Rittenhouse 100 Proof  Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey is a Pennsylvania style rye that carries a famous old Philadelphia name.

50%ABV. 90-95 Points Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast.

$19.99 – An unbelievable bargain.

 Learn More!

November Outturn: 
Cheeky kick of pepper & spice
Whisky Season is upon us and November’s ‘Nipper’ Outturn is here to warm the coldest of cockles with a cheeky kick of pepper and spice. SMOKE ALERT: includes a bumper selection of casks from Islay.

‘Spicy Warmth’ PAIR: 73.53 & 76.95 only £75.00
BUY  

Experimental Cask TRIO: 76.95, 30.73 & 3.197
only £125.00. BUY  

Cheeky Kick CASE: PAIR plus 30.73, 125.65, 35.77
& 3.197 only £242.00. BUY

November Outturn

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.

Three Ships TELLS THE STORY OF JAN VAN RIEBEECK’S JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY 

In December 1651, Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company set sail from the Netherlands. His was the momentous task of crossing the stormy southern seas to set up a pioneering refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope.

Three Ships Whisky commemorates his epic voyage with the release of a limited edition collector’s tin – the last in a series of three – containing the brand’s superior 10-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, and depicting the three ships that formed Van Riebeeck’s little fleet. Just 8 000 bottles of the whisky have been produced for the series which pays tribute to intrepid seafarers whose names will always be associated with the Cape.  Having honoured Bartholomew Diaz in 2010 and Vasco da Gama in 2011, this year it is the turn of Jan van Riebeeck.

This single malt – South Africa’s one and only – was launched in November 2003, with an offering of just 6 000 bottles which were sold out within six months.  “We know South African connoisseurs appreciate a good single malt, but we did not know how well they would react to one produced locally,” says SA brand manager Marcel Swain. “Clearly there is a demand for first-class, affordable whisky, and what better way than to offer this exceptional single malt as part of a limited collector’s edition.”

Swain says just like Diaz, Da Gama and Van Riebeeck, Three Ships set sail into unknown territory when it launched its first single malt.

The ten-year-old is the creation of master distiller Andy Watts, who is based at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, Western Cape, that is also home to the brand. “With its natural warm copper colour, this full-bodied whisky has a hint of peat but without associated smoke. The estery notes add a slighty sweet fragrance hinting of dried fruit and fudge. It has a long, warm finish with a good balance between the wood and the whisky,” Watts explains.

The three-tin collection will be the ideal keepsake for discerning whisky lovers. It is available from selected bottle stores countrywide and retails at about R220 per bottle. Share the journey of discovery and visit the Three Ships Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ThreeShips.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Seventh Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon

Will Release Number Seven Contain the Lucky Number
Deemed the Perfect Bourbon?!

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Oct. 2012) – Buffalo Trace Distillery releases its seventh round of Single Oak Project Bourbons, and is wondering if lucky number seven will hold the key in its quest to find the world’s perfect bourbon!

All of the bourbons in this release were aged in Warehouse K, a wooden floor warehouse, entered into the barrel at 105 proof from the same half of the tree, and charred at a number 3 char level. This allows the release to focus on three other variables, the recipe, rye vs. wheat; stave seasoning, 6 months vs. 12 months; and the wood grain size, tight, average, or coarse. All of the other variables such as aging warehouse, entry proof, char level, and tree cut (top or bottom) remain constant.

“This release is small, but quite a good one for comparing bourbons made from different recipes. Bourbon drinkers can taste and decide if they like wheated bourbon or rye recipe bourbon better. Especially because the entry proof, aging warehouse and tree cut remain all remain constant,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.

So far, nearly 1,955 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at www.singleoakproject.com . These whiskey reviews will determine which Single Oak Project Bourbon is the favorite of fans worldwide. Buffalo Trace looks forward to more reviews, to hear what bourbon drinkers think, and will craft the perfect bourbon based our consumer feedback.

After a year and a half into this four year project, barrel number 97 leads by a narrow margin, barely edging out barrel number 106 which led a few months ago. But even industry experts can’t agree! Jim Murray gave barrel number 63 his highest score of those released to date. His 95.5 score earned this whiskey a Liquid Gold Award in his Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2013. Of number 63, Murray calls it a “perfect spice build” and “ultra complex.” And Paul Pacult, in his December 2012 issue of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal is torn between three barrels, loving numbers 10, 30 and 72.

“Obviously the search for the perfect bourbon is a long way from being completed,” continues Comstock, “Consumers and industry experts each have their own favorites. It’s a perfect time for newcomers to get involved with the project and weigh in with their reviews online to help us pick the number one bourbon.”

After a consumer reviews a bottle online, they 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, actively participate in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s quest to 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 from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011. This seventh release will reach stores towards the end of November. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The seventh release is made up of barrel numbers 18, 26, 50, 58, 82, 90, 114, 122, 146, 154, 178, 186.

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 Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

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, Whisky 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 www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Founders Cask 0116 / Triple Distilled

Founders Reserve Cask 0116, a triple distilled English whisky matured at St. George’s Distillery in a 1st fill bourbon cask that previously held Jim Beam American whiskey. Distilled by David Fitt on 12th September 2007, cask 0116 was matured for 5 years before being decanted into 95 bottles on the 19th September 2012.

£148.00 (£123.33 ex vat)

Click here to buy English Whisky Co. Cask 0116

Founders Cask 0787 / Peated Sauternes

Distilled by David Fitt on 12th November 2007, single cask 0787 from the Founders Private Cellar was laid to rest in a 1st fill Sauternes cask for just shy of 5 years. A Peated malt which was bottled 17th September 2012 at 61.2% vol, 250 bottles filled.

£148.00 (£123.33 ex vat)

Click here to buy English Whisky Co. Cask 0787

Founders Cask 0859 / Port Cask

Single cask 0859 from The Founders Private Cellar cask series by the English Whisky Co, was distilled by Ian Henderson on 20th June 2007, just before he retired. The whisky has been matured for 5 years at the St. George’s Distillery in a cask that previously held Port. Bottled 21st September 2012 at 59.3% ABV, with only 95 bottles filled.

£148.00 (£123.33 ex vat)

Click here to buy English Whisky Co. Cask 0859

Abbey Whisky enquiries@abbeywhisky.com www.abbeywhisky.com 0800 051 7737

BACK IN STOCK… (items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)

Bourbon and Rye

• Old Overholt Rye Whiskey 1Liter – 12 available ($19.99) Old Overholt is amongst the oldest more-or-less-continuously available distilled products in America. (They’ve operated for at least 150 years.) When one speaks of rye, others are most likely to think of this product, if they think of anything. Their Straight Rye product – which may well be their only product – is readily available at a moderate price. Like the Jim Beam, the Overholt had a subtle nose with hints of raisin, fruit (orange perhaps), and possibly almond. Overholt’s taste is light and similar to the Beam, but with slightly medicinal and bitter hints. Overholt did not have a particularly complex effect on a cocktail, though an anise presence appeared.

• Balcones Brimstone Corn Whisky 750ml – 9 available ($49.99) Named 2012 Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year by Whisky Magazine. Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas, is making some really exciting contributions to the American whisky tradition. Founder and Head Distiller Chip Tate is an innovator focused on working with sources and traditions native to the Americas, and “Brimstone” is made from 100% Blue corn smoked with Texas scrub oak instead of peat. This is Texas’ answer to Islay Single Malt and it’s totally out of control! Gold Medal winner in Brown Spirits in the 2011 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

• Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml – 7 available ($39.99) Whisky Advocate: “The whiskey’s formula has been improved, and now consists of a higher percentage of older whiskies (into the high teens) than the original release…Nicely balanced, with candied fruit, blackberry jam, soft vanilla, kettle corn, and a kiss of mint. Pleasant, unpretentious, and uncomplicated. (Vol. 20, #3)” K&L Notes: A medium-weight, small batch, aged bourbon that delivers richness and elegance. Aromas of peaches, vanilla, raisins and butterscotch carry through to the palate, which also shows flavors suggestive of dates, orange and blackberry. Sweet, and warm through to the smooth, Cognac-like finish. 94 points Beverage Testing Institute: “Deep amber copper color. Sexy aromas of dark chocolate, dried cherries, and roasted nuts. A vibrant supple entry leads to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body of rich toffee, nut, and dried cherry and golden raisin flavors with a long, hearty and sweet finish. Wonderful rich flavor and a lingering, warming finish.”

Canada – Rye

• Pendleton “1910” 12 year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml – 4 available ($36.99) The old Pendleton Rodeo is at it again. Created as an homage to the first ever Pendleton Round-Up in 1910 and sourcing this distinctive Canadian Rye from the same distillery as their exceptional 25 year blend, this is the first 12 year Canadian 100% Rye on the market. While details about it’s exact origins are cagey, this should be the first 100% Rye coming from Alberta rather than Toronto. It’s richly spiced and very mellow. Wish there was a bit higher proof, but all in all, an interesting and incredibly drinkable limited offering bottled at the Hood River Distillery. -David Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

 • Glenfarclas 40 year old, Distillery Bottling 750ml – 6 available ($469.99) 95 points Whisky Advocate: “Glenfarclas has a proven track record for aging very well. I’ve enjoyed some amazing 25 and 30 year old expressions, in addition to some older vintage offerings. Does this new 40 year old follow suit? Absolutely! It’s complex and well-rounded, with great depth and no excessive oak. Lush, candied citrus (especially orange), old pot still rum, maple syrup, fig, roasted nuts, and polished leather, with hints of mocha, candied ginger, and tobacco. A bit oily in texture (which I find soothing) with good tannic grip on the finish. A classic, well-matured Glenfarclas — and a very good value for its age. (Editor’s Choice) ” K&L Notes: Glenfarclas is one of the Highlands’ finest, but somehow they managed to get the extra old whisky out for less than $500, which makes this, in my opinion, one of the finest values in single malt…period! (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits buyer)

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

THE GLENROTHES UNVEILS RARE CASK COLLECTION 

The Glenrothes single Speyside malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK is bolstering its range even further with the unveiling of a new series of single cask bottlings from the late 1960s and 1970s.

Since 1994 The Glenrothes has released less than one single cask a year. However, The Glenrothes newest series, The Extraordinary Cask Collection, will be welcomed by whisky enthusiasts who have expressed great demand for older and rarer bottlings.

The popularity of The Glenrothes spirit amongst the whisky industry’s master blenders has increased so much that, unlike some distillers, there has until now been no remaining older stock at the distillery.

However, the first of this new series, The Glenrothes 1970 Extraordinary Cask #10573 came to the attention of Ronnie Cox, Brands Heritage Director following a process of assessment where a small number of casks were subsequently selected.

Ronnie Cox said; “Extraordinary is a term associated with the heritage of the wines sourced and endorsed by Berry Bros. & Rudd. It applies equally to these casks selected for their personality and excellence, allowing them to stand alone as examples of the supremacy of The Glenrothes bloodline. The first of these is a whisky distilled in 1970 which, in keeping with The Glenrothes’ philosophy to bottle at peak maturity, is now ready to be committed to glass. The anticipation for this release is such that the first Extraordinary Cask is on allocation only.”

Commenting on the new release Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director for Maxxium UK said: “The appeal of The Glenrothes is growing from strength to strength with its reach expanding.  This will be enhanced with the release of the new Extraordinary Cask Collection, which we anticipate much excitement for within the industry and strongly believe it will be warmly received by whisky enthusiasts.” 

The shape of the instantly recognisable iconic Glenrothes bottle has been enhanced further, using hand-blown lead crystal, for the single cask decanter. It is also in keeping with the elegance of the whisky and the heritage of The Glenrothes.

Each decanter has been individually created by a master craftsman at Atlantis Crystal in Alcobaca, Portugal, using the purest form of crystal. Brass has also been used for the hand-engraved collar on the neck of the decanter, supplied by Charles Stott, of the Edinburgh-based Scottish Silversmiths. In addition, the head of the stopper is fashioned from the wood of the very cask # 10573 in which the whisky has matured.

The Glenrothes 1970 Extraordinary Cask #10573 will initially be available from Berry Bros. & Rudd and its representatives in keymarkets. Prices will start at £3,000 (€4,000 or $5,000) and upwards per bottle.

www.theglenrothes.com  

Tasting notes for The Glenrothes 1970 Extraordinary Cask #10573

Appearance: Clear and bright with rich golden hues.

Nose: Distinctly earthy and autumnal, windfall apples and cider cellar. Toffee apples with icing sugar, sponge fingers with custard, puff pastry with apple.

Palate: Lightly peppery and fresh with citrus and eucalyptus. Subtle and supple, satin feel with a texture of crêpe de chine.

Finish: Long and beguiling with very, very dark chocolate. 

Notes: 

• The Glenrothes was founded in 1879
• Little more than 2% of the distillery capacity is bottled as Single Malt to ensure exceptional quality
• Of the 16 Vintages released to date, 12 have entirely sold out
• It is matured in a combination of Spanish and American oak casks – the best of both worlds
• The Glenrothes Select Reserve won a Gold Medal at the The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012
• The Glenrothes Select Reserve was voted Best in Class at the World Whiskies Awards 2008 and won two Double Golds at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007
• The Glenrothes 1972 was awarded a Trophy at the 2005 International Spirits Challenge
• The Glenrothes 1978 Vintage was voted Best Speyside Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2008
• The Glenrothes 1975 won a Double Gold award at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2008
• The Glenrothes 1991 won a Gold Medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
• The Glenrothes 1994 won a Gold Medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
• The Glenrothes Alba Reserve won a Double Gold at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010
• “I have always felt that Glenrothes deserved to be more widely appreciated. Beautifully rounded…sophisticated after-dinner malt.” Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion
• Jim Murray, in his Whisky Bible, refers to The Glenrothes Select Reserve; “One of the softest deliveries on Speyside, the silky barley and citrus caress the tastebuds with rare tenderness” and scores it 24 out of 25

Duncan Taylor’s latest releases from the Rarest of the Rare collection are just in time for Halloween (not quite – WI). The Rarest of the Rare Banff 1975 comes from the now deceased Banff distillery which has a history of disaster. In 1877 most of the distillery was devasted in a fire. In 1941 a German Junkers plane bombed one of the warehouses and in 1991 another fire destoyed it completely. Duncan Taylor are please to announce this exclusive and rare bottling! This bottle is a 37 year old and is 45.1% ABV. There are only 155 bottles made.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Orange, lemon grass with tropical fruits. Vanilla with toffee emerging Taste: Dry taste with lime. Syrupy with a hint of tropical fruits – mango and grapefruit
Finish: A slight nutty finish with peaches and mangoes and a hint of toffee
Comment: A stunning Banff!!

£360.00 BUY NOW

The Caperdonich distillery was constructed as a sister distillery to Glen Grant and was named Glen Grant 2 for some time. It finally closed in 2002 after being mothballed. The only official bottling was a cask strength released in 2005. Duncan Taylor has now released the Rarest of the Rare Caperdonich 1992 which is a 20 year old whisky that is 54.7% ABV. There are just 282 bottles.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Toffee apples with a hint of mint. Slightly nutty with a hint of fruit
Taste: Apples, nuts, toffee and vanilla
Finish: Butterscotch, vanilla and toffee finish.
Comment: Delicious!!

£169.00 BUY NOW

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

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show brought with it a number of interesting TWE exclusive bottles and what better way to show off the Glenlivet ‘Minmore’ – a single cask exclusively bottled by the distillery especially for TWE – than by welcoming international brand ambassador Ian Logan to talk us through their fine range of Speyside malts.

The Glenlivet has been around since the earliest days of legal distilling and is one of the best selling brands of Scotch Whisky in the world, with the 12 year old challenging for the number one single malt whisky spot. However, their range is much deeper than that, with a great selection of aged and interesting drams. Ian will be leading us through a selection of these excellent whiskies as well as pouring some of our exclusive Minmore single cask, which will, stocks allowing, be available to buy after the tasting.

You can expect some of the usual highlights, and maybe a surprise from Ian’s tasting cupboard, as well as a great evening of whisky related banter with one of the industry’s top ambassadors.

The tasting will take place on Monday 12th November, 7:30pm.

£30 per person. Tickets are on sale now!

As ever, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer

To book your ticket call us: 020 7403 8688 or visit our shop