Glencadam 14yo (46%, OB, Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, 2012)

A new offering from Glencadam and bottled without added colour or chill filtration and happily we’re seeing more and more expressions from this distillery of late. On the nose there is good malt and rich fruits (raisins, plums and berries) with more of the malt (dry and dusty) to round out the aromas. Very good so far….the taste is quite malty and once more the rich dried fruits make their presence known along with some good creaminess and a little leather and tobacco. The creaminess is intriguing and adds another welcome layer of flavour. The finish is a little malty and then leather and tobacco followed by the creaminess and then the dried fruits but it’s leans a little towards the leather and tobacco.

Very good and drinkable…seek it out.

$90 or £47 at Single Malts Direct

Score 87 points

Early Bird tickets for Whiskies of the World in San Francisco are now on sale! Join us on Saturday, April 6, 2013 aboard the SF Belle Hornblower Yacht as we bring together distillers from around the world to share their finest spirits and knowledge. Celebrate again with us the “Art of Whisky” in the company of connoisseurs and whisky celebrities.

Early Bird Sale now on! Sale ends Sept 30, 2012.

Distillery Spotting From The River Spey

Hello all,

Speyside may not be as vast a region as the Scottish Highlands, but it’s home to more malt whisky distilleries than any other part of Scotland, and as Grant’s fans may already know, many of those famously sweet and fruity Speyside whiskies regularly find their way into our blends.

I use a lot of my…(Please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK 

Kind regards,

Ludo

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Benriach Authenticus 25yo’

Fruit fireworks over a fresh peat base line. (So says the Joynson)

A well aged, and so unusual, peated Speyside expression.

Initially the aroma is closed; there is a low rumble of peat and some fruity esters, a little later aniseed and honey.

It’s in the mouth that the fun starts, peat skips from sweet to sour, it’s malty and then *flwoop!* a fruit explosion like no other! This explosion rises further to a greater peak on the swallow, marvellous! The finish is long and peaty (mainland peaty, no maritime notes).

Certainly a different dram, a fascinating weave between peat and fruit and something I have very much enjoyed.

On the Flavour Map square F9, on the Smoky side of Rich & Smoky

Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

BUSHMILLS LIVE: GLOBAL STARS PERFORM AT LANDMARK EVENT

SNOW PATROL AND ELIJAH WOOD HEADLINE FIRST FESTIVAL OF WHISKEY AND MUSIC AT AN IRISH DISTILLERY

Bushmills Village: 22nd June 2012: Global stars including Snow Patrol, Elijah Wood of DJ Wooden Wisdom, Foy Vance and Iain Archer, performed last night at Bushmills Live, the landmark festival of handcrafted whiskey and music which took place at the Old Bushmills Distillery on Ireland’s north coast.

The two-day festival was attended by more than 400 music and whiskey fans from around the world, including people from countries as far apart as the USA, Bulgaria and Russia.

Stars such as Gary Lightbody, more used to playing in front of sell out arenas, performed intimate gigs in age-old buildings at the Old Bushmills Distillery, where the art of whiskey making has been practiced for generations.

Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery, Colum Egan, said: “This was an incredible occasion for Bushmills Irish Whiskey and for everyone here.

“Last night, we welcomed artists that are both known and loved around the world. Their music like our whiskey, represents the very best in craftsmanship.

“It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying their music and of course sharing a glass of Bushmills.”

Snow Patrol’s Jonny Quinn said: “Last night was pretty special for us as a band. We have played many gigs at home before, but this one, in a whiskey distillery was unique.”

Snow Patrol’s performance at ‘BushmillsLive’ will go some way to help establish a legacy for new music inNorthern Irelandwith their fee being donated in full to the Oh Yeah Music Centre inBelfast, which was co-founded by lead singer Gary Lightbody to help to support up-and-coming local musicians.

For further photographs and highlights from Bushmills Live go to facebook.com/bushmills1608

PRICELESS BOTTLE OF MALT MILL UNVEILED AT LAGAVULIN DISTILLERY

STORY FROM AWARD WINNING FILM BECOMES REALITY

The world’s only known bottle of Malt Mill new-make spirit was unveiled for enthusiasts and whisky pilgrims at the Lagavulin distillery on Monday 25 June 2012. Thought to have disappeared forever, Malt Mill is the basis of the plot for the award-winning Ken Loach film, The Angels’ Share.

Charles Maclean, one of the world’s leading whisky writers, who also played a role in the film, comments on the unveiling. “This bottle is priceless. Malt Mill is legendary, and is viewed by many as the holy grail. It is an extremely significant moment and I’m delighted to be part of it.”

Dr Nick Morgan, head of whisky outreach, Diageo, adds, “In my twenty years as an historian and archivist, I’ve always wanted to see this unique bottle of Malt Mill go on display. We are thrilled to share this precious artefact with the many whisky enthusiasts who visit Lagavulin every year.”

Rebecca O’ Brien, Producer for The Angels’ Share, says, “It is wonderful to think this bottle has been passed down from distillery manager to distillery manager for fifty years here on Islay. Our film hinges on the auction of an imaginary cask of Malt Mill precisely because everyone agreed it was so rare. Now the very DNA of Malt Mill has been rediscovered.”

The bottle of Malt Mill came to light after the Lagavulin distillery manager, Georgie Crawford, heard about the film. Involving some whisky related shennanigans, and based on an auction of an imaginary last cask of Malt Mill, she brought out the Malt Mill from its secret location. It had been passed on to her by her predecessor, the former Lagavulin distillery manager.

The Angels’ Share, which is currently on general cinema release, was written by Scot Paul Laverty and was filmed in various locations around Scotland last summer. The film was a hit at this year’s Cannes Film Festival where it won the coveted Jury Prize.

Malt Mill was produced at a small distillery on the Lagavulin distillery site from 1908; production ceased in 1962 and this bottle is from the last fill in June 1962.

Notes

About Lagavulin

Lagavulin © 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky speaks of the smoked peat and mineral water of the wild terrain of Islay. The distillery, cut into the romantic and rugged bay of Lagavulin, has been producing whisky since 1816. Favoured for it intense smoked aroma; lapsang souchong on the nose is followed by peat on the palate and sea salt, with an elegant wood finish.

About Sixteen Films

Formed by director Ken Loach and producer Rebecca O’Brien in 2002, with writer Paul Laverty as Associate Director, Sixteen Films produces the films they make together and looks after the works in their shared archive. The company also makes a small number of films with producers, writers and directors who have worked with the team in the past.

Amrut shakes up cocktail scene

Amrut Fusion was the toast of the cocktail lounge when the world’s best whiskies were put to the test in New York City in June.

The Ultimate Cocktail Challenge pits whiskies against each other in identically-made cocktails and Amrut Fusion was the judges’ ultimate recommendation for the Rob Roy. Fusion was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for its performance in this classic whisky and vermouth cocktail. The judges’ comments were:

“Lovely frosty brown appearance in the coupe. Aromatically, this cocktail highlights the Amrut Fusion Single Malt to a fine point as the nose is all about bread, baking yeast and breakfast cereal. Impeccable balance is the underlying asset. Amrut from India is now ready to play in the big leagues of whisk(e)y.”

Hundreds of cocktails were tasted and rated in the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge and the coveted Chairman’s Trophy only awarded to the top-performing spirits. The judges, led by Paul Pacult the challenge’s founder, spent a week assessing how a range of spirits performed as the base of classic cocktails. Fusion was also a Finalist in the Rusty Nail category and a “strong recommendation” for a Blood & Sand.

Entered brands were tasted in all cocktail recipes for their category. For instance, all whiskies were tasted in a Rob Roy, Rusty Nail and Blood & Sand. The cocktails were all carefully made – to identical standards – by professional bartenders out of sight of the judges. They were then tasted blind in the appropriate glassware.

The cocktail challenge takes the guesswork out of making your own cocktails. Few of us have the time or resources to experiment with dozens of different brands to determine which is the best for your favorite classic recipe “We believe that UCC ratings provide consumers with the necessary information for the best spirit to use in simple cocktails that they can make at home,” said Paul Pacult.

The decision to enter Amrut Fusion in the challenge was made to demonstrate that Amrut could compete with the best known brands on equal terms and make great cocktails. “Of course, we know Fusion is a world class malt whisky, but it is rather untested in the cocktail world,” said Raj Sabharwal, Managing Director of Purple Valley Imports, Amrut’s US importer. “We are delighted with the enthusiastic reception the judges at the Ultimate Cocktail Challenge gave Fusion and we know drinkers will appreciate exploring another way to enjoy Amrut.”

Amrut’s Brand Ambassador, Ashok Chokalingam, added: “Amrut Fusion has again proved itself as a world class whisky and the recognition from UCC confirms its position as one of the top class malt whiskies. It is an honor for Amrut to receive these awards.”

Mixologists and top cocktail bars are starting to recognize the potential of Amrut in cocktails. In Manhattan, the Gerber Group has created the Punjab for its Stone Rose Lounge at the Time Warner Center. The Punjab’s ginger note adds another dimension to Amrut Single Malt Peated as you enjoy the views over Central Park and the city skyline.

Meanwhile Patricia Richards, master mixologist at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Hotel, caused a stir at the finals of the US Bartender’s Guild Mixing Star competition in Las Vegas with her Mai Chai. She combined two Amruts (the single malt and the sherry cask matured) with Disaronno for a spice-infused variation of an Old Fashioned. Patricia told the Las Vegas Sun: “I tried to create one of those little symphonies for the palette. I like to create cocktails that take people out of their comfort zones and that give guests a new experience. Because that’s what people come to Vegas for – it’s about that wow factor we provide here.”

Notes:

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge – Amrut’s scores

Award    Score    Product    Name    Cocktail Name    Accolade

Chairman’s Trophy 95 Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky India, 50% abv Rob Roy Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

Finalist 94 Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky India, 50% abv Rusty Nail Excellent, Highly Recommended

88 Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky India, 50% abv Blood & Sand Very Good, Strong Recommendation

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge website: www.ultimate-beverage.com

Press Release and UCC images: http://www.ultimate-beverage.com/the-results/2012-cocktail-results/

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Amrut Distilleries

Amrut Single Malt Whisky from India was launched officially in Glasgow in 2004. Since then its reputation has grown, with its range of innovative whiskies using Indian barley from the Punjab, distilled in the tropical garden city of Bangalore at 3,000ft above sea level. Amrut Distilleries has won many awards.

Last year, Amrut Fusion was named Grand Master of World Whisky at The Spirits Business Awards in London in December. Already named one of seven Masters of World Whisky by the judging panel of the prestigious event, Amrut Fusion came out as the “best of the best” in the final stage of the competition.

Amrut Distilleries was named a Distiller of the Year in the Icons of Whisky 2011 and was crowned in the Rest of the World category by the independent judges of the prestigious awards, which are organized by Whisky Magazine. The award was made to Amrut “for raising the profile of Indian whisky across the globe and its innovations in the production process”. The Rest of the World title meant the Bangalore distillery was also one of the four contenders for the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year title.

In February 2011, Fusion was named World Whisky of the Year at the Malt Advocate Whisky Awards. In a new category created to recognize “the wonderful whiskies” being produced in countries like Japan, India, Sweden, England, outside the major distilling nations, John Hansell, editor of Malt Advocate magazine, explained the choice of winner. “India’s Amrut distillery changed the way many think of Indian whisky. … Amrut is making whisky, and it’s very good.”

In The Whisky Bible 2010, leading whisky expert, Jim Murray awarded Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky the title of World’s Third Best Whisky. Murray said Fusion “has to be one of the great whiskies found anywhere in the world this year”. Admitting his No 3 choice could come as a surprise to some people, he said: “The fact that it is Indian? Irrelevant, from distillation to maturation this is a genius whisky from whichever continent.”

Fusion was named the Best Natural Cask Whisky in the Daily Drams Category at the Malt Maniacs Awards 2009. It picked up the award for the best whisky matured exclusively in “untreated”, regular cask(s) in the category for whiskies with an average street price of up to 50 euros. It was also awarded a silver medal. In 2011, Malt Maniacs awarded Amrut Portonova the title of Best Cask Innovation Award (Premium).

One of the Amrut Single Malt Whisky bottlings by Blackadder International won “The Best Daily Dram” category of Malt Maniacs 2008 Awards. All the Amrut brands entered into the same competition won silver and bronze medals.

Amrut Peated Malt Cask Strength Whisky won Silver and Amrut Single Malt Cask Strength Whisky Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2008.

Amrut is now sold widely in Europe (UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Spain), Canada, South Africa, Australia and the United States.

Purple Valley Imports is the importer of Amrut in the USA. http://purplevalley.tv/

Bunnahabhain NAS ‘Toiteach’ (46%, OB, +/-2010?)

A peated Bunnahabhain which one has to presume is made up of mainly younger whiskies other wise there would be an age statement. Un-chillfiltered however which is a very good way to start and “Toiteach” is Gaelic for Smoky. On the nose there is peat smoke like peanut butter (think of the natural version, not the versions with sugar and lard), some hints of juniper and a little caramel sweetness. Quite vibrant and lively. And nice. Pleasant. After some time in the glass there are also some hints of smoky bacon. The taste is gentle at first and then some very nice peat smoke (and the bacon) takes over along with some vegetal hints and also hints of the juniper (not too much, just a little). And then some really good cereal/grain/malty moment. The finish is a good reflection of the nose and the taste with the peat smoke and grains holding on well and not falling apart into something unsavory. After some moments some really good smoked grain appears to finish things off.

Surprisingly good.

£53 at The Whisky Exchange

Score 85 points

The Malt Manics have passed the 50,000 ratings mark from over 15,700 different bottlings on the Monitor!