www.ralfy.com has a good old sip of Granny’s favourite with Whisky Review 331 – Sherry and Whisky

Greetings!

If you’ve ever considered visiting Scotland and the incredible people who produce this spirit we love, then you owe it to yourself to check out the two most recent posts on ForWhiskeyLovers. Eating on Islay – Distillery Style by Contributing Editor Ian Buxton gives the low down on finding quality sustenance on the island as you traverse the map of some of Scotland’s finest whisky producers.

And Managing Editor Caroline Dewar takes us inside one the the countries finest and “resolutely independent” distilleries through Isle of Arran – A Journey of Discovery. Both makes really great reads.

And speaking of Scotland’s finest, this weeks Whiskey Wednesday features a rare and exquisite limited production whisky, with a great story behind it, from one of Scotland’s truly great distilleries: Dalmore Castle Leod Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Dalmore distillery is located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, where it is perfectly placed to take advantage of a feast of natural resources: from the waters of Loch Morie, found high in the hills overlooking the distillery, to the golden barley of the rich coastal soils of the Black Isle. Being sited at sea level is critically important. Enveloped by the salt air, the sea-facing traditional dunnage warehouses provide the ideal conditions for whisky maturation.

The distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839 and, for almost a century, was owned by the Clan Mackenzie. The clan’s defining influence on the distillery is still evident to this day, with the iconic royal stag’s antlers – taken from the Mackenzie family crest – adorning each and every bottle of The Dalmore.

And just 14 miles from The Dalmore Distillery, on the outskirts of the beautiful Highland town of Strathpeffer, stands Castle Leod, home to the Clan Mackenzie since 1606. The importance to The Dalmore of the Mackenzies cannot be overstated, for it was the vision of the brothers Mackenzie, in 1839, to converted a dilapidated distillery into one that’s stood the test of time ever since.

Castle Leod, which contains many remarkable artifacts and historically important artworks, is one of the few in Scotland still to be occupied by the original owner. Today, it remains home to Cabarfeidh, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie.

The Dalmore Castle Leod Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exquisite limited edition whisky that celebrates the ancient and historic seat of Clan Mackenzie, and is the second in a series crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson in homage to Clan Mackenzie.

The whisky was distilled in 1995, then was matured initially in American white oak and Spanish sherry wood, before being transferred for a final 18 months to barriques from a legendary Bordeaux chateau (not indicated, but it’s one of the 1st cru classse). The joyful effervescence of fleshy plums, raisins and citrus fruits are followed by the silky tones of kiwi fruit, honey, caramelized pear and sweet mango. A final feast of crushed almonds, spicy ginger, chewy toffee and soft licorice brings this cornucopia of delights to a perfect conclusion.

My goodness….this is a truly amazing whisky.

And as we mentioned, its tough to get. With only 5,000 bottles released world wide, and a mere 2100 of them finding their way to US shores, good luck finding it anywhere.

But fortunately for us, our man Nicky The Neck knows a guy, who’s got a guy, who is owed a favor by another guy….and so we’ve been able to procure more than most.

And so it’s with great excitement that we can start off the New Year by offering you the opportunity to acquire your own bottle of The Dalmore Castle Leod for $159.95.

But if you want some, act fast. While we have more than our fair share, once it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

DALMORE CASTLE LEOD HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY

TASTING NOTES (courtesy of Tastings.com)

Color: Beautiful amber color.

Nose: Elusive aromas of toasted raisin nut bread and honey

Mouth feel: silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body

Finish: long, chewy, grain, spice, cream accented finish. Wonderfully delicious.

As of Monday 14th January new shipping regulations prohibited the delivery of alcohol to consumers in USA, our shipments to the USA will be suspended indefinitely.
Please submit your final order as soon as possible.

Single Malt Whisky Tasting: Monday, January 21, 2013

Hosted By Andrew Ferguson

I (Barry Dunner) am thrilled to usher in the new year with a spectacular whisky tasting event, with special guest Andrew Fergusson of Kensington Wine Market. This event will be special because:

–       There will be 6 whiskies.

–       The whiskies are rare expressions.

–       The whiskies range in age, region and strength and are priced from $100 – $600 per bottle (over $1,500 worth of whiskies in total).

–       The event will be held at a private venue in Vancouver, where chef will prepare a menu designed to complement the whiskies.

Tasting Themes

• Dare to compare: Experience two 14 year-old, single cask Bowmores.
• To peat or not to peat: Taste 2 Benriach expressions: peated & unpeated: 18/29 yr olds.
• Old & Rare: Savour 2 Glenglassaugh single casks: 37 & 40 year old sherry monsters.

Event details

Date                                Monday, January 21, 2013

Venue                              TBA

Couvert                            $135 + HST = $150 (includes food & drink)

Participants                    Limited to 25 guests

Programme                  – Registration & Hors D’oevres   6:15 pm

                                            – Whisky tasting & dinner          7:00 pm

Please contact Barry Dunner personally, and at your earliest convenience, to commit to your space: barrydunner@gmail.com.

About Andrew Ferguson

Andrew has been employed at Kensington Wine Market since 2003, as its In-house Single Malt Scotch expert and co-manager. He has built KWM into Canada’s largest and arguably most interesting collection of single malts and has a reputation as one of Canada’s most trusted whisky experts.

On April 11^th, 2011, Andrew was inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich – an exclusive and secretive organization, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the international success of Scotch whisky. He is the first Canadian retail expert to be so honoured!

In addition, Andrew writes a newsletter, The Malt Messenger, with almost 5,000 subscribers. He conducts regular tastings, offers educational classes, seminars and speaking engagements. Andrew also guides whisky related tours to Scotland via (http://www.fergusonswhiskytours.com/). Andrew is also the President of the ‘Companions of the Quaich’ whisky club, Calgary Chapter.

TOP PICKS… (a handful of our favorites also listed in the New Arrivals and Back in Stock sections)

• 1985 Bruichladdich DNA Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($599.99) The third edition of this rare limited release, the 1985 DNA combines some of Bruichladdish’s greatest American oak-Bourbon casks and the last of the sherry butts from the mid-1980s. Distiller’s notes: “Nose: Multiple sensory impressions: opening with the classic Oloroso overtones of sultanas, dates, raisins, sweet barley sugar, and a hint of tangerine zest. A little later, beautiful drifts of rich vanilla and nutty nougat…The oak mellowness gives an irresistible Spanish passion, a remarkable bouquet ending on sea breezes and wild flowers – aromas that whiskies matured on Scotland’s west coast can have. Palate: It’s magical on the palate; the flavours lie deep in the spirit, cocooned in the shelter of the oak for over 30 years. They spread gently over the taste buds with peat fire warmth, and then without hesitation, the sherry takes the lead…Finish: A lingering finish, so gentle and soft, as though it does not want to leave. Like it was saying ‘don’ t forget me’ and that we must listen and try our hardest to distil such beautiful spirits…Mood: Planned selfish solitude: no distractions, no obligations.”

• Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($81.99) Gold Medal winner at the 17th annual International Spirit Challenge. Distiller notes: “The Malt Master’s Edition is matured twice, each time for a number of years, in two separate casks consecutively. First the whisky is aged in traditional oak for a period of years then in the highest quality sherry casks for its final years of maturation. This creates a rich, complex whisky with flavors imparted from both woods. This labor-intensive process differs from finishing in that there is a balance of maturation for several years in two distinct woods, not long-term aging in one type of wood followed by a short period spent in another. As a result of these efforts our “Double-Matured” Malt Master’s Edition has a truly unique taste. Bottled at 43% ABV, the nose entices with damp earth and whisky-soaked wood intermingling with vanilla and smoky embers. On the palette, zingy sherbet leads but this slowly turns to plum and spice with hints of almond and w edding cake. The finish is silky smooth.”

NEW ARRIVALS… (items coming into our inventory for the first time)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Rye 750ml ($74.99) • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($44.99) • Peach Street Bourbon 750ml ($62.99)

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

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Bowmore Legend Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $32) ( Price: Hidden )

• Edradour 10-year-old Highland Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml – 12 available ($39.99) • Old Pogue Master’s Select Small Batch Bourbon 750ml (ships as 1.5L) ($45.99)

• Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($41.99)

• Tuthilltown Hudson Manhattan Rye (375ml) – 12 available ($49.99)

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

Jolly Toper

WHISKY TASTINGS
at The Kilderkin, 65 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, 7.30pm – 10.00pm

P/O/U/R/S Thursday 10.1.13 £20/17*

(P/O/U/R/S = peaty, old, unusual, rare, sherried)

Mystery dram

Sazerac straight rye 45%

Laphroaig Brodir 13yo 50.5%

Glendronach cask strength Batch 1 54.8%

St Magdalene 27yo 1982 – 2009 46% cask 2222

ENTRY BY PRE-PAID TICKET ONLY
*£3 discount to first timers & members

Whisky Intelligence – ‘Vignettes – Moments in Whisky’ feature whisky moments as experienced by the readership. If you have a whisky moment please feel free to submit your moment and we’ll do our best to publish it. Use the “Submit a Press Release” button at the top of this page… Go on, you know you want to be famous!

Burns Night Tasting & Dinner £35 per ticket

Tuesday January 22nd 2013, 7.00pm

The Cross Keys, Water Lane, Leeds

These dinner events are perfectly formed for our esteemed regular customers, but also their partners/wives/husbands who may not be quite so familiar or partial to the Uisgea Beatha. Whilst there is obviously a heavy bias towards whisky at any of our events, this one is designed to involve anybody who enjoys good food and drink in general.   This one is a real Burns’ dinner and is all singing and all dancing. With a traditional three-course dinner, a Scottish poet to deliver some of the bard’s most famous work plus a six dram whisky tasting to boot!   Your £35 pays for the meal itself, a dram with each course plus a shortened whisky tasting at the end of the night.   Whisky will be served with each course although wine and ales will be available at extra cost.   The Cross Keys, built in 1802, was a watering hole for local foundry workers and houses a colourful history. Their kitchen team serve a medley of superb traditional British food made from locally sourced, ethically produced, seasonal ingredients. Each course will be good and hearty and eminently appropriate for the accompanying whiskies.   If you would like to order tickets for this tasting as a gift, we can email you a PDF with ticket/s for you to print and pop in a card. Just email us at info@thewhiskylounge.com after placing your order. http://www.thewhiskylounge.com/book-now/burns-night-tasting-dinner-2/

Please find below the Whisky Intelligence Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews Scores for 2012. This compilation is not in any regard an ‘Awards’ but merely a record from top to bottom of the whiskies reviewed in 2012. The vast majority have been purchased with private funds; a very few have been provided by agents or suppliers and are thus noted in the individual review. If you are curious to see which are the later, you may search through the Tasting Notes/Whisky Reviews archive and find them for yourself.

There is a distinct lack of neither rhyme nor reason in the compilation; they have merely been reviewed as they have come available. Some were new releases, some blends and some no longer available.

Additionally whiskies that have achieved an equal score (for example 88 points) have not been listed alphabetically merely to further demonstrate the lack of neither rhyme nor reason.

94 Port Ellen 11yo 1983/1994 (59.4%, SMWS, 43.8)
92 Glen Grant 60yo 1952/2012 (42.3%, G&M C#465, 85 Decanters)
92 Glenglassaugh Managers Legacy 1967/2010 (40.4%, OB, Walter Grant”, Refill HHD, 200 Bts)
91 Laphroaig 20yo 1990 (58.2%, SMWS, 29.104, Refill sherry butt, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012
91 Lochside 44yo 1967/2011 (41.5%, Coopers Choice, Butt, C#807, 354 Bts.,)
91 Isle of Arran 14yo 1996/2011 (56%, OB, Premium Single Cask, Sherry, C#1785, 165 Bts., D. 06/11/96, B. 31/03/11)
91 Port Ellen 31yo 1979/2011 (52.1%, Douglas Laing Old & Rare, Refill Hogshead, 253 Bts)
90 Ben Nevis 15yo 1996/2011 (55.4%, C of Q, C#911, 231 Bts., HHD)
90 Big Peat Santa NAS Batch #22 (57.8%, DL & Co, 2011)
90 Bowmore 14yo (54.8%, A. D. Rattray for BevMo!, Bourbon, C#2873, 239 Bts., D’ 27/03/96 B’ 04/08/2010)
90 Caol Ila 10yo 2000 (58%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 53.157, +/-2012)
90 Clynelish 21yo 1990 (49.1%, SMWS, 26.84, Refill barrel, +/-2012)
90 Elijah Craig 18yo Single Barrel (45%, OB, C#3961, +/-2010)
90 Isle of Arran 1999 NAS Golden Eagle (46%, OB, 6,000 Bts., 2012)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (51.1%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Sherry, C#1979, 219 Bts., D’11/12/96, B’25/04/12)
90 Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (52%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Bourbon, C# 2086, 186 Bts)
90 Invergordon 18yo (65.6%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, G5.4, 247 bts., +/-2011)
90 Longmorn 19yo (51.1%, SMWS of Canada, 7.70, refill hogshead, 161 Bts., +/-2011)
90 Mortlach 21yo 1989 (57.8%, SMWS, First–fill Sherry Butt, 76.84, +/-2012)
90 Willie Napier Pure Pot Still 44yo (40%, Tullamore, B’ 1989)
89 Ardbeg 8yo 2003 (60.4%. SMWS, 33.113, First fill barrel, +/-2012)
89 Booker’s 7yo Small Batch (63.7%, OB, Batch#C03-1-16, +/-2011)
89 Bowmore 21yo 1990 (46.4, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 3.182)
89 Glenfarclas NAS 175 (43%, OB, 2011)
89 Glen Scotia 11yo (59.1%, SMWS of Canada, 93.42, Refill Butt, 735 Bts., +/-2011)
89 Hazelburn 8yo (55.9%, OB, Sauternes Wood, 9180 bts, D’ 06/08 B’ 02/11)
89 Isle of Arran 9yo (61.3%, SMWS, 121.51, 642 Bts., Sherry, Refill Butt, 2002/2011
89 Kilchoman 5yo 2006 (60.2%, SMWS, 129.1, first fill barrel, USA 114 bottles, +/- 2012)
89 Linkwood 28yo 1982 (53.9%, SMWS, Refill Hogs Head 39.83, +/-2012)
89 Longmorn 14yo 1996/2011 (46%, A.D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#97630, 304 Bts)
89 Old Pulteney 21yo (46%, OB, -/-2011)
89 Knob Creek 9yo ‘Small batch” (50%, OB, +/-2011)
89 Macallan 20yo (55.4%, SMWS of Canada, 24.117, 2nd Fill PX Sherry hogs Head, 196 Bts.)
88 Auchentoshan 12yo 1999 (54.7%, SMWS, 5.35, Second Fill hogshead, +/-2012)
88 Adelphi’s 18yo Liddesdale Islay (46%, Batch release No.1, 2962 Bts., +/-2012)
88 Balvenie 17yo Peated Cask (43%, OB, 2011)
88 Bunnahabhain 4yo 2005/2009 (57.7%, Creative Whisky Co., C#28, 257 Bts.,)
88 Caperdonich 17yo (58%, SMWS of Canada, 38.21, 2nd fill hogshead, 234 Bts., +/-2011)
88 Edradour 10yo (46%, Signatory UCF Collection, C#157, 634 Bts., D’17/04/1996 B’16th/02/2007)
88 Forty Creek (45%, OB, ‘Port Wood Reserve’, Lot 060, 2010)
88 GlenDronach 39yo 1972/2011 (49.8%, OB for KWM, Oloroso Sherry Butt, C#711, 300 Bts.)
88 Glenmorangie Artein 15yo (46%, OB, 2011)
88 Great King Street “Artist Blend’ NAS (43%, Compass Box, 2011)
88 Isle of Arran NAS The Devil’s Punch Bowl (52.3%, OB, Sherry & Bourbon, 6660 Bts., 2012)
88 Isle of Arran 2000/2011 The Sleeping Warrior (54.9%, OB, 6000 Bts.,)
88 Kilchoman NAS Single Sherry Cask Release KWM (60%, OB, C#322, D’ 15/11/2006 B’13/09/2011)
88 Knob Creek 9yo “Single Barrel” (60%, OB, +/- 2011)
88 Nikka Tsuru 17yo (43%, OB, 2012)
88 Stronachie 18yo (46%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 18/10-01, 2010)
88 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select (46.85%, OB, “DSP-KY-12+/-2011)
87 Glencadam 14yo (46%, OB, Oloroso Sherry cask Finish, 2012)
87 Glen Scotia 9yo 2002 (59.7%, SMWS, 93.47, Refill Barrel, +/-2012)
86 Bruichladdich Sherry Classic (46%, OB, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Confederation Oak Reserve’, Lot 1867, 2010)
86 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Small Batch Reserve’, Lot 105, 2008)
86 Glenrothes 10yo 2001 (60.6%, SMWS Refill Gorda, 30.68)
86 Highland Park 11yo 1999 (58.6%, SMWS, First-fill barrel, 4.153, +/-2012)
86 Isle of Arran 2001/2012 (55.2%, OB for Kensington, Bourbon, C#808, 233 Bts., D’13/12/2001, B’12/09/2012)
86 Kavalan NAS ‘Solist’ (58.3%, OB, C#S060814018, 536 Bts., 08/10/2010)
86 Longmorn 8yo 2003 (61.6%, SMWS, 1st fill barrel, 7.69)
86 Scapa 16yo (40%, OB, 2010)
86 Speyburn 11yo 1995/2007 (59%, A. D. Rattray, Bourbon, C#422, 287 Bts.)
86 Springbank 13yo 1998 (57.6%, SMWS, 27.97, refill Gorda, USA 180 Bts., +/-2012)
86 Tomatin 12yo (43%, OB, +/-2011)
85 Bunnahabhain NAS ‘Toiteach’ (46%, OB, +/-2010?)
85 Carsebridge 35yo 1976 (53.6%, SMWS, G2.2, Refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Forty Creek (40%, OB, ‘Double Barrel Reserve’, Lot 240, 2010)
85 Glen Grant 8yo 2002 (62.1%, SMWS, 9.62 First fill barrel, 149 Bts., +/-2012)
85 Glenrothes NAS 1988/2011 (43%, OB, 2011)
85 Isle of Arran 12yo Cask Strength (54.1%, OB, 12,000 Bts., Number 1, 2011)
85 McDonald’s Traditional Ben Nevis NAS (46%, 2012)
85 The Naked Grouse NAS (40%, OB, Batch 1017822:05, +/- 2011)
84 Stronachie 12yo (43%, A.D. Rattray, Batch Number 02/11, 2011)
84 Tamdhu 10yo (40%, OB, +/-2011)
84 Octomore ‘Comus’ 5yo (61.%, OB, Edition 04.2, 18,000 Bts., 2011)
83 Glenturret 10yo 2001 (57.2%, SMWS, 16.32, refill port pipe, USA 120 Bts., +/-2012)
83 Penderyn 5yo 2006 (61.3%, SMWS, 128.3, First fill barrel, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
82 Tomatin 10yo ‘Single Malt Collection’ (40%, Trader Joe’s, +/-2010)
82 Tullibardine 1992/2011 (46%, OB, 1Er Cru Classé Bordeaux Finish)
81 Cardhu 27yo 1984 (52.6%, SMWS, 106.18, refill hogshead, USA 78 bottles, +/-2012)
81 Macallan 16yo 1995 (53%, SMWS, Refill Hogshead, 24.122)
80 Clynelish 15yo (59.9%, SMWS of Canada, 26.82, refill sherry butt, 571 Bts., +/-2011)
80 Glenrothes 42yo 1969/2012 (42.6%, Adelphi, Cask #2, 297 Bts.)
80 Kuchh Nai NAS (40%, OB, +/2011)
80 Lismore NAS ‘Speyside’ (50%, William Lundie & Co, +/-2011)
80 Rosebank 21yo 1990 (59.8%, SMWS, 25.63, refill hogshead, USA 108 bottles, +/-2012)
79 BenRiach NAS ‘Birnie Moss’ (48%, OB, 2011)
78 Ledaig 7yo 2005 (62.7%, SMWS, 42.10, refill barrel, USA 60 Bts., +/-2012)