What are all these logos for?

Hi everyone,

If you’ve ever looked at the back label on a bottle of whisky, you may have noticed a number of logos about recycling, health or sometimes duty. Many of these logos are pretty self explanatory but others can be a little bit confusing. So I’ve decided to take a look at some of the most…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,

Ludo

Jura Launches 1977 Vintage

Jura distillery has added a new, limited-edition vintage expression to its collection – the 1977.

This uniquely crafted vintage takes its name from the Gaelic word for the Yew tree, which once sprawled across the entire island of Jura. Translated as ‘Juar’, the Yew tree has long been associated with immortality and regeneration, with some even believing it gives access to the “otherworld”.

Filled to cask in 1977, this vintage release was originally matured in three first fill bourbon casks before being finished in a ruby port pipe for 12 months. Each of the 498 bottles has absorbed the character and colour that only comes with careful aging.

The 1977 vintage is presented in a solid oak box, with each box hand-crafted individually by Scottish-based cabinet maker, John Galvin.

The whisky is sweet, fruity and warm amber in colour. The nose provides subtle notes of peach melba, creamy caramel, ripe sweet pineapple and maple syrup, giving way to the tastes of crushed pear, passion fruit, kiwi and sweet apricots.

Jura 1977 is bottled at 46% ABV and available to buy from www.jurawhisky.com or from specialist whisky retailers priced at £600 RRP.

Jura distillery manager, Willie Cochrane:

“The 1977 is a perfect mix of amber and gold shades – a quality which is only achieved through age. Complemented by an enticing scent and soft sweet flavours, Juar is a real treat for all whisky lovers.

“Each of the lucky 498 buyers of this whisky will also receive their own hand-carved box, each one a testament to the craft and expertise of John Galvin. We’re proud to collaborate with someone who takes craft as seriously as we do.”

Taste Notes

Colour: Warm amber.
Nose: Subtle notes of peach melba, creamy caramel, ripe sweet pineapple and maple syrup.
Taste: Prolonged sensations of crushed pear, passion fruit, kiwi and sweet apricots.

About Jura

Off the west coast of Scotland lies one of nature’s best kept secrets, the Isle of Jura. Populated by a community of less than 200, known as Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura), it is a place of myth, legend and intrigue – and an award-winning range of single malt whiskies which hold the promise of good fortune for all those that believe.

There are five classic bottlings in the Jura Collection, each with their own distinctive flavour profiles: the light and delicate Origin 10; the rich and full bodied Diurachs’ Own 16 years old; fruity and spicy Elixir, and Superstition and Prophecy which are lightly and heavily peated respectively.

www.jurawhisky.com

Bunnahabhain (Peated) 23 Year Old / 1989 / 2013 The Rare Casks – Release 2

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky The Rare Casks (Abbey Whisky)

The 2nd release in ‘The Rare Casks’ series by Abbey Whisky has arrived and it’s only right that we follow up the success of the 1st release with something exceptional and equally special. Casks from Islay have been like gold dust of late but we’ve managed to get our hands on a lovely smooth, peated Bunnahabhain from the magical Isle. Distilled in 1989, this special malt was aged in a refill hogshead for 23 years before being bottled at natural cask strength of 44% vol. As with the 1st release only 96 bottles have been filled and made available for this limited edition release.

There’s a wonderful nose on this peated Bunnahabhain. Smooth liquorice flavour, followed by a combination of white pepper, smokey vanilla & warm soft spices. Marzipan lingers along with more prominent grapefruit zest and citrus flavours. Fresh with a peaty depth reminiscent of the sea air on Islay.

Smooth peaty flavours coat your taste buds and the marzipan returns softer with hints of pepper, citrus, floral notes and a soft smokiness. There is a sweetness coming through as you draw air into your mouth, overly ripened apples, sweet scented smoke and salty sea air.

A wonderful dram (if we do say so ourselves). The natural cask strength of 44% is surprising given its age but once explored it reveals a delicate but perfectly balanced depth of flavour. Warning! This is a very moreish, easy drinking dram that displays all the wonderful characteristics you would expect from a peated Islay malt whisky.

As with all our bottlings, this Islay single malt Scotch whisky has been bottled in its natural form, at full cask strength, without chill filtering or colour additives.

£79.95 (£66.63 ex vat)

Click here to buy Bunnahabhain 23 Year Old / 1989 / The Rare Cask – Release 2

Caperdonich 17 Year Old / 1995 / 2013 The Rare Casks – Release 1

“I really enjoy this kind of jumpiness, its a very lively Caperdonich that, at times, hints at Rosebank in a way”

Serge – whiskyfun 87/100

“It’s a real steal, and a nice touch to try the wonders of Caperdonich”

Gal Granov – Whisky Israel 87/100

“If you get a chance to try this whisky, to buy this whisky, don’t hesitate, DO SO. Right now!”

SquidgyAsh – connosr blog 94/100

“Nice Caperdonich whisky with lots of spices notes. Looks older than 17 years old and it is really generous at almost 58% abv. A sensible dram”

Miguel Angel Blanch – Whisky Wardrobe 90/100

“There were only 96 bottles of this whisky. If you want one, you better be quick!”

Livingroom Whisky

“What a stunning dram this is, subtle but amazing nose and brilliantly complex flavours, I could genuinely sit and sip this for hours on end”

Toms Whisky Reviews

£59.50 (£49.58 ex vat)

Click here to buy Caperdonich 17 Year Old / 1995 / The Rare Casks -Release 2

Dixie Whisky Dinner featuring Balcones and Master Distiller Chip Tate

Thursday, February 21st

Dixie Restaurant
1 Letterman Dr,
San Francisco, California, 94129
$90 All inclusive

Dixie Restaurant is the culmination of nearly 20 years of Chef Joseph Humphrey’s culinary career, starting in North Florida, then New Orleans, and finally the Bay Area.

Chef Humphrey’s goal is to create a very personal and fun restaurant that is decidedly fine dining in the quality, creativity, and execution of the cuisine, with a very warm, relaxed, inviting, and refined sense of service.

Our featured guest, Chip Tate, the award- winning craft distiller from Balcones, Texas, is enthusiastically and wholeheartedly presenting his unique blue corn whiskies in their wonderful variations. Having this dinner with Chip is a real pleasure as Mr. Tate can be highly technical, as he is at top in his field, yet can explain in easy to comprehend language.

Join us and see firsthand why Balcones keeps winning awards.

Buy Dinner Tickets

MENU: 5 Course Tasting Menu
Hors D’oeuvres:
Chef’s Choice Canapes

First Course:
Sunchoke pannacotta, crispy smoked oysters, brussels sprout leaves, dandelion

Second Course:
Blue corn grits, soft poached egg, duck skin crackling, sea urchin butter

Third Course:
Chicken fried quail, king trumpet mushroom, spiced pecans, bourbon butter

Fourth Course:
Grass fed beef, coffee & chicories

Dessert:
Orange & Sassafras Granite
Bananas foster soufflé, malted milk chocolate ice cream

WHISKIES:

Blue Manhattan welcome cocktail
Balcones Single Malt (They do top notch barley also)
Balcones Baby Blue (Lighter fresher corn whisky 46%)
Balcones True Blue (More robust rich flavors. Barrel proof)
Balcones Brimstone (Smoked Corn Whisky)
Balcones 1200 Brimstone (Special single cask bottling for special events. More age creates less smoke and more fruit, caramel, vanilla, spice)

TEELING HYBRID WHISKEY

 – SEE BEYOND THE NORM- 

Edition No. 1 limited to 1,400 bottles world-wide

  – 240 in Alberta – 

Edition No.1 consists of – 10 Yr Old Single Malt whiskey from Cooley Distillery in Ireland and

10 Yr Old Single Malt Whisky from Bruichladdich in Scotland married together in oak barrels for 8 years. 

Bottled at cask strength with no chill filtration or colouring added. 

44.1% ALC/VOL  

Tasting Notes 

Nose: The nose is of medium-body with notes of wood and spice, hints of dried peels and fudge with a little barley sweetness.

Finish: Medium, great oak integration.

CSPC #755065 

MIDLETON LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE SINGLE POT STILL SINGLE CASK WHISKEYS 

Irish Distillers Ltd has reinforced its commitment to rejuvenating the Single Pot Still whiskey style with the release of ten exclusive Single Pot Still single cask whiskeys under the celebrated Midleton brand.

The new expressions highlight the complexity, elegance and balance associated with the Midleton range and have been released exclusively to key accounts in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK.

The new releases follow the launch of Irish Distillers Ltd’s first Single Pot Still single cask customer exclusive at the Celtic Whisky Shop, in November 2010, which saw the retailer sell out of its limited bottle. This success has led Irish Distillers Ltd to extend the initiative to six retailers across Europe and now also includes James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange. Each retailer is offering their customers between one and three expressions bearing the name of the retailer, the cask number and the Midleton brand name.

Each bottling has been matured in ex-bourbon casks, true to the Midleton style, which have been charred and seasoned with bourbon. The individual casks, which were laid down between 1991 and 1999, have yielded, on average, 185 bottles – making the range highly collectable. Each expression is presented in a premium bottle, following the same design cues as Midleton Very Rare, the most exclusive whiskey produced at The Midleton Distillery.

Casks #7102 and #53735 are exclusive to La Maison du Whisky in Paris and illustrate the individuality of the Midleton Single Pot Still single cask releases. Bonded in 1999, cask #53735 has a light Single Pot Still style with a nose of delicate spice, perfumed rose petal with a touch of garden mint, while cask #7102, bonded two years earlier, is an example of the heavier Single Pot Still style with a balanced nose of spices, herbs and wood. Each of the ten expressions enjoys a long finish, which is typical of the Midleton range.

Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, says: “The Midleton brand name is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and the extension of the Single Pot Still single cask releases has allowed us to further showcase the quality of the Single Pot Still style to whiskey connoisseurs, who eagerly anticipate opportunities to taste Midleton whiskeys. The response to the release of cask #71578 in 2010 was phenomenal, so I anticipate a similar reaction this year and look forward to discussing each cask with Single Pot Still whiskey advocates.”

The Irish whiskey category has experienced a near 8% compound annual growth rate between 2005-2010 and its annual 4.9m case sales is expected to reach 7.9m cases by 2016*. Category growth has been boosted with a resurgence in the popularity of the Single Pot Still Irish whiskey style, led by Irish Distillers Ltd. In 2012, work began on a €200 million expansion of Midleton Distillery, significantly increasing its production capability and capacity.

Notes

*IWSR 2012 

About Irish Distillers Ltd – 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 Cork and 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 Midleton 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 Ltd was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees. 

About Midleton Single Pot Still Single Cask Irish Whiskeys

Celtic Whiskey Shop, James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange are each offering between one and three Midleton single cask Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys to their customers. Each expression bears the Midleton brand name, the name of the retailer, the cask number, the date of bonding and the warehouse reference number.

Jack Teeling is back again

Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net

His family roots lie in Dublin and go back to 1782.  „Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Co., comes from a family long associated with Irish whiskey. From Walter Teeling…who setup a distillery on Marrowbone Lane in Dublin to John Teeling who founded Cooley Distillery in 1987.“

The Pot Still Phoenix comes back to life: Teeling is „…reviving the Independent Spirit of Ireland.“  Distilling stopped in Dublin in the mid 1970s when the distilleries John Jameson and John Powers were moved to Midleton, Co. Cork. The new “Spirit of Dublin” is a blended whiskey of grain and malt whiskeys from his father’s Cooley distillery now owned by Beam Inc. Cooley distillery lies some 100km north east of Dublin in County of Louth on the Cooley peninsula.

After the release of the intercultural Hybrid, a blended malt of single malts from Bruichladdich (Isle of Islay) and Cooley, a „legal“ Poítin made of grain and malt spirits from Cooley, the Dublin based Teeling Whisky Company created a new whiskey in the Dublin Bonder’s tradition.

The black bottle – actually dark green – with its black and white label resembles the bottlings of the 19th century bonders of the glorious days of whiskey distilling in Dublin and Ireland. The Spirit of Dublin comes back to life. „This will be our premium blend.  We want to give current Irish Whiskey consumers a more flavourful, unique, premium product beyond the standard blended whiskey,“  says Alex Chasko of Teeling Whiskey.

The casks were handpicked first fill Bourbon casks with a higher ratio of malts than usual. The blend was married and finished in rum casks sourced by the renowned whisky consultant Dr James -Jim- Swan from the rum distillery Flor de Caña in Nicaragua (http://flordecana.com). The finishing period lasted four months.

Alex Chasko: „There is a small amount of spirit caramel added to standardize the colour.  Personally I am not a big fan of its use, but it is needed to insure that we have a consistent product.  I think that there needs to be a balance between the expectations of what a consumer wants to see and the quality control needs of a production facility.  I think that the small amount that we have used is a good balance for the product.“

The Teeling whiskey is sweet and velvetly, there is also a rather spicy touch along with some maltiness. It is a delicate surprise and will be a premium Irish whiskey on the shelves at the pubs not only in Ireland.

The new Teeling Irish blended whiskey will be a future standard product and is bottled at 46% abv and non-chill filtered: „The idea of the 46% abv and non-chill filtering is to provide more flavour than what is in a standard blended whiskey,“ Jack Teeling explains.

The retail price will be around €30.- and the blend will be available at The Irish Whiskey Collection Shop of Dublin Airport and at the Dublin Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dawson Street.

„We export our products to other markets soon,“ says Jack Teeling, „we are working on it.“

Jack Teeling continues: “Our aim was to create a new Irish whiskey that is contemporary, a salute to our own provenance and which stands out for its quality and unique flavour… At present the Teeling Whiskey Company is an independent Irish whiskey bottler but we aim to get back into the distilling game to ensure a consistent supply of whiskey for the future and allow us to be leaders in creating a bright new future for Irish and Dublin whiskey.  We are at advanced stages of a feasibility study on bringing Irish whiskey distilling back to the heart of Dublin.”

Dublin will have a new distillery soon!

Further information:

The Teeling Whiskey Company www.teelingwhiskey.com

The Gateway to Distilleries www.whisky-distilleries.net

About the Author: Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner M.A. was a director in an adult education centre. Ernie offers courses on whisky distilling, writes for newspapers and magazines in Germany.

He is the editor of The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net which gives an excellent photographic and educational insight into the whisky industry of Scotland, Ireland, Europe and Asia.

Fundraiser in Support of The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer^® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation

Taste Whisky for a Grand Cause

“Tip a Wee Dram” – a fundraiser supporting the Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation, Vancouver, BC 

Team Hope rides again in The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer® benefiting BC Cancer Foundation. Last year Team Hope rode with nearly 3000 others in the pouring rain and helped raise $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation. Help us meet our fundraising goal of $58,000 for 2013.

WHAT: “Tip a Wee Dram” – a whisky tasting fundraiser for cancer research

–      13 tasting bars to sample over 60 different whiskies

–      Food stations that pair well with your fine sips

–      Auctions with lots of great items to bid on

ONLY 300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD. This event is sponsored by Edgemont Fine Wines and Spirits & Ales with donations from many generous purveyors of fine whiskies and food. Funds go to the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer.

WHEN:  March 8, 2013 from 7pm to 10pm. VIP & Masterclass start at 6pm.

WHERE: Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver – just a quick bus ride from Marine Drive Canada Line Station.

COST: Starting at $60 per ticket. Purchase tickets at www.tipaweedram.com or at Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales – 3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver. Click here for a map.

CONTACT & INFO: Brendan Cassidy – 778-928-4875 info@tipaweedram.com; Shauna Jones – 604-785-2716 shauna@shaunajones.com; Crystal Coverdale – 604-984-9463 edgemontlrs@gmail.com

Website: www.tipaweedram.com

Twitter: @TipAWeeDram

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamhoperides

About Team HOPE

We are a diverse group of 15 people; but, the themes of why we participate seem to converge and explain why last year we rode through two days of driving rain to complete our goals….

Alan

“..I have ridden in all the Conquer cancer rides. I first rode because of the loss of my dear wife. Her struggle through cancer was a powerful parable for life. Still now I ride for her. She will help to propel me again this year especially when I complete 200 miles in two days. I know life is a gift.”

Shauna

“…father, , husband, best friend, god-parents, grandmothers, uncles and all others…some surviving and some not….Need I say more? Frankly, I ride because I’m tired of making this list. Four years ago I decided to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer because of this list and because I wanted to do something about it. I also believed that if I became more physically active and healthier, I’d have a better chance of fending off diseases like cancer. I ride with Team HOPE. Help us provide HOPE for others.”

Jan

“I ride for the 118 names I have on my Team Hope jersey.  These people fought, or are fighting, their battles with cancer right now and they are my heroes.  I hope for the day that I no names get added to this list.

I ride because I can”

Bonnie

“My mother, stop-mother, brother, aunts and uncles and good friends….I get up every morning to go to work; I’m a nurse in the Diagnostic Imaging Department (MRI,CT, Xray). People come in daily to the department for a scan/biopsy to confirm a diagnosis, or for care following complications of Cancer.  “IT” doesn’t discriminate against sex, age or race. I watch everyday the long term effects it has on everyone associated or involved.  There is too much “collateral” fall out from a Cancer diagnosis. I’m “tired” of “IT”. …This is why I Ride!”

Soheila

“Father-in-law died of lung cancer – he never smoked ….I never completely understood how badly this disease affects everybody in so many ways until last year when my close friend was diagnosed, had two operations and many therapies, and passed away from colon cancer in only 10 short months.  It changed me profoundly.

I got more determined to do anything I can to be part of any force against this disease in any way possible, no matter how small. I bike to help conquer cancer.”

Crystal

“I very much remember the day when I found out that my Mom had cancer the second time. I got a phone call when I was at work, as they live out of town it was the only way. I just remember going to get some support and a huge hug from my employee once I could hold in my tears for long enough to walk into our store from my office. Just thinking of the feeling of that news again brings me back to that moment and reminds me again why I am with Team Hope and why I am riding. I ride for my mother and am thankful every day that she has won her fight!”

Visit us at www.facebook.com/teamhoperides for more information and pictures of our team.

The Whisky Shop will now stock some of the oldest and rarest single malt whiskies available anywhere in the world…

We are proud to present a range of old and rare Connoisseurs Choice bottlings which include a 1939 Linkwood born at the start of the second world war and a Mortlach 1936 which is amongst the oldest ever bottlings ever to be listed at The Whisky Shop. Very few remain so you will have to be quick…

To see the complete range simply click here!

In the mid-1960s Gordon & MacPhail took the unprecedented step of launching a range of single malts under the brand name ‘Connoisseurs Choice’. Until this time, many of the whiskies the range featured would not have been available as single malt. Today, Connoisseurs Choice retains this exclusive nature with a range of rare and sought after single malts from distilleries throughout Scotland.