DESIGNJUNCTION PUTS THE MACALLAN IN THE FRAME

For the first time The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, hosted its own special Masterclass and sampling at this year’s designjunction. The Macallan engaged with over 5,500 people throughout the course of the five day event, which is now in its second year and took place in London’s Sorting Office, showcasing the finest selection of international design brands.

Building on the success of The Macallan’s Masters of Photography series involving iconic photographers such as Albert Watson and Rankin, the luxury single malt whisky recently commissioned Annie Leibovitz for the third edition of its award-winning Masters of Photography series.

Those attending this year’s designjunction had the opportunity to visit The Macallan Masterclass lounge for an introduction to the brand and The Masters of Photography project. This was brought to life through displays of Kevin McKidd shot in NYC by Annie Liebovitz, capturing The Macallan moment, while providing an insight into the inspiration behind The Macallan Masters of Photography series.

Guests had a unique opportunity to sample the newest arrival to The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold, the first in the new 1824 series, exclusively available in the UK until spring 2013.

The Macallan team also distributed over 4,800 Gold n’ Soda cocktails at the VIP and press launch and at the Pecha Kucha Friday evening event, ensuring The Macallan was at the front of influencers’ minds.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, commented: “Those attending designjunction had a natural affiliation with design and photography, making it an ideal platform to allow us to build our brand further. We want to reach out to both existing Macallan fans and also new consumers who share our passion for art and photography, but who may not be familiar with our single malt whisky. designjunction provided us with the perfect opportunity to do this. It was also another great way to give people a chance to see for themselves our superb collaboration with Annie Leibovitz, which has global appeal, learn more and be inspired by our Masters of Photography series.”

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition sees Leibovitz bring to life the essence of the luxury brand through her unique photographer’s eye, with renowned Scottish actor Kevin McKidd cast in the role of leading man. The collection comprises 1,000 bottles of which there are four different single malt expressions crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print, that each is paired with.  Shot against four dramatic backdrops in and around New York City, Annie Leibovitz captures the brilliance of a moment where everything comes together, showcasing the stature of whisky as an icon of taste and masculinity.

http://www.themacallan.com/

http://www.themastersofphotography.com/

About The Macallan: 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan. 

The Masters of Photography: 

The Annie Leibovitz Edition is the third in the award winning The Macallan Masters of Photography series. The previous two editions were authored by Rankin and Albert Watson. These unique limited edition collections perfectly conjoin the art of whisky making with the artists interpretation of the world of The Macallan as seen through their photographers eye.

The Macallan Masters of Photography Annie Leibovitz images:  

The Library – This historic location, modelled on Sir Walter Scott’s library in his home in Abbotsford in the Scottish Borders, provided a setting rich in heritage suited to McKidd’s seated, powerful and reflective moment.  The deep red mahogany 1995 whisky with rich notes of raisin and chocolate orange has a long, lingering finish which matches the contemplative mood of the shot.

The Gallery – In the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh hangs ‘Niagara Falls from the American side’ by renowned artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900).  His private gallery in Upstate New York provides an indulgent backdrop to the intense, sensual moment the actor shares with his leading lady. In its accompanying 1989 single malt, burnished oak gives out a rich intensity which, like the image, has a dry finish that teases.

The Bar – Shot in the Red Spot Bar, nestled in the town of Hudson, the mood is upbeat, lively and relaxed as Kevin McKidd meets up with friends to enjoy a glass of The Macallan together.  Like McKidd, the note of Vibrant Oak in the 1991 bottle, makes a statement but is refined enough not to dominate.

The Skyline – The actor is literally on top of the world, as he stands heroically on the iconic Tudor City building against the breath-taking Manhattan skyline at day break.  The dawn light in the shot is complemented by the lemon and citrus fruit nose of the light gold-coloured 1996 whisky.

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4RT, to which address any notices should be sent.

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits and Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:  

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home. 

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit. 

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.  

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan. 

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range. 

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

The 1824 Series

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created four expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring minerals and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series.  Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock.  We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that a great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age.  His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Tasting notes: 

Gold – a burnished gold spirit offering a lemon citrus nose, then orange peel and sweetness that softens but doesn’t eliminate the zest. A note of vanilla followed more assertive by dark chocolate – with lingering floral and light oak notes. Citrus and boiled sweets dance on the palate, along with hints of ginger and cinnamon, while soft oak tones reveal toasted apples. The finish is medium sweet, malty and slightly dry.  

Amber – a floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry. 

Sienna – a warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming. 

Ruby – Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.

Whiskybroker.co.uk Update October 2012

Jane and I have celebrated the birth of our first baby, Harry, on 7^th September, so the past month has been spent taking it slightly easier. No anymore though! Yesterday I bottled some 17yo Mortlach, 16yo Glen Elgin and 17 Linkwood, which can be seen in the photograph below. All 3 bottlings are priced at £37.00 and can be purchased on my online shop at http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/Bottlings.html. Some of you may also not be aware of the 14yo first fill sherry Benrinnes that I bottled about a month ago. About 30 bottles of this is still available on my shop, priced at £37.50. Trade prices are available to purchasers of more than 24 bottles. I can also send whisky Duty Free to anybody who is capable of receiving it (warehouse, registered consignee, temporary registered consignee etc.).

I’ve just purchased some 2005 hogsheads which should be delivered in a couple of weeks. They include: June 2005 Dalmore, December 2005 Speyburn and May 2005 Glen Moray. I’m hopeful there will also be a few others. They will be re-gauged upon arrival but should be priced around £1600.

For those of you searching for new make spirit I’ve also got some June 2012 Tullibardine barrels on their way down to me in the next week or so, to go along with the 2012 Macduff barrels I’ve already got.

Finally, in the next few weeks I’ll be bottling 60 litre shares of my 22 year old Aultmore, 22yo Bunnahabhain, 22yo Strathmill and 20 Glen Grant. If anybody is interested in buying a 60 litre share of these, please let me know now, before I put the casks back in the warehouse!

That’s all for now, but as always I’m open to suggestions, criticisms or any questions you might have.

Regards,

Martin Armstrong

www.whiskybroker.co.uk

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Hi folks.Just a quick reminder that the 19th auction will end on Sunday evening. Still plenty of time to get your bids in.

THE 19th AUCTION

Have a nice weekend.

Cheers from Glasgow

Bill, Tam & Mick

A Most Wonderful October To You Fellow WhiskyLover

They say from each thing bad comes something good. This weeks featured whiskey is an example of just that.

When volunteer firefighter Jess Graber, who also happens to own the Flying Dog Brewery in Colorado, responded to a neighbor’s barn fire down the road, he never imagined any good could come of it. But the barn he made effort to save belonged to George Stranahan, long-time liquor connoisseur.

When the fire settled, the two discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of fine whiskey. And so Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was born. They developed a recipe for the smoothest, most flavorful whiskey in the world using the purity of their mountain surroundings to their advantage.

Over the years Jesse developed a reputation for producing one of the finest whiskies available anywhere: Stranahan’s Colorado Small Batch Whiskey.

This is “old school” whiskey….the kind cowboys drank in saloons across the American West, during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Each bottle comes with its own tin shot glass as well.

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is one of the most delicious whiskies I have ever tasted, and is one of my “Desert Island 5”. Stranahan’s is delicious neat, but throw a few ice cubes in a glass, and you’ve got the perfect fall drink, or the foundation for some amazing holiday cocktails.

I just cannot say enough about this whiskey.

For the last two years Stranahan’s has been unavailable outside of Colorado due to being purchased by a big dumb company. They have, in their infinite wisdom, eliminated distribution and any access to the whisky outside of Colorado.

But thanks to our man Nicky The Neck, who knows a guy…who’s got a guy…we’re able to offer you Stranahan’s Colorado Small Batch Whiskey for $69.95/ bottle, while our supplies last.

But as always, the supply is extremely limited…and once its gone, it’s gone. So if you want a bottle or two to get you through the fall holidays, order it fast.

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

STRANAHAN’S SMALL BATCH COLORADO WHISKEY

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Cordovan leather with burnished gold lights.

NOSE: Licorice and tupelo honey; carmelized sugar and cherries, maple, and raspberry with a scotch-like profile.

TASTE: Extremely soft mouthfeel; washes in with immediate bing cherry followed by light vanilla, cotton candy and Heath bar/toffee resonating along the way. Hot and spicy pecan, oak, oatmeal, and barley.

FINISH: Slight smokey oak finish and hot long warm feeling felt almost immediately. Feels like higher proof than 94, but not harsh, just strong.

WITH A CUBE OF ICE: Opens up wonderfully after the large cube melts. The residual alcohol burn is tamed, leaving a fuller grain bouquet. As the cube melts, even more mineral, dirt flavors come out as well as cinnamon, allspice, and aged vanilla from the minimum aging time of two years spent in charred American white oak casks.

WHISKY GALORE @ THE GREEN WELLY STOP

http://www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk/whiskyshop

The LAST CASK of Port Ellen from Ian Macleod is being bottled now, and we have some of this extremely rare Port Ellen for Pre Order today. From the Chieftain’s Range, this bottling is limited to circa 302 bottles worldwide, so extremely collectable.

Cask Number #1518
Distilled 1982
Aged 30 Years
Cask Strength 50.1% vol
Cask Type – Hogshead

Available to order now HERE

Contact craig@thegreenwellystop.co.uk for information. www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk

Highland Queen Majesty 30 Year Old Single Malt
WAS £109.99 – NOW £89.99 SAVE £20.00
&
FREE Whiskies of Scotland Map

Highland Queen has been produced in Scotland for over 100 years. It takes the name from Mary Queen of Scots, who reigned from 1545 to1567 and was executed in 1587 on the order of Elisabeth 1st, Queen of England.  Majesty 30 years old is the oldest and rarest expression of Highland Queen, with only 2000 bottles produced. It has exceptional elegance and softness on the nose, with the sweetness golden syrup, butterscotch and creamy toffee. Long and elegant to the end the finish has amazing finese with gentle nut notes, hints of dates, citrus notes and the softness of vanilla creams.
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Whiskies of Scotland distillery map displays all past and present distilleries including new distilleries under construction.

Great for a connoisseur of Whisky.
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

October Outturn: Gone with the wind
Gather our autumn harvest before the sun sets on the season and our 12 new single cask bottlings are gone with the wind.

October Pair: 66.36 & 48.35 only £75.00
Highland Eastern & Speyside Spey
66.36 Milano Salami and Tropical Fruit Kebab
48.35 Let the summer arrive
This pairing squeezes out the last rays of sunshine with fruit flavours as well as deep richness, to put a spring in your step
BUY

Cask Trio: 66.36, 48.35 &30.72 only £110
Highland Eastern & Speyside Spey
66.36 Milano Salami and Tropical Fruit Kebab
48.35 Let the summer arrive
66.36 Milano Salami and Tropical Fruit Kebab
A bourbon barrel, a sherry butt and a port pipe – it’s a variety which give life its spice, and a cavalcade of other special flavours
BUY

Case Offer: Cask Trio PLUS 7.78, 35.72 & 29.124 only £290
Highland, Speyside & Islay
66.36 Milano Salami and Tropical Fruit Kebab
48.35 Let the summer arrive
66.36 Milano Salami and Tropical Fruit Kebab
7.78 French patisserie in a bluebell wood
35.72 Vinyl Revival
29.124 Pregnancy Tea Mix
Here’s a box of tasty tricks to wow your tastebuds into amazement…it’s simply gratuitous showmanship that will leave you speechless.

BUY

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.

Whisky Design Awards 2012, rankings after 1 month

This is the status of the nominees in the four categories for the final voting after one month with 2 months to go. Category 1 – Bottle, less than € 250 1 – Glenmorangie Signet Highland Single Malt (29%, 16 … Continue reading →

SUPERSTITION IS THE WAY

 Jura Superstition named The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year 2012

One of the remotest distilleries in Scotland has won the coveted title of The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year.

With its smoky, peaty repertoire offset with tastes of spice, honey and pine, The Isle of Jura Distillery’s Superstition has walked away with the 2012 Whisky of the Year award.

With 20 stores across the UK and around 3 million customers each year, the winner of The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year is based on a combination of customer choice, sales, and recommendations from store managers.

Previous winners of the award, which is now in its sixth year, are Dalmore 12 year old, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Auchentoshan 12 year old, Bowmore 12 year old and Bunnahabhain 12 year old.

Commenting on The Whisky Shop’s Whisky of the Year 2012, a title which will officially be bestowed upon Jura Superstition on 1st November, David Brown, Sales Director at Whyte & Mackay said:

“I am absolutely delighted to learn that Jura Superstition has been selected as the Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Shop.

“Jura Superstition has long been recognised for its unique character which comes from the very special Island of Jura located off the West coast of Scotland. Lightly peated in flavour, Jura Superstition doesn’t have the polarising nature of many of the Island whiskies, which is probably the secret of its success.”

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop said of Jura Superstition:

“Jura Superstition has a sensational taste, uniquely combining Jura’s core character with subtle, peated tones.

“This truly is a consumer favourite, with the Whisky of the Year being voted for by our customers as well as our store managers, who base their decisions on customer reaction to the 300 plus products we offer across our stores.

“With the consumer confidence behind it, Jura Superstition is a much deserved winner of Whisky of the Year 2012.”

Dominic Roskrow, Editor of Whiskeria magazine concluded:

 “Isle of Jura has always enjoyed an intense and passionate following but the distillery has reinvented itself in recent years, with stylish new packaging, an upgrading of its core range and the launch of exciting new malts. Superstition is a unique whisky, using a gentle wave of peat to do to the core Jura fruity characteristics what salt and vinegar do to fish and chips – enhance and enrich the experience without overwhelming it. It has taken Jura in to a new direction and for that alone it deserves this accolade.”

NOTES

 The Whisky Shop – part of Glenkeir Whiskies – is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist, with 20 shops nationwide offering more than 300 products. For more information on the Whisky Shop visit www.whiskyshop.com

Simply click on any of the images to learn more about these highly collectable whiskies. Stock available to pre order online at The Whisky Shop now!

Brora 35 year old –  One of only 1566 individually numbered bottles.  Stocks are depleted of this collectors gem. A 2012 must have bottling.

Talisker 35 year old – Just 3,090 individually numbered bottles world-wide, in stunning large presentation boxes.

Caol Ila 14 year old – From 1st fill ex-bodega European Oak casks.  Just 5,958 bottles worldwide.

Auchroisk 30 year old –  From a mix of American & European Oak refill casks filled in 1982. Just 2,976 individually numbered bottles worldwide.

Lagavulin 21 year old – Vatted from first fill ex-sherry European Oak casks at least 21 years old, filled in 1991 Just 2,772 bottles available worldwide.

Dalwhinnie 25 year old – 20yo won Gold, Best in Class at IWSC, 2007 Interesting to compare with three previous bottlings in this series. Just 5,358 bottles available world-wide.

Port Ellen 32 year old – Just 2,964 numbered bottles world-wide. From refill American & European Oak casks filled in 1979.

Lagavulin 12 year old – Eleventh in 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.

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