Kavalan – Now Available at TWE!
The world of international whisky is growing but one of the barriers to the spreading of the various brands to all four corners of the globe is the joy of distribution. It’s hard to send bottles of booze across borders … Continue reading >>
www.ralfy.com shares some old-timers knowledge with Whisky Review 325 – Laphroaig 1998 12yo BB&R (Indi bottling)
Our final despatch date for guaranteed delivery in the UK is Thursday 20th December.
Single Malts Limited | 36 Gordon Street | Huntly | AB54 8EQ | United Kingdom
AUCHENTOSHAN UNVEILS THREE EXCEPTIONAL EXPRESSIONS FOR THE DISCERNING WHISKY DRINKER
~ Auchentoshan 1966 – A Rare Vintage Release ~
~ Auchentoshan 1979 – Latest in 1970s Vintage Series ~
~ Valinch 2012 – Second edition Small Batch Release ~
Auchentoshan, the only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has released three remarkable and sought-after collectibles: the limited editions Auchentoshan 1966 and Auchentoshan 1979, and the second small batch release of Valinch 2012. These exceptional expressions will satisfy the palates of any whisky enthusiast or collector.
Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop, meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. It is this quality and lightness of Auchentoshan’s distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives its whiskies an unmistakably light and fruity flavour. This production process is totally unique to Auchentoshan; a distinct proposition that makes for a modern expression of a classic single malt.
AUCHENTOSHAN 1966 – BOURBON MATURED
Carefully matured in North American ex-Bourbon Hogshead casks for just over 44 years, one of the rarest expressions of any Lowland Single Malt Whisky – making it a highly coveted collectible for any whisky fan.
Only 257 bottles of the Auchentoshan 1966 were laid to rest following distillation on 21 February 1966. After triple distillation, this extraordinary expression was matured exclusively in Warehouse Number Three, in the shadow of the Old Kilpatrick hills. Some say it is the perfect building for maturing Scotch Whisky; the sheltered aspect and lowland climate make for very small variations in temperature – just 12 degrees centigrade over a year. What’s more, the floor is natural soil which allows the warehouse (and the casks) to breathe.
Encased in a handcrafted aluminium and oak outer case that are each individually numbered, the Auchentoshan 1966 comes partnered with a booklet charting the history of this rare expression. Priced at £4,500 RRP, this exclusive bottling is available now.
Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, comments: “This is a stunning example of the care, craft and investment we put into our whiskies, that means it can withstand the test of time. Thanks to careful tending of the North American white oak hogshead casks, Auchentoshan 1966 Year Old has matured beautifully over 44 years. It has aged with a complex character – but keeps its youthful vitality.”
TASTING NOTES
Golden syrup in colour, the expression displays welcoming aromas of fragrant tobacco leaf accompanied by a gentle prickle of lemon pepper. A splash of pure water awakens subtle notes of fruitcake and eucalyptus that develop into sweet heather honey, culminating with a flourish of cooling mint. A clean yet lingering finish, reminiscent of marmalade.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison Bomwore Distillers, adds: “Auchentoshan 1966 is a whisky of exquisite elegance with a delicate yet intriguing bouquet capturing the pinnacle of the distiller’s art and remaining true to its triple-distilled house style. As Auchentoshan matures through the decades in bourbon casks, the fresh citrus aromas intertwine with the American white oak, evolving whilst maintaining the beautiful triple-distilled structure”.
AUCHENTOSHAN 1979 – OLOROSO MATURED
Building on the success of the Auchentoshan 1975 Bourbon Matured launched in 2011, the Auchentoshan 1979 Oloroso Sherry Matured is the latest from the superb series of vintage releases from the late 1970s. Released this October, only 1,000 bottles are in existence worldwide, with each bottle individually numbered, making it no doubt a much sought-after limited edition for all enthusiasts and connoisseurs. RRP is £350.00
True to Auchentoshan’s signature contemporary look, this whisky comes in a stylish and understated premium black box. The character of the copper gold liquid is reflected in the copper foiling throughout the packaging and the interior of the box holds an image of a deconstructed Oloroso sherry cask in homage to the importance of the wood maturation process.
This Auchentoshan is a true rarity; distilled on 22 October 1979, the expression has been fully matured in first-fill sherry butts for over 32 years. Bottled at cask strength, the expression is non chill-filtered to preserve maximum intensity of flavour, creating an Auchentoshan of intense spiced fruitiness.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Morrison Bowmore Distillers, adds: “This carefully crafted malt is one of the most intensely fruity Auchentoshans ever to be released. A cornucopia of rich dark fruits and deep spices, this beguiling expression is beautifully dry.”
TASTING NOTES
A cornucopia of rich dark fruits with Victoria plums, blackberries and raisins, balanced by cinnamon spiced fruitcake. On the tongue, experience bramble jam, dark chocolate, spiced fruit chutney and Madeira cake. Spicy nutmeg, tobacco and pepper linger into the finish.
VALINCH 2012
Launched last year in response to popular demand from Single Malt evangelists, the Auchentoshan Valinch was released to great reviews. A non chill-filtered Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in first-fill North American ex-Bourbon oak casks, the Valinch is a cask strength edition of the acclaimed Classic. For 2012, Auchentoshan is unveiling the second small batch release of this much-lauded malt. Only a limited amount of Valinch are selected for release once a year – 2000 cases globally.
Named after the metal pipette used to draw whisky straight from the cask, this light and refreshing whisky has all the depth of taste, flavour and full body associated with sampling whisky at source.
The packaging of this expression tells the story of the whisky, with the bottle reflecting a laboratory bottle complimented by the outer carton; stripped back to basics, exposing the idea of whisky straight from the cask.
TASTING NOTES
Pale golden in colour, the first aromas are sweet and creamy crème brulee, followed by an invigorating full-bodied orange zest notes on the tongue. The finish is sweet, crisp and lingering.
For more details, visit www.auchentoshan.com / or www.facebook.com/auchentoshan
Follow us on Twitter @TheAuchentoshan
These bottles are available at all good whisky specialist shops.
Auchentoshan Classic has recently gained a listing in Tesco’s.
UK Distributor: Cellar Trends on 01283 217703 or auchentoshan@cellartrends.co.uk
Notes:
Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic
A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood
A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage
Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary
It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new
It’s a throwback to the future
It’s style not fashion
The very best of the past with the very best of the present…
Auchentoshan Classic is available to buy from a wide range of retailers including Asda, Waitrose, and a range of on line retailers and whisky specialists with a RRP approx £27.00.
As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.
Awards 2011
IWSC
– Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon
– Best in Class Silver, 18YO
– Best in Class Silver, Classic
International Spirits Challenge
– Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon
– Silver Medal, Valinch
– Silver Medal, Three Wood
Scottish Design Awards
– Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award
Awards 2012
San Francisco Spirits Competition
– Double Gold Medal, Three Wood
– Silver Medal, Classic
– Silver Medal, 12YO
World Whiskies Awards:
– Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured
Ultimate Spirits Challenge:
– 94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended – Auchentoshan Three Wood
Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:
– Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood
Deanston
Just doon the road from where Paul lives.
DEANSTON DISTILLERY VISIT 12 DECEMBER 2012 Paul made a trip doon the road from Perth to Doune (doon to Doune; see?)
Paul’s report on his visit; “I was really surprised (pleasantly) as soon as I arrived, apart from the baltic cold weather, I wandered into the new (May 2012) visitor centre and was greeted by the Distillery Brand Heritage Manager Fiona Sinclair, a wee girl but really nice and friendly. In the actual shop (I was still in the hallway) there are the usual bottles to buy from Burn Stewart , clothing, books and many “nik naks” which I found interesting just happy Liz wasnee with me, the credit card would have been hot! Liz is on the way to India shortly, so packing!
I introduced myself, handed over a card as you do, next minute Fiona asks me if I would like a private guided tour? Now me being me, am I really going to refuse a private tour from a nice girl? Nope. She donned her duffle coat, it was cold out there and we set out, I stopped first to watch the 5 minute or so video, really good by the way, lots of history there from the building as it was when a mill. Off outside where I found something really interesting, and unique, they have a room generating their own electricity! Water power from the River Teith just outside, a left over from the mill. They even sell electric to the National Grid. A quite unique image running on the back wall also – see photos. Next across the yard to the mash room and still room, nice and compact, couldnee see too much going on as the distillery will stop production in a few days for the holiday period.
Warehouses and filling station, aye they were filling Ledaig today – another of my favourites. In fact a couple of very shy workers here who featured in the film Angels Share, our Patron Charlie has been here scaring people methinks! (see his interview with myself). We then tried out the tasting room, another really nicely done room, before heading upstairs to the VIP area, dinners, tastings, bar and lounge area. Fiona was really interesting to listen to, she knows her stuff and is happy chatting about this distillery.
After a dram and a final look around, I sadly bade farewell to Fiona. Outside back in the cold, I took a few glances aboot checking this unique location, besides the River Teith. We were only 8 miles from Stirling and a long stones throw from Doune. This is a highland distillery only 45 minutes from Edinburgh, and now that there are tours all the time – and many of them, with various options – you have no excuse to go and visit. Situated at the start of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, not too much trace of the cotton remains of this old mill, whisky is definitely the product nowadays. A distillery since the 1960’s one using only traditional methods, result; a sweet, fruity dram, malty and honey with some spice in there. A few varieties await your taste buds inside, my advice? Try them all.
I couldnee resist, I went back in to the new bothy and enjoyed haggis neeps and tatties, served with a Deanston whisky sauce. I tell you what at under £7 it was a really grand plate of tradition, swallowed doon by a hot chocolate (well it was a winter day), the menu is huge, even full breakfast served until noon. I had my beady eyes on a desert of home – made apple pie, but I resisted – honest!
So, what did I think? Well, I am so glad I went, a totally new experience from my previous visit, warm and friendly staff, a manager who knows her stuff, so nice of Fiona to take me round, I appreciated that, so much better than whiskery big fella in dungarees as you get in some other distilleries – no names mentioned to protect the innocent – I was made to feel special, as I am sure everyone will, when they visit. And to round off with food and drink, even better and aye, they have a kids menu! I am writing this because I enjoyed my visit, the whisky was good and I will be making this a part of the events in 2014 the “Gathering of the Drams!” see website. All in all, a great visit, happy I went along. Plus, the distillery has it’s own sheep!
Even made a new friend, I’ll be back Fiona!”
A Taste From The Past – Grant’s Deluxe Crock
Hello,
This week I took delivery of a new addition to my collection of old Grant’s whiskies – a rare crock from the 1970s. There is something authentic about these old crocks – the wax seals, heavy weight and rough branding all add to the sense of going back in time I get, every time I open…(please clcik on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…
Kind regards,
Ludo
Call us freephone: 0800 107 1936
Orders with us before THURSDAY afternoon delivered in time, but please don’t wait till then!
(LWF says it how it is without embellishment – WI)
Gordon & MacPhail Sales Executive honoured at Òran Mór whisky awards
Jim Irvine from Gordon & MacPhail was recently declared Whisky Representative of the Year at the Òran Mór Whisky Awards, held in Glasgow.
Jim joined Gordon & MacPhail, the leading malt whisky specialists based in Elgin, just one year ago and has quickly cemented his place in the company, and among his customers. Jim works across the west of Scotland, from Campbeltown to Dumfries, with Glasgow, Islay, Ayrshire and Arran in between, promoting Gordon & MacPhail’s range of single malt Scotch whiskies, including their own distillery’s brand, Benromach.
Jim has 20 years’ experience in the drinks trade and was nominated by members of the trade, who range from hoteliers, restaurateurs, licensees and wholesalers.
East Kilbride resident Jim said: “I went to the awards hoping that Gordon & MacPhail would win an award, but I had no idea that I was nominated for one. I was absolutely gobsmacked and really chuffed to win Whisky Representative of the Year.
“I’ve been with Gordon & MacPhail for just over a year, which makes the award even more special. It’s a family company with a huge reach across Scotland and globally, too.”
Stephen Rankin, Director of UK Sales at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Jim has been a passionate ambassador for Gordon & MacPhail since he joined our skilled team a year ago and it’s wonderful that his knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment have been recognised by the trade.”
Benromach 10 Years Old was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Experts Choice category and Benromach Peat Smoke was ‘Highly Commended’ in the People’s Choice category at the same awards.
The Òran Mór Whisky Awards have been running since 2008 and attract entries and nominations from across Scotland.
PICTURED (l-r): Sandy Gourlay, general manager of Òran Mór; Jim Irvine and Sue Buchanan (formerly of Waverly TBS).
Notes
About Gordon & MacPhail:
Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant 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.
Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.
Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres. After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998. The award-winning range includes Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be certified by the Soil Association.
For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com
About Oran Mor Whisky Awards
Formerly Kelvinside Parish Church, Òran Mór, Gaelic for ‘great melody of life’ or ‘big song’, is a thriving arts & entertainment venue in the heart of Glasgow’s West End.
It has a dedicated Whisky Bar and is known as a live music venue throughout Scotland. Visit www.oran-mor.co.uk for more information.
Christmas Countdown: 15% Bottle Savings
We’re counting down to Christmas with special single cask treats for members…yesterday our Cask Ends Sale and today (all weekend and Monday) we’re offering a massive 15% off all our individual bottles of whisky.
15% Bottle Sale ends: Mon 17 Dec
Last Orders for Christmas Delivery: Wed 19 Dec (midday)
Spreading Christmas Cheer…
1.97 Orange syllabub
Speyside Spey, WAS £134 NOW £113.90 * with gift box
We settled on the comforting notion of orange syllabub, with a significant quantity of zest grated on top. The taste at cask strength has the bitterness of Seville Oranges subsiding to leave toasted cereals. BUY
7.76 A broad canvas of fruity flavours
Speyside Lossie, WAS £75.20 NOW £63.92
Blackcurrant jam, peach, bramble, cherry, apple, banana, strawberry hubba-bubba and ‘luxury spangles’; also pencil shavings, Bakewell tart, marzipan and rose perfume. BUY
26.89 An exotic tearoom experience
Highland Northern, WAS £87.60 NOW £76.46
Adding water led to notes of vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce, lemon sorbet, spiced apple tea and an indulgent orange spiced soap! BUY
3.190 Heather honey and burnt toast
Islay, WAS £62.10 NOW £52,79
Gentle smoke on the nose was burnt heather and combined seductively with savoury and sweet aromas – rye bread, pastrami, apricots, heather honey and cough mixture. BUY
35.71 Like a hug from your mum
Speyside Lossie, WAS £280 NOW £238
The nose gave us happy, homely feelings – ‘like a hug from my mum’; mellifluous sweetness of maple syrup, marzipan and heather honey – but also marmalade on toast, jaffa cakes, leather and polished wood. BUY
Pick a dram for Santa…Browse all bottlings
15% Bottle Sale doesn’t include packs and parcels that have already been discounted – Christmas Parcels, Cask Ends, Mighty Minis, Whisky for a Year.
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.
