Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible™ 2013 Win for TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com is celebrating a remarkable scoop following the publication of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2013™, the annual definitive enthusiasts guide. The retailer’s exclusive Berry’s Own Selection Macduff 2000 Scotch scooped the top award for Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2013™ 11-15 Years in the Single Cask Scotch category.

The Award Winning 11 year old Scotch was specially selected for The Whisky Barrel by Doug McIvor, Spirits Manager of Berry Bros. & Rudd. Bottled from a fresh sherry cask number 5774 at natural cask strength 60%. Macduff is a Speyside Scotch whisky distillery situated in the north east of Scotland.

Customers can order confidently that the evil sulphur queen hasn’t lit a match near this one. Don’t delay, these are being ordered like it’s wine.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com is a specialist online Scotch whisky merchant shipping to over 50 countries including the United States and Canada.

Macduff 2000 BBR for TheWhiskyBarrel.com $53.49

http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com/macduff-11-year-old-thewhiskybarrel.com-exclusive-whiskey-scotland

Macduff 2000 BBR for TheWhiskyBarrel.co.uk £39.99 (£33.33 ex VAT)

http://www.thewhiskybarrel.co.uk/macduff-11-year-old-thewhiskybarrel.com-exclusive-single-malt-scotch

The Whisky Barrel
www.thewhiskybarrel.com

E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
T: +44 (0)845 2248 156

Single Malt Tasting & Seminar

Friday November 16 7PM @ PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER $38.99 PER PERSON PLUS TAX AND GRATUITY RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Join us for a guided tasting of 8 Single Malts led by spirits expert and educator Karl DuHoffmann. This exciting tasting event includes: *8 Single Malts from the Highland/Speyside Distilleries of BenRiach – Glendronach – Glenrothes *Delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres by Restaurant Bliss *Chance to win prizes of Scotch or Whisky glasses at event *Featured whiskies available to buy at discounted pricing

PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE CENTER 112 WEST BROADWAY, PORT JEFF   Built before WWI this historic steel building got a total facelift in 2005 and now serves for community functions and this grand Scotch event. We have a great view of the Harbor from upstairs in the Sail Loft Room.

PURCHASE TICKETS at 280 RT. 25A, E. SETAUKET, NY 11733 631-941-4458 rich@moraswines.com

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE @ www.moraswines.com/whiskytasting

KARL DUHOFFMAN  

Karl DuHoffmann brings 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to bear when speaking on distilled beverages. A passionate advocate for the diversity to be found amongst the great spirits of the world. A dynamic educator who challenges received wisdom and brings a fun informative presence to the event.

And now for something completely different…

For our first official tasting back in our normal home at Vinopolis we’re pushing the boundaries of experimentation with whisky for what is quite possibly a world first – a whisky tasting where two local artists will interpret, live, through the medium of art, the taste and characteristics of whisky.

The two artists set with this challenging task, each with their own contrasting style, are Sam Mead from Peckham and Silvie Wallington from Bermondsey.

Leading us through the tasting will be whisky expert and art lover Martine Nouet, who will be using her skills of whisky description to help both us and the artists get the most from the drams. All work created on the night will be available for sale.

We believe this is the first time a tasting like this has ever been attempted and it will be a unique opportunity to see whisky brought to life in front of your very eyes!

The whiskies we will be tasting on this artistic voyage are:

* Glenrothes 1995 – a rich, toffee-driven Speyside dram from this pedigree distillery.
* Glen Grant 170th Anniversary – a celebratory marriage of casks from 1976 – 1999 offering fruit, cereal and citrus with a hint of smoke.
* Bunnahabhain 18yo – the discontinued 40% version loved by many fans of the distillery. Toffee, pepper and coastal brine.
* Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength #003 – this peat-bomb is sure bet to offer up some interesting artistic interpretations. Peat smoke, bandages and bonfire in your glass.

The tasting will take place on Monday 29th October, 7:30pm at the Whisky Exchange Shop in Vinopolis near London Bridge station. Tickets are £20 each.

As ever, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer

To Book your ticket:

Call us: 020 7403 8688
or
visit our shop – http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/Vinopolis.aspx

Gordon and MacPhail adds to its Private Collection

Scotland’s leading malt whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, has added two new expressions to its Private Collection range.

The Elgin-based, family-run company has extended its Private Collection to include the Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish (distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2012 at 45%) and the Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish (distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2012 at 45%).

The malts were selected for their outstanding quality and character. Both were distilled in the early 1990s and exemplify the flavours and characteristics of single malts aged in French casks. Only 2,000 bottles have been released for worldwide sale.

Michael Urquhart, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “For generations Gordon & MacPhail has built up a stock of single malts of various ages and strengths from distilleries throughout Scotland. As a result, our portfolio is wide and varied and includes single malts to suit different tastes and price points.

“The latest expressions released under our Private Collection range enable whisky enthusiasts to explore how the characteristics of the single malt are complemented by the characteristics found in these high quality French casks.”

Gordon & MacPhail’s Private Collection includes over 300 expressions, aged 5-70 years and vintages from 1938. Each addition to the Private Collection is personally selected by the company’s directors.

Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish has a UK Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of £45.75, while Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish has a UK RRP of £68.99.

Prices may vary in different markets due to taxes and import duties.

Notes

TASTING NOTES

Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish (Distilled 1993 and bottled in 2012 at 45%)

The distillery was in the past known as Ledaig, changing its name to Tobermory Distillery in the 1970s. Tobermory Distillery has had mixed fortunes since it was first established in 1823. It has been closed several times, most recently in the 1980s. Having reopened in 1989, Tobermory is now back in production.

Situated in the northern Rhône region of France, St Joseph was given its name in the 17th Century by the Jesuits of Tournon. Wines from the region have been sold as early as the 16th century and enjoyed at the tables of the French Kings. The red wines are generally made in the lighter style with soft tannins.

COLOUR – Dark Amber.
AROMA – Sweet wine influences with red grapes and sweet summer berries aromas. Fresh and herbal with hints of coriander and sea air.
TASTE – Rich dark chocolate flavours, with maraschino cherries and black forest gateau. A slight nuttiness is also present with a touch ash and new leather.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and Lingering.
2200 bottles have been released for sale worldwide.

Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish (Distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2012 at 45%)

Balblair Distillery is located in Ross-shire, in the Scottish Highlands. The distillery, named after the nearby Balblair Farm where it was originally built in the 1790’s, moved to its present site in 1895.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest Appellation Contrôlée in the northern Rhône region of France, producing over half of the region’s total wine. Red wines are produced from the Syrah grape and tend to have a soft, delicate character.

COLOUR – Golden Amber with a hint of red.
AROMA – Sweet and fruity with hints of strawberry and ripe banana. A toasted malt edge develops with a touch of vanilla.
TASTE – A touch of black cracked pepper followed by summer fruits and citrus flavours. A creamy milk chocolate edge lingers.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and fruity.

About Gordon & MacPhail
Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opening by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

I hope this letter finds you well. The autumn rains have come to the island, but so far the weather has not been too bad – although of course the winter is yet to come! I have recently returned from Germany where we held our annual ‘Laphroaig Live’ web broadcast and conducted a series of tasting around Germany. It was tiring but hugely enjoyable.

Laphroaig Live Germany.
This year it was held in Nuremberg. Once again our viewing audience broke all records with tens of thousands of Friends tuning in on the night, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. I must say it was fun to taste the three different peated single malts as well as the Quarter Cask-matured peaty beer, which was delicious.

Of course, I know that many of you would not have had the time to watch on the actual night, so I am pleased to say that the ‘On Demand’ recorded version is now up for you to watch. Just go to www.laphroaig.com/live and enjoy! I am sure many of you will have questions, so do drop me a line or you can ‘tweet’ me directly at https://twitter.com/Laphroaigwhisky.

May I also extend my thanks to all of you who gave me such a warm welcome at our tastings in Darmstadt, Nuremberg, Hamburg and Berlin. I really enjoyed all 4 tastings with you.

FOL 18th Birthday Special Anniversary glass.
Firstly, thank you for all your lovely comments on our “Thistle” glass. Some of you have asked whether it will become a permanent item. I am sorry to say that it is a limited edition, so will only be on sale this year (or until stocks run out), so if you would like one, please order one soon.

Christmas.
Yes it does sound early to talk about it, but I have been asked to let you know the last posting dates for your online shop:

UK – Monday 17th Dec
Western Europe – Sunday 9th Dec
Rest of World – Sunday 2nd Dec.

Slàinte,

John Campbell

Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

For more information about becoming a Friend of Laphroaig visit www.laphroaig.com

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #24

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, is also known as A Toshan Man, aficionado and collector of all things Auchentoshan. It should thus not come as a surprise that he wants to present to you the new duty free range. And while he is at it, he puts the Springwood and Heartwood head-to-head. Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/gMGsjxvXE20

The final ever limited edition Christmas Bell’s Decanter featuring Robert Duff Bell is now in stock and available for immediate dispatch! Only £80.99 – order now for Free Delivery!

Simply Click Here To Buy

This limited edition has a great following and the final Bell is sure to be highly sought after. The rich taste of Bell’s comes from the fine malts such as Blair Athol and Caol Ila at the heart of the blend, selected by the master distillers. Bottled exclusively for the UK market.

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

New Glengoyne Collection Worth The Wait

An exclusive new range of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been unveiled by Ian Macleod Distillers to reinforce this unique award-winning brands premium position in the malt category.

The repackaged and enhanced collection from Scotland’s leading independent family owned distiller truly reflects the malts’ outstanding sherry credentials. In addition to the 10yo, 12yo and 21yo, Glengoyne has introduced three new malts to complete the line-up – a new premium Glengoyne 15 year old malt, a new formidable cask strength expression to replace the current 12 year old cask strength and a stunning new world-class 18 year old replacing the 17yo. Each new expression has been crafted from some of the finest sherry casks within Glengoyne’s warehouses.

Read the full article here

BALLANTINE’S UNVEILS PREMIUM OFFERINGS FOR THE GIFTING SEASON

Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, is launching a trio of stylish gift packs for its Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old expressions ahead of the festive period.

Building on the successful ‘Beyond’ global marketing platform, Ballantine’s 12 Year Old has received an intriguing makeover for this year’s seasonal gift pack. Inspired by a world of visual illusion and hidden messages, the gift pack reinforces the brand’s reputation for original and creative thinking.

The new, eye-catching gift tin uses Ballantine’s 12 visual equity and age statement to create a textual pattern that features the silhouette of a hidden bottle. Debossed tasting notes are strategically placed to be discovered inside the lid of the gift tin, which also features an embossed logo and age statement. Further enhanced by a combination of print techniques and finished with a gloss varnish, the gift tin aims to entice consumers to pick it up to experience its tactile qualities and further explore its innovative design.

Peter Moore, Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments: “The new Ballantine’s 12 gift pack will bring to life the brand’s ‘Beyond’ positioning with an intriguing and intelligent design that is sure to capture the audience’s imagination.”

In addition to the Ballantine’s 12 gift tin, Ballantine’s Finest is launching two gift packs ahead of this year’s festivities.

A special gift tin includes the striking Ballantine’s Finest visual cues, in line with the popular expression’s new outer carton. A wrap-around design highlights an embossed crest and logo on both sides, while a debossed seal and signature is placed to be discovered inside the lid.

Aimed at a younger audience, an alternative gifting offering for Ballantine’s Finest is a stylish carrying zip case pack. Made of high density nylon, the pack includes an engraved tin-plate plaque to complete a more youthful, modern appeal.

“Our gift packs for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old include something for everyone,” adds Moore. “We expect them to be extremely popular with people looking for eye-catching and stylish gift options in the run up to Christmas.”

Gift packs are available for 70cl, 75cl and 1L products. The limited edition packs will be available in more than 40 markets from the beginning of December 2012.

Notes

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s Finest is a complex blend of single malts and grain whiskies from four renowned whisky regions of Scotland – Islay, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. Its elegant signature style is a balance of soft and sweet, due to the key malts of Glenburgie and Miltonduff.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com

101 WORLD WHISKIES TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE is the companion guide to 2010’s 101 WHISKIES TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE. Ian Buxton again eschews the obvious whiskies and recommends another 101 whiskies that he believes every whisky lover should taste.

In Ian Buxton’s new collection of whisky recommendations he has cast his net wider. He includes not only whiskies from the established whisky-producing countries, but also many newcomers. The book includes whiskies from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, India, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, USA and Wales.

All the whiskies included are both affordable and accessible. Ian Buxton does not believe in collecting whiskies or investing in whisky. He believes in tasting and enjoying the huge range of whiskies that are available. The book includes single malts and blends and provocatively a few renegade suggestions that are bound to offend purists. Ian Buxton is incredibly well-connected in the whisky world with the specialist press, bloggers, retailers, marketeers and the producers themselves.

Hardcover • 978-0-7553-6319-3 • $19.99 • 224 pages

PUB DATE: September 4, 2012

Ian Buxton is a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. He now runs a successful consultancy business. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1991, the highest honour of the Scotch whisky industry, and is a member of the international tasting panel for the annual World Whisky Awards and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. He lives in Perthshire on the site of a former distillery from where he conducts his love affair with Scotland’s national drink.

101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die- Ian Buxton

“Buxton’s guide encourages you to seek out and try whiskeis that you might not have thought about before … So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start delving in and ticking them off.” Whisky Magaazine

“One of the industry’s most illustrious tipplers.” coolhunting.com

If you would like a copy and live in CANADA contact Whisky Intelligence via the contact for and we’ll send you a copy. FREE! (Two copies available).