Elegant Oldies Tasting with Tim & Billy

Elegant Oldies, what’s that all about then? Well, if you’re reading this you’re probably already vaguely aware of two things: 1) The Whisky Exchange is the best online resource on the planet for affordable old ‘dusty‘ whiskies; and 2) Billy and I are geeks of the most clichéd kind imaginable, spending our days hunched over our keyboards, blinking like  shrivelled moles in the Sahara when exposed to daylight and dissolving into sweaty blobs of hot shame when required to talk to an audience any larger than a handful of our closest fellow whisky nerds. Continue reading >>

A golden moment for our 1997 Vintage

We’ve always felt our 1997 Vintage was a very special whisky. And it seems people agree. We’re delighted to announce that we’ve just been awarded a Gold Medal in this year’s International Spirits Challenge.

This event is the most prestigious spirits competition in the world, acknowledging quality spirits from across the globe. Awards are given for a number of areas – and we’re proud that Balblair has won Gold in the one that matters most to us: tasting. I’m sure we’ll raise a dram of something appropriate to toast this success!

And with Father’s Day coming up soon, do you know someone who might appreciate a bottle of our Gold Medal winner? It’s a golden opportunity.

Slainte!
John MacDonald
Distillery Manager

With next day delivery for the bulk of the UK*

you can still get your present there in time!

Still stuck for that perfect present? Fed up of giving socks, CDs, books and jumpers? Whisky is the answer! Even for the novice drammer we have a great range of choices and will deliver with a £3.50 discount on orders placed until Thursday at 2pm (TODAY) – use code FD350 to claim your discount! (For mainland UK this means delivery for only £5!). Choose from our vast range (and it’s not just whisky!) at

www.drambusters.com

*Highland, Islands and Northern Ireland may take longer to arrive

www.ralfy.com shows off a value-for-money option malt with Whisky Review 367 – Tomintoul 16yo

TOMATIN DISTILLERY SPONSORS SCOTTISH NINE‐HOLE OPEN

Inverness‐shire Whisky Company to Sponsor Local Golf Event for 3rd Year Running

Inverness – 05/06/13 – Tomatin Distillery is to continue its headline sponsorship of the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open held at Carrbridge Golf Club on Saturday 6th July 2013. The Highlands‐based whisky company is also extending its support this year by sponsoring the inaugural Scottish Nine‐Hole Ladies Open, held at the same venue the following day.

The competition, now in its third year, is played the same week as the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open held at nearby Castle Stuart Golf Links, allowing participants to be an Open Champion the same week as the Scottish Open.

John Walker, Club President at Carrbridge Golf Club, said: “We are delighted that Tomatin Distillery has continued their sponsorship for the third year of this tournament. Since 2011, the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open has grown in popularity as we welcome golfers from around the UK. The course is not easy; it is an exciting challenge and a test of golfing nerves with fewer holes to recover from errant shots. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, it is one of the most scenic courses in the UK and we know participants will not be disappointed.”

“We are delighted to not only maintain but also extend our support to Carrbridge Golf Club with these two events in 2013” said Stephen Bremner, Tomatin Sales Director. “As a Highland company we strive to support local events and initiatives and it’s undeniable that golf and whisky are an ideal partnership.”

Golfers interested in participating in the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open or the Scottish Nine‐Hole Ladies Open on the 6th and 7th July 2013 should visit www.scottishnineholeopen.co.uk.

2012 Scratch Winner Laurie Chancellor (R) and runner up Gordon Hay

TOMATIN DISTILLERY CO LTD

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends. Sponsors of local golf events at Kingussie, Carrbridge & Boat of Garten Golf Clubs, as well as the Highland Golf Links Pro Am. Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897 The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm
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CARRBRIDGE GOLF CLUB

Located in the Cairngorms National Park, just 2 miles off the A9 and 7 miles north of Aviemore. The Club has 300 members and attracts almost 2500 visitors per annum. Carrbridge golf course is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland, having been established over 100 years ago. Website: www.carrbridgegolfclub.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarrbridgeGolf Twitter: www.twitter.com/CarrbridgeGolf. Sheltered by a pine forest to the north, golfers enjoy spectacular views of the Cairngorms and Cromdale Hills to the south and west. Natural hazards present challenges on every fairway ‐ streams, hillocks and heather test the best. Sharing the fairways with deer, hare, oystercatchers and red squirrel. The Clubhouse café offers light snacks. 2012.

Caution: dragons!

Whisky Intelligence was fortunate to attend the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (of Canada) First Friday Tasting of the Society’s June Outturn in Victoria, British Columbia this past June 7^th.

Due to the antediluvian flavour of the liquor laws in the province distribution of Society whiskies is handled by two retail shops; Edgemont Fine Wines in North Vancouver and the Strath Ale Wine Spirit Merchants  in Victoria.

The lucky attendees arrived at the Strath starting from about 20 minutes before the scheduled commencement and after chatting together for a while at 6:30 there was a spontaneous move towards the firmly sealed door of the tasting room, like a herd of otters drawn to the smell of salmon wafting through the air. This obstacle presented by the door was soon breached by some enthusiastic good natured banging on the door until entry was granted by Rick, the assistant manager of the Strath.

Once seated the attendees were greeted by 8 samples, lots of water, some nice light snacks, biscuits etcetera plus a copy of the June Outturn, of course with the image of the dragon on the front cover there was immediate speculation that there would be a Penderyn lurking somewhere among the 8 samples. (Please see the image in the accompanying SMWS article).  The Outturn had the salient details redacted so there was no way to determine the distilleries; thus it was down to skill set of the individuals to determine what was in the glass. The exception was the last sample which was clearly identified as a single cask rum (!) but again, the distillery of origin, dates of distillation and ABV were absent.

The entire group was seated at one long table and of course such a layout only encourages conversation with neighbours and this only adds towards making the whole experience richer; a second maturation in sherry wood if you will (Oh my WI is attempting whisky humour – how very whisky geekish!!).

Many of the attendees were veterans of past First Friday Tastings so Colin, the Manager of the Strath and the lion tamer for the evening, ably assisted by Rick, made quick work of the preamble and the tasting was soon under way. They led the room through the samples which included two ‘revisit’ bottles from previous Outturns (Casks 30.70 and 35.65). The addition of these ‘revisit’ bottles was appreciated by the group as it offered an additional look at them with ‘fresh eyes’ so to speak.

Nearly half the group comprised of women and their veteran whisky experience was blindingly obvious; their confident observation of what was in the glass contributed significantly to the evening.

As the evening progressed the distilleries were revealed, one by one and Colin and Rick have obviously learned from previous tastings as the names of the distilleries were prominently displayed on 8.5×11 sheets of paper so there were no cries of ‘how do you spell that?” from the group.

Once the samples had been revealed there was an opportunity to resample any of the evening’s whiskies and many used this as a final confirmation before purchasing a bottle (or two). Colin and Rick were also quick to offer a ‘revisit’ to any other available samples from previous Outturns.

Colin and Rick have created a delightful evening that is free from pretense or bias, they present the whiskies in a neutral manner and let what’s in the glass ‘walk the walk’ and it’s a refreshing presentation style which many in the industry could adopt to their benefit.

The line-up for the very entertaining and illuminating evening was as follows;

Cask No. 71.35 (Glenburgie) Rose petal baths in the Glasgow School of Art. 27 years old; refill hogshead; 57.2%abv

Cask No. 30.70 (Glenrothes) Venus n furs 23 years old refill hogshead, ex bourbon; 52% ABV

Cask No. 125.65 (Glenmorangie) Patisseries & ice-cream parlours. 7 years old; first fill barrel; 61.5%abv

Cask No. (Glen Moray) 35.65 Cornish clotted cream ice-cream 10 years old; Refill chardonnay hogshead; 60.3%

Cask No. 76.91 (Mortlach) Caballero in an orange grove. 22 years old; refill sherry butt; 57.9%abv

Cask No. 3.195 (Bowmore) Cigar smoking dragon 14 years old; 2nd fill sherry butt; 58.5%abv

Cask No. 33.122 (Ardbeg) Big, brooding, masculine & intense. 7 years old; first fill barrel; 59.7%abv

Cask No. R3.4 (Something from Barbados) Makes you strong like a lion. 10 years old; refill sherry butt; 75.3%abv

Whisky Intelligence came away with a bottle of the Glenburgie which was a delight and was the group favourite of the evening (judging by the numerous requests for a second sample). The very last bottle of Isle of Arran Cask No. 121.50 9yo 61.3% refill sherry butt “XMAS CAKE & AFGHAN COATS” leaped into the bag with the Glenburgie; quality likes to travel together it seems.

The next SMWS First Friday Outturn Tasting is scheduled for July 5^th. If you would like to try before you join prospective Society members are most welcome and the cost is a mere $10 extra ($45 versus $35) per person; bring a friend!  Contact Colin or Rick at (250) 370-9463 to reserve or obtain details on how to join the Society.

Visit www.smws.ca for full tasting notes from the June and previous Outturns.

Caution: dragons!

We have six succulent single cask releases to savour including two from distilleries we haven’t seen in a looong time!

If dragons aren’t your thing, we also have rose petals, ice cream, orange groves and a lion!!

For complete tasting notes visit www.smws.ca, but for now here’s a quick snapshot:

Cask No. 71.35 Rose petal baths in the Glasgow School of Art
27 years old; refill hogshead; 57.2%abv
The nose had canvas, easels, paints, pastels, brushes – you get the picture! The taste is like rosewater-flavoured Turkish Delight or a very light milk chocolate bar. Holds water well but don’t add a lot.

Cask No. 125.65 Patisseries & ice-cream parlours
7 years old; first fill barrel; 61.5%abv
The nose combined ice-cream, orange sorbet, glazed tarts, strawberries and cream. The juicy palate was sweetly delicious but with a cheeky kick of pepper, cinnamon and clove.

Cask No. 76.91 Caballero in an orange grove
22 years old; refill sherry butt; 57.9%abv
We nosed polished antique furniture, clove-studded oranges, black coffee, leather and liquorice. The palate was sweet, rich and spicy with blood orange, grapefruit and marmalade.

Cask No. 3.195 Cigar smoking dragon
14 years old; 2nd fill sherry butt; 58.5%abv
The nose is like being on a beach covered in dried seaweed with a damp peat-fired BBQ of roast ham. The taste is like a cigar smoking dragon exhaling, a fiercely hot, fiery, sweet and peaty breath; not for the fainthearted!

Cask No. 33.122 Big, brooding, masculine & intense
7 years old; first fill barrel; 59.7%abv
On the nose, peat-smoked fire bricks, tarred ropes, lobster pots on old boats, sweet scallops and coconut husk doormats. The palate was a massive, tongue-roasting, smack in the face but somehow calming with its vanilla ice-cream sweetness.

Cask No. R3.4 Makes you strong like a lion
10 years old; refill sherry butt; 75.3%abv
To start, the nose is melted brown sugar in butter followed by a clean wood smoke followed by antiseptic notes. To taste it feels like being in a sauna whilst eating wasabi.

Visit www.smws.ca for full tasting notes and details on price and where to buy.

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Powers 12 Year Old Single Pot Still John Lane’s Release Irish Whiskey

http://youtu.be/NU9xmb_IXP8

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

While the history of whisky is long and proud, with legend telling of Saint Patrick bringing the craft of distillation to Scotland, the history of the Quaich is no less long or illustrious.

 The word Quaich comes from the gaelic “cuach” which means cup and they have been used for centuries to welcome or bid farewell to guests, or as a mark of comradeship or friendship. Sharing a dram of whisky from a Quaich has long been symbolic of binding people together in love, friendship or comradeship or to welcome or bid farewell to favoured guests. Today quaichs are often given as a gift to someone held dear.

This two handled Scottish drinking cup may have originated with the practise of drinking whisky from a scallop shell and progressed to forming these shallow cups from wood, stone or horn. Over the years the cups became more elaborate and highly skilled craftsmen fashioned wooden quaichs with beautiful celtic designs. From the 17^th century, as metals came to be more commonly used, quaichs have been made of  brass, pewter, silver or a combination of all three. The original outer shape was retained but the thick bases were thinned to reduce the the weight.

Quaichs originated in the Highlands and weren’t used in Lowland Scotland until the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie when the quaich travelled south in the canteens of the Prince’s army. The quaichs of the army were reputed to have glass bottoms enabling the drinker to keep an eye on those around him; a sad reflection on treacherous times.

Alex Scott & Co Ltd, a long established Aberdeen based company would like to offer you the chance to win a beautiful quaich so you may sup your dram in the traditional way and our gift set even provides a miniature of MacAllan Gold single malt whisky for the first filling.

To enter simply email the answer to the following question along with your name and address to sales@kiltmakers.co.uk using the subject line Quaich Competition, and we will draw the winner, at random, from the correct answers. Closing date June 19th, 2013…….. Please don’t forget to title your email Quaich competition.

What is the Centenary Quaich?

1. Quaich which resides in the Scottish Parliament building and is used for ceremonial occasions.
2. An international rugby union trophy contested annually by Ireland and Scotland.
3. A annual flat race run at Ayr races each September with the Centenary Quaich also being the name of the trophy.
4. A quaich presented to Queen Victoria by her loyal Scottish Subjects at the turn of the twentieth century.

Terms and Conditions:-  The winner will be notified of their win by email and the prize sent by post. No further correspondence will entered into and the judges decisions are final. The prize cannot be substituted or exchanged for cash. The competition is open to all except employees or relatives of Alex Scott & Co (kiltmakers.co.uk) or employees and relatives of Red Evolution. Important – entries will only be accepted from those who are 18 years old or over. This contest will run until Wednesday June 19th, 2013.

Isle of Arran Distillers Celebrate Coming of Age with Malt, Music and Mayhem

Arran Distillers is set to rock ‘Scotland in miniature’ this summer with a three-day celebration as the business celebrates ‘coming of age’.

The main event, taking place on the 29^th June 2013, marks a landmark anniversary for business as it falls exactly 18 years since the first spirit flowed through the distillery.

A weekend of dedicated to malt and music, one of the key attractions is five different whisky master classes on offer giving people the chance to experience first-hand the delights of Arran.

Ranging from introductory tastings to samplings of old and rare whiskies, the master classes are led by Managing Director Euan Mitchell and the Arran team, and give visitors the chance to meet the people behind the whisky.

As well as tailored tastings there will be local produce on sale, a unique collector’s edition of The Arran Single Malt for sale, a whisky bar and food stalls, as well as many different family activities including archery, painting, bird of prey displays, storytelling and island crafts.

All this will take place to the sounds of local and regional bands including Scott Cowen and The Rowan Brothers who will entertain thirsty crowds from 11am -5pm.

Euan Mitchell, managing director at Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “Our Malt and Music festival is always a highlight of the year and this year expectations are very high. We’re all excited about our 18^th birthday and we’re inviting everyone to come and celebrate with us.

“As well as being a great party, this weekend event gives people the opportunity to really get to know the team behind Arran Distillers, which is something that not many distilleries offer.”

For whisky fans looking for something extra special, Arran is also hosting a unique evening to remember the night before the festival (28^th June) where guests are invited to enjoy a sit down dinner with the distillery team.

Just 40 tickets are on sale for the evening dinner event, which begins with a private warehouse tour with master distiller James MacTaggart. Guests will draw the whisky directly from barrels themselves before enjoying a champagne reception and five course dinner, with accompanying wine and finally their specially chosen whisky with the last course. After dinner guests will be presented with a 20cl bottle of commemorative whisky to celebrate the occasion, of which only 40 will be presented on the night.  This whisky will never be retailed so it is an extremely special bottling.

A ‘Survivors Hog Roast’ on Sunday 30^th June will see those who can’t get enough of the good stuff bid farewell to the weekend in style.

Tickets to the five-course evening dinner on 28^th June cost £95; tickets for the Malt and Music Festival on 29^th cost £5 and include a free spey dram glass, a dram token and a guided tour of the distillery. The whisky tasting courses cost between £15 and £45 and attendance at the Survivors Hog Roast is free.

For tickets please contact Arran Events http://www.arranevents.com/

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007); Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005); Best New Exporter (2004).

Product awards include: ‘Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013’ for the Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008), Best Whisky Liqueur in the World Whiskies Awards for Arran Gold (2007).