Auchentoshan 12yo 1999 (54.7%, SMWS, 5.35, Second Fill hogshead, +/-2012) 

“Laundry in the Bakery” 

Light and spicy on the nose with green tree fruit followed by rich warm caramel pudding. With water it changes somewhat to reveal some floral notes and is certainly less vibrant but still very good. The undiluted taste is lemon sweet with a strong back ground of cocoa or dark unsweetened chocolate and loads of oak spice, quite active actually. Very nice undiluted but strong. With a little water it holds together quite well and becomes increasingly delicious. The finish has some more of the…hold on…lots of fragrant malt and floral notes (the latter is not over whelming) and the finish is extremely long and it’s very good. Quite an extraordinary finish, very active and very flavourful.

Not your typical Auchentoshan and very, very good (which is not  to say that the Official Bottlings of Auchentoshan are not also very good).

$105

Score 88 points

Clynelish 21yo 1990 (49.1%, SMWS, 26.84, Refill barrel, +/-2012) 

“Moorland after rain”

Lovely quality right off the bat, a sensational nose but subtle and gentle, not like being smacked about with a kipper. Some hints of age and gentle lovely fruit and some very nice hints of malt. Lovely ‘antique’ moments and all very refined. The taste is also quite lovely with some very nice toasted malt, some more of the fruit and a little tobacco and leather (perhaps a little bit more of the tobacco and a little uncured tobacco thrown in for a little vegetal bitterness to give it all a little twist (just a tiny bit) and then some welcome and slightly surprising smoke. The finish is a mirror image on the taste and a really good blast of sweetness and some emerges to carry the finish to a distant end.

To hell with the water, this is awesome.

$145 (buy two)

Score 90 points

Glen Elgin 12yo 1999 (59.4%, SMWS, 85.23, Refill Sherry Butt, +/-2012) 

“Burnt granary toast with bramble jelly” 

Sour cherries on the nose and a slight portent of doom; is the dreaded “S” making an appearance?? Even without water it’s beginning to emerge. Oh bugger.  Some nice sherry notes struggle through the sulphur could that hangs over the nose like a malevolent fog over an unsuspecting village. The taste is good at first with some …..ooops rotten eggs are really too much to bear. Stop…..

Like a hair dressers when a little old lady is having her hair turned blue.

Apologies…it’s too much and a real shame since there was some moments of greatness in there.

$105

No score.

Glen Scotia 9yo 2002 (59.7%, SMWS, 93.47, Refill Barrel, +/-2012) 

“Seaweed, sushi and Abroath smokies” 

Glen Scotia has cast iron wash backs, something of a rarity in Scotland. This sample, on the nose is some what of the ocean and then the peat smoke arrives to take over and express dominance over the assembled descriptors but not in a dictators fashion (not as they are in real life since they are always bastards) but in a more subtle way, tinged with some sweetness however the peat smoke is quite delightful. Oooff, that’s nice. The taste is of malt, some lemon fizzy notes (like 7-Up) and then some of the very good peat smoke along with some juniper. With a good dollop of water honey notes emerge and it dulls the peat a little. The finish is very active and slightly thinner, more malt and less peat smoke.

A little stumble in the finish but nothing to get too worked up about, it’s a really nice Glen Scotia and killer value for the price.

$90

87 points

Ardbeg 8yo 2003 (60.4%. SMWS, 33.113, First fill barrel, +/-2012) 

“Sweet, peaceful dreams” 

On the nose there is surprisingly gentle peat smoke however it’s very good none the less; it’s not overly complex with peat smoke and sweet cocoa being the predominant descriptors and sometimes you just want to have a dram without having to agonize on all the nuances. This is good Ardbeg, plain and simple. There could, however be a trap about to be sprung by the 60.4% which is deceptively gentle on the nose. The taste, without water, is gentle at first blush and then the rocket engine is ignited and off it goes, big smashing peat smoke, crazed shards of oak splinters and the heat of a thousand suns (OK, a little over the top with that last bit). The finish is chewy malt, peat some and some citrus but loads of chewy malt and a smattering of chocolate. Medium long with a moment of coconut matting at the last.

Big and bold and excellent.

$85

Score 89 points

Samples kindly provided by the SMWS of America.

October 2012 Outturn

Sample Image

Ducks at Kilspindie partners with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Ducks at Kilspindie is thrilled to announce that it has been welcomed a partner bar of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – the world’s foremost malt whisky club. Ducks is now an official ‘home from home’ for Society members and whisky lovers alike where they can enjoy an extensive range of the Society’s exclusive cask whiskies in the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of Ducks’ new whisky snug.

Open to everyone, guests at Ducks will have the unique opportunity, initially, to sample sixteen of the Society’s distinctive single casks which are usually only available to members and their guests, making it the premier destination for any true malt whisky lover. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has worked closely with bar staff at Ducks to ensure that they can share the Society’s vast knowledge with their customers, providing an authentic Scotch Malt Whisky Society experience.

Ducks will also be hosting exclusive Society tasting dinners, where meals will be served based on their ability to compliment each whisky, they are also happy to arrange private whisky tastings for groups of two to eighty people.

Commenting on the venture, Mark Van Der Vijver from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society said:
“Ducks is synonymous with superb food, drink and service in the heart of East Lothian and with their hand-selected range of SMWS single cask whiskies, they have a rare and exclusive string in their bow. Malcolm and the team are now able to offer local malt enthusiasts and Society members an ever-changing variety of SMWS whiskies across their bar, award-winning restaurant and private events.”

Malcolm Duck added:
“This is massively exciting for us at Ducks. Members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society can now use Ducks as their own wee bar, whilst non members will also be able to sample these one off single barrel bottlings. We will be starting out with sixteen different bottles, including one from Japan. We go live on Monday 19th November, so come in and see us.”

Notes:
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society allows members to discover the very best single cask, single malt whisky anywhere in the world. Only ever bottled from a single cask, selected from a range of over 120 whisky distilleries, every Society whisky bottling is exceptional. To join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society visit www.smws.co.uk/memberships.

www.smws.co.uk

Located in the picturesque village of Aberlady, Duck’s at Kilspindie House is a relaxed, family run restaurant with rooms which offers guests two separate dining experiences; from two AA Rosette fine dining in Ducks Restaurant, to excellent bistro cuisine in Donald’s Bar Bistro. Ducks also offers twenty-three extremely comfortable en-suite bedrooms.

www.ducks.co.uk

GOURMAND WORLD WINE BOOKS AWARDS 2012

WINNER FOR CANADA – ENGLISH 

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert

In the category:  Best Spirits Book

Edouard Cointreau, President of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, today announced that Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert, written by Canadian author, Davin de Kergommeaux has been awarded Best Spirits Book of 2012 for Canada.

The book now goes on to compete against winners from other countries for The Best in the World award. Results will be announced at 8:00 PM on Saturday February 23, 2013 at the annual Gourmand Book Awards Gala. An awards ceremony is to be held in Paris in the 1,400-seat theatre at Le Carrousel du Louvre, under the Pyramid of the Louvre Museum. This event, held annually, is part of the Paris Cookbook Fair, which this year runs from Friday, February 22 to Sunday 24, 2013.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert was published in hardcover on May 8, 2012, by McClelland and Stewart. Established in 1906, McClelland & Stewart is one of Canada’s most revered trade book publishing houses, whose internationally acclaimed authors include such notable Canadians as Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, Rohinton Mistry, Farley Mowat and Michael Ondaatje.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards Gala event draws a huge international presence, with books from 171 countries competing. It is the only sector of book publishing that benefits from such an Awards event involving so many countries.

All information will be available on the Gourmand World Cook Book Awards website

Deal Of The Week! Save an incredible £25 on the Macduff 21 year old single cask bottling. Was £90.99 now £65.99! Remember Free Postage On All Orders Over £50.00 Delivered To Mainland UK.

One of only 252 bottles Distilled in March 1990 and bottled in April 2011.

Nose: Big Aromatic, Full of malt, spice, oak and honey.
Palate: Much more honey now and soft spices and barley.
Finish: Vanilla toffee and melting sugar with a drift of smoke.

Simply Click Here To Buy

The Whisky Shop
Tel 0141 427 2919
info@whiskyshop.com
www.whiskyshop.com

Happy Whiskey Selection To You Fellow WhiskyLover

I trust this email finds you recovering from your Thanksgiving feast, and your belt beginning to loosen its stranglehold on your waistline.

Are you searching for a great idea for your company Holiday Party, a charity fund raiser, or just a great way for a group of friends to spend an evening?

ForWhiskeyLovers is here to help with our own private whisky tasting service: ForWhiskeyLovers’ Private Tasting Expeditions, taking place in the comfort of your home or office, country club or location of your choice.

FWL Private Tasting Expeditions are designed specifically for your group of Whisky Explorers, and we come to you. Our team of renown expert whisky evangelists are available in most major metropolitan areas of the United States, and travel can be arranged to remote locations, for an additional cost.

You can read about our six expedition packages here, or contact us directly to plan a customized adventure for your group of Explorers.

This weeks search for an amazing “holiday-worthy” whiskey takes us back to the Green Mountains of Shoreham Vermont and Whistle Pig farm distillery, where they have recently released a special edition of their amazing rye whisky: WhistlePig TripleOne Rye Whiskey

Prior to tasting the original WhistlePig, the best rye I’d ever had was north and south of about a quarter pound of pastrami, with Russian dressing oozing out of the side. I’ve never been a big rye drinker, but after a few swigs of the original Pig, I quickly became a convert.

WhistlePig TripleOne, like the regular WhistlePig Rye, comes from Canadian grown rye as well. It was aged in new American oak barrels like the original offering, only for 11 years instead of 10.

WhistlePig looks to have had some fun with the play on 11, for besides it being aged 11 years it was bottled at 111 proof, with only 1100 cases released.

This is an very limited production whiskey. Fortunately for us, our man Nicky The Neck has a ski-house in VT, where he has been know by his neighbors to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to teach pigs to sing.

And so we’re are thrilled to be be able to offer you the opportunity to acquire a bottle of WhistlePig TripleOne Rye Whiskey for $111, while supplies last…because once it’s gone, it’s gone.

I urge you to give WhistlePig TripleOne Rye Whiskey a try. It will challenge everything you’ve ever thought about rye whiskey, and leave you squealing with happiness (sorry…just couldn’t resist).

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

WHISTLEPIG TripleOne STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

TASTING NOTES – WhistlePig Master Distiller David Pickerell

COLOR: Dark amber, very viscous

NOSE: Deep, rich, and promising, with lots of wood notes, oak, smoke, caramel, and vanilla all with a spicy richness peeking out from behind the trees.

TASTE: Neat: Amazingly spicy at first, with a wide array of distinctinve spices: clove, mint, anise, allspice, ginger backed by intense wood notes.

Cut with a few drops of water: The spiciness takes a half-step back and a very surprising note of Calvados comes to the front.

Add a few more drops of water: Leather and burnt orange start, dark chocolate develops late.

FINISH: Long and clean, with lots of caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla.

Whisky’s demographic crisis

Professor Charles Spence spends a lot of time thinking about the noise made by potato chip packets. This Oxford University academic is a specialist in crossmodal research, a field of psychology concerned with the way our senses interact to shape … Continue reading →

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #28

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, feels wine finished whiskies are sometimes hit & miss. But he feels Auchentoshan got it right with their 1999 Bordeaux Cask Matured. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/MJRwDK_OBtg

BALLANTINE’S CONTINUES ITS LEAVE AN IMPRESSION CAMPAIGN WITH THE LAUNCH OF LOUD BLUE

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, is highlighting its associations with music and personal expression with the launch of Ballantine’s Loud Blue, a social media platform that invites brand fans worldwide to ‘leave an impression through music in a unique and creative way’.

Created with digital partner Work Club, Ballantine’s Loud Blue is an algorithm that turns Instagram photos into music. The platform analyses data from users’ photographs to trigger different musical genres and sounds in order to create music that represents the image itself, resulting in a unique and sharable photo-track. Ballantine’s fans are invited to take a photo using Instagram, tag it #loudblue and share it on Twitter. They will then receive an automatic link back from @loudblue to their own unique piece of music.

Designed to be rolled out across markets over the next two years, Ballantine’s Loud Blue is launching in Brazil this month and sees the brand continue its collaborations with local musicians in key markets. In Brazil, Ballantine’s has teamed up with local DJ duo, Felguk, who have offered their unique sounds to the Ballantine’s Loud Blue algorithm and will also produce a song sampling users’ creations, inspired by the photographic theme “My Brazil”. The project and partnership will be celebrated at a live event where Felguk will premiere their exclusive Ballantine’s Loud Blue track to their fans.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s International Brand Director, says “Ballantine’s is renowned for its dynamic and engaging marketing initiatives and we’re encouraged by the impact they’ve made. We’re making significant in-roads in emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Poland and Russia thanks in part to our innovative marketing activities and we’re confident that Ballantine’s Loud Blue will continue this success and resonate with our target audience.”

Ballantine’s Loud Blue is the latest consumer activation under the brand’s hugely successful global marketing platform, ‘Leave an Impression’, which launched in 2007.

To try Ballantine’s Loud Blue, visit www.ballantines.com/loudblue

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 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.

About Work Club
Work Club is a full service digital & social marketing agency. In 2011, the agency was named Marketing’s Digital Agency of the Year in recognition of its creativity and effectiveness. Work Club helps its clients understand and leverage the impact of digital and social media on their brands and businesses. Its work addresses a wide range of business and brand challenges for global, regional and UK clients, most of which are No.1 or No.2 in their sectors.

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.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

GREETINGS FROM ISLAY

We are looking to our Bowmore friends around the globe to help us spread the word about our magical spirit… We would like you to complete a short survey to help us establish how and where we spread the word about Bowmore. Of course we wouldn’t ask you to do this without a little reward! Everyone who completes our survey will be in with a chance of winning a limited edition, individually numbered 15 Years old ‘Darkest’ gift pack, the perfect Christmas present!

Thank you for your time…

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas? Call off the search party, we have the perfect gift right here at The Whisky Vault. Whether a connoisseur of fine whiskies or just starting out, the Magic of Islay Gift Set is ideal for the whisky lover in your life. Included inside this stunning black presentation gift box are four excellent 5cl Islay malts; Ardbeg Galileo 1999, Bowmore 1996 13 Year Old, Laphroaig 1994 12 Year Old Highgrove and a Port Ellen 1983 26 Year Old. To complete this desirable set, we have added a Whisky Vault Glencairn Nosing Glass, a Full Colour Information and Tasting Notes Card and a Jim Murray’s 2013 Whisky Bible.

If old blended whisky is your thing, be sure to check out our Old Blends Collection Gift Set where we showcase five incredibly rare 5cl blends from the 1950’s and 60’s.

With much more on the site and new stock arriving daily, please take a moment to browse our ever-growing and highly acclaimed catalogue. To view all our latest products Click Here.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year as we head towards 2013.

The Whisky Vault
www.thewhiskyvault.com
mail@thewhiskyvault.com
Twitter: @thewhiskyvault