Whisky Ramblings Via Video #11
In his 11th Whisky Rambling on video, Belgian whisky blogger Mark Dermul takes us to an iconic movie location from Star Wars in Tunisia (which he has just restored with some friends), where he tasts the Highland Park Leif Eriksson. May the Malt/Force be with you!
PARK AVENUE LIQUOR SHOP HELPS YOU PICK
THE BEST SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR DAD ON FATHER’S DAY
New York, NY (June , 2012) – June is just around the corner and you may be asking yourself – what in the world am I going to get dad? Another tie? Swim Trunks? Fancy razor? No, no not this year! This year give him something that will make you both happy (because you hope he’ll share) – Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The experts from iconic spirits and wine retailer Park Avenue Liquor Shop have put together a little checklist to help you navigate the special world of single malt scotches and get dad what he really wants for Father’s Day (June 17). Park Avenue Liquor Shop boasts one of the largest collections of single malt whiskies at retail in the country and they are happy to make delivery arrangements for dad. All you have to do is decide on the bottle(s) and either visit the store or place your order online or via phone (212.685.2442; http://www.parkaveliquor.com/).
There are a number of questions you have to consider before zeroing in on that special bottle for Dad. From Jonathan Goldstein, Park Avenue Liquor Shop proprietor, single malt expert and a Keeper of the Quaich, here is your checklist:
1. Does he even like Scotch? Have you seen him drink it before? You would be surprised how many people come in and ask for a Single Malt because their Dad drinks Wild Turkey. Well this is nice but Wild Turkey is Bourbon and this is a different animal entirely (no pun intended).
2. Do you know what brands he drinks? This will help your ‘expert’ determine what area(s) of Scotland to select from. An Islay whisky like Bowmore is very different from a Speyside whisky like Balvenie. The names of even a few of the labels will help greatly. It might even help to know what he doesn’t like.
3. Budget. How much are you willing to spend and how many bottles do you want for your money. Do you want one super bottle? Do you want a variety of bottles to start a collection? Again, something to think about in advance. Your ‘expert’ should be able to find excellent choices in all price ranges. In addition, he or she should be able to offer something new. Distilleries are always trying to keep things exciting with new offerings. Highland Park just released THOR – part 1 of a 4 part Valhalla series. Glenmorangie has a line-up of malts in all price ranges.
4. Is Dad a serious collector of Single Malt Whisky? Many distilleries create investment worthy bottles. These can get quite expensive. A recent bottling of Dalmore Sherry Finesse retails for $785. A great alternative for collectors are “exclusive” bottlings. Here at Park Avenue Liquor Shop we have more that a dozen exclusives, like casks of whisky that we have purchased for the shop. These bottles cannot be purchased anywhere else. For example, we have a Glen Garioch 13 year old for $100 a bottle, a 35 year old Single grain bottled by Clan Denny from Cambus distillery at cask strength for $190 a bottle, and a 42 year old Strathisla bottled by Gordon and MacPhail for $400 a bottle.
All of the above questions are meant to help you and your ‘expert’ determine the best choice for dear old Dad. Do your homework now and feel confident that the bottle Dad receives is the one he really wants.
For the ultimate hard-copy guide to single malts, ask Park Avenue Liquor Shop to send you THE LIST – their all-encompassing brochure of more than 300 single malt Scotches available at retail. THE LIST is a jaw-dropping selection of Scotch, arranged by region (Speyside, Eastern Highlands,NorthernHighlands, Southern Highlands,WesternHighlands, Lowland, Campbeltown, Islay, Orkney, Arran, Jura, Mull and Skye) that includes exact age statements, proofs and prices. For single malt aficionados, this list is worthy of a long meditative moment, most likely while sipping a Scotch and perhaps having a double corona size cigar.
ABOUT PARK AVENUE LIQUOR SHOP (http://www.parkaveliquor.com)
Considered by many to be one of the most respected spirits and wine retailer in the United States, Park Avenue Liquor Shop opened its doors in 1934 on Park Avenue in New York City, not long after Prohibition was repealed in December 1933. In 1955, Herman J. Goldstein took over as owner and it has been with the Goldstein family ever since. In 1975, the family relocated the store to its current address at 292 Madison Avenue and today, the second and third generations of Goldsteins are at the helm – father Michael is president and sons Jonathan (whisky expert and member of The Keeper of the Quaich) and Eric run the operations, along with manager/part owner Scott Abramson who has been with the company since 1988. Park Avenue Liquor Shop was named 2010 Retailer of the Year by Whisky Magazine because of its knowledgeable staff and extensive selection of single malt whiskies (close to 400 bottlings currently in stock; more than any other retailer in the U.S.). Park Avenue Liquor Shop is also one of the world’s premier wine shops, carrying a vast and enviable inventory of Bordeaux and Burgundies, many of which are very rare and hard to find.
Park Avenue Liquor Shop EM: info@parkaveliquor.com WEB: http://www.parkaveliquor.com/
292 Madison Avenue FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/b9ClrN TWITTER: @ParkAveLiquor
New York, NY 10017 PHONE: 212.685.2442
Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am – 7pm; Saturday Closed in the summer; Sunday Closed
Nomination close for the all-time 2012 design contest
The all-time 2012 nominations are now closed. There are still 3 months left to give your star-ratings for the best 10 finalists in every category. For those who like statistics. In total we have 114 nominees assigned as follow: 62 … Continue reading →
THE GLENROTHES EXTENDS FAN BASE WITH NEW UK LISTINGS
The Glenrothes Select Reserve single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has bolstered its UK presence by securing a Multiple Grocer listing in Asda as well as being awarded a space in the Top Ten Malts within The Whisky Shop, the UK’s largest whisky specialist retailer.
These new opportunities will extend the Speyside brand’s presence with The Glenrothes Select Reserve becoming available in 189 Asda stores from May as well as securing additional exposure in The Whisky Shop stores and their online business at www.whiskyshop.com. This adds to the brand’s current availability in Sainsbury’s and specialist whisky retailers.
The Glenrothes Select Reserve is a non-Vintage specific selection carefully chosen and typifies the distillery house character of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. Introduced in 2005, and produced to the same exacting standards as the Vintages, The Glenrothes Select Reserve is presented in the iconic Glenrothes bottle and is the very essence of The Glenrothes range.
Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director for Maxxium UK commented: “These new opportunities are testament to the success of our award winning single malt whisky. Once a truly hidden gem, The Glenrothes is increasingly being put in the spotlight and increased exposure through these new outlets will aid the brands coverage. We are able to reach more of our established fans and also introduce The Glenrothes to newcomers. This increased presence will help to continue to drive growth going forward.”
The Glenrothes also recently announced the winners of The Glenrothes Vintage Maker 2012, following on from the huge success of the 2011 Whisky Maker competition, which attracted close to 5,000 entries. The 12 lucky winners from the UK, USA and the rest of the world will work as The Glenrothes Vintage Makers in the heart of single malt production, Speyside, Scotland, culminating in the creation of The Glenrothes Vintage 2012, to be released when it reaches its peak of maturity.
The Glenrothes is also available in a limited range of Vintages. Rare and finite, Vintages are selected on their own unique personality and include Vintages 1988, 1995 and 1998. The Glenrothes Vintages are available from www.theglenrothes.com and specialist whisky retailers.
Notes:
1. The Glenrothes was founded in 1879
2. Little more than 2% of the distillery capacity is bottled as Single Malt to ensure exceptional quality
3. Of the 16 Vintages released to date, 12 have entirely sold out
4. It is matured in a combination of Spanish and American oak casks – the best of both worlds
5. The Glenrothes Select Reserve won a Gold Medal at the The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012
6. The Glenrothes Select Reserve was voted Best in Class at the World Whiskies Awards 2008 and won two Double Golds at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007
7. The Glenrothes 1972 was awarded a Trophy at the 2005 International Spirits Challenge
8. The Glenrothes 1978 Vintage was voted Best Speyside Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2008
9. The Glenrothes 1975 won a Double Gold award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2008
10. The Glenrothes 1991 won a Gold Medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
11. The Glenrothes 1994 won a Gold Medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
12. The Glenrothes Alba Reserve won a Double Gold at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
13. “I have always felt that Glenrothes deserved to be more widely appreciated. Beautifully rounded…sophisticated after-dinner malt.” Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion
14. Jim Murray, in his Whisky Bible, refers to The Glenrothes Select Reserve; “One of the softest deliveries on Speyside, the silky barley and citrus caress the tastebuds with rare tenderness” and scores it 24 out of 25
1 June 2012
Dear Client
This month we have selected three (3) PROVENANCE bottlings.
PROVENANCE Tasting Notes follow:
PRV0788 AUCHROISK 10 YEARS
Opens fresh and sweet on the nose carrying a floral style plus vanilla fudge and a malty quality. The palate opens with a sweet vanilla aspect and runs to spiced caramelised peaches. The finish is long and spicy and carries a soft chewed leather quality plus late honey. (J)
PRV0802 DAILUAINE 12 YEARS
Distinctly Sherried on the nose from its cask heritage – with mixed spice, clove studied orange, dark macerated fruit and chewy raisins all there before its late barley. The palate is smooth and all too easy – with dark fruit spices, puff candy, and soft gristy qualities apparent – then the finish is cough drop and candy floss driven (F)
PRV0803 CRAIGELLACHIE 12 YEARS
Barley, citrus, aromatic floweriness and honey all appear on the nose plus late warm gingery type spices. On the palate detect more sweet barley, with spiced and macerated dark fruits – crunched sugar – perhaps a little camphor? …… and all are softly now replicated on its subtle finish. (F)
As our Winter Promotion proved very popular with our PROVENANCE Importers we will offer a similar but improved version for these potentially slower summer months. This offer is now based on:
BUY SEVEN (7) CASES FROM OUR PRICE LIST AND SELECT THE 8TH CASE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE SELECTION YOU MAKE (WHILE STOCKS LAST AND EXCLUDING ANY/ALL ISLAY MALTS).
Just as these are enjoyable Tasting Notes to write – so we hope they are of interest and validity to you when reviewing stock requirements. We believe this month we have offered you a truly wide range of noses/palates and finishes which will intrigue you and your clientele. We hope to be of service to you and look forward to hearing from you after review.
Yours faithfully
Fred Laing
Managing Director
Malt Madness by Johannes van den Heuvel has published Liquid Log Entry #400
You can find it on http://www.maltmadness.com/malt-whiskey/liquid-whisky-blog-400.html. In the article he explains in a little more detail some of the reasons, circumstances and considerations that led to him drastically changing his lifestyle, reduce his malt whisky consumption and step back as editor of Malt Maniacs.
www.ralfy.com likes to help out the less-experienced whisky drinker with Whisky Review #277 – Three best malt whiskies for beginners…. happy to help!
A friend of ours has taken on a different job; The BenRiach Distillery Company has appointed Dumbarton-born Stewart Buchanan as its very own Brand Ambassador! He’ll cover both BenRiach and GlenDronach whiskies. A Brand Ambassador is the public face of an organisation who best embodies its products and services, who better than Stewart who can talk for hours about his beloved malts! But will he still travel on his beloved motorbikes? He explained: “I was working in the Tobermory Distillery when Billy Walker and his associates bought BenRiach in 2005. He asked me and Alan McConnochie to come across to get BenRiach up and running and back to its original glory. I lived in the distillery for a month as I worked all hours of the day and night preparing to return it to production”. He’s been there since! Stewart’s passionate about the whiskies he helps produce.
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Bushmills Irish Whiskey, will sponsor the 2012 Irish Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club. The sponsorship means that Bushmills Irish Whiskey will be the official whiskey of the 2012 Irish Open and will have exclusive whiskey pouring rights at the tournament, which takes place between 28th June and 1st July, the ‘Freedom of the Distillery’ awaits the Irish Open winner .
As always, we are interested in your views, stories and photos, you know where we are!
Liz and Paul. Angels Whisky Club
MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS AND CAMPARI AMERICA BOLSTER U.S. DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENT
Morrison Bowmore Distillers Grants Campari America – Exclusive U.S. Import and Distribution Rights For McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Effective June 1, 2012
GLASGOW and SAN FRANCISCO – Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), one of the major names in Scotch Whisky, announces the appointment of Campari America (formerly Skyy Spirits) as the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for MBD’s top-selling McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, effective June 1, 2012. The deal brings one of the world’s fastest-growing Scotch malt whisky brands into the folds of Campari America, who already manages distribution and marketing in the U.S. for MBD brands Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
McClelland’s came to the U.S. market 18 years ago and has since grown to become the fifth best-selling single malt in the United States and number 15 in worldwide sales. It is the second best-selling malt in the Morrison Bowmore portfolio and has shown considerable sales increases, with global sales nearly tripling between 2001 and 2010. The volume growth of McClelland’s has outpaced all of the top-ten selling single malts in the world. (IWSR 2011 Report/Single Malt Category).
The addition of McClelland’s builds upon the already strong Campari America whisk(e)y portfolio which includes Wild Turkey® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Russell’s Reserve® Bourbon and Rye Whiskey; Glen Grant® Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Hibiki® Whisky; Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky; and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky, and demonstrates Morrison Bowmore’s confidence in Campari America’s formidable marketing and sales expertise in this category.
“Morrison Bowmore Distillers boasts one of the most critically acclaimed whisky collections from Scotland, representing every major distilling region,” said Gerry Ruvo, Chairman and CEO, Campari America. “This broad selection allows Campari America to appeal to every whisky fan, from the novice to the seasoned aficionado. The addition of the broad McClelland’s portfolio lets us offer even wider choices for our distributors, retailers and consumers, furthering solidifying our position as the premier whisk(e)y supplier in the U.S.”
“We have found a true partner for our brands in Campari America,” says Mike Keiller, CEO, Morrison Bowmore Distillers. “Our fine portfolio of single malt Scotch whiskies have shown significant volume and value growth since Campari America took them on in 2008. We are confident that McClelland’s strong growth trajectory will only continue under the expert leadership of Campari America and its outstanding sales force.”
McClelland’s offers a range of four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, each of which provides consumers a chance to explore Scotland’s key whisky producing regions and reflect the true essence and distinct characteristics of that region:
· McClelland’s Highland – Highland malts capture the true spirit of Scotland – the moorlands, heather and fresh pine forests – and are rounded, firm and fruity.
· McClelland’s Islay – Famous throughout the world for their peaty character and dry finish, the Islay dram is the unmistakable taste of Scotland.
· McClelland’s Lowland – The malts crafted in the Lowlands match the soft rolling landscape. Smooth and light, they make the perfect aperitif.
· McClelland’s Speyside – Speyside malts are sweet and fruity, sometimes delicate, sometimes rich and robust but always complex.
This past March, the brand introduced new packaging – a premium gift box and a refreshed label – which underscores the excellent spirits quality and addresses consumer demand for a greater level of education on the taste experience of the famous whisky producing areas. The new cartons are completely recyclable, lowering the brands carbon footprint.
ABOUT MCCLELLAND’S SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
McClelland’s is a regional single malt Scotch whisky with expressions from Scotland’s four main whisky producing areas: Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay. It is produced by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Glasgow, Scotland and distributed in the U.S. by Campari America. McClelland’s is the 5th largest single malt in US domestic market by volume and 15th globally (IWSR 2011). McClelland’s is available nationwide in 50ml, 750ml and 1.75L bottles. For more information visit www.morrisonbowmore.com
ABOUT MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS (www.morrisonbowmore.com)
Founded in 1951, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntory Limited and is one of the major names in Scotch whisky. With three Malt Whisky Distilleries situated in the major production areas of Islay (Bowmore), the Highlands (Glen Garioch) and the Lowlands (Auchentoshan),as well as significant blending, bottling and warehousing facilities, the company has established a leading role in the export of Single Malts. The success of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is based upon maintenance of traditional values and innovation in the marketplace.
ABOUT CAMPARI AMERICA
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.
Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.
Tullibardine 1992/2011 (46%, OB, 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux Finish)
On the nose there is the classic ‘green’ notes one often encounters in Tullibardine which quickly is surpassed by some good rich notes which must be the 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux making itself known to the whisky. However after a while the ‘green’ notes (this is not an attempt to be derogatory but merely a descriptor of cereal, pizza dough, bread, green peas and Weetabix characteristics. The taste is very good, a nice tussle between the ‘green’ notes and the 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux finish along with an astonishing mouth sucking dryness that is quite unique. Then after the shock of the dryness comes some really nice sweetness which works really well with the other flavours. The finish is malty and dry with some briny and Marmite notes thrown in at the last, for good measure. An exceedingly long and active finish.
A multi faceted dram to be sure and quite good.And different. And the colour of Iron Bru.
$72
Score 82 points
