GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2

70cl / 55.2% Vol

Towards the end of 2012, GlenDronach Distillery released a cask strength edition, which was designed to supplement the core range of 12, 15, 18 and 21 year old vintages. With the popularity of Batch 1, Batch 2 has been bottled and is now available via our online whisky store.

If the previous batch has anything to go by, this is sure to be another great tasting dram.

Bottled at 55.2% vol.

GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2 Official Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich golden amber with a crimson heart.

Nose: Wonderful rich aromas of honey drenched raisins and sultanas. Candied ginger and orange peel are spiced with a beautifully delicate back note of warm oak.

Palate: A perfectly balanced traditional sherried character. An explosion of chocolate coated raisins and zest of orange, mellowed with sweet warm oak spices, hints of soft toffee and gentle sugared almonds.

Finish: A uniquely balanced classic finish.

£49.75  (£41.46 ex vat)

Click here to buy GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2

www.ralfy.com takes a trip down Memory Lane returning to an old familiar full-flavour single malt with Whisky Review 361 – Talisker 10yo re-reviewed 2013

LAPHROAIG^® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY REFRESHES PACKAGING

World’s No. 1 Islay Malt Whisky Launches New Look across Award-Winning Global Portfolio 

Laphroaig^® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, proudly reveals a global packaging refresh to its award-winning whisky portfolio. The whisky’s new packaging, which is rolling out globally from this month, reflects the quality of the liquid inside and the rich history of the brand while making it easier for whisky enthusiasts to navigate the portfolio and identify their preferred flavour profile.

Michael Cockram, senior global marketing director, Beam Inc., says, “Laphroaig continues to be the world’s No.1 Islay malt whisky. Our decision to refresh the brand’s packaging has been taken with a great deal of care, given that the brand’s distinctive look has been so successful for many years. We believe the new look creates a modern evolution for the brand, reinvigorating the original design while educating consumers on the brand’s unique taste experience.”

Inspired by feedback from its Friends of Laphroaig community, the packaging features a new label with iconic colors and a typeset that creates a warmer shelf appeal complemented by imagery reflective of the more than 200-year-old distillery. An image of the Laphroaig distillery nestled quietly along the Islay bay remains the focal point of the traditional tube packaging. The subtle redesign follows a successful 2012 performance with continued growth for the brand.

Cockram adds: “After listening to consumer feedback, we believe this redesign will bring greater visibility and appeal, providing a more defined brand personality that resonates with our fans.” 

The new packaging is scheduled to roll out in key Laphroaig markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Australia and Japan. 

Notes: 

• Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally
• Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather.
• One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.
• The Friends of Laphroaig programme keeps fans of the brand up to date with special offers and news from distillery manager, John Campbell. On signing up, members are allocated their own square foot of land on Islay, and their names are added to the members’ book in the friends lounge at the distillery. Members who visit the distillery are invited to collect their ‘rent’ – a dram of Laphraoig. The community comprises more than 540,000 like-minded Scotch fans from more than 190 countries.

Winter has finally left us up here. It has been a long one, but the spring flowers are out and the days are getting warmer. The Peat cutting season has just started, which lasts until June. Now is the time when it is dry enough to get onto our peat beds but still nice and wet which is what we want for maximum peaty smoke in our kilns! As always we still cut our peat by hand. Not just because it is the traditional way but because the peat retains more moisture when it is hand cut – the old ways are the best. I will try and post you some pictures of the guys out on our “Peat Moss”.

Feis Ile 2013

We are now busily preparing for the Island annual festival – The Feis Ile, held in last week of May.

If you would like to see our programme of special events this year you can view them here. But I have to say that once again they are all fully booked already! With this in mind we are doing as much as we can this year for all of you who cannot make it up here. We will be blogging, tweeting and Facebooking over the 3 primary days, writing and posting photographs of all the events as they happen, much of it live!

The 3 key days are Sunday 26th, Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th May when we will be hosting our Friends Gathering with a delicious roast pig and lashings of Laphroaig. And indeed drinking the last of the Laphroaig cask matured beer that we first had at last year’s Laphroaig Live in Germany. Of course Tuesday 28th May is our official open day when we will try to cover all of the special events live online including my special one when I will be tasting some of the last 40 year old with a few lucky friends!

New Packaging

Soon you will begin to notice a change in our tubes and labels in your local shops. There has been no organised change in the Laphroaig packaging for over 30 years.

Over the years each expression has had a slightly different packaging design so it has all got a little messy. We have now reworked them back into one family design. It is not a huge change- as you would expect. But the whole family looks a lot smarter now I think. Of course we researched these changes thoroughly with many Friends of Laphroaig first to make sure you liked it. So a big thanks to all of you who participated. If you cannot wait, you can see the new 10 year old design here. I hope you like it.

That’s all for now. But please do “tune in” to our Facebook or Twitter pages on our three special days as I hope it will give you a “flavour” of all the fun we have on these big days and encourage you to come next year.

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

Visit http://www.laphroaig.com/ to join the Friends of Laphroaig; it’s free!

Laphroaig Ambassador Named an “Icon of Whisky”

Co-gháirdeachas (Congratulations)! We’re raising our glasses to Laphroaig ambassador Simon Brooking this month. Brooking was recognized at WhiskyLive in New York City as a highly commended Icon of Whisky. The honor builds on past accolades Brooking has received over the years, helping drive awareness and trial of Laphroaig. The Icons are designed to celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world, and are selected by an independent editorial panel from companies based around the world.

Laphroaig PX Cask NAS (48%, OB, +/-2012) 

“Laphroaig PX Cask Is A Special Expression Of Our Famous Whisky Which Has Enjoyed A Final Subtle Maturation In Pedro Ximenez Casks That Previously Contained PX Sherry, Known For Its Rich Aroma And Flavour. Travel retail Exclusive.” On the back label “This Style Of Maturation Brings Together 3 Types of Barrel; Ex-bourbon, 19^th Century Style Quarter Casks And Finally Pedro Ximenez Casks. The Result IS A Full And Subtly Richer Laphroaig With A Long And Complex Finish.” On the nose there’s some subtle peat smoke and a rich sherry notes, a combination of which is highly seductive, this is simply lovely on the nose, there’s a little earthiness lurking in the back ground but all in all it’s a tour de force of aromas. The taste is warming and the peat smoke jumps out and then there’s a sweet jam like moment along with some hints of chocolate. The sherry and the peat smoke are a delight together. This is brilliant whisky. The finish is earthy, warming, peated and sweet and then quickly becomes dry and the lovely sherried peat smoke roils around in the very long excellent finish.

Get on a airplane to Heathrow and buy some for yourself. Buy two. Bring your spouse and buy three.

£57.49

92 points

BALLANTINE’S UNVEILS 17 YEAR OLD SIGNATURE DISTILLERY

MILTONDUFF EDITION

Ballantine’s, the No. 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky range inAsiaand the No. 1 in Global Travel Retail, is launching Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition – one of an innovative and exclusive collection of whiskies from the first limited edition series in the history of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Over 40 different malt and grain whiskies, sourced from all overScotland, are blended together to produce Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.  Specially created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, each edition in the Signature Distillery series aims to showcase the unique influence of one of the major signature malts that provide depth to Ballantine’s 17 Year Old – Scapa, Glenburgie, and Miltonduff – by accentuating their contribution within a limited edition blend.

The latest edition in the series, Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition is a blended Scotch whisky that highlights the role of the Miltonduff single malt.

Miltonduff malt forms the foundation of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, bringing power to the blend, its character complementing the other fingerprint malts perfectly.  The cinnamon spiced notes bring warmth to the blend and its floral character balances the fruity sweetness of other malts.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition brings the unique qualities of the Miltonduff malt to the fore while staying true to Ballantine’s signature style.

The presentation of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition reflects the original Ballantine’s 17 Year Old bottle, with added inspiration from the warmth of the tasting notes: elements of orange inspired by the sweet and fruity notes on the nose and a subtle rose sheen representing the hint of cinnamon spice that comes through in the background of the blend.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s International Brand Director, says: “The Miltonduff Edition is an excellent addition to any whisky connoisseur’s collection. It’s ideal for those looking to explore Ballantine’s 17 Year Old on a deeper level as it offers whisky drinkers a unique insight into the role that the Miltonduff malt plays in the much revered Ballantine’s 17 Year Old blend. It also showcases the excellent work of our Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, a man who is a world-leader in the art of blending.”

The Signature Distillery series plays a pivotal role in telling the story behind Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and will continue in 2014.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Miltonduff Signature Distillery Edition is available now in limited quantities, with an RRP of $75 USD*.

Notes

*RRP inAsiaDuty Free.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Miltonduff Edition tasting notes

Nose: Rich fruity and sweet. Flavours of peaches in syrup, juicy sweet orange and creamy soft toffee with a hint of toasted almonds.

Taste: Sweet scented floral flavours. Extremely smooth with milk chocolate flavours and hints of cinnamon spice, cloves and liquorice root in the background.

Finish: Very long, warm and sweet.

About Miltonduff Distillery

Located in one ofScotland’s foremost whisky producing regions, Speyside, Miltonduff is set in the fertile valley known as the ‘GardenofScotland’, an area that has attracted many brewers and distillers over the centuries, due to the ready availability of the finest barley and the quality of theBlackBurnRiver’s water.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No. 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No. 1 Scotch whisky inEuropeand the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Laphroaig Triple Wood NAS (48%, OB, +/-2012) 

A cornucopia of cask used to produce this whisky; “The Most Richly Flavoured Of All Scotch Whiskies. Matured In Ex-bourbon Barrels And Quarter Casks, Then Finished in European Oak.” And non- chill filtered and at something resembling cask strength. So, on the nose there’s a really good combination of peat smoke and grain backed by some sweetness (think warmed honey) and then some subtle cask notes. There’s also a subtle hint of juniper and cocoa powder. It’s very intoxicating and luxurious. The taste is big but not overly aggressive, the peat smoke is obviously present as is the cocoa and the two make a very good combination. The juniper shows up after a moment or two but is not over whelming. There’s also some nice dryness but it has a difficult time battling the sweetness. All in all the combination of flavours in excellent. The finish is dry and long with the cocoa and the peat smoke working well together for a long lingering finish.

My oh my, how nice.

$90

Score 90 points

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES BATCH TWO OF ITS NEW CASK STRENGTH EXPRESSION

JUST five months after the launch of its new Cask Strength expression, GlenDronach, the award-winning Aberdeenshire distillery, has this week bottled the second batch of this phenomenal new single malt.

“It really is down to huge demand in the international marketplace,” revealed Sales Director Alistair Walker. “All 12,000 bottles in Batch One sold out in a matter of weeks and since the turn of the year our agents around the world have been calling for a second batch. We’re delighted to respond with this new expression.”

Batch One got rave reviews from Glendronach aficionados. “Sublime whisky”; “Like flakes melting in dark chocolate”; “This whisky is superb. Like a kid in a toy shop drinking this”; and “On the palate you got chocolate raisins and dark caramel. Give it twenty seconds and you got caramel and cream. Can’t wait for batch 2” were just some of the favourable comments.

“We believe Batch Two will exceed people’s expectations,” added Alistair. “It’s a superlative dram; the fullness of flavour is really astonishing.”

“Cask Strength” simply means that the whisky is bottled at the natural strength, straight out of the barrel. Each batch is unique, and the batches will continue to be released as long as this expression remains popular with consumers.

The second batch has been personally selected once again by Master Blender Billy Walker. At 55.2% vol, non chill-filtered and bottled at its natural colour, it has been matured as before in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

Mr Walker’s tasting notes show how time, wood and whisky mystically interact to create another richly-sherried expression that’s true to the GlenDronach style:

Appearance: Rich golden amber with a crimson heart.

Nose: Wonderful rich aromas of honey-drenched raisins and sultanas.

Candied ginger and orange peel are spiced with a beautifully delicate back note of warm oak.

Palate: A perfectly balanced traditional sherried character. An explosion of chocolate-coated raisins and zest of orange mellowed with sweet warm oak spices, hints of soft toffee and gentle sugared almonds.

Finish: A uniquely balanced classic finish.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on our new Cask Strength Batch Two expression and where to buy it. If you would like to receive more information, please contact us on info@glendronachdistillery.co.uk

This is just a quick note to say that I’ve made a 27yo Longmorn available on my online shop at http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/Longmorn.html. It is a single cask bottling at cask strength 53.8%, and is priced at £55. The cask only yielded 191 bottles, so I don’t imagine that they will be available for long, but in any case, I will be making the bottles available to my trade customers from Monday 13^th May, so if any are still available then, they will be likely to rapidly disappear.

If you’d like a bottle, but don’t want to pay high postage costs, you can select “hold for collection” and I will set the bottle aside for you to add to an order at a later date, to reduce the postage per bottle.

Many thanks to everybody for your continued support. As a small but growing business, we greatly appreciate it.

Martin Armstrong

www.whiskybroker.co.uk