Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #391 – American Whisky News
September 5th, 2013
www.ralfy.com tastes a fancy bottle of single cask bourbon and reviews the results with Whisky Review 391 – Willett’s single cask Bourbon
Archive for September, 2013
WHISKY CLUB RAISES A DRAM TO THE START OF NATIVE OYSTER SEASON AND ITS 30th PEARL ANNIVERSARY – Scotch Whisky News
September 4th, 2013
WHISKY CLUB RAISES A DRAM TO THE START OF NATIVE OYSTER SEASON AND ITS 30th PEARL ANNIVERSARY
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates its 30th anniversary and new oyster season with pop-up whisky and oyster bar in London
The start of Britain’s native oyster season on Sunday 1st September coincides with the 30th anniversary celebrations of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. To celebrate these two auspicious events, the Society has joined forces with oyster mixologists, The Mother Shuckers, to open The Pearl Dram Whisky and Oyster Bar in Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September.
The Pearl Dram Whisky and Oyster Bar will offer a truly shucking sensory adventure, celebrating rich maritime flavours by carefully selecting and pairing combinations, such as salty oysters with a smoky whisky and creamy, nuttier oysters with a lighter, floral dram. Guests will indulge in beautifully matched oyster and whisky pairings and discover how the complex flavours of the Society’s whiskies can combine with the characteristics of the different varieties of oysters.
The Pearl Dram Whisky and Oyster Bar will debunk the myth of pairing brown spirits with this prized delicacy in spectacular fashion, while special events will also be staged at the pop-up each day. The line-up includes the Experimental Cocktail Club holding a tailored cocktail session, Telegraph columnist and former editor of The Erotic Review, Rowan Pelling exploring the stories behind oysters as aphrodisiacs, and pearl expert Juliana Landmann divulging everything you need to know about pearls.
The pop-up will be staged at 53 Monmouth Street in Seven Dials, Covent Garden with the venue transformed into a swashbuckling maritime bar. Spread across two floors and complete with a whisky and oyster bar, guests will also enjoy whisky tutorials and oyster shucking demonstrations with the resident experts throughout the pop-up.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in 1983 and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. A members-only whisky club and bottler, with 26,000 members, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has private members bars in Edinburgh and London and branches in 19 countries worldwide. The Mother Shuckers take oyster addiction to the next level, regularly holding tastings where they expertly pair drinks with exceptional oysters.
The Pearl Dram Whisky and Oyster Bar will pop-up at 53 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9DG from Thursday 5th September to Sunday 8th September (Thurs-Sat noon-9pm, Sun noon-5pm). Entry is free and entrants must be aged 18+.
Twitter @SMWSLondon #pearldram
Special events:
Thursday 5th @ 7pm – Pearls of wisdom with Juliana Landmann Learn everything you’ve ever needed to know about nature’s most beautiful creation, the pearl, with pearl expert and dealer, Juliana.
Friday 6th @ 7pm – The food of love: oysters & aphrodisiacs with Rowan Pelling Telegraph columnist and former Editor of The Erotic Review, Rowan Pelling, leads you on a sensory session as she explores the stories surrounding oysters as aphrodisiacs.
Saturday 7th @ 5pm – Mixology and molluscs with The Experimental Cocktail Club For a truly experimental sensory sensation, we welcome the wonderfully talented chaps from The Experimental Cocktail Club for a special whisky cocktail session.
Entry to the events is free. Places are limited to two per person – to apply for places, email pearldram@smws.com and specify which event you would like to attend.
Notes
About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society:
• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international membership club which bottles the world’s widest selection of exceptional single cask, single malt whisky for its members.
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 300 single casks every year from a range of more than 129 distilleries. The very nature of the single cask means that each bottling offered by the Society is limited.
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members around the world with branches in 19 countries, with Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh and London.
About The Mother Shuckers:
• The Mother Shuckers bring Londoners locally sourced British oysters, whilst taking oyster mixology to the next level. Founded in 2012, it began with a simple idea, a desire to bring a taste of the sea, locally sourced brews and ingredients live and direct to the people, one shuck at a time.
• The Mother Shuckers run a range of unique oyster-centric events and pop-ups from tastings, to spirit pairings, shucking lessons, outside catering and fun collaborations.
About Seven Dials:
• Seven Dials, Covent Garden’s only Village, brings you seven streets of independent boutiques, heritage brands and indulgent beauty and grooming salons all carefully selected for shoppers of discerning taste.
• The Seven Dials village is also home to food and drink from around the globe, as well as a rich heritage; from Dickensian times through to the offices of Monty Python’s Flying Circus – be sure to take a look at their famous blue plaque when you’re next in the area
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Teeling Whiskey Company Blaze a Golden Trail – Irish Whiskey News
September 4th, 2013
Teeling Whiskey Company Blaze a Golden Trail
at Irish Whiskey Masters
TWC collects 2 Gold Medals in its first year in operation
The Teelings have continued their incredible record of producing gold standard Irish whiskeys as two of its Teeling Whiskey Company brands were awarded Gold Medals at the 2013 Irish Whiskey Masters which took place in London this week.
The Teeling Whiskey Company (TWC) collected two of the nine Gold Medals awarded at the 2013 Irish Whiskey Masters. When the Teelings where at the helm of Cooley Distillery, the Co. Louth operation won over 50 international Gold Medals for distilling excellence.
The two TWC whiskeys that attained the gold standard at the 2013 Irish Whiskey Masters were the Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey in the Irish Blended category and the Teeling 21YO Single Malt Silver Reserve in the Irish Single Malt – Super Premium category.
This is just the latest industry accolades awarded to the Teeling Whiskey Company. The Teeling Whiskey Small Batch received an “exceptional rating” of 91 and was awarded a Gold Medal by the Beverage Tasting Institute, the independent Chicago based drinks rating group. Whisky Advocate, the World’s leading Whiskey Magazine awarded a score of 91 to the Teeling Whiskey 21YO Vintage Reserve and the TWC also picked up two medals at both the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge.
Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, commented, “We are delighted that the first offerings from the Teeling Whiskey Company have been recognised by industry experts as being of Gold Medal standard. Our team’s wealth of Irish Whiskey industry experience has given us the confidence to diversify the category by producing interesting and unique small batch bottlings. We will continue to innovate and create new expressions of Ireland’s greatest export.”
Irish Blended Category
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey Gold Medal
Irish Single Malt – Super Premium
Teeling 21YO Single Malt Silver Reserve Irish Whiskey Gold Medal
TWC Single Malt Silver Reserve
The Silver Reserve is the first release from the TWC Vintage Reserve Collection. The bottling consists of 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey distilled in 1991 and matured firstly in Bourbon casks then allowed to marry in Sauterne wine casks. This small batch bottling, limited to only 5,000 bottles, is the first ever Irish whiskey to be finished in Sauterne wine casks. The Silver Reserve 21 Year Old retails for approximately €180 (USD$239.00 / GBP£150).
TWC Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
Teeling Irish Whiskey is a small batch bottling from hand selected casks of Grain and Malt whiskey which are further matured in former Rum barrels. Teeling Irish Whiskey is bottled at 46% with no chill filtration which provides an extra sweet and smooth flavour making it truly a unique Irish Whiskey. Teeling Irish Whiskey retails for approximately €35 (USD$42 / GBP£32)
About the Teeling Whiskey Company
The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded by Jack Teeling in 2012 to bring back an independent voice to the Irish whiskey category. The Teeling Whiskey Company aims to be Ireland’s leading independent Irish Whiskey producer driving category choice and innovation through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys.
The Teeling family are more recently synonymous with Cooley Distillery– which when established in 1987 was the first Irish whiskey distillery set up in Ireland in over 100 years. However the family’s whiskey heritage dates back to distilling in Dublin in 1782 and Walter Teeling who set up a distillery in Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties.
Jack and his brother Stephen, Sales & Marketing Director, continue the Teeling entrepreneurial spirit and while initially starting out as an Independent bottler aim to get back into the distilling game to ensure a constant supply of Irish whiskey. The Teeling Whiskey Co.reviving the Independent Spirit of Ireland.
Miner’s Delight Inn Wyoming, 2nd Saturday Tasting (September 14th, 2013) – Scotch Whisky News
September 4th, 2013
Miner’s Delight Inn, 2nd Saturday, every month, 6 – 9 p.m.
No reservation required for tastings, but we appreciate advance notice for groups
Here’s what you get for $25:
♦ 5 half-ounce pours of single malt Scotch whisky:
♦♦ 3 Saturday features, including the Publican’s Pick *
♦♦ You roll a die and pick a whisky from 1 of 6 Scotch regions
♦♦ Pick your Connoisseur’s Choice from our single malt menu
♦ Hors d’oeuvres to cleanse your palate between pours
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Malt Messenger Bulletin – Fall Tasting Schedule 2013 – Whisky News
September 4th, 2013
I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer, and that this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well. The weather is glorious in Southern Alberta, and if the first few days of September are any indication the rest of the month should be great. With the Labour Day weekend, and Labour Day Classic (Calgary won… in case you didn’t already know!) football game behind us it is time to open up our Fall Tasting Schedule; and we have an incredible lineup this year!
September will be starting off with a Trio of tastings for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada, which will feature the first of the 30th Anniversary bottlings released to celebrate the Society’s first 30 years. There is still room in the Friday 6PM seating, as well as the Saturday 5PM seating, and non members are welcome! The following week Graeme Macalanoey will be back for another free tasting to highlight his planned Victoria Caledonian Distillery. The first one sold out quickly, so don’t hesitate. Later in the week we will be hosting the rescheduled Last Samurai Part 2 tasting, which will feature of range of Japanese whiskies, including 4 from the new Chichibu distillery.
This fall we have an exciting number of special guest presenters peppered through our tasting schedule. Starting with Wee Willie Tait of Jura Distillery on September 17th, and followed less than 2 weeks later by Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich fame. Both are wonderful ambassadors for their brands, and very entertaining speakers. Other notables who’ll be gracing the store this fall include: Michael Urquhart of Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail; Ranald Watson of Springbank Distillery, George Grant of Glenfarclas; Stewart Buchanan on behalf of BenRiach and Glendronach distilleries; and last but not least James Robertson of the retooled Tullibardine distillery. All will be excellent tastings, and two of these events will be Whisky Dinners at Buchanans; you’ll have to browse the schedule to determine which.
Some of the usual staple tastings have returned, including: the Fall Single Malt Festival, Classic Malts, Raucous Rums, Master Malt, Whisky Americano and a really special tequila tasting, Tequila Sunrise. For this special tequila tasting we will be opening a bottle of 1800 Ortis Tequila (valued at $1800). Our by annual Single Malt Festival sells out quickly, so don’t delay in buying your ticket for it.
Our full Fall Tasting Schedule can be viewed online at: http://tinyurl.com/mxo4vx7 , where you can purchase your tickets through our website. You also find the full list complete with descriptions below.
I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well, and that we’ll see you at one of these great events this fall.
Slainte!
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/scotch_guy and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scotch.guy.1
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
Our Fall 2013 Whisky Tasting Schedule
1. SMWS First Friday IX – Every month the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Calgary branch holds a couple of tastings to feature the month’s new releases. This month we are holding two Friday sit down tastings, and a third on the Saturday. For more info on the World’s largest whisky club visit: www.smws.ca Friday September 6th – 6PM – $45/$35 for Members – Only 4 Spots
2. SMWS First Friday IX Friday September 6th – 8PM – $45/$35 for Members – Sold Out
3. SMWS First Friday IX Saturday September 7th – 5PM – $45/$35 for Members – Only 8 Spots
4. Macaloney Distillers Free Tasting – Join us for a free tasting and information session, Monday September 9th at 6PM with Graeme Macaloney of Macaloney Distillers. Graeme Macaloney PhD, an experienced fermentation engineer and a Scotsman, is launching a full scale single malt & pot still whisky distillery, and real ale brew pub – the Victoria Caledonian Distillery – and is conducting a series of complimentary “Show & Tell” presentations including complimentary whisky tasting. – Monday September 9thth 6PM – $FREE
5. Last Samurai Part 2 – My recent whisky trip to Japan has left me with a treasure trove of photos and insight into one of the world’s lesser known whisky producers. We are proud to offer North America’s largest selection of Japanese whiskies, and when it came time to putting on July’s Last Samurai tasting it quickly became apparent we had too many photos and too many whiskies to limit ourselves to just one tasting. The Last Samurai Part 2 will consist of four whiskies from the Chichibu distillery, as well as others from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. This event is sure to delight, and not leave you feeling Lost in Translation! – Thursday September 12th – $50
6. Jura Distillery w/ Willie Tait – They may call him Wee Willie Tait, but don’t be fooled, as he is one of Scotland’s biggest whisky personalities. Willie will guide us through a range of whiskies from the Isle of Jura Distillery, Scotland’s loneliest whisky isle, including the new 30 year and 1977 vintage – Tuesday September 17th – $60
7. Tequila Sunrise – To launch the new 1800 Ortis Tequila ($1800/bottle) we are holding a special tasting of the 1800 tequila range as well as a selection of other premium tequilas. – Tuesday September 24th – $75
8. Bruichladdich Distillery w/ Jim McEwan – Jim McEwan is one of the whisky industry’s most iconic and charismatic figures having long served as the distillery manager at Bowmore before taking a leading role in the resurrection of Bruichladdich. Join us for a very memorable tasting of Bruichladdich single malts guided by the man who crafted them. – Friday September 27th – $50
9. Classic Single Malts – This is our classic introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. You’ll discover a little history, how it’s made, and sample six distinct styles. – Thursday October 3rd – $30
10. Raucous Rums – We’ll round up of some of the finest sipping rums the world has to offer. Come sip a sampling of new, old and rare offerings, including unique independent rum bottlings. – Thursday October 17th – $50
11. Benriach/Glendronach Dinner w/ Stewart Buchanan – Stewart Buchanan only recently took over as Brand Ambassador after spending the last couple decades making whisky and managing distilleries. He’ll guide us through a tasting of 7 BenRiach and Glendronach whiskies including a new KWM cask. That’s not all! Enjoy a sumptuous 3 course dinner at: Buchanan’s Chop House, 738 3rd Ave SW, 7PM. – Friday October 18th – $150
12. Whisky Americano – Bourbon may hog all the attention, but there’s much more to American whisk(e)y in the lower 48 states than what Kentucky produces. Sign up for a taste discovery of the Americanos. – Thursday October 24th – $45
13. Tullibardine Distillery w/ James Robertson – Tullibardine Distillery may have sold recently and revamped its core range, but their gregarious Brand Ambassador, James Robertson, is still with the team. We’ll sample their new range and at least one older expression. – Monday November 4th – $30
14. Springbank Distillery w/ Ranald Watson – Ranald Watson will guide us through a range of Springbank whiskies including expressions of Hazelburn, Springbank and Longrow. We’ll be featuring the new Gold Medal Marketing exclusive cask for Alberta and the 21 Year. – Tuesday November 5th – $35
15. Glenfarclas Distillery w/ George Grant – Gorgeous George will be hosting a whisky tasting for KWM for the 6th year in a row which will feature some vintage Glenfarclas, as well a couple of special editions, including the new 25 Year Quarter Cask release. – Thursday November 7th – $50
16. Benromach/Gordon & MacPhail Dinner w/ Michael Urquhart – The scotch whisky industry’s gentleman statesman, Michael Urquhart, will be hosting a whisky dinner featuring whiskies from Benromach Distillery & Gordon & MacPhail, including: Benromach 1969 & 30 Year, Highland Park 1973 and Dallas Dhu 1979. The whiskies will be paired with a 3 course meal at Buchanan’s Chop House 738 3rd Ave SW, 7PM. – Friday November 8th – $125
17. Fall Single Malt Festival – Our iconic whisky festival is back for another year with a lineup of 100+ premium whiskies from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Don’t hesitate as this one sells out early every year and tickets are strictly limited! – Thursday November 14th – $60
18. Master Malts – Only the rarest and very special whiskies are showcased at this tasting which always highlights some of the most exciting new whiskies in the world! – Thursday November 28th – $99
To register for one our our great tastings please call the store at 403-283-8000 or register online at: http://tinyurl.com/mxo4vx7 .
If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.
All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com . All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change, don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.
Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.
Slainte!
Andrew Ferguson
Manager & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com
Owner & Opperator
Ferguson’s Whisky Tours
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Voting Open For The 2013 World Wide Whisk(e)y Design Contest – Whiskey News
September 4th, 2013
Voting open for the 2013 World Wide Whisk(e)y Design Contest
The Final voting for the 2013 World Wide Whisk(e)y Design Awards is now open and ends on 30-November-2013. Voting is open to public. No registration required. This final voting round is based on the rated nominations that received a total … Continue reading →
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Whisky Wednesday Reviews Glencadam 10YO – Scotch Whisky News
September 4th, 2013
UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Glencadam 10 Year Old
THE WORLD’S “MOST SOUGHT AFTER , VALUABLE AND COLLECTIBLE” SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES – Scotch Whisky News
September 3rd, 2013
THE WORLD’S “MOST SOUGHT AFTER , VALUABLE AND COLLECTIBLE” SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES
by Pat Roberts
Diageo has announced the ten Single Malt Whiskies that form its annual limited-edition Special Releases for 2013.
In the words of Nik Keane, global director for malt whiskies at Diageo, they represent “some of the most sought after, valuable and collectible Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in the world”.
The oldest in the collection is a Lagavulin™ at 37 years old and distilled in 1976 – the oldest expression of Lagavulin ever released by the distillers, in a dramatically limited edition of fewer than 2,000 bottles. It is flanked by a lively 12 year old Lagavulin.
Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at Lagavulin, said: “Lagavulin is probably the most sought-after single malt whisky in production today – universally acknowledged as one of the unchallenged grands crus of Scotch Whisky. For many years we have been unable to supply sufficient mature spirit to meet worldwide demand. So bottlings of old Lagavulin are exceptionally rare, and this year’s 37 year old is the oldest that we have ever released. Its 12 year old younger brother makes a regular appearance in the Special Releases, and has always been received with huge enthusiasm.”
Lagavulin 37yo
Further North, from the Isle of Skye, 3,000 individually numbered bottles of a classic and sophisticated Talisker™ distilled in 1985 are destined to be much in demand from adorers of this legendary single malt.
Three grown-up whiskies make the case for Speyside. An unusually mature example of Cardhu™, presented at 21 years old in fewer than 6,000 individually numbered bottles, will suggest an interesting comparison with the 22 year old Cardhu own bottling released in 2005. The 28 year old bottling of The Singleton of Dufftown™ is the first limited cask strength edition of The Singleton in this series with just 3,840 individually numbered bottles. And bottled at 36 years old, the very rare Convalmore™ – from the Dufftown distillery that ceased production in 1985 – makes a welcome reappearance, carrying a few more years since its last much-acclaimed showing in the Special Releases back in 2005, this time in a smaller edition of only 3,000 bottles.
For lovers of West Coast Single Malt Whiskies, Oban™ is represented by a 21 year old from rejuvenated American Oak and a second fill in ex-Bodega casks. Another complex maturation regime lies behind the 8th unpeated limited edition of Caol Ila™ which this year proudly carries the subtitle “Stitchell Reserve” in honour of the long-serving distillery manager Billy Stitchell, due to retire this year. “Refill American Oak, rejuvenated American Oak and ex-bodega European Oak have all played a role in creating this special Caol Ila,” explains Billy. “It has a firm, clean and fresh style, finishing with aromatic, spicy and drying notes.”
Ultra-rare bottlings from another two long-closed distilleries complete the line-up in this year’s releases. A 34 year old Port Ellen™, the 13th and oldest release from the original distillers, comes in an edition of fewer than 3,000 individually numbered bottles, as does the equally desirable Highland East Coast 35 year old Brora™, from casks filled in 1977. Both bottlings are destined to excite collectors and connoisseurs.
Brora 35
Nick Morgan, Diageo’s head of whisky outreach, commented: “Stocks of Brora and Port Ellen are inexorably diminishing. Each year’s limited-edition bottling releases one more fragment of whisky history that is unique, and can’t ever be replaced. This puts Port Ellen and Brora in a different category from most other very old single malts – mainly from operating distilleries – that are on the market, often at very high prices. On top of that, Port Ellen and Brora are not merely rare, old and in great demand – they are judged by most qualified commentators to be of outstanding quality, and this year’s edition will be no exception.
“Indeed, many would accept that Port Ellen and Brora are among the world’s rarest Single Malt Whiskies still being released.”
Details & Prices
Official Tasting Notes
Diageo Special Releases 2013: Official Tasting Notes
Brora™ 35 year old
Refill American Oak and European Oak
- Appearance: Yellow gold or polished brass. Lightly oily.
- Nose: Initially clean, fresh and bracing; then warming, developing depth and richness. Creamy top notes of warm scented wax or vanilla-custard float above a herbal note (basil?) and a sharper, cereal base, all suffused with just a thread of smoke. The nutty, waxy notes sweeten into honeycomb and toasted coconut. The sea appears very late, as a fresh sea breeze. Adding a little water softens the impact and brings up the scented wax, with honey and lemongrass subduing the more subtle vanilla aromas.
- Body: Light and softly coating.
- Palate: Good texture and a surprising taste: much sweeter than you expect from the nose, and much more smoky, with a most attractive tongue-coating smoothness. A leafy hint of fresh picked strawberry introduces lemon zest and candied peel to set the tongue tingling. Then damp beach notes of wood, sand and sea air round off a beautifully balanced palate. With water added this is a very easy-drinking, rewarding dram: fuller in texture than when at full strength, it is also less sweet, becoming mouth drying, cleansing and softly smoky.
- Finish: Coating, chewy and softly drying, with minty chocolate (after-dinner mints). Wood smoke lingers in the complex, fresh and spicy conclusion.
Summary: A Brora classic: a mature, sweetly pleasing, tongue-coating, softly smoky malt that rewards deep study, evoking a tranquil beach scene rather than the drama of the high seas. Fans of Brora will not be disappointed by this superb, comforting, old-fashioned whisky.
Caol Ila™ Unpeated Stitchell Reserve
Refill American Oak, rejuvenated American Oak and ex-bodega European Oak
- Appearance: Clear, olive gold. Light beading.
- Nose: At full strength, immediately clean, aromatic and fresh: like inhaling Friar’s Balsam. After this first blast, more reticent; softly sweet, then a vivid freshness like that of crisp green fruit or lemon zest. Water raises a fruity, nutty honeyed sweetness and a faint note of treacle, with perhaps just a hazy hint of smoke.
- Body: Light to medium. Oily, yet firm.
- Palate: Drinks well straight; has an intense and in your face style, with a most appealing smooth, lightly oily texture. Firm, clean and fresh throughout. Intense and mouth-filling, with a great initial surge of sweet spiciness unaccompanied by the usual signature phenols of peated Caol Ila or indeed, much fruit. Becoming honey-nutty (nut brittle, with a dark edge of treacle bitterness) then finally, warming and drying. A good splash of water develops these flavours; it’s tongue-coating and appetisingly bitter-sweet now, leaving a spicy dryness as the tide of flavour ebbs.
- Finish: Aromatic, spicy and drying; a balancing bitter edge embraces more of the soft nutty, biscuity notes, always maintaining that essential freshness overall.
Summary: A smooth-talking, easy-drinking powerhouse. A powerfully, punchy, warming and sweet-spicy whisky with a mighty vitality and a smooth texture: the clean, fresh bitter-sweet nutty flavours give it a character all of its own and it’s a perfect testament to a remarkable whisky making dynasty.
Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve
Cardhu™ 21 year old
Ex-bourbon American Oak
- Appearance: Old gold; richer amber depths. Good beading.
- Nose: Mild and at first quite shy. An early creamy, fruity note of vanilla and boiled sweets (bubble gum!) is faintly underscored by a rich, floral perfume with a cleansing edge. The creamy fruitiness persists as dried figs, rum-and-raisin ice cream, red apple skins and beeswax. Later a malty, biscuity base layer is revealed, as the cleansing edge becomes a sharply defined top layer. Overall, it’s a richer vanilla custard and fruit trifle creaminess that emerges. Water opens things out, raising both fruit and floral scents slightly, the boiled sweets now mandarin-flavoured.
- Body: Fine and light.
- Palate: At natural strength, smooth and savoury, with light acidity. Clean, refined, pleasantly drying and delicate. Then wonderfully aromatic with notes of black cherry; growing spicy, warming and elegant, with nutty, dark chocolate offset by buttery shortbread. It’s even softer with a drop of water. Now the taste starts cooler and sweeter; still savoury (mint on a fresh fruit salad) but also newly spicy across the tongue.
- Finish: Long, aromatic and warming; smooth vanilla balanced by juicy tangerine and faint orange oil with spicy cedar, late silky-smooth dryness and a wisp of smoke.
Summary: Clean and precisely structured; delicate and feminine on the nose, yet also robust, assured and unusually spicy. A beautifully balanced malt in which lusciously rich and indulgent vanilla notes are complemented by elegantly aromatic and refined tannins in the palate and finish. 
Cardhu 21
Convalmore™ 36 year old
Refill European Oak
- Appearance: Vibrant amber or faded polished mahogany. Medium beaded and very viscous.
- Nose: Mild and profound, opening scented with eucalyptus oil and a trace of leather infusing a soft pillow of marshmallow and creamy toffee. Through this runs a rich vein of clean, tropical fruit sharpness, underscored by soft, crumbly, malty notes with a wisp of smoke. In time, the appetising fruit retreats into a rich, creamy shell. A little water brings up the soft toffee creaminess and a little mint, as the fruity complex becomes fresher.
- Body: Lightly oily. Smooth.
- Palate: Big and oily in texture; gently warming and extremely soft and comforting, like a whisky syrup! The taste is immediately sweet yet, with a note of aniseed, not cloying. Successive waves of pepper, salt and smoke follow, revealing a mouth-drying nature. With water, the texture remains big, thick and tongue-coating; the taste is sweeter, cooler and minty; slightly dusty, too, with hints of shortbread and scented smoke.
- Finish: Superbly balanced, with an unusual aftertaste of perfumed smoke. There’s still sweetness but it’s in essence drying, with notable cedar-rich hints of cigar box.
Summary: A subtle, big whisky with an astonishing rich velvet texture that wears its age lightly yet has developed a wonderful complexity. The young-seeming, sweet and succulent nose leads, via the smooth, comforting palate, to a drying conclusion of marked aromatic complexity, masterminded by long years of maturation.
Convalmore 36
Lagavulin™ 12 year old
Refill American Oak
- Appearance: Extremely pale green-gold.
- Nose: Soft, beguiling and cautious at first, when an appetising sharpness slowly crystallises into red berry fruit, then developing soft, savoury aromas and a delicious smoky sweetness. Savoury hints of charred baked potato skins cooked in a bonfire come first, then peat smoke and a box of spent matches come through. Later still, there are teasing, oily hints of sharp tropical fruit (lime pickle?). These aromas are altogether softer with water; less tense and underscored by youthful sweetness. There are smoky-fresh notes, then raisins and dried fruit, with distant wood smoke.
- Body: Light. Oily.
- Palate: Cooling at first, then salty, drying and dusty, with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Beautifully cleansing, like a salad of tarragon and peppery rocket, then really appetizing, as if a char-grilled endive splashed with peppery olive oil. The charred notes then strengthen, into smoky wax. Sweeter with water and more accessible, as captivating notes of aniseed and fennel seeds give way to charred fruit scones and burnt jam tarts.
- Finish: Simultaneously sweet and savoury, dominated by pungent smoke and appetising aniseed. With growing warmth, it becomes oily near the end. With water it is sweet and abrupt with subdued smoke; pleasantly drying and piney.
Summary: An initially reserved member of the Lagavulin family, which grows much more at ease and expressive with water. As you might expect, this is a wonderfully appetising, invigorating and cleansing malt; soaring pine and pungent smoke invite you to pair it with lean, intense foods.
Lagavulin 12
Lagavulin™ 37 year old
Refill American and European Oak
- Appearance: Rich amber with copper lights. Good beading.
- Nose: Modestly low key, setting the tone for a maestro’s ‘less is more’ performance. Yet still the aroma could only be that of Lagavulin: rich and complex, an artist’s oils wreathed in scented smoke. The top notes are elusive: is that menthol or beef consommé? Further in, though, there’s honeyed toffee with hints of lime zest, and a cigar-box made of resin-rich sandalwood. With water the aroma is joyously sweet and lightly oily.
- Body: Medium. Lightly coating.
- Palate: At natural strength, the taste is sensational, rounded and comforting. There’s a nice cooling mouthfeel, while the sweet-smoky start of charcoal and ripe tropical fruits is followed by gathering wood smoke leading to a palate-cleansing, black tea dryness. Along the way waves of honey, pine, treacle tart and roasting chestnuts interact. It’s really delicate with water, which pulls back the curtain of smoke to reveal a sweetly coating, softly warming and gingery character that is honeyed yet still refreshing.
- Finish: Initially sweet then drying, a little like a treacle tart made with burnt pastry, but it’s the lingering, all-pervading fragrant smoke that seeps into your very soul.
Summary: This outstanding mature Lagavulin is a perfectly balanced, calm and confident malt that is utterly wonderful and understated even at cask strength and becomes joyously delicate with water. Smoky flavours can fade with age, but they are undimmed in this elegant yet robust whisky.
Lagavulin 37
Oban 21
Oban™ 21 year old
Rejuvenated American Oak and second fill ex-bodega casks
- Appearance: Polished beech-wood; richer and deeper in sunlight. Moderate beading.
- Nose: Full, accessible and oily, with rich caramel notes embracing sweet, ripe apples set in burnt pastry yet also with fresh and cleansing maritime notes; fragrant dried seaweed, hot sand dunes. Then darker, linseed-oil-rich aromas like those found at a furniture restorer’s lead to a briefly salty, then spicy, aromatic conclusion. It’s more complex and sweetly rounded with water, with lighter caramel, more ripe autumn fruit, and a trace of smoke, delivering a pleasurable, moreish malt.
- Body: Rich.
- Palate: Warming overall, the dense, oily texture beautifully coating and liqueur-like. The taste is first sweet, with fruity vanilla toffee, then salty, with pistachio shells, and burnt pastry. Becomes sweeter and less salty: less the old sea-dog! Mouth-cleansing, cool and fresh, and drying. Water emphasises the cooling, sweet and salty notes; rich dark chocolate and minty smoke.
- Finish: Lengthy and drying, starting sweet and savoury with raspberry juice, dark smooth chocolate, ginger and clove, yet with an attractive salty, oily aftertaste, all brine and smooth olive oil.
Summary: Oban, and then some. A beautifully paced, confident and assured malt; complex and contradictory, yet always rewarding. Rich and sweet then briny and spicy, at once conveying the freshness of walks along the coast and through apple orchards early on a crisp, autumn morning.
Port Ellen 34
Port Ellen™ 34 year old
Refill American Oak and refill European Oak
- Appearance: A clear amber, like antique gold in sunlight. Dense beading, suggesting rich texture.
- Nose: Cautious and clean at first, with hints of dark toffee wrapped in wood smoke, then cooling oil of eucalyptus and a trace of bruised apple fruit. The wood smoke parts to reveal a savoury, meaty scent, then sweet honey, toasted cereals and a whole artist’s studio of oils. With water, it starts smoky (like vegetables on a barbecue) the underlying oiliness now punctuated by hints of lime.
- Body: Light, oily, smooth.
- Palate: Stunning. Caution is thrown to the winds as sweet and intense smoke races across the palate chased by fresh lemons, lemon zest and butter. This rich, fruity smoky-sweetness becomes tongue-coating, smooth dark chocolate enveloped in exquisite wood smoke. It drinks very well straight and when the attack slows, there’s yet more honey, lemon and a sprinkling of sea salt. If water is added it is smooth, lightly oily, much sweeter now and more accessible: still some salt, with a new spicy tingle.
- Finish: Long, coating, intense and sustained, all pervading scented smoke, hints of mint and bergamot, then finally dense and savoury, with an aftertaste suggesting cloves.
Summary: A phenomenal, mighty and utterly compelling Port Ellen with astonishing complexity and huge character. The refined nose gives no clue to the vivid, immediate onrush of astonishing flavours; a fine interplay of clean citrus, alluring smoke and salt with honeyed sweetness.
The Singleton of Dufftown™ 28 year old
Refill American Oak
- Appearance: Deep antique gold. Good beading
- Nose: Grand and mild; compact yet detailed, with ripe apple and pear fruit or perhaps beeswax and heather pollen, and scents of moorland herbs. Quite autumnal, with faint smoke and a savoury cereal note, and like an old dusty library carrying scents of wax and worn leather. Later, orange oil underscores the complex floral notes. In time some vanilla develops, becoming intense buttercream. Water lightens it considerably and brings out the malty, cereal character (like being in a grain loft), with leafy strawberries, more waxiness and the merest trace of smoke.
- Body: Oily, dense.
- Palate: At natural strength, this malt has a big, oily feel; sweet and reminiscent of a wholewheat breakfast cereal coated with honey. The initial effect is warming, with an instantly appetising astringency. Below this lie minty and faintly smoky notes and rich chewy liquorice with a digestive biscuit sweetness. It’s all sweeter and less oily with water; losing that piercing aromatic dryness and with the cereal note dimmed, it’s altogether gentler and more approachable.
- Finish: Invigorating, warming and gloriously astringent at the end, with notes of pine and cedar to leave the palate tingling over a lingering last wisp of smoke.
Summary: A wonderfully appetising, full flavoured and mature malt, made subtle by long ageing, yet retaining its malty/nutty distillery character. Beautifully structured and paced, it is at once fresh and alive on the palate, yet also evocative of the past; complex and exciting, intricate and intriguing.
The Singleton of Dufftown 28
Talisker™ 27 year old
Refill American Oak
- Appearance: Rich, clear amber with notes of antique gold.
- Nose: Absolutely classic Talisker. First soft and sweet, with shortcrust pastry and rich warm dark chocolate. Next, after the faintest mention of raspberry juice, comes waft upon waft of warming, homely smoke. Through this rises the buttery, oaty aroma of home-made chocolate chip cookies, offset by sharp mixed-berry jam and ripe red apples. There are late top notes of beeswax and polish on new shoes fresh from the box. Water makes it all sweetly smoky and liberates mysterious volcanic fumes.
- Body: Medium. Oily.
- Palate: Cool, salty and sweet; then warming and spicy, with notes of ginger and clove. Growing rich and malty, with helpings of plum pudding and fruitcake. Then resin-rich, dense, fragrant pine-wood smoke. Soft, smooth and bitter-sweet with water, with gently pervasive smoke.
- Finish: Long and silky-smooth, with more of that drying, unctuous and soft dark chocolate, and chewy, with ripe plums. Late warmth, cigar-box cedar and coal smoke.
Summary: A supreme Talisker; wonderfully classic in style and as sophisticated as its peers but with an extra ‘chilled’ self-assurance and even an edge of darkness. A malt that lives life to the full and doesn’t take itself too seriously: it’s also ever-so-slightly edgy, with suggestions of a volcanic heritage.
Talisker 1985
Distribution/Availability
Autumn 2013, from specialist retailers in Northern Europe, in selected Asian markets and in the USA.
About the Special Releases
During the late 1980s, the benchmark expressions of single malt whiskies from six single malt distilleries became well known under the CLASSIC MALTS™ name. Interest in older and rarer malt whiskies in general also grew during this period. One product of this was the RARE MALTS, a series of rarer releases begun in 1995, and which ended in 2005 as stocks declined. There remained a demand for unusual, distinctive, often older, unrepeatable cask strength bottlings, usually of the CLASSIC MALTS. Such bottlings allowed collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts to enjoy and experience remaining older stocks, and/or unusual expressions of a distillery’s character – a treasure trove of priceless malts.
To satisfy this demand, the Special Releases series was born in 2001, and the annual collection – with familiar names and some surprises – has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts ever since.
Billy Stitchell, Caol Ila Distillery
The Stitchells are a whisky family whose connections with Caol Ila extend back to the 19th century. Before Billy, his father worked at Caol Ila, and his father before him. On his mother’s side – the McCallum’s – both his grandfather and great-grandfather served as Maltmen at Caol Ila. And, apart from, ‘filling in’ at Lagavulin or the Port Ellen Maltings in the co-operative way of the island, Billy has spent his entire career at the Caol Ila Distillery since 1974, starting with filling casks and working in the warehouse, then in the tun room and overseeing the fermentation stage of whisky-making; next graduating to mashing. He was selected for management training in 1990 and has worked his way up to his present position. In an age when most career tracks involve numerous jobs and multiple employers, Billy Stitchell’s single path is a rarity, but one that he attributes to the location and the quality of the work.
About Diageo
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
The Classic Malts, Brora, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Convalmore, Lagavulin, Oban, Port Ellen, The Singleton of Dufftown and Talisker words and associated logos are trademarks © Diageo 2013
Details and Prices
| DISTILLERY | AGE AT BOTTLING | YEAR DISTILLED | UK RRSP | % ABV ON BOTTLING | VOLUME RELEASED (BOTTLES) |
| Brora *** | 35 | 1977 | £750 | 49.9 | 2,944* |
| Caol Ila | Not declared | Not stated | £70 | 59.6 | Limited number |
| Cardhu | 21 | 1991 | £160 | 54.2 | 6,000* |
| Convalmore *** | 36 | 1977 | £600 | 58.0 | 2,980* |
| Lagavulin | 12 | not stated | £80 | 55.1 | Limited number |
| Lagavulin | 37 | 1976 | £1,950 | 51.0 | 1,868* |
| Oban | 21 | not stated | £225 | 58.5 | 2,860* |
| Port Ellen *** | 34 | 1978 | £1,500 | 55.0 | 2,958* |
| The Singleton of Dufftown | 28 | 1985 | £235 | 52.3 | 3,816* |
| Talisker | 27 | 1985 | £475 | 56.1 | 3,000** |
| * = individually numbered bottles | ** = individually numbered cartons | *** = closed distillery |
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BENRIACH LAUNCHES ITS FIRST GLENGLASSAUGH BOTTLING – Scotch Whisky News
September 3rd, 2013
BENRIACH LAUNCHES ITS FIRST GLENGLASSAUGH BOTTLING
THE BenRiach Distillery Company, which bought the Portsoy-based Glenglassaugh distillery in March, is today (29 August) releasing its first Glenglassaugh expression – a superb 30YO single malt.
Back in March, BenRiach’s MD and Master Blender Billy Walker said: “It’s our intention to bring this iconic distillery fully back to life by giving it the investment, commitment and care it deserves. I believe our whisky expertise, proven brand-building ability and strong routes to market will help take Glenglassaugh to the next level.”
The next level starts with this magnificent 30YO and Mr Walker’s tasting notes show how appropriate it is that this very special Highland single malt, at 44.8% vol, should be the very first Glenglassaugh to be released by BenRiach.
Colour: Amber.
Nose: Rich, complex and full with luxurious tropical fruits of peach, mango and banana, complemented with sultanas, sherry and gentle oak spice.
Palate: Sweet and soft with near perfect balance of fruit; mango, orange, figs and sweet sultana followed by a wave of sherry, toffee and ginger oak spice.
Finish: Warm, soft and gently spiced.
Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We’re delighted to release our first Glenglassaugh expression five months after taking over the distillery. The 30YO is a great example of the unique Glenglassaugh character – complex fruit flavours, sherry overtones, spices and a lasting finish. It’s the first of a number of planned developments we have for our new brand which is in response to strong demand for Glenglassaugh in global markets.”
If you would like to receive more information, please contact us on info@glenglassaugh.com
Two images of the Glenglassaugh 30YO attached.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America “Early September 2013 Outturn Offerings” – Scotch Whisky News
September 3rd, 2013
Early September 2013 Outturn Offerings
Savoury smoke and spicy sweetness
Cask No. 66.35 $90
Highland, Eastern
The nose was a happy collision between savoury smoke and spicy sweetness – bacon frazzles, aniseed, clove, cardamom and spiced fruit and nuts. The palate seemed massive – intense smoke and flavours of tar, treacle, cough medicine and honey-glazed ham; also considerable sweetness, mineral notes and some herbal hints too – ‘absolutely amazing!’ We were led by the reduced nose to a barbeque – spiced pork belly, sweet and sour prawns and even barbecued bananas. The reduced palate displayed beautiful sweetness, reminiscent of liquorice allsorts and gummi bears, but still that dry, ashy smoke underpinned the whole delicious experience. A smoky highlander from Kennethmont.
Drinking tip: For the great outdoors – especially wild places
Colour: Jacobean oak Date distilled: July 2002
Cask: Refill Sherry butt Alcohol: 58.2%
Age: 9 years USA allocation: 90 bottles
Intense explosion of taste
Cask No. 2.83 $140
Speyside, Spey
The nose really grabbed our interest – so much in it – summer fruits, cherry Bakewell, apple and berry tea; maple syrup, toffee and Fry’s Turkish Delight; mulled wine, tobacco and old books. The palate was intense, sharp and tickly – tutti-frutti bubble-gum and apple sours crashed into darker, spicy flavours (chilli pepper, gingerbread, treacle scones) resulting in an explosion of taste. The reduced nose – simply amazing – fruit-punch, black-jacks, tea chests, foamy shrimp sweets, wax and shoe polish. The palate lost some intensity but retained the sweet complexity of toffee apples, cinnamon, blackcurrant and lavender honey. The distillery was once protected by two pistols!
Drinking tip: Let the children get excited about sweets – we have this!
Colour: Marmalade Date distilled: May 1993
Cask: Refill hogshead Alcohol: 55.2%
Age: 19 years USA allocation: 90 bottles
Venus in Furs
Cask No. 30.70 $150
Speyside, Spey
The Panel drew images of a foxy silver haired lady; wearing a musty fur coat. On the nose the panel was pleasantly greeted with scents of a traditional perfume containing musk. Then with a gentle caress on our cheek with butter soft leather gloves. On the palette we found the rich flavour of well matured Dundee cake washed down with blackcurrant cordial. With water on the nose we found there was a medley of orange bitters mixed with dark chocolate’ high in cocoa content to the point of being almost gravelly in consistency. One panellist found themselves stuck in a hedge with hooves, horse shoes and fresh mud galloping away on the finish! It was almost all over too soon.
Drinking tip: Pre dinner drink whilst dressing up
Colour: Lime green Date distilled: December 1989
Cask: Refill hogshead Alcohol: 52.0%
Age: 22 years USA allocation: 60 bottles
Rite of passage
Cask No. 127.31 $95
Islay
Descriptors for the initial nose neat were nail varnish remover, window cleaner, fire lighter and gun powder. Deeper notes like the inside of a tea chest appear with time. The taste is challenging, salty and sweet – perspiration from the brow dropping into one’s eye and child hood memories of walking in brand new trainers on hot bubbling tarmac. Adding water reminiscent of a wildfire on a peatbog by the sea and freshly caught haddock seasoned with lemon and parsley. To taste like a good ‘Old Fashioned’ cocktail garnished with an orange slice and a lemon twist as well as sweet balsamic vinegar in the finish. This comes from the progressive distillers on Islay who reached the 10 year milestone this year.
Drinking tip: With or over Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream
Colour: Retsina Greek wine Date distilled: June 2002
Cask: Refill barrel Alcohol: 64.2%
Age: 10 years USA allocation: 96 bottles
Promises sweet indulgences
Cask No. G10.3 $165
Grain
The nose evoked a breakfast buffet – bran-flakes, porridge, honey, marmalade (lots of orange notes) and maple syrup on waffles. We also identified random hints of carrot cake, ginger nuts, faint perfume and laminate flooring. The palate was immediately attractive, promising sweet indulgences – butterscotch, toffee éclairs, orange creams and floral perfumes, with ginger, cinnamon and clove not far behind. The reduced nose was very sweet, just held in check by gentle spices. The palate was now a silky, velvety experience – millionaire’s shortbread, crème brûlée – liquid honey sunshine filtering through a filigree trellis of oak. This Gorbals-based distillery was built in 1927.
Drinking tip: We have a hunch this whisky would go with brunch – but it packs a punch so maybe with lunch – it could sooth away fears of the credit crunch!
Colour: Yellow gold Date distilled: June 1988
Cask: Refill barrel Alcohol: 59.6%
Age: 24 years USA allocation: 54 bottles
Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at www.smwsa.com
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