www.ralfy.com launches a short examination of Scotland’s Whisky Regions with Whisky Review 268 – Oban 14yo (Highland Region).

Auld Reekie £10.00 OFF A BOTTLE

Edinburgh has long been associated with smoke, whisky and royalty. It is reported that in 1777 there were no fewer than 400 illicit distilleries in Edinburgh. These easily went undetected in the thick smoke that filled Edinburgh. The smoke was such an issue in Edinburgh that the capital affectionately became known as “Auld Reekie”. In more modern times Edinburgh has lost its reputation as being the smoky capital of Scotland with the island of Islay now more synonymous in whisky circles with smoke than Edinburgh.

Duncan Taylor’s Auld Reekie is a 10 year old bottling of Islay Malt whisky. Each cask is specially selected for the pungent smoky character unique to Islay whisky. Auld Reekie is bottled at 46%, natural colour, without the aid of chill-filtration.

WAS £41.99 – NOW £31.99 SAVE £10.00

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Single Malts Limited | 36 Gordon Street | Huntly | Aberdeenshire | AB54 8EQ

Rebecca Creek Texas Whiskey

Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Whiskey is whiskey distilled in San Antonio Texas and is a whiskey that can be enjoyed straight or mixed. First released in August of 2011 and produced from a proprietary blend of domestic malted barley and … Continue reading →

STARS SHOW ‘TRUE CHARACTER’ IN BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO CALL

British Open champion Darren Clarke and YE Yang, the first Asian to win a Major, headlined a gallery of stars at the official photo call ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which teed off today at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

Flamboyant Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, last year’s runner-up, world number 11 Adam Scott, Englishman Ian Poulter and young Korean stars Bae Sang-moon and Kim Kyung-tae also featured in a selection of photo opportunities, which took place ahead of the Gala Dinner at Grand Hyatt Seoul.

Photo captions:

[Image1] Australian star Adam Scott (left), YE Yang (middle), the 2009 US PGA Championship winner, and British Open champion Darren Clarke (right) in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with other top golfers including Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon, Kim Kyung-tae and Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 2] Australian star Adam Scott (left), YE Yang (middle), the 2009 US PGA Championship winner, and British Open champion Darren Clarke (right) in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with other top golfers including Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon, Kim Kyung-tae and Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 3] Ballantine’s Championship contenders Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon and Miguel Angel Jiménez tend the bar in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million tournament, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with Australian star Adam Scott, British Open champion Darren Clarke, Kim Kyung-tae and Korean legend YE Yang, the 2009 US PGA Championship winner. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 4] Ballantine’s Championship contenders (left to right) Bae Sang-moon, British Open champion Darren Clarke, Ian Poulter, Kim Kyung-tae, YE Yang, Adam Scott and Miguel Angel Jiménez relax at the tournament’s Gala Dinner at Grand Hyatt Seoul. All seven players are trying to win the trophy for the first time. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

Notes:

Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the number one ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the number one Scotch whisky in Europe, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013.

• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Scottish Open since 2007. The 2012 event will be held at the Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, from July 12-15.

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England.

• Ballantine’s was the official sponsor of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 and 2011.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com  and www.ballantines.com

Angels on Tour with friends from the Netherlands

THE TOUR; just a quickie whisky trip! The guys arrived Thursday 26 April at Edinburgh, Paul was there to meet them and all set off for Speyside. Calling in first at Perth to Greggs for some food, then away again to Speyside, first real stop; GLENFARCLAS DISTILLERY. Wet and windy today but the tour went ahead and the lads really enjoyed it, also the drams at the end! A good start to the trip – ready for more now.

Next stop was at the superb Speyside Cooperage. Watching the coopers work is a real eye opener for many people, you just don’t imagine how fast they work or how they do it, a skill for sure, the lads enjoyed it here, Rolf had a go at building a cask, say no more on that score. Next – GLENFIDDICH distillery. A coffee before the tour, a quick hello and begging for freebies from Bert, then away on the tour. Paul met them at the tour end and helped them enjoy their drams (3). It was still raining! Checking in now at the hotel, another drink (beer this time) before wandering over to the Highlander Inn for dinner. The guys enjoyed a few of the drams on offer, all had dinner and sat back satisfied with the day. As Paul headed back to the hotel – aye, more work to do – the lads had another dram.

Friday 27 April; the day started in more rain! A 40 minute trip to KNOCKDHU distillery, a bloody grand tour taken by Ally, good man, good tour and great craik. A viewing of all aspects of this distillery from old to new, a tour they were not expecting, its so unlike Glenfiddich or any other distillery, warts an all! Dust an dirt, great! Drams followed of two aged drams and a new spirit dram, it was Gordon who joined us for this, a few things to collect by paul, thank you’s and goodbyes as we departed for the next section of the day. DUNCAN TAYLOR … a tour of the warehouse, bottling plant and of course a taste! All enjoyed the Black Bull blend, so much so bottles came away with us, thanks to Mark, Duncan and Euan for their time here, the lads found the visit interesting. From here to food, Deans was full of senior citizens on a day oot, so we drove to the CO OP in Dufftown for butties as a carry out. Now back to Perth, but no before another distillery, this one; DALWHINNIE. A tour and triple taste here before arriving in Perth, check in – see you later in the pub lads. Paul was meeting up with Liz tonight for a drink and to meet up with the lads again … for some reason we never saw them! So Liz and Paul just shared a few drinks, she stayed at Pauls place in Perth making it easy for tomorrow’s tour.

Saturday 28 April; Trying to get Liz moving was a struggle! Once the monster was up it was easier, met the lads at their hotel and set out for Crieff. We arrived at GLENTURRET Distillery, ah… cracked open a bottle of the Black Grouse Alpha Edition for a wee taster. All agreed it was a really good blend and one they liked, even Liz! Off they went on the tour, Paul headed up for a cuppa tea (he was still driving) and a chat to Pat (she is lovely), after a brief shopping spree Liz and the lads headed up to Paul, where we had a further 4 drams and a Ginger Grouse waiting. A good visit. Before we left, we enjoyed a brief dabble with Clontarf Irish Whiskey (Paul has a bottle with him and everyone had an expanding dram cup/key ring). As we drove onwards through the Perthshire countryside, we stopped at St Fillans at the loch for another couple of drams Alpha and Clontarf again! Then lunch at Killin, great food and aye, you guessed another drink. Moving on … we drove to Dewars and enjoyed another Grouse in the car park, sorry lads at Dewars! From here to EDRADOUR Distillery, where Andrew and his wife (and kids) welcomed us in, a very brief tour followed a tasting session, I can actually say no one liked the Chardonay finish much. Then back to Perth for a spruce up. As the lads cleaned up, Liz fell asleep at Pauls! Waking the divel again, collected the lads and headed up to Broughty Ferry. It was Rolf’s birthday, Liz had set up a dinner with a few friends in her local pub, so after drinks at the Fishermans pub, we moved to the Ship for more and our dinner. You had to be there to know what went on, a good few laughs, good grub and all watched Liz slowly sinking after too much lemonade! Paul drove the group back to Perth.

Sunday 29 April; away to Edinburgh at 10am. A quick tour by car of the old and new towns, dropped off the boys and Paul headed to go see the Old Firm game on telly. Celtic were robbed! rather than 7 nil they ended up with a 3 nil win. Och well, a great end to the game, some Glasgow humour for yer; as the Rangers fans were leaving the ground, the Celtic Park tannoy came on with “when will we see you again?” by the Three Degrees, if you dont get it, we cannee tell you, what a laugh! All met up at 3.30 and headed back to the airport, farewells and haste ye backs all over the place. Another grand tour done and dusted.

www.angelswhiskyclub.com  www.mcleanscotland.com

May Previews: Whisper of decadence 

A whisper of decadence with this preview peek of May Outturn, enjoy 35.66 and 76.89 for only £89.  May Outturn is released Fri 4 May          

35.66 Laundry in a baker’s shop: What a novel concept. Wafts of fresh laundry meets waves of fresh baking.  This bottling is only available as part of the pair     

76.89 A whisper of decadence: Next door to the laundry-baker is this rather more focussed dram.  Sweet, moreish and with a penchant for sherry.  Slip on the velvet robe, dig out your finest slippers and pay this dram a visit. Pure indulgence.

Buy 76.89 & the Preview Pair 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 Ramblings Via Video #9

In his 9th Whisky Rambling on video, Belgian whisky blogger Mark Dermul puts the Ardbeg Rollercoaster head to head with the Ardbeg Alligator. So check out the Committee Bottlings Battle.

http://youtu.be/yDCbT5Kwv98  

Arran single malt, Cask Finish Editions

The Arran is a relatively new company, founded in 1995, but it has established itself as one of the dynamic new forces in the world of Scotch whiskies, and one of the ways they have done so is by experimenting … Continue reading →

2

Isle of Skye is the Winner at the Scottish Grand National

Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, presents the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award to Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell

April 2012: Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell, owner of Arlary House Stables was presented with the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award 2011/12 by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, at Saturday’s Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

The official whisky partner for Scottish Racing, Isle of Skye Whisky also sponsored the high profile Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr Racecourse.

The Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle trophy was presented to winning jockey, Robert Thornton, Simon Munir (owner) and Alan King (trainer) of winning horse, Raya Star. The award was presented by Edith Russell, wife of Ian Macleod Distillers Chairman Peter Russell, owner of Isle of Skye Scotch Whisky.

Scotland’s leading National Hunt yard, Arlary House has earned a strong reputation, sending out winners the length and breadth of Britain, from Perth to Cheltenham. It has been a record-breaking season for Arlary House, having over 55 race wins, including Brindisi Breeze, who won the Albert Bartlett 3 mile Novice Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival race – the first Scottish Cheltenham winner for 10 years. Brindisi Breeze is owned by Sandy Seymour from St Andrews, was ridden by Campbell Gillies from Haddington and trained by Lucinda Russell, both of whom are sponsored by Isle of Skye Scotch Whisky.

Lucinda Russell owner of Arlary House Stables and winner of the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award 2011/12, said: “I’m really proud to have won this prestigious award. The hard work of the Arlary team and support from everyone, including the Scottish public and especially Isle of Skye Whisky has been incredible.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: “We’re delighted that Lucinda Russell has won this year’s Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award.”

“This is the second year that we’ve sponsored the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr Racecourse. The event’s values of tradition and excellence sit neatly with the exceptional qualities Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky possesses. Both are in perfect synergy in terms of their Scottish roots, passionate commitment to achieving excellence and determination to be the best.”

The Scottish Champion Hurdle was first run in 1966 when the winner was Blue Venom. It was awarded Grade 2 status in 1991 and was run on the opening day of the two day Scottish Grand National meeting until 1994 when it moved to the Saturday.

Isle of Skye Whisky is also the official Whisky Partner of Scottish Racing which encompasses all five of Scotland’s racecourses – Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth. The sponsorship is part of the brand development for Isle of Skye, raising the profile of the award-winning Blended Scotch throughout Scotland’s racecourses and beyond.

For further information visit: www.isleofskyewhisky.com

For UK distribution of Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky and all other Ian Macleod brands, contact Alan Wardrop, UK Sales Manager, Ian Macleod Distillers, 01506 852205 www.ianmacleod.com

Notes

Images:

Image 1: First Minister, Alex Salmond, presents the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award to Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell

Image 2: Edith Russell (wife of Ian Macleod Distillers Chairman Peter Russell, owner of Isle of Skye Whisky) presenting the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle Trophy. (L-R) Robert Thornton (jockey), Edith Russell, Simon Munir (owner) & Alan King (trainer)

Isle of Skye blended Scotch whisky is available in 8 Years Old, limited edition 21 and 50 Years Old. An exceptionally smooth and mellow Scotch whisky containing a high proportion of carefully selected Island and Speyside Malts, the 8 Years Old has been described by whisky expert Jim Murray, as “an absolute must for any Islay-philes out there – in fact, a must for everybody. Your taste buds are beaten up and caressed simultaneously. One of the most enormous yet brilliantly balanced whiskies in the world.”

The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes – (1.5 litre, 35cl and 5cl) and 70cl in Tesco and Asda etc.

1

Modernizing liquor laws overdue

By James Romanow

I am currently trying to organize a scotch tasting to be held in Saskatoon.

I want a specific set of scotch served to illustrate the regional characteristics of single malts.

I was asked to do this in seven weeks. That’s about how long it takes to set up and manufacture a new cellphone design. In the liquor business in Saskatchewan, seven weeks is a back-breaking deadline.

Among the hurdles needing to be cleared are:

. It’s illegal for a venue to serve liquor it doesn’t purchase itself, so a new, separate liquor licence is required. Because the hotel fears for its licence and profit margin, the event must be carefully negotiated, requiring at least four hours of three people’s time.

. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s special order desk is incapable of sourcing, ordering and delivering to me in less than eight weeks 25 bottles of unlisted scotch available in several places across Canada.

. Willow Park, a Regina vendor that actually carries these labels, properly listed under the SLGA system, cannot get the 25 bottles within five weeks because the product must go from the Alberta warehouse to the SLGA warehouse to Willow Park and then to me. This despite Willow Park having all of the inventory in its warehouse in Calgary.

The SLGA has ordered the closure of Saskatoon wine vendor Cava Wines. Cava is accused of buying wine in Alberta for resale in Saskatchewan, and possibly – some of the story is rather murky – for buying wine or wine futures in France.

Our baroque liquor laws are firmly founded on prohibitionism, on the certainty that liquor drinkers are an immoral lot who are always trying to circumvent the law. This legal structure is buttressed by an NDP faith that all jobs should be government jobs, and a spineless government bul lied into submitting to the prohibitionist-NDP axis.

Don’t believe me? Why then are we perfectly content to tax gasoline sold by an entirely private network of distributors and vendors, but are compelled to sell all alcoholic products via a single government importing agency? Oh, and virtually all “imports” come from notoriously sinful places such as Edmonton.

If all we want is the income to run our government, sales taxes will do the job. If our goal is maximizing government taxes, then we want as many vendors and distributors as possible. We do not have either, so I assume we want something else.

I am hard pressed to imagine what else that could be, except the selfrighteous glow that comes from burning witches and punishing sinners.

The SLGA warehouse is set up to handle 700,000 cases annually, but actually must deal with 2.1 million. In June 2008 I suggested to then-SLGA minister Dan D’Autremont that the government privatize the warehouse. He said it was impossible because “you need bonded warehouses.”

A new warehouse is now planned. It has yet to be built or opened. This is called moving at the speed of government.

Now the SLGA is apparently claiming the right to sell French wine futures, always a favourite procurement channel for rubbies and other alcoholics.

That’s not covered by existing legislation. However, to win that right, Cava Wines will probably have to litigate to at least one appellate level.

If I buy wine in France I can import it, as long as I pay the appropriate taxes at the border. “Aha!” the supporters of the current system say. “You’d just sneak across the border to buy it from those dissolute Albertans.” Unfortunately this is already happening.

Any number of my readers have told me of the joys of loading up the minivan at the Edmonton SuperStore.

Anyone should be able to set up a business selling wine futures. They are selling a financial product, not liquor. Anyone should be able to organize wine tastings without having to worry about what wines are carried at any venues, or by which vendors.

You don’t need to privatize the SLGA. The government can maintain as many stores as it and we wish to have. Remember us? We’re the voters.

This is our problem. All the government needs to do is draft legislation that includes a clause that allows bypassing the SLGA warehouse.

The government failed to do so in 2008 because it was and is terrified of attempting to bring the liquor laws into the 21st century. The Calvinists and voters afraid of change have won. What the neo-prohibitionist ideologues have done is to partially fund Alberta health care. They also made events such as beer, wine and scotch tastings difficult, expensive and rarer than need be.

Three cheers and goodbye, Cava Wines. It was fun while it lasted.

© James Romanow  All rights reserved. No re-publication without express permission by the owner. This article is reproduced here with the express permission of the author. Please visit his blog at www.drbooze.com Romanow is a Saskatoon based freelancer who writes a regular column on wine for The StarPhoenix.

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