Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

1995 Highland Park 16 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whiskey 375ml ($55.99)

Talisker 30 year old 2011 Limited Edition sle of Skye Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($399.99)

Scotland – Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Black Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml – 1 available ($29.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Whisky Live Dublin is back – building on the fantastic success from its debut in 2011. The world’s premier whisky tasting show will make a welcome return to The Round Room at The Mansion House in the heart of Dublin’s city centre on Saturday 26th May 2012.

NEW FEATURES FOR 2012 – mcleanscotland are the official tour agents for Whisky Live Dublin – and are offering the Grand Tour; 4 night’s accommodation Dublin City, 4 fully cooked Irish breakfasts, coach trips to Kilkenny Town, Cooley & Kilbeggan Distilleries and a ticket to Whisky Live! Even a castle hotel is available for those with a liking for luxury… www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/4nightwhiskylivetour.asp

Tuesday 22 May Café en Seine – whisky and food evening – whisky tasting with a wee bit of food to drive you insane! See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/enseine.asp

Wednesday 23 May Clontarf Castle Hotel sample drams from the Castle Brands range, Celtic Crossing, Clontarf, Knappogue Castle single malts. See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/clontarfmasterclass.asp

Thursday 24 May Palace Bar – whisky evening 5 Irish whiskey’s from the Cooley’s range. Not a masterclass, rather an experience with Willie and friends with humour, whiskey and of course; the craik! See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/dublinpalace.asp

Thursday 24 May 10am coach to The Old Kilbeggan Distillery See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/halfdaytrips.asp  

Friday 25 May A morning coach trip to Cooley’s Distillery, Dundalk. Unlike any other distillery, a rare chance to see into the workings of this gem with all its rough edges and non tourist tour! See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/halfdaytrips.asp

Friday 25 May Whiskey Tasting, Dinner & Irish Show A superb whisky tasting, 3 course dinner and a night of Irish entertainment held at the Arlington Hotel, O’Connell Bridge. See more www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/fridaydublin.asp

To book tickets for Whisky Live Event on Saturday 26th May, simply visit www.whiskylive.com .

Tickets are limited so don’t forget to book now to avoid disappointment and we very much look forward to seeing you at Whisky Live Dublin.

VIP tickets also available – hurry for these, limited supply.

Some exciting news in Australia:

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Australia) is delighted to announce an exciting new collaboration with The Royal Exchange of Sydney.  The Royal Exchange is a private Members’ Club in central Sydney offering fine dining in the restaurant and the opportunity to enjoy a drink in the adjacent bar…and herein lies the connection.
 
From Monday February 6th 2012, Members of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (worldwide) will be able to buy Society whiskies by the dram at the bar of The Royal Exchange. Members may take up to two guests at a time to the venue. Some of the bottlings on offer will be exclusive to the Royal Exchange Whisky Bar and will not be available through Outturn (Aust) nor featured at any tasting events around the country.  All that is needed to gain entry to the club is your Society membership card. A whisky ‘menu’ will be available for you to peruse the drams on offer and you will also be able to dine at the venue.
 
More details about this exciting new collaboration will follow prior to the opening in February. This is the first SMWS “bar-in-bar” venue in Australia, and it is intended to follow suit with similar whisky bars in other cities around the country in the near future. 

www.smws.com.au

The whisky has been inspired by the character of Thor. Being the god of thunder and sky, the god of war and warden of Valhalla, Thor is a powerful, strong and fierce character. Not known for his subtlety, he commands respect.

Like its namesake this whisky has a natural strength, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, to create a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, Highland Park is a meeting point of nature’s forces, resulting in single malt which exudes balance, complexity and character.

The whisky is a 16 year old 52.1% abv strength whisky. It delivers powerful smoky notes reminiscent of Thor’s Hammer smashing against the Orkney’s Mountains of Hoy, carving the great wall of stone. The underlying sweet notes are his inner strength and show that although his exterior warrior façade, there is still the caring, humble god that makes him a much loved legendary character.
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This whisky is not for the faint hearted. Only people brave enough to face the wrath of Thor can ever be rewarded with the experience which is the whisky. Making Highland Park Thor truly a whisky of the gods.

click here to buy

January 2012 – New Arrivals

Wow…How quickly has January flown in? It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas & New Year!

We kick off 2012 with a fine new selection of whiskies including 7 new malts from The Dimensions Collection by Duncan Taylor, an outstanding limited range of single malt & single grain whiskies. We’ve some very rare & elusive Port Ellen’s back in stock along with batch 5 Glendronach single casks and several cracking international bottlings.

We’ve listed a few of our favourites below. To view all new arrivals follow this link…

Sláinte

Abbey Whisky

Abbey Whisky
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com
http://www.abbeywhisky.com/
07890 983 844

United Arab Emirates Triumph Over Hungary At Royal Salute Nations Cup Uae 2012

UAE 6 – 5 Hungary

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, marked its first year as title sponsor of the Royal Salute Nations Cup UAE 2012 by welcoming the world’s top three professional polo players to go head-to-head for the first time outside of Argentina.

Held at the luxurious Desert Palm Resort in Dubai from the 6 – 13 January 2012, World No 1 Pablo MacDonough, World No 2 Adolfo Cambiaso and World No 3 Juan Martin Nero fought to lead their teams to victory.

The Nations Cup UAE is the first event for Royal Salute World Polo in 2012 and to help celebrate, the players were joined by distinguished guests including His Grace Torquhil Ian Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll and patrons of polo Prince Bahar Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and Ali Albwardy.

Following the tournament and prize-giving ceremony, His Grace the Duke of Argyll hosted the Royal Salute private after-party, where VIP guests and polo players enjoyed an evening of entertainment in a glamorous private villa. The evening concluded with an auction of a signed portrait photograph of Adolfo Cambiaso, which raised US$15,000 with the proceeds going to the Riding for the Disabled charity in Dubai.

His Grace the Duke of Argyll commented: “Dubai is one of the world’s greatest shop windows for luxury brands and is the perfect place for Royal Salute to cement its ties with the elite sport of kings. The prestigious Royal Salute Nations Cup UAE 2012 represented the very pinnacle of international class polo and offered guests the chance to witness the greatest exponents of the game in some of the most luxurious surroundings. Royal Salute is delighted and very proud to have a played a supporting role in this.”

Royal Salute’s continued expansion as a leading supporter of international polo will see support for events and polo clubs in 10 countries across four continents throughout the year.

Photo Caption: Following a memorable day of play at the Royal Salute Nations Cup UAE 2012 in Dubai, the Duke of Argyll presents the magnificent trophy to Adolfo Cambiaso (World No. 2), Mr Ali Albawardi, Prince Bahar Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei and Pablo MacDonough (World No. 1).

Notes:

Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
The Duke of Argyll is the Hereditary Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. He is also Chief of Clan Campbell and a Patron of the Scotch Whisky Industry.

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.
Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA
• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy since 1953
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo

In addition to Royal Salute Nations Cup, Royal Salute World Polo is proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious polo tournaments.
• India Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup
• China Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing
• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing
• Brazil Triple Coroa Tournament, Helvetia Polo Club, Sao Paulo
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney
• Korea Country Polo Club, Jeju

In 2011, Royal Salute World Polo was proud to support several charity polo tournaments, supporting charities whose patrons include the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
• USA The Foundation Polo Challenge 2011, Santa Barbara, California in aid of the U.S Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup 2011, Coworth Park, Berkshire,
• UK Bernard Weatherhill Polo Cup, Tetbury, England

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 http://www.chivasbrothers.com/ 

January Outturn Update: Five Favourites

With January’s Outturn release well under-way, here’s the top five member favourites from the list…

1) 29.110 Wild West cowgirl dressed in leather

2) 23.72 A big, eye-watering slap

3) 71.34 Rabbit, ginger & treacle tart

4) 105.16 Mulled cider & beef goulash

5) 73.46 Cockle-warming citric crush

January’s HEALTHY Offers

Our recommendations from January’s Outturn:

Pick-me up Pair
71.34 & 125.57 for only £89
Speyside Lossie & Highland Northern

Regional Trio: Three times daily
125.57, 1.162 & 23.72 for only £147
Highland, Speyside & Islay

Case Offer: Round ‘Em Up!
125.57, 71.34, 1.162, 23.72, 50.48 & 66.32 only £289
Lowland, Highland, Speyside & Islay

January Outturn
Browse all bottlings
(60 single casks online)

Society Burns Tastings & Events
Celebrate the Bard’s Birthday with our programme of Burns tastings and events. What’s more, join us at our Burns Suppers at The Vaults, London or The Dining Room at 28 Queen Street and save £10 on guest tickets.

Traditional Burns Supper – The Vaults, Wed 25 Jan*
London Burns Night – The Crypt, Wed 25 Jan*
Newcastle Alternative Burns – County Hotel by Thistle, Thu 26 Jan
Glasgow Alternative Burns Tasting – Radisson Blu, Fri 27 Jan

*Member and guest tickets the same price (save £10 on guest tickets)

Society Private Burns Celebrations
Book your own authentic celebration of the written Scottish word, the finest fare and our golden nectar in honour of the Bard.

Private Burns Celebrations

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.

Morrison Bowmore Whisky Tasting – Thursday 16th February

The Morrison Bowmore whisky tasting on 15th February sold out very quickly so to give those who missed out a chance to attend we are running a second tasting on Thursday 16th February. See below for full details but there are only a few tickets available as first refusal was given to those on the reserves list so you’ll have to be quick if you want to come along and get a taste of 6 great drams from three great distilleries.

See below for all the details and if you have any queries just contact us.

Sláinte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

UPCOMING EVENT

AUCHENTOSHAN, BOWMORE & GLEN GARIOCH WHISKY TASTING

Date Thursday 16th February 2012

Time 7.00 for 7.30pm

Venue Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren

Details This tasting with Phil Nickson of Morrison Bowmore is a great chance to compare and contrast three very different styles of single malts. The Auchentoshan provides a taste of how triple distillation can produce a delicate yet robust whisky, Glen Garioch will let you sample a Highland style malt from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and, even if you have shied away from peated whiskies in the past, the smoky yet perfumed Bowmore may help change your mind as it is a great introduction to peaty whisky.

Tickets are £12.50 per person, and this also entitles you to a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting. Tickets are very strictly limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and as they always sell very quickly it is best to book ASAP. To buy them just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require, or telephone us on (01793) 765071, or call in and see us at Arkwrights, The Dormers, Highworth, Wiltshire.

Admission to the tasting is by ticket only, and most, if not all, of the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night so come prepared.

Happy New Year all!

We hope you had a fantastic festive season and the Father Dramness brought you something to warm the cockles!

2012 is set to be a big year for us at The Whisky Lounge with more tastings rolling out in more cities and venues than ever before. Plus a festival nearly once a month – it’s all go down here at TWL HQ. As January can often be a month of retreating to the warmth of our living rooms and settees in some kind of hibernation, we thought we’d fire you all an email to remind/inform of our events coming up before the end of the month, plus some Newcastle Festival news.

Hopefully one of these events, some tasty drams and some good company will lift those spirits.

BURNS’ NIGHT WHISKY TASTINGS

Our Burns’ night whisky celebrations are always well-received and attended and, in fact, the Manchester and Newcastle incarnations are now sold out. Sorry to those who wanted to come along – you’ll have to be quicker next time! Or we’ll have to do more!

However, we do still have a few tickets tickets for the following..

Thursday 26th January, 7pm – The Red Lion, Crown Passage, London, £25 a ticket
Come and join Eddie for a night of whisky and haggis. We will be tasting through our recently released single cask single malts so a real treat for you cask strength, unfettered fans… Click here to book now.

WHISKY LOUNGE HQ TASTING

Friday 27th January, 7pm – Unit 3, 61a Osbaldwick Lane, York, £10 a ticket

Now this is a new one for everyone! if you’re one of our home town crew (or even passing through) you are in luck. We’ll be revealing our new Headquarters in Osbaldwick, York and tasting through our new range of Whisky Lounge bottlings for only £10! And get this… if you order a bottle or two of the said liquid, we’ll give you your £10 back!

With Joe the newest member of the team acting as host, it should be a cracking night and I might even come along if I get back from London in time…

Click here to book this little beauty.

NEWCASTLE WHISKY FEST 2012

Civic centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Saturday 11th February, 12-5pm

£25 a ticket

Tickets for our 4th festival in Newcastle have been on sale for quite a while now and have been selling like hot cakes! We still have some tickets left, but we are not going to be filling the venue as per last year as we want you to enjoy the event as much as possible and without having to fight through hordes! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, I would recommend you get booking asap.

Click here to get booking or see further details on this ‘must-do’ event!

JOE’S WHISKY REVIEW

I thought it was high time we started to give you even more to read and enjoy. We have therefore created a new whisky review section on the brand new website. This is being written by our first employee Joe Clark, formally of the Whisky Shop here in York. Don’t ask me how he has managed to manoeuvre his way into a paid position where he gets to sample fine whiskies on our time! Oh well, he’s a nice lad and you’ll no doubt be seeing him soon.
If you would like to read his very first reviews (of our very own bottlings!) and follow his progress, head on over to his new page here.

MEMBERSHIP AND BOTTLINGS

Just a quick reminder that should you be stuck for a pressie for that special whisky-drinker/nerd/nut in your life, that we have your problem sorted! The new Whisky Lounge Membership is what you need! Discounts, benefits and much more to be announced are to be had, and – for a limited period – you get one of our 20cl Single Cask bottlings, all for only £50. Not to mention the sexy black card you get automatically as a member. If you’re interested in this and/or the new bottlings we did just before Xmas, please click here.

LIVERPOOL & BRIGHTON

We are working hard to bring events to all you guys in the above areas – please bear with us and watch this space – announcements should be made soon…

That’s enough for now – read, digest and come and see us soon.

Slainte!
Eddie

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com

BENRIACH LAUNCHES NEW 17 YO RICHLY- PEATED SEPTENDECIM

BenRiach’s Septendecim, its newest addition to its celebrated peated range, will be available worldwide later this month, the distillery announced today (19 January 2012).

The new 17 year-old has been matured only in ex-bourbon casks and continues BenRiach’s quirky trend of using Latin names – such as Authenticus, Curiositas and Heredotus Fumosus – for its richly-peated expressions.

The tasting notes confirm Septendecim – Latin for “seventeen” – is a magnificent, multi-layered malt with fantastic length.

The colour is rich summer gold with a freshly harvested barley impression.

On the nose, it’s full of energy and vibrancy – a complex mix of fresh peaty aromas constructed around a central core of apples and toasted nuts dowsed in wild mountain honey.

And on the palate, it gives sweet concentrated peat flavours which dominate from the start. Bold and intense, the peaty heart is united with honey-infused raisins, roasted nuts and a luxurious leather impression.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Septendecim is a real robust heavyweight, full-bodied and beautifully balanced with enormous impact. It’s another fine example of our distillery going back to its nineteenth-century roots – a time when, unlike today, the majority of Speyside distilleries were producing peated whiskies.”

Peated malt whisky production only represents approximately six weeks’ worth of the annual production at BenRiach, but the peated whiskies have become an important part of the distillery’s product portfolio as they offer something unexpected from the Speyside region.

Septendecim is non chill-filtered and bottled at natural colour, with a strength of 46% vol. Unlike the recently-launched BenRiach Solstice, the Septendecim is not a limited release and should be continually available for years to come.

Picture shows Septendecim and its packaging.

For more information – info@benriachdistillery.co.uk