Morning dew shows summer is in decline – cheer up with a seasonal cocktail

London 2012: Take a tip from the Japanese. When first sign of morning dew appears it shows summer is winding down. So cheer up with a Kanro cocktail made with Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky. Kanro is one of the Japanese 24 seasons . Then when the dew turns to frost the Japanese will warm up with a Soko Cocktail made with Hibiki Blended Malt Whisky. Two pleasant remedies to raise the spirits as summer begins to fade. Both cocktails are from a range of seasonal cocktail recipes created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador, to bring that inner glow in a month of chilly weather.

Yamazaki Kanro – Season of white dew (8 October)

50ml Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
12.5ml Chocolate liqueur
Coffee infused iceball
Pour ingredients over iceball in a chunky Old
Fashioned glass
Stir 24 times and garnish with coffee beans and dark chocolate

Hibiki Soko – Day and night of equal length (22 October)

50ml Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended
Malt Whisky
12.50ml PX
Dash of Cherry bitters
Pour ingredients into a classic
Martini Glass
Stir gently 24 times and garnish with maraschino cherries

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 appeal to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky and Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended Malt Whisky are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Enjoy them and the warm glow that comes with the Yamazaki Kanro and Hibiki Soko cocktails.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

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

Yamazaki 12 year old £42

Hibiki 17 year old £70

The Yamazaki and Hibiki range of single malt and blended malt whiskies from Suntory is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

Expecting a touch of frost to appear – follow Japanese tradition with a timely Hibiki Hakuro cocktail

London August 2012: Don’t get depressed when you see the first frosty morning dew, even if summer is fast becoming just a memory. The Japanese have just the answer, time to mix a cheery cocktail or two for the month of September. With their 24 seasons (and a cocktail for each) there is always a way they can commiserate or celebrate the weather. Try a Hibiki Hakuro or a Hakushu Shuubun. They are from a range of seasonal cocktails created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador.

Hibiki Hakuro is the cocktail to banish the blues or to celebrate the coming of the cooler seasons when dew appears. Hakushu Shuubun will repeat the effect in the second half of September, time of the Autumn Equinox.

Hakuro – when the white morning dew appears (8 September)

That fall in temperature is the wake-up call for an Hibiki Hakuro cocktail.

Hibiki Hakuro : 50ml Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended Malt whisky

50ml Sugarcane juice

2.5ml Milk thistle

Pour ingredients over ice, stir thoroughly

Serve in a chunky highball glass

Garnish with a twist of orange

Shuubun – the time of the Autumn Equinox (22 September)

If you are banishing the blues try a Hakushu Shuubun.

Hakushu Shuubun: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt whisky

20ml Yuzu juice

20ml Gomme syrup

1 Egg white

Shake ingredients thoroughly and pour into a cocktail goblet

Garnish with lemon twist

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 appeal to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Hakushu 12 year old Single Malt whisky and Hibiki 17 year old Blended Malt whisky are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Taste them at their best in the Hibiki Hakuro and Hakushu Shuubun cocktails above.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Suntory single malt and blended whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nicols, The Whisky Exchange, Whisky Shop, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from:

Hakushu 12 year old around £52

Hibiki 17 year old around £70

Japanese whiskies from Suntory are distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2012 ANTIQUE COLLECTION

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 4, 2012) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2012 Antique Collection in September. The much anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here’s what ardent fans can expect:

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Gold Medal at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2012 edition was distilled in the spring of 1993 and has been aging on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th floors of Warehouses I and K. After nearly two decades of aging under its belt, it has been described as dry and delicate, with hints of leather, almonds and tobacco.

George T. Stagg

The 2011 release of this perennial favorite was named the “Number One Spirit in the World” by F. Paul Pacult in the 2012 Spirit Journal for the second year in a row, as well as the “Second Finest Whiskey in the World” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The 2012 George T. Stagg was found in Warehouses H, I, K and L. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon was distilled back in the spring of 1995 and weighs in at 142.8 proof—some strong stuff! This whiskey tastes of rich dark chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Last year’s release won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This 2012 rye whiskey release was aged in Warehouses K and is described as intense spice with underlying sweetness and dry finish.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is an uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The 2011 edition was once again named “Rye Whiskey of the Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2006, aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse O and weighs in at 132.4 proof. The flavor has been described as cinnamon, dark fruit, allspice, lingering.

William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. The previous edition was the recipient of a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 2012 offering was distilled in the spring of 2000 and aged on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses I and P. This William Larue Weller release registers in at 130 proof. It tastes of dark vanilla, almond and plum.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

“Every year the excitement and anticipation of these whiskeys grows,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “We’re excited as well to finally be able to share them, and look forward to seeing what critics and consumers alike think about them.”

These Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September. Suggested retail price is $70 each. For more information visit www.greatbourbon.com or contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Loch Fyne WhiskiesStocks ‘Ardbeg Galileo’

Ardbeg Galileo 49% abv

£69.90 inc vat (£58.25 ex vat)

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

A message from John Cambell at Laphroaig Distillery;

Thank you for all of your interest in this year’s Laphroaig Live. I’ve received several emails asking when and where it will be held and I am excited to tell you that this year’s show will be broadcast live from Germany, during Oktoberfest – the World’s largest fair! This celebration of Bavarian beer dates back to 1810, making it just 5 years older than Laphroaig itself.

Despite the very different end results, those familiar with the whisky making process will know that prior to distillation, whisky is essentially beer. We’ll be exploring the similarities between them, and sampling some local beer that has been matured in a Laphroaig barrel. We have also collected wood chips from one of our barrels that will be used to smoke some German sausages for the event, the perfect accompaniment to Laphroaig beer.

You can join us live online on Thursday 27th September 2012 at www.laphroaig.com/live. The show will start at 9pm in Germany, you can check what time that is in your own country here, we look forward to seeing you and answering any questions you might have.

Of course beer and sausages are a fine combination, but I’m sure that what most of you are really interested in is the whisky! Known as the most richly flavoured of all scotch whiskies, Laphroaig’s smoky profile comes from the peat that we use to smoke our malt. We’ll be examining the influence that this special smoky peat has on some of your favourite expressions, the Laphroaig 10 year old, the beloved Laphroaig Quarter Cask and this year’s Cáirdeas.

In comparison with our Laphroaig Islay peated malts, we’ll also be tasting a Highland peated malt from our sister distillery, Ardmore, and an Irish peated malt, Connemara, from our sister distillery in Ireland. These three peated malts all have their own very different but distinct qualities and we’ll be exploring those with our whisky experts during the show.

As always, we will be joined by Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell. He will be accompanied by master blender Robert Hicks, the revered Bernhard Schäfer, whisky writer and Master of the Quaich and Pierre Thiebaut, founder of whisky fan site Connosr.com.

I’ll send another email nearer the time, but for now please put September 27th in your diaries and bookmark www.laphroaig.com/live.

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

The Limited Edition Port Charlotte PC10 is finally here! Demand is high for this limited release so order now to avoid disappointment!

Strictly limited release only 6000 numbered bottles

40PPM – Heavily Peated Bruichladdich Spirit

American Oak Matured

Natural Whisky: Non-Chill Filtered, Colouring Free

The latest expression of the Port Charlotte is a significant milestone in its history. Reaching 10 years old is a reason to celebrate and it has done it in style with this limited release. Each year the spirit becomes more complex, more profound, more individual, more rounded. Its been a fascinating journey and the result is an exceptional whisky. The finesse and elegance of Bruichladdich with the legendary Islay Peat Profile is an intriguing concept, a genuinely characterful, thought provoking dram.

Click Here To Buy

The Whisky Shop Tel 0141 440 0600 info@whiskyshop.com www.whiskyshop.com

The Nth 2013 Ultimate Whisky Show is Fast approaching, don’t miss out on this spectacular event!

For more information visit us at: www.universalwhiskyexperience.com

BENROMACH 10 YEAR OLD GLASS GIFT PACK 70cl/43%

Benromach 10 Years Old is hand-crafted at Speyside’s smallest working distillery using the finest Scottish malted barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. Matured in the finest, hand selected Sherry & Bourbon casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is returned to sweet Oloroso sherry casks for a final marrying period. £34.99

BENROMACH GIFT PACK 3 X 20CL

This is a gift pack of 3 20cl bottles Benromach Single Malt Whisky including 10 Year Old, Peat Smoke and Organic in a metal presentation tin.

Benromach 10 Year Old
Benromach 10 Years Old is hand-crafted at Speyside’s smallest working distillery using the finest Scottish malted barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. Matured in the finest, hand selected Sherry & Bourbon casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is returned to sweet Oloroso sherry casks for a final marrying period.

Benromach Peat Smoke
At Benromach Distillery they source batches of heavily peated barley that varies from year to year. Bringing out different batches of Benromach Peat Smoke allows the discerning whisky drinker assess how differing peating levels complement the unique Benromach distillery character. Benromach Peat Smoke has a seriously smoky character. It is complex, intense and challenging – yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside. Colour – Dark Straw. Nose: Initial soft fruit notes, with a subtle medicinal edge. A sweetness develops and a touch of fire embers linger. With a delicate phenol edge. Palate: Touch of gentle spices – warming, with a pronounced sweetness, hints of cigar ash. Finish – long and sweet.

Benromach Organic
TASTING NOTE. COLOUR: Golden brown. UNDILUTED: NOSE: Light & delicate fruity aromas – hints of soft, fresh fruits. A subtle smoky edge develops. PALATE: Mouth warming with a distinctive peaty note present, hints of charred oak and a sweet, cream toffee finish.
WITH WATER: NOSE: Fresh aromas with a floral, perfumed note. Some green fruitiness arrives with a touch of cut grass. The sweet, toffee aromas continue.PALATE: The smokiness is now more evident but surrounded by a smooth vanilla sweetness. Some roasted malt and oak notes linger in the background.BODY: Medium. FINISH: Long. CASK TYPE(S): Virgin Oak Casks. £34.99

DALLAS DHU 1979 GORDON & MACPHAIL RARE VINTAGE SINGLE SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY 70cl/40%

In partnership with each respective distillery, all whiskies in their Rare Vintage range are uniquely labelled. In years gone by many of these unique designs were used ‘officially’ to bottle the whisky under licence from the distillery. Today these trusted relationships with distillers enables Gordon & MacPhail to bottle exclusive vintages of single malt at various strengths – all with their unique distillery label.

TASTING NOTE. Colour: Pale Gold. WITHOUT WATER:Nose: Fruity and fruity with influences of green apples and fresh pears. Subtle sweet toffee aromas with a delicate malty edge. Palate: Initially peppery with soft fruit influences, ripe bananas and pears. Subtle hints of vanilla and white chocolate.

WITH WATER: Nose: Still fresh and fruity with a touch of toasted malt with subtle influences of fresh pear. Sweet toffee and coffee notes become apparent. Palate: Very fruity initially, tropical fruits flavours. Becomes sweet and creamy with a milk chocolate edge, retaining a certain freshness. Body: LightMedium. Finish: Long and fruity. Cask Type(s): Refill Sherry Hogsheads. Whisky Style: A good example from what is now a closed distillery. £146.99

www.shop4whisky.com

Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Small Batch Reserve’, Lot 105, 2008)

On the nose is slightly closed, actually quite closed, however there are some hints of rye, some tobacco (unlit) and juniper (lots from the cask). The taste is ever so gentle and then the rye notes rise up (gently, gently) and become very honeyed and very, very enjoyable. Quite sensational actually; a gentle riot of rye notes and honey. The finish is a good reflection of the taste with some hints of oiliness and lots of grain notes. Very chewy and smackingly good.

Yup, another winner from John Hall.

Score 86