www.ralfy.com goes into a bit more depth with Whisky Review 344 – Information on Whisky Maturation and Finishing

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY SPREADS SPIRIT OF THE IRISH WITH JAMESON ST PATRICK’S LIVE 2013

Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, is bringing St Patrick’s Day celebrations to life across the world for consumers by hosting Jameson ‘St Patrick’s Live’ events throughout March and on Sunday 17th March.

The headline event will be held in Dublin, Ireland and aims to give Jameson fans the ultimate, alternative St Patrick’s experience. Festivities include The Jameson St. Patrick’s Live party in Dublin, which will be headlined this year by globally-acclaimed band, Bombay Bicycle Club, with support from leading Irish musicians, Jape and The Cast of Cheers. The concert will be streamed live on www.jamesonwhiskey.com to allow people all over the world to experience St Patrick’s Day, Jameson-style.

Jameson is also taking over streets and venues in major cities such as Prague, Buenos Aires, Mumbai and Stockholm to give locals a taste of true Irish St Patrick’s festivities.

This year’s Jameson St Patrick’s Live celebrations sees the return of the annual Jameson Live Global Broadcast, where radio stations from around the world descend on Dublin to join in the festivities and broadcast their shows live from the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin. 43 radio stations from 10 countries will broadcast and capture the bustling atmosphere of Dublin.

Once again, Jameson is supporting its St Patrick’s Day activities with the release of a special limited edition bottle, which will be available to on trade, off trade and travel retail customers. Created by glass artist, David Smith, the 2013 design evokes a classic back bar mirror, in recognition of the iconic glass etching and ornate gilding that can be found in Dublin pubs where Jameson has been served for generations. The limited edition bottle is available in 24 countries around the world from February 2013.

Howard Southern, International Marketing Director for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard said: “As the world’s No. 1 Irish whiskey, we are proud to offer an alternative Dublin St Patrick’s Day experience to consumers around the world. The Jameson Live Global Broadcast and the Jameson St Patrick’s Live party have proven to be very popular and we are confident that this year’s events will encourage even more Jameson fans to join in and embrace their Irish spirit”.

The 2012 celebrations saw over 200 hours of broadcasting time at the Jameson Global Live Broadcast, from countries such as the US and Japan. The Jameson website registered more than 25,000 hits on 17th March 2012, as consumers around the world looked for Irish inspiration, while the activities helped the brand surpass the 400,000 Facebook ‘Fans’ milestone.

About Jameson
Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson Select Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive) and Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve.

For further information, please visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

This is the second release for the New Zealand Whisky Collection in Canada. The 18 year old South Island Single Malt now sits on the shelf alongside our Dunedin DoubleWood at LCBO stores.

Aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for 18 years, this rare, premium New Zealand Single Malt is now available for the first time in Canada. Please visit the LCBO website to find a store near you.

Like all our products, the South Island Single Malt has been gaining praise, awards and recognition all over the world since it’s release. Awards include the Midwest Whisky Olympics in the USA, the Wizard Awards in the UK, and the UK Whisky Test Match series.

Acclaimed whisky writer Charles Maclean loved the South Island, and had this to say:

“A mild and very mature nose. The nose is floral, with light coconut and tropical fruits. The taste is sweet, fresh. Noses and tastes older than 18 years – there is something intriguingly ‘antique’ about its flavour profile”
– Charles Maclean – Scotland’s leading Whisky expert.

DID YOU KNOW?
The New Zealand Whisky Collection has a Canadian connection. All our whisky was distilled whilst the company was owned and operated by Canadian distilling giant Seagram’s Company Ltd., the biggest spirits producer in the world for much of the 20th Century.

Seagrams sold its New Zealand distillery in 1997 and it was mothballed soon after – but more than 400 barrels of whisky remained. Fortuitously, these were bought by the New Zealand Whisky Collection and set aside to mature and sweeten, before being bottled and released to wide acclaim. This whisky represents an enduring link between Canada and New Zealand.

Fancy a trip to Midleton? New Prize Draw!

It’s all about Irish whiskey at the moment. We’ve just launched our single cask 1991 vintage Midleton to impressive reviews and scores (Whiskyfun – 92, Whiskynotes – 91, Dramming – 91, Malt Fascination – “This is the best Irish whiskey … Continue reading >>

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #38

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, launches a mini-series of 5 videos in which he explores independent bottlings of Auchentoshan. In this fifth and final video, he tries the Auchentoshan that has been rumoured to be the best ever bottled. It is the infamous Auchentoshan 33 Year Old 1967 from Douglas Laing in their Old Malt Cask Series. He saved the best for last.

http://youtu.be/C2QN4n6HB3Y

For medicinal purposes and family use

This week’s blog is an interesting piece of historical insight into how Scotch whisky labelling has evolved. So it might be worth mentioning now that while the claims made on old bottles of Grant’s are eye-opening, in some cases they’re certainly not something we would agree with these days!

The label below was taken from the…(please click in the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,

Ludo

Paul’s trip North; the up’s & down’s of a trip north in winter.

I started off on a strange/weird note. After a shower and tart up, I was still in the bathroom and didnee have my spex on (glasses) what I though was deodorant, I liberally sprayed on myself, as I wandered back to the bedroom I thought “this is a powerful bloomin stink!” Once the spex were on I retraced my steps back to the bathroom – oh sh-t! I had liberally sprayed myself with Febreze! No a great start.

Anyhow, 12^th Feb. left Perth for the drive north to Inverness, some snow but no bad really, great scenery en route. Checked into my hotel (thanks for the room Donna) and dondered into the city. Checked the whisky shops for anything special, thought about getting Liz a present, but didnee (it’s the thought that counts eh!).  Had a bite and a drink at Hootananny, retraced back to the hotel, watched Celtic get beat by Juventus! Och well. Cried myself to sleep.

13th Feb. tucked into a healthy breakfast of fruit and yoghurt, before setting out north. The weather forecast said snow so I took it easy, to be honest it was all fine, passing distilleries en route (catch them on the way back) and all the way to Golspie it was grand, nae trouble. From here though it started snowing, as I got further north it got worse, I thought about stopping, but decided to go on. It got worse, all traffic was creeping along at 20mph. Around Helmsdale it became tragic, the heaviest snow storm I have been in for many a year, 10mph and it was now foggy, seriously thought about stopping – but where?  The road got worse, and as I approached a bend right and uphill, a car came swerving at me from ahead, instincts take over, I turned the wheel left to get out of his way, couldnee stop a skid and ended up on the safety barrier, all my left hand side bashed in, just as I stopped, another car came around the bend and hit me. I got out to survey damage and swap details with folks in car that hit me, snow as so bad could hardly write anything down visibility was poor also. That’s when I though “pack this in for a lark”, I asked the girl what the roads were like further along, as I was approaching the infamous Berriedale Braes. She said they were ok, gritted and salted, unlike here!  Luckily for me, the car was drivable so I pressed on (limped on) at a slow pace. Furth up the road were two jack knifed lorries, squeezing past these I got to the Braes, they were fine, easy in fact! Avoiding other cars that had come off the road, I limped into Wick and stayed put at my hotel. I was due in Thurso but never made it! Parked up and checked in, dondered around Wick for a while, boy it was cold, really windy and snowing, so went back and found solace at the bar. I wandered off to Pulteney Distillery, had a great private tour from Deborah, many thanks to her for taking care of a fuddy, soaking wet, shaken (but not stirred) angel from Perth! A grand show around, even given a cup of steamin tea, I think she felt sorry for me! A really nice wee lassie. www.oldpulteneycom  Was very tempted to bottle my own cask strength here, but in my state of mind, probably would have drank myself silly that night, good for nothing next day, so declined. The still room is worth the visit alone; the wash still has no neck, it was thought, when delivered it was too tall and the manager cut it off! Any thoughts on that?  This is a traditional distillery, very friendly staff, a good selection available too, I was hoping (praying more like) I would be offered a sample of the 40 year old, what did Deborah say “in your dreams”, so there it has to be. Although pal Ian has a bottle, maybe ……?  All variants of Old Pulteney are good, but the 40-year old is uniquely complex. Nose; fruit, butterscotch, oak, pears, cloves, spices; flood you like waves over Wick’s harbour  wall. Its taste; (I am told!) sweetness, spices, brine, orange, toffee and more butterscotch; the perfect storm. Its finish; sweet spicy, sherry and orange; a taste of the sea. Almost the most northerly distillery on our mainland, it was until Wolfburn arrived! My tour ended I looked out of the window, snowing and high winds, a lovely wee blond image read my thoughts “can I give you a lift?”  I jumped at the offer, thanks so much!  I called my pal Ian, he would call round later to the hotel. Which he did and we had a natter, a few drams and then bed for me 9pm! Unheard of! A wee bit batter bruised and shattered. Slept like a pig in mud all night!

14th Feb; breakfast – another fruity one Liz! I’m being a good boy. Set out for Thurso, arrived and found what I was looking for; Wolfburn Distillery. Made apologies for a non show yesterday (although after chatting on phone to Liz, she had emailed them) and met with Matt and Shane, who showed me around. We have a story online from pal Ernie; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/wolfburndistilleryernie.asp well worth a read. Whereas Ernie gets very technical, I dinnae, just chatted away and here are my reports; Q; will myself or friends/members be able to buy a cask from you? A: chat with the owners, but cannee see a problem. So if anyone wishes to do this or make enquiries, let me know. Q: how many expressions are you looking at for the future? A; undecided at this stage, maybe a sherry, cask strength but NO new spirit. Q: where will you be bottling? A; right here! Everything is done onsite, barley comes from Yorkshire, apart from that its all here!  Q: being a designer in my distant past, who designed the imagry and logo? A; the owners (he says laughing). Q: with new markets opening all around the world, where do you see YOUR marketplace? A: well, our first bottle will only be available from Thurso, we are working on that, and we are all sure it will sell out, whatever we do and whatever cost. (I have my name down for at least one). Not wishing to take up more of their time I said my thanks and wandered off for some pix. A really different distillery this one, no pagoda, small set up, low amounts (112,000 litres or thereabouts) but it is fantastic to see this new distillery. It will have no visitor centre, but after our chat, I know WE will be able to take tours here now and then, so let me know!  I then took a drive along the coast all the way to Dunnet Head and John O Groats, coming back south to Wick, stopping en route many times for pix etc and a visit or two with people I know. A wee doze in the afternoon (och come on, I deserved it!), before Ian and Elaine arrived for dinner, I was being treated, whoopee! Great conversation, superb grub and a bottle of wine. Lets wander to the bar, owner of the hotel Murray appeared, Ian was well known here and I am booking in tours, so he brought a bottle or two over with him. He has over 100 behind the bar including many of Pulteney as expected, plus lots of really good bottles, I tried a 1997 Pulteney, Macallan 30 yo, Tomatin 25yo, Broara 30yo, he also has his own bottling from Pulteney, no many of these beauties left, if you want one, let me know and I will send details. Ian and myself swapped pressies, he gave me an original photo of a Putleney bottle in a frame made of cask staves, superb! I gave him a bottle of Duart; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/charliesdram.asp  Hopefully Ian will be working with us on northern whisky tours, go see his facebook page; whisky on tour. A great day and night.

15^th Feb; left Wick heading for Forres, roads were good, where has all the snow gone? Typical Scottish weather, a blizzard one day with crashes, jack knifed lorries, trouble everywhere, then the following days sunny! Welcome to Scotland. As I say, headed south but did stop a few places, first; Clynelish Distillery. The lovely Claire (Fraser) took me around and chatted on tour options etc, even the Brora distillery is no oot of bounds to our tours. Claire is the Brand Home manager. Thanks Claire. Along the road; Dalmore Distillery on the shore of the Cromarty Firth, the distillery continues to produce spirit that is revered by experts and connoisseurs alike and feature some of the oldest whisky stocks in the world and visitors to the distillery receive a rare insight into the skill, of The Dalmore. Shelly took good care of me on a private tour, my main eye opener was the still room, apart from the stillman being hilarious, sat behind his mission control (never seen anything like it!) the stills are all DIFFERENT shapes and sizes! Amazing, you just have to see it for yourself as I did, some with unique copper sleeves, also had a chat with Shauna Jennens, the Distillery Ambassador, nice lady again!  Even came away with a wee box of test tubes with grand samples!!!  www.thedalmore.com

A break followed then a meeting with Ian Chalmers at Benromach Distillery. It is Benromach who are sponsoring the piping in June. www.mcleanscotland.com/europipebands.asp God chat and more to follow up here. My visits ended at Duncan Taylor in Huntly. Met with Duncan, chatting over various things in the pipeline and future visits etc, also own label whisky and investments. A meal and a drink before hitting ma bed, tv on, a bottle at the bed and happy again knackered but content, a long busy day.

16^th Feb; home! Made another quick visit with Duncan, collecting samples, then drove home, flopped doon on the couch and took time to chill and think about car insurance. Apart from that one incident, it had been a grand trip, well worth it, even if I did damage the trusty steed.

Paul is the owner (Partner) of WWW.MCLEANSCOTLAND.COM AND WWW.ANGELSWHISKYCLUB.COM

see more photos at; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/Febtripnorth.asp

Finland whisky fest; News for whisky lovers

This report sent in by Angels whisky club member; Mika Jansson.

The third annual UISGE whisky festival in not so freezing Helsinki on 31^st of January – 1^st of February (Thu – Fri)

Held at the old students house (Vanha Ylioppilastalo). Expectations were high, with more whisky importers than ever before presented more than 230 different kinds of whiskies from all over the world. UISGE 2013 also hosted a number of whisky world’s movers and shakers as guest speakers, and during the two festival days some 20 guided tastings and presentations took place at the meeting rooms of the venue.

A total of 2,000 visitors, the biggest-ever crowd in the history of the festival, enjoyed thoroughly the event , which started on Thrusday afternoon with the Helsinki Pipes & Drums band proudly playing the bagpipes on the stage. Despite of a record-breaking success, the festival’s atmosphere was as peaceful and friendly as ever. This was duly noted by the international guest speakers, many of whom praised the overall arrangements, and the crowd’s level of enthusiasm and knowledge of whisky in general, as well as the good behaviour of all. One international guest speaker noted that ‘UISGE is right now one of the nicest whisky events in all of Europe to come to’ much to the pride of the organizers.

UISGE whisky festival is the brainchild of two local Finnish whisky enthusiasts, Mika Jansson and Ilkka Ruponen. Back in 2010 these gentlemen from the Malt Whisky Association of Finland started planning a major whisky festival in Finland, despite of local legal and other limitations (anything to with spirits above 22% vol. isn’t allowed to be advertised in the country in any way). It took much convincing and planning, but what seemed like just a dream has now become an annual event, once a year gathering all Finnish whisky hobbyists and importers together for two days each January – February.

UISGE whisky festival also arranges a whisky competition, in which a panel of judges select the best whiskies according to geographical groupings (Scottish Highlands, Lowlands etc). Finally all group winners compete for the title of ‘Best of the Best’ – Whisky of the year. The 40 member panel of judges consists of enthusiasts and bar professionals alike.

In the ‘Best of the Best’ – Whisky of the year competition, the winner was Auchentoshan’s Three Wood, with Highland Park 21yo coming in second, and Bunnahabhain 18yo placing third. From the judge’s comments it was evident that the robust, sherried flavour profile of Auchentoshan Three Wood attracted many, and made the whisky stand out from the rest.

Many thanks to Mika for the story and photographs!

www.angelswhiskyclub.com

Duncan Taylor Smokin’ Blended Scotch Whisky 40%

Whisky as it used to be. Smokin’ Scotch whisky perfectly balances robust peat smoke flavours and smooth notes of toffee and vanilla. Paying homage to the legendary blends of yesteryear, renowned for their rich flavor and uncompromising character, Smokin’ is a full bodied experience to be savored.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale gold
Nose: Initial punch of peat smoke, citrus spice and zesty lemon peel, moving on to caramelised sugar, toasted oak and clotted cream. Vanilla and sandalwood to finish
Taste: Smokey with fresh cream, butter biscuits and toffee. Hint of tobacco and leather
Finish: Clean, dry and malty
Comment: Churchill would have approved

www.duncantaylor.com

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

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch •

Bruichladdich 16 Year Old “The Laddie” Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($109.99)

2006 Bruichladdich Bere Barley Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($69.99)

I don’t want to spark a run on this, but I think this is one of the best whiskies I’ve tasted in months. It’s startlingly good, especially considering the maturity level. Everyone at Redwood City agreed when we tasted through the new lineup – this was the winner. The Bere Barley single malt is made from barley grown on Islay, from Kynagarry Farm and the Achaba and Achfad Fields specifically. It’s a “bere” barley, which is the world’s oldest cultivated cereal that was brought to the Hebrides by Norse invaders in the 9th century. It’s ideally suited to the sandy soils of the island, but yields about 50% less than the modern crops do (hence why no one uses it!). Its bulk made mashing and milling the grain quite difficult and even damaged some of the equipment at the distillery, yet it was all worth it because this whisky is simply divine! Despite its youth (six years old) it’s quite round and full of life. Lots of vanilla and oak with a purity that is almost holy or touched by a higher power. I’m not kidding. It’s really, really good. If I could buy hundreds of cases, I would. Unfortunately it’s very limited and there’s not much available. You’ll want one, trust me. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

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