THE GOOD DRAM SHOW EPISODE #4
Episode 4 of the show is now live. In it Chris Goodrum of Gauntleys of Nottingham tastes The Arran 10 and 14 year old. Please view the show via the link below;
Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment on their youtube or facebook sites.
On April 19th 2012 Whyte and MacKay’s master blender and Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson will be hosting a very special whisky tasting here at the Whiski Rooms. Covering a range of whiskies from the Whyte and MacKay stable Richard will take you through a number of whiskies from the distilleries of the Isle of Jura and The Dalmore. He will also be discussing his achievement in recreating the Mackinlay’s whisky that was recovered from an abandoned expedition to the South Pole by Ernest Shakelton over 100 years ago. The event is at 6.15pm with the tasting to start at 6.30pm sharp.
Tickets are £20.00pp with £5 redeemable on any 70cl malt whisky purchased from our shop.
Tickets can be booked online or by either calling 0131-225-1532 or by purchasing in store.
Richard Paterson
Richard Paterson descends from a long line of whisky blenders. After starting his career in whisky in a brokerage in Glasgow he rose to the position of Master Blender at the age of only 26. As well as being the master blender of Whyte and MacKay he is also the Master Distiller at The Dalmore distillery and has held this post since 1970. An engaging and enthusiastic presenter on the subject this rare treat is not to be missed.ot to be
WHISKI ROOMS BAR & BISTRO
4 – 7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP
Tel: +44 (0)131 225 7224
Email: bar@whiskirooms.com
Web: www.whiskirooms.com
WHISKI ROOMS SHOP
Tel: +44 (0)131 225 1532
Email: shop@whiskirooms.com
Buy Whisky Online: www.whiskishop.com
AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY LAUNCHES EXCITING NEW RANGE EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL RETAIL
Four core expressions, beautifully matured, each with its own distinctive style
This March (2012), Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt whisky, will launch a new and exclusive range for the travel retail sector, consisting of four core permanent expressions supplemented by two limited editions released each year.
Available globally in a range of international airports, terminals and border shops, the range is targeted at global travellers who want to explore a stylish and unique range of Single Malt whiskies as well as whisky collectors and aficionados.
With a view to expand and grow the Single Malt category globally, this compelling collection boasts a distinct style and taste, all beautifully maturated using a selection of fine North American and European oak casks previously used for the ageing of Bourbon, Spanish Oloroso Sherry and Pedro Ximénez Sherry. This provides Auchentoshan with a strong point-of-difference within the sector.
With two expressions carrying an age statement, this new range takes its cues from the oak casks used to mature the whisky. During cask maturation the spirit takes on a multi-layered complexity from the wood – in the aromas, tastes and texture. Being the only Scottish Single Malt whisky to triple distil every drop means that the spirit produced starts life at 81.5% ABV; most distilleries settle for 70% ABV. It is this quality of Auchentoshan’s distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives these whiskies some astonishing flavours – these factors are equally, if not more important than merely age. Many whiskies can in fact have a less mature character if matured in lesser quality oak.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison BowmoreDistillers, states: ““The new Auchentoshan Travel Retail range brings the story of cask maturation alive, allowing the drinker to experience the distinctive influence of different casks from North America and Spain as well as the influence of age. We have created a range for exploration and discovery, from aperitif to digestif in style, soft and sweet to dark and delicious in taste. I am very excited to have the opportunity to share these intriguing and highly distinctive expressions of Auchentoshan with the world.”
The wood theme is evident throughout all aspects of the new range with each expression’s name being inspired by the tree life cycle stages that reflect the malts’ personality and flavours:-
Springwood is the time when most of the growing happens for a tree and thus this malt is fresh, zesty and sweet – reminiscent of eating fruits in a spring garden. Springwood is 100% North American ex-bourbon oak and its name is inspired by the higher percentage of springwood in North American oak
Heartwood is the core of the tree and like an older sibling to Springwood; a rich, warming and hearty dram, with an intense and complex taste. It is matured in a combination of toasted Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and deeply charred North American bourbon casks to create this rich and warming dram
14YO Cooper’s Reserve is named so as it is mature and well rounded; it has a complex relationship with the wood and is perfect for a special occasion. At 14 years old, this whisky has developed an ideal and unique balance of soft dried fruit and intense nuttiness
Silveroak has an incredible multi-layered complexity, is a rare whisky and thus is named after the silver rings that appear on the inside of an older tree. Bottled at the traditional high strength of 51.5% ABV and non-chilled filtered, the expressions makes for a wonderful digestif to sip and savour
Solera is named after a process for producing and ageing sherry due to the use of ex Pedro Ximénez casks in thisexpression. Renowned as the ‘King of all Sherries’, Pedro Ximénez casks add contrasting deep aromas and textures. Solera is dark, intense and alluring – perfect for moments of pure indulgence or as a gifting item
As a top-10 travel retail brand in Europe with big aspirations and enjoying double-digit growth year on year within the sector, the new range is a compelling consumer-driven concept to build on the successes so far. This bold wood proposition offersconsumers differentiation within a competitive category, providing a strong-selling back story. The stylish and contemporary packaging with new taste cues for each expression also brings to life the story of each cask, appealing to a cross demographic and embracing the consumers’ desire for discovery and learning about the history and craftsmanship of the whisky.
David Wilson, Sales & Marketing Director of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, commented on the new range: “Single Malts is one of the fastest growing sectors of travel retail, so we understand the importance of getting it right. We are extremely proud to launch this unique and differentiated range exclusively for the global traveller that taps into the pleasure of the Single Malt experience in a modern and relevant way. The careful attention and ongoing investment in our oak casks combined with our unique adherence to triple distillation has resulted in an exceptional range of quality malts.”
AUCHENTOSHAN SPRINGWOOD
Springwood – the time of most fresh growth for the tree
40% ABV, RRP: £34.99, 1 Litre
100% Bourbon cask matured
Nose Vibrant, sweet and delicious. First nose reveals barley sugar, Seville orange, coconut creams, honey and lemon toddies. Also, poached pears and green bananas. Behind the sweetness, a spring garden in the morning dew with narcissus and daffodils. Water releases vanilla madeleines and lemon bonbons with coconut ice, macaroon and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Roses now appear in the garden.
Taste Lively and charismatic on the tongue. A burst of tangy citrus (clementines and pink grapefruit) and warming barley sugar with a frisson of coconut, trace of honey and dewy floral notes.
Finish Clean and salving with grapefruit, citrus and dew.
AUCHENTOSHAN HEARTWOOD
Heartwood – the rich core or heart of the tree
43% ABV, RRP: £41.99, 1 Litre
Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Matured
Nose: Rich, enticing and very warming with smouldering toasted oak notes. First nose brings burnt candy and baked fruit desserts in an oak cabinet. Seductive sandalwood and rosewood pull you in with cinnamon spice and rich Viennese coffee. Next Moroccan spices and baked blood orange appear with toasted tonka beans and Christmas cloves. Water brings out more toasted warmth on the nose with leather, vanilla, more spices and traces of liquorice and walnut. Toffee and coffee are sweet and delicious.
Taste: Rich, warming and comforting, like a soft velvet blanket. Dark chocolate orange, burnt vanilla pods, velvety leather and cinnamon sizzle.
Finish: Orange spiced dark chocolate.
AUCHENTOSHAN 14 YEARS OLD COOPERS RESERVE
An autumn harvest table
46% ABV, £49.99, 70cl
Marriage of Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks
Non chill filtered and high strength
Nose: A cornucopia of fruit, nuts and barley, reminiscent of an autumn harvest table. Roasted barley and chocolate pralines bring the first layers of aroma. Treacle toffee and chocolate brazil nuts follow with butterscotch and crème brulee. Water releases fruit and nut muesli with freshly squeezed orange. Chocolate follows with hazelnuts, almonds, dried apricots and figs. Oiled leather emerges with traces of walnut oil.
Taste: Well-rounded and mature with a creamy texture. Dried figs and apricots are sumptuous and sweet, interwoven with a cornucopia of hazelnuts and almonds. Chocolate pralines are smooth and creamy.
Finish: Chocolate pralines, apricots and walnut oil.
AUCHENTOSHAN SILVEROAK
The perfect digestif
51.5% ABV, RRP: £79.99, 70cl
Vintage, small batch release of 500 cases in 2012 and 2013
A 1990 limited edition that has been matured in fine North American Bourbon and Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks
Nose: Captivating and heady with botanical herbs, warm fruits and deep floral scents. Fennel, gorse bushes and a hint of black pepper awaken the senses to the veritable delights that await beneath. Aromas of honeysuckle, vetiver and tea tree oil create the impression of a late summer aromatic garden, tempered by soft jasmine and oiled oak. There’s a satisfying deep fruitiness too with baked bananas drizzled with honey and warm toffee, served with almonds and liquorice root. Water brings out more banana fruit with pine nuts, honeysuckle and fresh mint. Rose-scented Turkish delight with a sprinkling of icing sugar now appears alongside liquorice and mint, perfect for after dinner.
Taste: Creamy, oily and mellow with warm coffee, a teaspoon of Demerara sugar and cleansing mint chocolate. A wonderful digestif to sip and savour.
Finish: Dark chocolate mint cleanses the palate with a lovely cooling finish.
AUCHENTOSHAN SOLERA
Rich and indulgent
48% ABV £130.00 70CL
Matured in a selection of fine oak casks and finished in Pedro Ximenez
Non chill filtered and high strength
Nose: Mature, mellow and deeply aromatic.Dark dried fruit with Victoria plums, cherries and raisins, followed by a deep and unctuous oiliness, reminiscent of beeswax and linseed oil. A basket of richly spiced dark fruits in an oiled cabinet.Water brings out more deeply seductive oiliness, but also rich plumy fruits and scents of rosewood and cherry blossom with warm roasted Columbian coffee in the background.
Taste: Full bodied with a thick, oily and chewy mouth-feel.Plums, dates, burnt toffee and toasted almonds in a cherry, raisin and blackcurrant flan. Dark chocolate brings depth and a bittersweet dimension with cherries inside.
Finish: Chocolate, dates and toasted almonds.
This new range is exclusively available in World Duty Free stores from 7th March and general release from April 2012. For all sales enquiries please contact Morrison Bowmore Distillers +44 141 558 9011
For more information visit: www.auchentoshan.co.uk
Looking for a Scotch Grain Whisky Review?
Here it is then, Whisky Review #254 – Compass Box Hedonism Grain Whisky (with malty-love from www.ralfy.com)
Join Team Hope and Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales for the 3rd Annual Tip A Wee Dram for Cancer Research whisky tasting fundraiser March 15, 2012 in support of the British Columbia Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer.
This year, taste from over 35 whiskies at 7 different tasting tables with a number of the whiskies being brand new to BC. The evening also includes both a live and silent auction with lots of great items to bid on and a special treat from the Delta Police Pipe Band. We are also expecting a couple special guests to join us to pour at the event, Mike Nicolson: 36 year veteran of Scotch Whisky distillation and Dan Volway: Brand Ambassador for the Erdington Group (Macallan, Highland Park & Famous Grouse) Check out Team Hope’s website(www.teamhoperides.com) for more information on the event.
Held at the Croatian Cultural Center, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver – just blocks south of Commercial-Broadway Skytrain Station the event starts at 6:45 pm and will finish by 9:45 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. There is ample free parking and remember to plan a safe ride home.
Tickets are $50.00 per person and must be purchased before the event. You can purchase your ticket by going to http://teamhopewhiskytasting-esearch.eventbrite.co.uk/ or in-store at Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales: 3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver, BC. Click here for map.
Important News:
Due to overwhelming demand and the current economic climate we have had to bring a change to our pricing system.
After a lot of thought the Council of the Keepers of the Uisge Beatha (aka The Committee) have agreed on the following:
In-House tastings will now be £3 per person
Distillery tastings will now be £5 per person
Membership will remain at £2 for the time being
The high quality of the tastings will remain unchanged and will improve and as a result of this we will be able to raise more money for charity!
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Tastings coming up…
Wednesday 7th March: In-House
featuring: Laphroaig Cask Strength, Kilchoman Autumn 2011, Glenlivet 18
Due to popularity we have to limit it to 60 people!
So come along early to make sure you get in!!!
Wednesday 21st March: Balvenie Tasting
Tickets on sale week before at AUSA reception in Butchart.
Friday 23rd March: Trip to Tomintoul Distillery
£12 per person – tickets available at tastings (limited to 14 people)
Wednesday 18th April: Glenfiddich Tasting
Tickets on sale at Balvenie Tasting
Friday 20th April: ABERDEEN WHISKY FESTIVAL
www.aberdeenwhiskyfestival.com
Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th April: ISLAY TRIP
Details on request
Wednesday 2nd May: Jura Tasting
Tickets on sale week before at AUSA reception in Butchart.
All of the above tastings start at 7pm sharp in the Butchart Centre – details below…
Location: BookEnds (top floor), Butchart Centre, University Road, Old Aberdeen
(click here for map)
Time: 7pm sharp
What to Bring: £3/£5 for entry + Membership Card + money for raffle
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ABERDEEN WHISKY FESTIVAL
20TH APRIL 2012
More details coming soon…
You don’t want to miss this amazing day!
WWW.ABERDEENWHISKYFESTIVAL.COM
Aberdeen University Malt Whisky Society encourages a responsible attitude to drinking alcohol. We are proud of our society and our nation’s national drink which, when responsibly consumed, contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. For the facts about alcohol visit www.drinkaware.co.uk
Our mailing address is:
University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
HIGHLAND PARK BRINGS 21 YEAR OLD TO UK MARKET
Highland Park is launching a 21 year old single malt into its UK portfolio for the first time, two years after it was removed from global distribution following a complete sell out of the award winning product.
Limited stock of Highland Park 21 year old, which was named ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ in the World Whisky Awards, is now available. Significant demand is expected, including in the restaurant trade which has seen a 151% increase in premium malts sales.
Matured in mainly American oak Sherry casks, Highland Park 21 year old is full flavoured with hints of candied orange peel and spicy dark chocolate leading to a rich smoky sensation. It is Orkney sunset reddish gold in appearance, with a complex sweet smoky finish.
Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, Highland Park commented: “Bottling the 21 year old at 47.5% gives this particular expression maximum flavour delivery, which is always a priority for Highland Park. It also has drier smokier notes allowing whisky drinkers the opportunity to taste another side of Highland Park. It is fantastic to be bringing this to consumers in the UK. ”
Highland Park 21 year old will join Highland Park’s permanent portfolio of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts. It will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers throughout the UK, the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £100. It will also be available in selected bars and restaurants.
Notes:
Premium Malts gain +151% volume increase in restaurants. Source: CGA P02 2011.
Highland Park 21 year old tasting notes:
Appearance: Natural colour, reddish gold Orkney sunset
Nose: Butterscotch, dark chocolate and orange
Palate: Full flavor, candied orange peel with spicy dark chocolate leading to a rich smoky sensation
Finish: Rich, complex, sweet smoky sensation then soft medium dry
Highland Park: Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including ‘best new whisky release of the year 2009’ for its 40-year-old single malt and ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.
Highland Park OB 21yo 47.5%alc.
Official notes:
‘Originally created exclusively for global travel retail and duty free markets, this whisky was named Best Single Malt of the Year at the World Whisky Awards 2009. Released in October 2007, Highland Park 21 is a full-flavoured, powerful, sweet single malt with a rich smoky finish.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Natural colour; reddish gold Orkney sunset
Nose: Butterscotch, dark chocolate and orange
Palate: Full flavour, candied orange peel with spicy dark chocolate leading to a rich smoky sensation
Finish: Rich, complex, sweet smoky sensation then soft medium dryHighland Park 21 Year Old has a rounded spicy sweetness, with hints of orange peel and dark chocolate. This whisky tingles the middle of the tongue then immediately makes the mouth water, leaving a rich smokEy sensation which seems to last forever.
Press Quotes
“..one of the best Highland Parks I have ever tasted (and I’ve probably tasted more than 100 over the past several years). This whisky is lush, well-balanced, and very complex. Well-defined notes of toffee, candied fruit, and roasted nuts, are accentuated by background honey, chocolate mousse, and smoke. And here’s the icing on the cake: it’s bottled at 47.5% which really allows the flavours to shine.”
John Hansell, Editor Malt Advocate Magazine December 2007′
Highland Park 21yo 47.5% abv £89.90 inc vat £74.92 ex vat
Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk
Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six
2nd Saturday each month 6 – 9 p.m. no reservation required
Enjoy 5 half-ounce samples of single malt Scotch whisky: $20
♦ We feature 3 single malts, including a Malt of the Month *
♦ You roll a die then pick a whisky from one of the six Scotch regions
♦ You pick your Connoisseur’s Choice from our menu of single malt menu
Peruse our whisky library. Learn about our single malts in our menu book: distillery info, tasting notes, & more. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres. Non-whisky drinkers welcome.
March 10
Ardmore Traditional *
Glenlivet 16 yo Nadurra
Auchentoshan Valinch
April 14
Highland Park 12 yo *
Bruichladdich Laddie Ten
Tullibardine Aged Oak
May 12
Balblair 1997 *
Edradour 10 yo
Glenkinchie 12 yo
June 9
Kilkerran Work in Prgress 3 (2011) *
Isle of Jura 16 yo
Deanston Virgin Oak
Price goes to $25 July 14
Balvenie Signature 12 yo Batch 4 *
Glenrothes Alba Reserve
Tullibardine 1993
10% off bottles of the Malt of the Month *
Bob at work….
Visit the Miner’s Delight Inn at http://www.minersdelightinn.com/
