Is it February already?! Where did January go?!

We are big fans of getting out there to see our favourite whiskies being made, whether it be in Ireland, Scotland or wherever. However, one place really encapsulates most of what makes whisky good. We are lucky enough to have been to Islay a few times but now we want to share our experiences with you. We have therefore decided to take a handful of customers with us on a ‘backstage’ Islay tour on the weekend of the 15th-18th June (okay it’s not quite just a weekend). The cost per person will be £300, which includes travel from Glasgow, self-catering accommodation and tours of all distilleries we visit. Interested? Email us at info@thewhiskylounge.com to get booking or for more info. Places will be limited to 10 people so you’ll need to be quick! If you’ve got 5 minutes to yourself, grab a tea or coffee (or a dram, time of day dependent) and click here to see the video of our last trip across for a flavour of what to expect…

Calling all Whisky enthusiasts, connoisseurs and believers that the best things in life come in small packages!

Having traveled directly from the high seas of Scotland, a message in a tiny bottle has landed ashore.

Thanks to Paul from The Whisky Shop SF, for the first time ever, the release of forty eight miniatures of Key to the Clans Single Malt Scotch Whisky has arrived in the US.

These spirited minis make a great gift for your loved ones, associates, or better yet – for yourself. They will allow you to sample and savor the finest that Scotland has to offer.

Each miniature features the tartan of a clan, representing the exciting voyage one embarks on when tracing their family tree back to its roots, allowing them to claim their heritage!

Enjoy Key to the Clans Single Malt Scotch Whisky Miniatures, brought to you by ImpEx Beverages Inc.

Cheers!

The ImpEx Beverages Team

www.impexbev.com

MASTER DISTILLER BARRY CROCKETT TO RETIRE AFTER 47 YEARS 

– Brian Nation to take over as Master Distiller – 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard today announced that Barry Crockett, Master Distiller of Jameson Irish Whiskey, will retire this March, bidding a fond farewell to the Midleton Distillery in Cork after 47 years; 31 of which he spent as Master Distiller. The announcement comes, fittingly, in the week in which Crockett was honoured by Whisky Advocate with its Lifetime Achievement award*. Brian Nation, who has been mentored by Barry Crockett for the last ten years, will take over the role of Master Distiller. 

Born in the Distiller’s cottage that sits on the grounds of the Old Midleton Distillery, Barry Crockett has been immersed in the craft of whiskey distilling for almost 50 years.  At the age of seventeen, Barry began learning his craft as a young apprentice to his father and Midleton Master Distiller, Max Crockett, eventually succeeding him as Master Distiller in 1981. 

During his time as Master Distiller, Barry has seen the success of Irish whiskey, and in particular Jameson, grow on an unprecedented scale. In 1984, Barry developed the award-winning flagship blend from the Distillery, Midleton Very Rare, and in 2011 oversaw the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton.  Launched to rejuvenate the popular style of whiskey to its former glory, the pinnacle of the range, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, marks the first time since John Jameson that an Irish Distillers product has been named after a Master Distiller. 

Commenting on his retirement, Barry said: “Midleton Distillery may correctly be described as important in the industrial history ofIreland; it is unique in the context of Irish Distilling. Its success is a direct consequence of an ongoing openness to innovation and development. I am fortunate to have been part of the ongoing progress from an early age. The lessons learnt from so many committed people were vital in providing the foundation essential to an appreciation of the necessity to adopt ongoing technical advances. Advance also made by a thoroughly professional work team has seen Midleton Distillery distil the most remarkable whiskey distillates in the world. As I now step down from the position of Master Distiller I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to oversee the wonder that is the Midleton Distillery. This is especially the case as the Distillery is currently undergoing even more investment. I am particularly happy to see my successor Brian Nation take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that with his guidance the future of the Distillery will see the balance between the heritage of the Distillery and the ongoing need to constantly evolve well secured.” 

Peter Morehead, Irish Distillers Production Director, commented: “The Crockett family has dominated Irish distilling for more than 70 years, so Barry’s retirement truly marks the end of an era. We are really going to miss Barry – his passion for quality and his kind, gracious nature set him apart from the rest, as do his outstanding achievements. The success of Jameson, Midleton and the great whiskey brands it produces has not been a surprise to the people who know Barry and his high standards of excellence, so we are immensely grateful for everything he has done for Irish Distillers and of course the Irish Whiskey category. We wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Brian joined the Midleton Distillery,Corkin December 1997 and is currently a Distiller and global brand ambassador for Jameson. He received the Worshipful Company of Distillers Award for achieving the highest IBD distilling exam results in the world in 2006, whilst also becoming the first Irish Distiller to receive this award. 

Commenting on how it feels to be the new Master Distiller, Brian Nation, said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be Barry Crockett’s successor. Barry has dedicated his life to Midleton and is a well-known figure in the global whiskey industry, so it has been a great honour to be mentored by him over the last ten years. Barry has been an inspiration to me and I am looking forward to continuing the traditions that have gone before me and to ensuring the whiskeys of Midleton continue to be enjoyed and recognised as the best Irish Whiskeys in the world.” 

Peter Morehead added: “I am particularly pleased to introduce Brian as our new Master Distiller. He has learnt his craft from Barry and played a major part in the design of the Midleton expansion. He brings the perfect blend of traditional craft and modern technology. Our future is in safe hands.” 

To mark Barry’s retirement, he will be honoured with an intimate dinner party on 3^rd September 2013 at ‘The Housewarming’ – a special event that will be held in Midleton to officially launch the new expansion amongst other things.  Many of the close friends Barry has made during his time at Irish Distillers are expected to attend, where he will be presented with a special gift from his peers.   

Notes

*Now in its 19^th year, Whisky Advocate’s Annual Whisky Awards honour the whiskies, distilleries and people which have made significant contributions to the whisky industry. Whisky Advocate isAmerica’s leading whisky magazine and the premier source for whisky information, education and entertainment for whisky enthusiasts Since its debut, more than 20 years ago, Whisky Advocate’s influence reaches an ever-increasing audience of enthusiasts, press and trade around the world. 

Photo Captions:

1: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at the Midleton Distillery with his successor Brian Nation. Barry, who has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

2: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller with his successor Brian Nation, outside the Distillers Cottage at the Midleton Distillery,Cork. Barry, who was born in the cottage, has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

3: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller with his successor Brian Nation, outside the Distillers Cottage at the Midleton Distillery,Cork. Barry, who was born in the cottage, has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

About Barry Crockett

• Joined Cork Distilleries company in 1965 at age 17
• Worked in old Midleton Distillery and Power Distillery prior to their closure
• Appointed Master Distiller in 1981
• Developed Midleton Very Rare 1984 

About Irish Distillers – http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Corkand Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.
 
A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees. 

anCnoc, Peter Arkle Limited Edition

This is number 2 in the Peter Arkle Limited Edition series. Also in 2012 in this series, a travel retail edition became available. Bottled at Alc/Vol 46%. This series is created in collaboration with the renowned Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle. … Continue reading →

Glenmorangie Ealanta

January is normally a bit boring for whisky releases. Christmas has been and gone, people are counting pennies and the whisky industry is plotting quietly as the end of the tax year heaves itself over the horizon. However, a few … Continue reading >>

New Arrivals

Ireland – Irish 

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy Irish Whiskey 750ml – 3 available ($249.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

Bruichladdich Octomore 5.1 Comus Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($179.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

Lexington Bourbon Whiskey 750ml ($24.99)

Back in Stock

United States – Bourbon and Rye

Balcones Brimstone Corn Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($49.99)

Black Maple Hill, Small Batch Bourbon (1 bottle limit) 750ml ($32.99)

Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml – 2 available ($39.99)

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We’re always looking for updates on how we can improve our facebook and twitter communication and there is no better way of doing it than asking you, our loyal friends, what you think.

Please post your comments below or on our facebook or twitter page (using #listening2u) and we will enter all posts into a draw to win a bottle of Whyte & Mackay.

Just to get you started have a think about the following

What are we doing well?
What could we be doing better?
What stories/posts/images would you like to see more of and those that you would like to see less of?
Do you think we are talking about Whyte & Mackay the whisky enough?
Are we posting too frequently or would you prefer to hear more regularly from us?

Your views are important to us so we would appreciate you taking a few minutes to let us know what you think about our social media. Don’t be afraid to be honest, we want to make sure our social media is as interesting and relevant to you all as possible. We want to make it perfect, just like our whisky!

Closing date: 22/02/12

Terms and Conditions

1. The Prize Draw is only open to entrants over the age of 18 and of legal drinking age in their country of residence.

2. Employees of the Promoter their families, agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion are prohibited from entering.

3. To enter post your social media feedback/comments on www.whyteandmackay.com/blog or through our facebook or twitter page

4. Competition opens on 06/02/12 and closes at midnight on 22/02/12.

5. All entries must be received by midnight on 22/02/12. No late entries will be considered.

6. Promotion is limited to one entry per person and per email address. Multiple entries will not be accepted.

7. No applications from agents, third parties, organised groups or applications automatically generated by computer will be accepted. Incomplete or corrupted entries or those not in accordance with the entry instructions will be rejected.

8. Responsibility is not accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed as a result of any kind of network, computer hardware or software failure of any kind.

9. The winner will be chosen at random from all entries that give feedback on social media, received by the closing date. Promoter’s decision is final.

10. The winner will be contacted by email within 7 days of the draw. All reasonable effort will be made to contact the winner, however, if the winner has not responded by email by 16/03/12 an alternative winner may be chosen. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

11. The Prize is one bottle of Whyte & Mackay Special 70cl

12. Prize will be delivered on or before 29/03/12 to a single address provided by the winner by signed-for courier

13. Prize is non-transferable and there is no cash or other alternative to the stated prize. However the promoter reserves the right to provide an alternative prize of equal or greater value if the advertised prize becomes unavailable for reasons beyond the control of the promoter.

14. The Promoter reserves the right to provide an alternative prize in the event that the winner is resident in a country where national laws prohibit The Promoter from sending alcohol.

15. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Promoter, the prizes will only be available directly to the winners

16. By entering the promotion, all entrants will be deemed to have accepted and be bound by the rules and consent to the transfer of their personal data to the Data Controller for the purposes of the administration of this promotion and any other purposes to which the entrant has consented. All entry instructions form part of the rules.

17. Winners may be required to take part in publicity.

18. To obtain a copy of winner’s name and country please send a Stamped Addressed Envelope to Whyte & Mackay Social Media Competition, Dalmore House, 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RG.

19. The Promoter and their agents accept no responsibility for damages, losses or injuries that result from acceptance of the prize.

20. The Promoter and Data Controller: Whyte and Mackay Limited, Dalmore House, 310 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5RG

Loch Fyne Whiskies ‘New: Collectors’ Loft Bourbon Whiskeys’

Spring cleaning time and we’ve unearthed some interesting Yankee whiskeys that Richard tried selling when he started the shop – before enough varieties of Scotch appeared to fill our shelves, now look how many there are!

Collectors’ Loft

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

anCnoc 22 Year Old introduced to the range

On the 31st of January 2013 anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is releasing an addition to its core range, anCnoc 22 Year Old. The new member of the anCnoc family follows the launch of critically acclaimed anCnoc 35 Year Old in
2012 and coincides with the award-winning anCnoc 16 Year Old being made available again in various markets around the world. Arguably, there has never been a better time for an anCnoc lover.

The Whisky

All anCnoc Single Malt is distilled using traditional methods and aged on site at the Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock, Aberdeenshire. anCnoc 22 Year Old was matured predominantly in top quality American ex-bourbon casks but some Spanish casks seasoned for two years with Oloroso sherry were also used. It displays complexity and the wealth of character expected of all single malt whisky from Knockdhu, but the leathery, smokey and smoothly tannic manifestation of maturity makes anCnoc 22 Year Old different from the Distillery’s younger offerings. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and presented at its natural colour.

Initially 950 cases of anCnoc 22 Year Old will be available in the UK and across export markets, including USA, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Denmark. The recommended retail price in the UK is £85.

Tasting notes

Colour: Bright gold with a copper tint
Nose: Sweet and spicy with notes of set honey and toffee. The warmth of Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.
Taste: Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. Rich and long finish is smoky and spicy.

Notes 
• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly
• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the most enchanting in Scotland
• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a timehonoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs
• Other core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old and a 16 Year Old, both are multi-award-winning and celebrated worldwide
• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim
• In 2012 anCnoc announced its collaboration with Peter Arkle – a Scottishborn illustrator based in New York City. Peter’s artwork inspired by his visit to Knockdhu now features on a series of limited expressions of anCnoc Single Malt

www.ralfy.com takes you on a short cemetery tour of scotch malt distilleries now dead, or looking sort of dead, with Whisky Review 337 – Introducing Three Dead Distilleries