Burns Night with TWE & Vinopolis
For the Scotch whisky lover there’s one event that pops up early in the calendar that gives the perfect excuse for a bit of a special dram or three – Burns Night. On and around the birthday of Robert Burns … Continue reading >>
Hello Fellow Scotch Lovers –
I have some very exciting news to share with you.
By this time next week ForScotchLovers will have a totally new look, a vastly improved user experience…and a new name: ForWhiskeyLovers
Over the past 4 years it has become evident to me that amazing single malt whiskies can come from anywhere in the world. What’s more, I have experienced phenomenal bourbons, ryes and even a few delightful grain whiskies.
So after numerous conversations with Managing Editor Ian Buxton, Director of Fulfillment Randy Caravella and numerous community members and industry thought leaders, the decision was made to “broaden the tent” and change the name to ForWhiskeyLovers.
To help ease the transition, ForWhiskeyLovers will initially be launched on the ForScotchLovers.com URL. Then, after a month or two, we’ll flip the switch and move everything over to the ForWhiskeyLovers.com web address. Quite a huge undertaking…but we are all extremely excited about it.
All this excitement (and yes, stress) around the offices has caused our boy Nicky “The Neck” to become a bit disoriented…which believe me is very scary. So to help The Neck maintain focus, we sent him on a mission: Find a whisky that is exciting, new…and impossible to find anywhere.
As always The Neck scored…HUGE…which brings me to this weeks Whiskey Wednesday special: Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2004 – Kentraw Farm Foreland
For the first time in almost a century Bruichladdich has produced a whisky from barley that comes comes from one farm, and one farm only; This chalice barley was grown by farmer Raymond Stewart on Kentraw Farm one mile from the distillery, and was harvested in September and distilled in December 2004. An Islay whisky made from Islay barley and spring water, and where the entire production process takes place on one island. The whiskey was matured and bottled on a south-east facing, pebbly/sandy slope above Lochindaal, looking out over the Atlantic and to Ireland.
This is the first Islay-grown barley to be distilled in recent times, and is the inaugural bottling of Bruichladdich’s Islay barley series, a unique and fascinating exploration of the influence of terroir on artisanal single malt whisky.
This is also a limited production whisky, with only 6,000 bottles released worldwide. But once again, thanks to Nicky The Neck, we’ve been able to secure more than our fair share…good luck finding this anywhere else in the US…and so I am thrilled to be able to offer you Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2004 – Kentraw Farm Foreland for the amazing price of $98.50/ bottle.
If you want a bottle or three, I urge you to act quickly, because as always…once its gone…its gone.
Until next Wednesday…with a new look…new name…and new ‘tude.
Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForScotchLovers.com
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BRUICHLADDICH ISLAY BARLEY 2004 – KENTRAW FARM FORELAND
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DISTILLERY TASTING NOTES: BRUICHLADDICH ISLAY BARLEY 2004
This long lost spirit of Islay has an unbelievable innocence. a purity and refinement that leaps onto the senses like a child at the start of a new day. Totally unafraid, full of warmth and excitement, with not a care in the world other than to please.
COLOUR: Translucent Lemon / Winter Sunshine.
NOSE: The nose is a study in directness and purity. First, lemon juice sprinkled over sweet, crushed barley, golden syrup. Then tropical fruits – grapefruit, pineapple, mango, guava – even sherbet powder. The olfactory senses are in ecstasy! So many fresh, fruity, zesty, sweet notes – a rare experience – as the fabulous combination of vanilla-rich oak and a crispy, sweet malt joins in the excitement. This rainbow of aromas continues with air: honeysuckle drifts by, as do hints of brine, and finally the oak rises to embrace the more delicate scents, adding maturity and calm.
PALATE: The first thing you notice is the amazing creaminess, the silkiness of a much older spirit. It glides over the palate – warm, sweet and fruity – almost like jelly beans. then, this oak-fire heat spreads evenly over the taste buds. It’s a truly lovely experience and ably forms the foundation for the aromatics to evolve as one. Now, you can really taste the light, vanilla notes from the toasted staves. The multi-layering of flavours is absolutely wonderful for such a young malt.
FINISH: Like most youngsters at this age, it doesn’t linger too long…but you will enjoy the innocence, the purity and the sheer zest for life.
February Outturn: What’s YOUR Number?
The month of LOVE has arrived giving us that giddy, butterfly feeling. Let your heart rule your head this February Outturn, find the little number that tickles your fancy.
And if in doubt we have some recommendations that you’ll hopefully love…
PAIR: Buy 26.83 & 123.7 for only £79
TRIO: Buy 127.19, 36.56 & 26.83 for only £139
CASE: Buy 123.7, 127.19, 36.56, 85.23, 125.59 &
26.83 for only £255
* 26.83 Cosmo with perfume samples is exclusive to our February recommendations
February Outturn (12 new bottlings)
2012 Independent Bottler of the Year www.whiskymag.com/awards/ibc/2011/
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.
A TRUE FIRST IN WHISKY
DIRECT FROM THE GATES OF VALHALLA, HIGHLAND PARK BRINGS YOU THE MIGHTY THOR
Mighty Thor remains one of the most renowned of all the Norse gods. A powerful and brooding figure, it is said that using his hammer, Thor could carve valleys out of mountains and that his enemies would quake in terror at the thunderous sound the weapon created. Son of Odin, the ruler of Asgard, Thor was avidly worshipped by Viking warriors as the defender of mankind and gods alike.
In honour of this great warrior and in celebration of its own unwavering Norse heritage, Highland Park brings you Thor. This stunning 16 year old single malt is believed to be the first whisky ever designed specifically around an individual’s character. With a natural strength like its namesake, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, Thor is a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, it represents a meeting point of nature’s forces, exuding a dynamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart
Thor represents the first coming for Highland Park’s stunning Valhalla Collection; a range of four unique whiskies, released annually, taking inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old. Not for the faint hearted, only those brave enough to accept the challenge of Thor shall be rewarded with the ultimate experience; a whisky of divine power.
Bottled at a robust 52.1% abv this limited edition whisky comes housed in a unique wooden frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.
Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, said, “Building on the success of The Magnus Series, we wanted to create an exciting new range which offers Highland Park fans something both affordable AND collectable. This is no ordinary whisky and as we wanted it to truly reflect Thor’s character you will find some of the classic Highland Park aromas in there; it has a sweetness and a subtlety, but it will also surprise you with a little bit more smoke and dryness and there definitely is a lightning strike on your palate also.”
The Valhalla Collection is about more than great whisky, it gives an insight to the very being of the brand, its inspiration and raison d’etre.
We’ve put Thor first, as he is such a mighty character and deserves his rightful place at the very forefront of this range. Everything about this whisky bellows power; this is quite honestly a true whisky of the gods.”
Thor will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers, at the Highland Park distillery and http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/ at a RRP of £120.
Tasting Notes: Highland Park Thor -16 years old – 52.1%
Appearance: Rich amber, with an iron ore glow
Nose: Concentrated and forceful, with an explosion of aromatic smoke, pungent fresh ginger, antique copper, stewed plums, and golden syrup. With water, earthy notes emerge, like a garden after a heavy rain shower.
Palate: Thor’s high strength grabs the palate and refuses to let go. Initially dry, with fiery gingerbread then vanilla, blackberries, fresh mango, peach and hints of cinnamon. As its big flavours swirl around the mouth, some softer, sweeter notes develop, giving Thor and unexpected layer of complexity and depth.
Finish: The finish thunders on, leaving behind lingering notes of sweet vanilla and an intense spiciness.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR FEBRUARY
******Spend £35 or more on English Whisky products in the distillery shop during February and we will give you 1 free tour voucher OR you can come for a tour of the distillery and receive a £5 discount at the end to spend on English Whisky products*****
We aim to run a tour every hour on the hour from 10am til 4pm. 7 days per week.
This tour includes coffee or tea and of course a slug of our finest malt.
The tours cost £5 per person or £2 under 18. We do offer group discounts. Call us to book tours or to get more info Tel: 01953 717939
£5 discount is only valid on day of tour and for English Whisky products only. This offer does not include online purchases. More offers coming shortly.
Here is a new malt maniacs E-pistle by Dr. Lex about data crunching on Alfred Barnard’s distillery descriptions. Some interesting results here…
http://www.maltmaniacs.net/E-pistles/Malt-Maniacs-2012-02-Victorian.pdf
Whisky Review 246 2/2 – three great ways to drink whisky … alive and kicking at www.ralfy.com
Patrick Van Zuidam Masterclass
6th February 2012, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Milroy’s of Soho, 3 Greek Street, London W1D 4NX
Patrick Van Zuidam’s constant search for perfection has led to the creation of an extraordinary range of exquisite Dutch whiskies. This is one of the highlights of our 2012 tasting schedule and a must for all whisky enthusiasts. Book early to avoid disappointment.
To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk,call Elizabeth on 020 7437 2385or email Elizabeth.Williams@jeroboams.co.uk
Our mailing address is:
Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Fourth Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon
Differences in Aging Warehouses Are Examined
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Jan. 2012) – Through the years, much debate has taken place in the whiskey industry about the barrel aging warehouses and what effect they have on the finished product. How much does a concrete warehouse offer a different taste than a metal clad warehouse? What about the upper floors vs. the lower floors? In the fourth release of the Single Oak Project Bourbon Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery experiments with some of these questions by focusing on warehouse placement, using two particular warehouses to compare taste profiles.
In this experiment, Warehouses K and L are highlighted. Warehouse K is a brick warehouse built in 1933 with wooden floors. There are nine floors total in Warehouse K and barrels are stored three high in the ricks. It is considered a good warehouse for different ages of bourbons. It has good air flow, with the first floor being cool and damp for slow aging and the top floor being hot and dry, which ages young barrels more quickly.
Warehouse L is also a brick warehouse, but with concrete floors. It was built in 1936 and has five floors. The barrels are stored six high. Warehouse L is considered the best all-around warehouse by some at the Distillery. The windows on the west side of the building bring a consistent air flow. With its slow temperature changes, Warehouse L is great for slow aging wheat bourbons. Its concrete walls and floors create a very concentrated aging environment.
Two other additional variables will be explored in this fourth release, recipe and grain size. Some of the bottles contain bourbon made with rye and others with wheat. The barrels themselves were made from different trees, each with varying degrees of thickness to their wood grain, from fine to average to very coarse. All other variables in the experimental project remain constant, such as the stave seasoning, tree cut, char level and entry proof. “Aging barrels in different environments effects the taste of the whiskey”, said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “There has always been much discussion about warehouse placement, even amongst ourselves, so we’re anxious to hear how others rate these bourbons.”
As with the other three releases, Buffalo Trace hopes consumers can continue to rate each whiskey they taste online at http://www.singleoakproject.com/. This feedback will help Buffalo Trace determine which bourbon, and even which aging warehouse, bourbon connoisseurs prefer most. After reviewing a bottle online, consumers will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites. Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, help Buffalo Trace Distillery create the perfect bourbon!
The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.
To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof. And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors. In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.
For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!
The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months over the next four years until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first three releases hit select stores in 2011. This fourth release will start showing up at the end of February. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The fourth release is made up of barrel numbers 10, 14, 42, 46, 74, 78, 106, 110, 138, 142, 170, 174. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.
At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated barrel based on online consumer feedback, make more of that product and launch it under the Single Oak Project nameplate.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotrace.com/.
Dalmore Cromartie
Cromartie is the third in a series of limited edition releases crafted by Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, in homage to the Clan Mackenzie. It celebrates the ancient lands of Cromartie, heartland of the clan, and home to Castle Leod, the clan’s historic seat. The Mackenzies have held lands in Cromartie since the 1600’s and to this day the clan chief still bears the title ‘Earl of Cromartie’. Stored deep in the heart of the castle and kept safe under lock and key is an ancient map depicting the lands of Cromartie. Drawn up in 1762 as part of the government’s order to map ‘rebels estates’, the map is a work of art in itself.
EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP
* Distilled in 1996, The Dalmore Cromartie was initially matured in American white oak casks before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks from world renowned bodega Gonzalez Byass, Jerez de la Frontera.
TASTE NOTES
* This malt is a complex composition of unashamed luxury with captivating aromas of bergamot, mandarin and lemon grass.
* Exciting notes of dark bitter chocolate, rich Colombian coffee and old English marmalade.
* An intricate infusion of Seville oranges, sun-drenched pedro ximenez grapes and spicy cinnamon reward the palate.
EXQUISITE PACKAGING
* Limited to just 7,500 bottles worldwide.
* Our distinctive bottle has been adorned with The Dalmore’s iconic metal stag.
* Each gift box is graced with the ancient map of Cromartie
£98.99 inc VAT
