Laphroaig 18yo Jubilee Bottle Now Available to Pre Order – The highly anticipated Laphroaig 18 year old Jubilee…Link to full article:

Kind Regards

The Whisky Shop
www.whiskyshop.com

Malt Whisky Society of Finland on tour with MCLEANSCOTLAND

First day; meet everyone at Glasgow airport. Load up the coach and away we go! The group arrived back of 1.30pm so we didnee have too much time left – first call; Auchentoshan Distillery for a tour and drams. What does it mean to be the only Triple Distilled Single Malt In Scotland? Auchentoshan new spirit is the highest distillate of any single malt distillery in Scotland, strong notes of fruit and citrus are revealed, making Auchentoshan the smoothest, most delicate tasting single malt scotch whisky. And that is why Auchentoshan is highly acclaimed across the world since 1823. Och we did agree! A grand tour and a coupla tastes then back on board for scenic wonders to rival the drams, as we headed through the “rest and be thankful” mountain pass, next stop; Loch Fyne Whisky Shop in Inveraray. Richard did us proud, opening specially for our group and giving us a wee taste of Inveraray! One of the best whisky shops I know, and certainly THE best on the west coast. While the group enjoyed a dram or four, I called in on a friend in town for a cuppa tea! For a half hour stop, we lasted over an hour in the shop! Aye well … From Inveraray we then travelled to our hotel in Tarbert – a nice wee place on Loch Fyne. A good dinner and guess what? more drams!

Day 2; an early start as we headed doon to Campletoon to visit Springbank. A really good tour taken here which everyone enjoyed 100%. Followed of course by sampling. We took the 1pm ferry to Islay, landed, met Lindsay (chatted with Lammie) and caught another ferry to Jura. Local buses we had arranged, met us and took us directly to Jura Distillery for a special tour. And what a tour it was, the usual (but longer) distillery tour, followed by at least 6 cask tastings from Willie (manager) in the warehouse, hell that was good. Even then, as we went back to the shop, we had 4 more drams, a wee carry out each with a bottle in! Many thanks go to Willie Cochrane and Fiona for a brilliant – unforgettable tour and visit. A wee bit knackered we all set out for the ferry, where our coach was waiting on the other side and off to Bowmore for the night, dinner and drams followed. Can you see a pattern emerging here? I think Lindsay knew what was in store now for tomorrow!

Day 3; Caol Ila, Bruichladdich and Bowmore today – all starting with Bowmore, I (Paul) was a wee bit peeved here, as they would not allow us to start earlier than booked, even though it was a group private tour booked well in advance, and … they let us wait in the rain for ten minutes at the door, at the end of this after buying many product, no bar code for a jacket we wanted, not the best start. Caol Ila followed, much better! quick tour as requested and drams, great! Doon all the way to Ardbeg, och they were so busy we only stayed for photos (an unscheduled visit anyhow). Back to Bowmore and after a telephone call to our hotel, collected butties, water and crisps for the journey to Bruichladdich. Another excellent tour here, we were treated very well, I must say personally (Paul) I am no much for gin, tried it though, courtesy of Willie. A long stay then back to the hotel to rest, or thats what they all thought, we had arranged with Lindsay for her to play the pipes, it went down really well with everyone! More food and drinks followed, of course… will Lindsay ever be the same? I can honestly say, a good day had by everyone. I retired to my bed handy, well – I did have some work to do (thanks Liz, do I ever get a holiday?).

Day 4; taking the early ferry back to Kennacraig, time to relax (recover) on the 2 hour crossing. Back on dry land we headed to Glasgow, dinnae spare the horses Alistair! We had an appointment with Jan at Douglas Laing & Co. We split up into two groups, one did a quick city tour and the other a drams tasting tour! We then swapped aboot, er, I stayed with Liz (who had now arrived to join the fun complete with broken foot and on crutches), well, someone has to! Luggage in at the hotel, a quick change and shower before heading oot into wild Glasgow, the Mussell Inn actually for a pre planned whisky dinner. A pal of ours met up, brought some bottles and we sat doon to a grand dinner with a dram at each course, what a way to go! We all enjoyed great food, some beers and (thanks Don) 6 drams as our finale session.

Day 5; och well, time for all to head home, see you again for more drams! A late start for Liz and Paul, before the train back to Perth, with a thought; are those Fins as mad as the Swedes? We love em all. Mika, you and the society are welcome anytime, in fact we have booked Islay again for October.

This tour was planned, guided, managed and booked by mcleanscotland.

Angels; www.angelswhiskyclub.com

Paul & Liz; www.mcleanscotland.com

www.ralfy.com continues busy with Whisky Review 273 – Glen Scotia (Kintyre Region) … and we love it !

ARRAN MALT & MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012

(formerly known as Arran Distillery Open Day) Saturday 30th June 2012

£50 per member

We have 37 people booked so far for this trip with only 13 seats left so if you have yet to book for this then please do so before June 2nd as we have to confirm the size of bus required to get us to the ferry. We have spoken to Arran Distillery and everything has been confirmed. Last year the goodie bag contained a tasting glass and 3 vouchers for Arran whiskies which were redeemable in the beer tent. This year they are only doing one voucher, but as a Drambuster you will get two vouchers and a free miniature along with your tasting glass.

There will be two masterclasses laid on for us, the first at midday and the second at 2pm, both lasting approximately one hour. Brian will split the group into two for the master classes once we are on the bus. As well as all of last year’s entertainment, there will also be an area for cocktails, a smoked food area and they are also running a ‘man versus food’ competition. It all promises to be a great day out!

Contact us for more details if you wish to come along.

Our mailing address is:

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

info@tbwatson.co.uk

Last weeks email featured this years 2012 Drammie Award Winner for Packaging Design, Mackinlay’s “Shackleton” Rare Old Highland Malt, and those of you who acted quickly were able to secure what may have been the final inventory available in the US, certainly at that price. 

This week we’re featuring an even rarer whisky…the one that was the first runner up to the Shackleton whisky for the 2012 Drammie Award: Highland Park “Thor” 16 YO Single Malt Whisky.    

Thor represents the first spectacular offering for Highland Park’s stunning Valhalla Collection.  This collection will be a range of four unique whiskies, to be released annually, that all take inspiration from the Nordic gods of legend.  In honor of the great Norse warrior Thor, and in celebration of its own unwavering Norse heritage, Highland Park has produced what is unequivocally a phenomenal whisky….but then again, have you ever had a Highland Park you didn’t like?     

With a natural strength like its namesake, and drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, Thor is a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, this 16YO single malt 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.    

Our friend Chris Hoban of the Edinburgh Whisky Blog described Thor as “a smoky whisky, but very very drinkable…Frighteningly tasty. It would be 120 pounds well spent, but get ready to buy another bottle, as this is really really good. Not my most eloquent description. I am just enjoying it too much. It’s lovely. Now I just need to find 120 notes...”  

Fortunately for us all, our man Nicky “The Neck” has a bit of a Norse god thing going on, and was happy to use his hammer-technique to secure what could be the last few bottles available in the US.   

And so, I’m thrilled to offer you the opportunity to acquire a bottle Highland Park “Thor” 16 YO Single Malt Whisky for $250/ bottle (limit 1 bottle per customer please). 

I urge you to act swiftly on this if you are interested. This is another once in a lifetime chance to acquire a highly collectable bottle of whisky…but then hide it when you get it. Because once it’s gone… 

Doug StoneFounder

ForWhiskeyLovers.com 

LAPHROAIG UNVEILS DIAMOND JUBILLEE COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne, Islay single malt whisky Laphroaig, is launching a special Diamond Jubilee commemorative edition. Bearing Prince Charles’ Royal Warrant, the 3,000 Jubilee cartons and bottles are set to become collector’s items. Laphroaig has also pledged to make a donation of £3000 to The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST).

Each limited edition carton will display that it is only one of three thousand in existence and will contain the Double Gold Medal * winning Laphroaig 18 Year Old single malt (48% abv). Bright gold in colour, the Laphroaig 18 Year Old offers a toffee sweet flavour, accompanied by its trademark peat smoke taste.

Laphroaig’s Diamond Jubilee bottling is especially fitting given their Royal Warrant, appointed personally by HRH Prince Charles when he visited the distillery in 1994. He also returned again in 2008 as part of his own 60th birthday celebrations.

Distillery manager John Campbell said; “With Laphroaig’s royal connection to HRH Prince Charles, and as our most famous patron, we thought it only right to create a special pack to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne. As proud bearers of a royal warrant Laphroaig is delighted that our 18 Year Old has become part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in its beautifully designed, premium Jubilee packaging.”

Reinforcing its special royal connections, Laphroaig is donating £3,000 to QEST. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, the funds will go towards awarding craftsmen throughout Britain to help them further their careers, celebrating the excellence of British Craftsmanship as symbolised by the Royal Warrant of Appointment.

The 3,000 bottles are available to buy in the UK only from June in selected whisky specialists and retailers (RRP £77).

www.laphroaig.com

Laphroaig 18 Year Old Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright gold

Nose: At bottling strength, a soft toffee sweet, faintly spicy flavour counterbalances the trace of delicate phenols and fruit. There is an all-encompassing smoothness when these are all brought together. Adding a touch of water allows the seaweed and salt to come through but not enough to overpower the vanilla and honey sweetness with just a trace of new mown hay and peat at the finish.

Body: An intense depth that is exceptionally balanced and warming.

Taste: An instant warming tang of smoke that fades into smooth floral scents and blends seamlessly into an oaky nuttiness and leaves a lasting sweetness on the taste. With a touch of water the peaty warmth fills the mouth but does not overshadow the sweet chocolate smoothness. This is balanced by the rich toffee taste and slowly fades into a delicate hint of heather and peat smoke.

Finish: Full bodied, long with a luxurious oily smoothness.

*2011 SF World Spirits Competition

Notes:

Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally and in the UK. Laphroaig has won an incredible array of awards at the biggest spirit competitions in the world – most recently taking double Gold medals for 10 Year Old, Cask Strength, 18 Year Old and Gold medal for Quarter Cask at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2011. Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather. One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. Laphroaig has a strong presence online through the Friends of Laphroaig, recently breaking through the 500,000 FOL barrier and the brand is frequently the subject of blogs. It has recently topped the first ever Whisky 100 Brand Index (www.mepath.com) which is an online survey designed to track positive words associated with whisky brands. Laphroaig has an outstanding range from the classic 10 Year Old through to the lovingly created 25 Year Old – Full range, 10 Year Old, Quarter Cask, Triple Wood, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old.

LAPHROAIG® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. D Johnston and Co, Isle of Islay.

Third Annual Convocation of Companions

The Great Gathering of The Quaich

September 7 – 9

Cairn Croft Hotel

6400 Lundy’s Lane
Niagara Falls

Check in Friday 12 Noon ~ Check out Sunday 11 am

Full package includes: 2 nights accommodation in Courtyard guestrooms;
6 meals (Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner; Sunday breakfast, lunch); complimentary drinks in the Hospitality Room before and after dinner Friday and Saturday; use of heated indoor pool, hot tubs and recreation areas.
An optional Master Class with Macallan & Highland Park Ambassador
Marc Laverdiere is also planned. Details to come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cost per person (including taxes)

Single: $502 Double: $315
Triple: $261.99 Quad: $234.99
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To make your reservation for this wonderful weekend break, call the Cairn Croft at 1-800-263-2551 and quote “Quaich Group.” Names of guests, address and a valid credit card number will be required.

*Note: The hotel will not collect the payment for whiskies with dinner. Cost is $15 per evening, total $30 per person. This should be sent in advance to:

Ed Patrick,
206 – 19 Dundonald St., Toronto, Ont.
M4Y 1K3

Loch Fyne Whiskies stocks  ‘Lagavulin 12yo 57.5% Bottled 2011’

Lagavulin 12yo 57.5% Bottled 2011

£59.90 inc vat (£49.92 ex vat)

The Joynson speaks “Tried this at the end of a marathon tasting session and my notes merely say ‘Nice”.

Here’s the official blurb on it:

A limited edition, natural cask strength single malt whisky. From the essential Islay distillery, Lagavulin, on Islay’s rocky south coast. Ninth of a series of special 12 year old releases from the original distiller’s stocks. Vatted from refill American Oak casks, each at least 12 years old. Official Tasting Note: Appearance: Pale gold. Light beading. Nose: Mild nose-feel. Immediate and complex, with butter toffee to the fore and fragrant wood smoke on the breeze behind. As with a well-made vinaigrette dressing on peppery salad leaves, eaten with smoked mackerel. After a while, the honeyed wood-smoke develops hints of newly polished brogues and distinctly medicinal carbolic soap and bath salts, laced with creamy vanilla. Sharper and more savoury with water: clean and fresh, with seaweed, and lightly oily. Like eating fresh cooked chips, with a splash of vinegar, straight from the bag on a cold day. Body: Light. Palate: Sweeter than expected, with a pleasant texture, then vinegary, then very smoky indeed. Drying at first with smoky wood-ash, then tart notes of citrus and pine come in to create a kind of carbonic fizz. Very savoury and appetising with water. Fish grilled on a beech-wood fire; hot baked potatoes. Like chewing on a charred stick and finding it unexpectedly delightful! Finish: Long and toasted. Later, with water, more charred and savoury notes emerge (liquorice root, fennel, some mushrooms and truffle oil), thrown into fine relief by the deliciously insistent, smoky and medicinal backdrop.

Flavour Map Ref: D10 Smoky / Light & Smoky

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

Ireland – Irish Single Malt

Knappogue 17 Year Sherry Butt Single Malt Irish Whiskey – 4 available ($89.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

1990 Samaroli Bunnahabhian Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 2 available ($199.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Glenmorangie Master class on Monday 11th June with Global ambassador Karen Fullerton

An experienced whisky tutor with a highly trained nose Karen looks forward to traveling the world, enticing global audiences on the delights of Glenmorangie, ‘Scotland’s Favorite Malt’.

Launch of the Glenmorangie Artein – 3rd Edition in the ‘Private Collection Wood’ series. To be assessed alongside the best of the current core range expressions : –

Glenmorangie Artein, Signet , Nectar D’Or, Astar, 18yo, 25yo

Start – 7.30pm.

Cost £25

Venue: Stourbridge.
RSVP : 01384 394518

Slainte

David

david@nickollsandperks.co.uk