Archive for 2012

Laphroaig “Celebrating Fathers Everywhere!” – Scotch Whisky News

Well, its summer now on Islay, We are all still recovering from the Islay Festival, in May, which was set amidst a heat wave this year, compared to the gales of last year, and everyone had a great time. The remainder of the year won’t be quiet, as as well as my official day job I will be taken to distant shores for our next ‘Distillery Live” show in October. The show is slated to be at a spectacular location – more details soon.

Tradition is also the heart and soul of the distillery at Laphroaig. Generations upon generations have succeeded one another, and fathers have passed down knowledge and craftsmanship to sons and daughters since 1815. Weathered, grainy photos bear evidence to the men long-since passed who have braved seasonal extremes in their effort to create the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies.

The spirit of Father’s Day is best said in Scottish Gaelic:

An uair as làine ‘n cupan,’s ann as dorr’ a ghiùlan

When the cup is fullest it is most difficult to carry

Here’s to all the fathers, past and present, who make this day so special.

“Slàinte mhòr agad!” (SLAHN-tchuh VORR AH-kut!)

“Great health to you!”

Meanwhile, an unspoken Scottish tradition dictates that there are two things dads will want this Father’s Day – one is Scotch whisky…and well, that’s really all that matters! If your Father is perhaps new to Laphroaig may we suggest Laphroaig Quarter Cask or the classic Laphroaig 10 yr of course.

Slàinte,

What Father’s Day whisky gifts to get your dad in 2012 for Father’s Day as selected by the Master Blender – Whisky News

What Father’s Day whisky gifts to get your dad in 2012 for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner for a few countries so I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite whiskies that might serve as inspiration for you as presents for your own dads, grandfathers or just a lucky person out there!

Now obviously I am a little biased when it comes to our Whyte & Mackay, Jura and Dalmore brands, but I do love to try the other whiskies out there so here are few alternative suggestions that I’m hoping my family will buy me this year…

• Auchentoshan Heartwood is a magnificent whisky aged in Olorosso sherry and bourbon casks. I believe its only available in duty free, so this is one is ideal for global travellers who need to do their last minute gift purchasing in the airport.

• Balvenie 1401 Batch 2, retailing at around £275 it’s an expensive dram for dad, but boy this distillery bottling is worth it.

• Black Bull 40 year old Blended Scotch Whisky. Blending is very dear to me, so its only fitting that Black Bull 40 makes it onto my list. Wonderful mix of malts and grains from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries including our very own Invergordon grain.

• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a mighty fine twice barrelled bourbon created by Master Distiller Chris Morris over in Kentucky.

• Glenlivet 18 year old is a wonderful after dinner dram due to its skilful balance between age and elegance. A real favourite of mine.

What about you guys out there? What’s the worst Father’s Day gift you’ve had – or the best! I’d love to tell you about mine but my kids (all grown up) read the blog!

Single Cask Nation is One Nation, Under Whisky – Whisky News

Nearly two years ago, when Joshua Hatton, Jason Johnstone-Yellin and Seth Klaskin set out to launch the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society as a US-based independent bottling company, they envisioned that their society would embody an “open arms” approach. Their goal was – and remains – to launch a whisky company with a Jewish cultural flare that exhibits sensitivity to the dietary needs of Jews but is every bit a classic “whisky society,” for the enjoyment of all.

Although dedicated to a classic society structure, the trio was aiming for something…more. They wanted to create a whisky kinship that meets not only the needs, but also the passions of its members. An interactive community that inspires participation, affiliation and a common identity: a Nation. Joshua, Jason and Seth are pleased to announce that, henceforth, their company name will be Jewish Whisky Company, LLC, operating under the trade name Single Cask Nation™ (using the new domain www.singlecasknation.com). Moving forward, its current and growing membership will comprise one people – a Nation – unified in the commitment to Monocaskism™. Single Cask Nation is One Nation, Under Whisky™.

Single Cask Nation will fulfill the vision of its founders: to bottle the best and most unique single cask whiskies (including many that are kosher-by-nature) for its diverse membership. While Joshua, Jason and Seth are big fans of Scotch malt whisky, they share their membership’s zeal for adventure and discovery. The new society name reflects the fact that they will expand their members’ horizons beyond Scotch whisky. Single Cask Nation will be bottling world whiskies from many countries, some of which will not be malt whiskies at all (think grain whiskies, corn mash, ryes and other treats). Moreover, while the change in trade name poses an opportunity to focus more closely on their emphasis of single cask whiskies (cask strength, pure, straight from the barrel to the bottle, never blended), it also gives them an opportunity to welcome non-Jewish whisky enthusiasts more comfortably to the society than the previous name might have done.

Since its launch in February 2012, the Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation™ has made tremendous strides and has turned many heads in the industry. In receiving an honorable mention in the Best Independent Bottler category of this year’s Drammies, the Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation garnered thousands of votes before it even released a single whisky expression on US shores!

The Jewish Whisky Company is expecting its initial release of 3 – 4 expressions of single cask whisky to arrive on US shores in late summer, 2012. The Founders Membership Drive is nearing its conclusion. Your window of opportunity to be part of history by becoming a Founding Member of Single Cask Nation™ is quickly closing. Follow the link below today and become a member of the nation sensation: the Single Cask Nation™ — One Nation, Under Whisky™.

http://www.singlecasknation.com

There are three levels of membership available. Those that choose to join in on the base, or “White,” level can expect to enjoy the following for an initial $180 membership fee:

• 1 complimentary 750ml bottle of one of the Single Cask Nation™ single cask single malts (to ship during late summer, 2012)
• 2 Urban Bar tasting glasses bearing the Single Cask Nation™ logo
• 1 Society T-¬‐shirt bearing the Single Cask Nation™ logo
• A one year subscription to Whisky Advocate Magazine, a premier industry periodical
• A laminated membership card – individually numbered
• The very low $36/yr. renewal fee (due on the one year anniversary of receipt of the welcome bottle)
• The ability to invite a friend to join Single Cask Nation™

The Whisky Lounge “Whisky School 2012 – Father’s Day and Beyond!” – Scotch Whisky News

Hi all,

Well where has our summer gone folks?! Just when we thought it was getting going, it has gone!

Well never mind, we have some news to warm the cockles for all you whisky-lovers and especially those who have a thirst for knowledge…

WHISKY SCHOOL IS HERE!

We have been working hard to roll out a massively ambitious plan to further bring whisky to the people. The feedback from many of you has been that you have loved our events so far, but that you would like to learn more from the ground up.

Well, rather than disappoint, we have put together an ‘edutainment’ (sorry) package supreme consisting of not one, but two options for yourself or a loved one. We are planning these all over the UK in order to keep as many people happy as possible.
Read on!

Weekend Course – Stage One

Our first option is a weekend course which includes a 2-course lunch each day. You (or your loved one) will benefit from the years of experience and knowledge we have accrued as we talk you though:

– The history of whisky-making
– Whisky production
– World whiskies
– Regionality
– Wood management/maturation
– Blending

…and much more!

The course is designed for those who enjoy whisky but would like to learn all of the in’s and out’s. We aim to demystify and share with you our own enthusiasm and know-how all within the

We are testing this at two venues for now but will be rolling this out UK-wide later in the year. The two venues and dates are:

The Meeting Rooms, Blackfriars, Friar Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th August 2012 11am-4pm

Hotel Du Vin, The Mount, York
Saturday & Sunday 11th & 12th August 2012 11am-4pm

The cost per person for these courses is just £99 which includes all samples, a two-course lunch every day, course material, a signed certificate upon completion and a Whisky Lounge Glencairn tasting glass. Phew, you can’t say fairer than that really and what a Father’s Day present! Click on the relevant venue above to go straight to the relevant page on the website.

4-Week Course – Stage One (with Stage Two to follow later in the autumn) book now, click here

For those who would rather do the above course over four weeks, we are offering an evening week-day option. These will take place from the 10th September 2012 and will cover exactly the same ‘curriculum’ but in more locations all over the UK.

Locations are:

Brighton
London
Manchester
Leeds
Newcastle Upon Tyne
York
Liverpool

We are aiming to add even more locations in the near future so watch this space!

That’s all for now but keep an eye out for Liverpool, Manchester, York and Belfast Whisky Fest! news very soon…

Keep well and enjoy any kind of summer we get!

Cheers,
Eddie

 

 

 

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist
 
thewhiskylounge
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com 
 

ARRAN WHISKY STRIKES GOLD IN WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION – Scotch Whisky News

ARRAN WHISKY STRIKES GOLD IN WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION
– Scottish distillery goes from strength to strength

Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillery, is celebrating a double win for two of its single malts at the recent World Spirits Competition 2012.

Facing tough competition from across the world, Arran claimed a Double Gold award for its 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch and a Gold award for its 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch.

Held in San Francisco, the World Spirits Competition is one of the leading industry competitions, celebrating the very best spirits in the world today. This year was the biggest yet in the competition’s 12 year history, with 1,200 spirits from 61 countries being entered into the awards.

To date the 14 Year Old Malt is the oldest regular release to be bottled by Isle of Arran Distillery, and the whisky is already a multi-award winner. In 2011 it was named ‘Best Island (non Islay) Single Malt Whisky, 13-20 Years’ by Whisky Magazine.

Speaking of the high-profile win, Euan Mitchell, Managing Director of the Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We pride ourselves on making high quality products that people will enjoy and savour. It’s fantastic to be recognised by the industry and our peers in this way and I’m delighted that the quality of our spirits has received critical acclaim.”

Since it was established 17 years ago, The Isle of Arran Distillery has won a number of awards including Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007).

James Taggart is the Master Distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery and was responsible for creating both malts. He said: “14 Years is not a common age for a Single Malt, so I’m delighted that it has already been so well received. It’s exciting that this product is now a multi-award winner and to see our whisky celebrated on a global scale. We hope to continue producing award- winning malts for many years to come.”

* Current accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)
Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.)

Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012.

New Arrivals at K&L California – Whisky News

Single Malt Scotch

Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($53.99) It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Kilchoman distillery here at K&L. Our recent visit to the distillery on Islay really opened our eyes to the incredible job they’re doing. Kilchoman is a tiny operation, producing on one still and malting whatever they can inside their humble barn. Because of their small scale, their cost of production is higher and prices for their whisky have not been inexpensive. But having tasted the new-make spirit right off the still, I can firmly say that, in my opinion, there is no higher quality peated whisky being produced anywhere else. Kilchoman’s hands-on style and attention to detail make a world of difference. Every release has been better than the last, albeit extremely limited in supply. All that said, this small farm is finally introducing a full-time, affordable, house recipe, rather than another pricey single barrel release. The Machir Bay is not only incredibly delicious, it’s a huge victory for a distillery that had to overcome huge obstacles. At $54, this is what Kilchoman fans have been waiting for: incredibly delicate, finely-tuned flavors of soft smoke, sea salt, creamy vanilla and butterscotch. It’s a more subdued version of their high-toned barrel expressions, but it’s still very much Kilchoman. Think Bruichladdich meets Lagavulin. Think possible best whisky of 2012. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits buyer).

Scotland – Blended Scotch

  • Highland Chief Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml ($12.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

  • 1792 Ridgemont Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml (ships as a 1.5L) ($26.99)

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

 

Federal Boston “A Special Single-malt, One For Dad and One For You” – Scotch Whisky News

Federal Wine & Spirits

The Distillery of Dallas DhuFor Father’s Day, One for him, one for you…

375 mL flasks of 28 Year Old Dallas Dhu, distilled 1975

The Dallas Dhu distillery stands tall and proud in Morayshire, Scotland, and draws thousands of tourists to see how an authentic traditional distillery operates. But sadly it is now only a museum, its stills have been silent for 29 years.

Very few barrels of any whisky from this lost Speyside treasure still exist. We have 375 mL (known as pint or half-bottle) flasks of one of the best, a wonderfully “old school” single-malt scotch whisky. It evokes a visit to Scotland, stopping at a pub or maybe a B&B. When they find out that this is your first time over there they insist that you must have a wee dram of something very special. Something like this.

We were examining this Dallas Dhu with a customer with a trusted palate. He quite liked it and, without even knowing the price, ordered 24 bottles. He confirmed the order when he found out.

375 mL flasks, especially with such incredible scotch inside, are very uncommon,. They are perfectly suited to carrying in jacket pockets or giving as gifts. I have a good feeling that your father would find it delicious.

Tasting notes:
The nose is intriguing with hints of pear, apple, salted oatmeal, heather and so much more. The palate is coated with a lush, oily and full texture. Flavors of shortbread, honey, citrus, and floral chamomile eddy around your tongue. It has great depth, exquisite balance, and a finish that feels endless.

We saved this stunning single malt from being lost forever. So few will have a chance to taste it and we are thankful to be able to give our customers the opportunity. This is just another reason why distilleries should never be closed.

Reg. Price $124.99 -Sale Price $ 99.99

SPECIAL Deal Two Bottles for $149.99

Please pass this on to any friends who are scotch enthusiasts.

Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits

—————————————————-

Email: joe@federalwine.com
Phone: 617-367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

The Latest from The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

The latest headlines from The Whisky Shop

Last Week Of Free Postage – 11 June 2012. The Whisky Shop would like to offer all its custom…Please click on the link to read the remainder of the article

THE LINK

The Whisky Shop
www.whiskyshop.com

Global Film Competition Helps To ‘raise a glass’ To Dads This Father’s Day – Whisky News

Global film competition helps to ‘raise a glass’ to dads this Father’s Day

Some of the world’s most famous whisky makers, including Johnnie Walker, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, J&B and Talisker, have harnessed the creative talents of up-and-coming independent film makers around the globe to help inspire people to ‘raise a glass’ to their dads this Father’s Day.

As part of their ‘Raise a glass to your dad’ campaign, the whisky makers partnered with MOFILM, a global network of some 45,000 film makers, to seek short films that pay tribute to fathers.

Shopper statistics1 show that, traditionally, consumers spend more on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day and the ‘Raise a glass to your dad’ campaign aims to redress the balance, urging sons and daughters to pay tribute to the ‘man behind their dad’.

Andrew Fell, Global Customer Marketing Director, Diageo Global Whiskies Category said: “Working with MOFILM we were able to showcase new talent and truly creative ideas. The winning entries were all touching, amusing, provocative and innovative and perfectly illustrated the love and respect due to fathers.”

MOFILM, which is the world’s leading video and film contest community, challenged 20 previous contest winners to create a short piece that told the story of their relationship with their father and how whisky plays a part in that.

The winner, New Yorker Jody Lauren Miller, was flown to Palm Springs to celebrate her win in style at the Coachella Music Festival. Her film, entitled ‘Victor’ – which featured her father and his fondness for Johnnie Walker – was described by the judging panel as “quite simply superb”.

Jody was presented with a $5,000 cash prize and a separate gift of a personally engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

In a close second place was the Swedish team of Daniel, Fredrik & Henrik Lundh. Their entry – ‘The Man with the Nose’ – told the story of their dad’s character and his amazing sense of smell that leads him to Talisker whisky.

In third place was Will Shipley of the US with ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ which celebrated Bushmills Irish Whiskey. In fourth was ‘You Know Him’ by Canadian film maker Lloyd Choi, linked to J&B Whiskey, and in fifth place was ‘Sleepless Nights’ by John Waters from the UK, which also linked to Bushmills.

The winning entries can be viewed and downloaded here:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/diageo/53835/

Andrew Fell added: “We believe film is an incredibly powerful medium to capture the feelings that people have for their fathers, a feeling that is often hard for them to express. Watching these films it’s hard not to raise a smile – and a glass – to dads!”

1 In the US consumers were expected to spend $16.3 billion on Mother’s Day compared to $11.1 billion on Father’s Day in 2011. Source: BIGresearch survey in partnership with the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2011. Total spending is extrapolation of spending of U.S. adults 18+.

Notes:

About DIAGEO

DIAGEO is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER, GUINNESS, SMIRNOFF, J&B, BAILEYS, CUERVO, TANQUERAY, CAPTAIN MORGAN, CROWN ROYAL, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.

DIAGEO is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About MOFILM

MOFILM is the leading video and film contest community for aspiring filmmakers, with members around the world. MOFILM works with global brands, like Diageo, to showcase talent and create innovative new ideas. MOFILM provides help with production costs and also mentors its community from the initial idea to the completed piece, ensuring that the film makers have the best opportunity for their work to be used by that brand.

Jolly Toper Tasting Edinburgh UPDATE for June 2012 – Scotch Whisky News

Tolbooth Tavern - The Venue

All of the Jolly Toper’s whisky tastings normally take place on Thursday nights from 7:30pm until approximately 10pm at either The Tolbooth Tavern or The Kelderkin, both in the , F Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, meals available up to the time of the tastings. For more details on the tastings themselves, please click here

P/O/U/R/S = Peaty, Old, Unusual, Rare and Sherry cask matured. Recently many people have requested the exact nature of the line up at the ‘pours’ tastings remain secret so a proper ‘blind’ tasting can be held. However I understand some people would be more comfortable knowing which drams were to be tasted before commiting to attending. If this is the case get in touch and I can let you know- providing they have been already arranged of course
* = £3 discount for first timers and members. Membership costs £10 for 13 months.

Future dates:

Thursday 14.06.12 P/O/U/R/S 7.30pm at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh £20/17*

Loch Fyne blend 40%

Bushmills 10yo 40%

Sheep Dip amorosso finish

Glen Esk 1984 43% Gordon And MacPhail

Kilchoman sherry cask 46%

Thursday 21.06.12 P/O/U/R/S 7.30pm at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh £20/17*

Longrow 18yo 46% 2012 release

Springbank 18yo 46% 2012 release

Longrow 9yo springbank open day 2012 single cask bottling

Macallan 22yo 46% Duthies

+ something from a sherry cask

Thursday 05.07.12 Suntory tasting with Tatsuya Mingawa at The Kilderkin 7.30pm £15

£5 off any one bottle tasted on the night

Yamazaki 12yo

Yamazaki 18yo

Hibiki 12yo

Hibiki 17yo

Hakushu 12yo

+ cask samples

Thursday 26.07.12 P/O/U/R/S at The Kilderkin £20/17


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