be held on three sessions over the 26th and 27th of May 2012:  Saturday 26th of May 2012: 12pm – 4pm and 5pm – 9pm and Sunday 27th of May 2012: 1pm – 5pm.

For further information, visit the website http://thewhiskystramash.com  or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whisky-Stramash/222766267748849  and Twitter http://twitter.com/WhiskyStramash