Whisky Ramblings Via Video #65
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the BenRiach 1997 from the Creative Whisky Company, run by David Stirk. It is bottled at 45% and proved to be a nicely fruity summer dram.
DISCOVER THE WORLD’S BEST WHISKIES AT THE FNB WHISKY LIVE FESTIVAL
If you didn’t know that South Africa makes the best whisky in the world, head to the 2013 FNB Whisky Live Festival at the UJ Campus in Soweto, from October 24th to 26th and to the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton on November 6th to 8th, to discover these award-winning, proudly South African whiskies.
Taste Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky at both the Soweto and Sandton festivals – a whisky that was awarded the prestigious accolade, the 2013 World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whisky Awards held in London – competing against the very best from Scotland, the USA and Ireland.
At the Soweto event Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will be sharing its mixability, smoothness and richness whisky in the Shisa Nyama zone which will be open to all ticket holders.
At the Sandton festival, master distiller, Andy Watts, who has for the past 22 years created many firsts for the South African whisky industry, will be conducting an exclusive workshop where you will have the rare opportunity to taste the limited edition Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt – a whisky you will be lucky to get your can get your hands on, as only a limited number of bottles were released – 8000 to be exact. Andy will also share a few samples of interesting whiskies which he and his team have been developing as part of their ongoing innovative approach to whisky-making. The workshops have very limited seating available and take place on Thursday, 7 November at 20.00 and on Friday, 8 November at 18.45. The cost is R110 per person and lasts an hour.
If you are unable to find a seat at this workshop you can book a private tasting with Andy at both festivals in the Whisky Live Festival Tasting Room. The tasting will include Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old (title holder of the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards), Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish (which took gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge) and Three Ships Select (rated 81 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible).
Bookings for these tastings are free of charge and will be on on a first-come-first served basis. Bookings will open on the night of the Festival at selected times to be announced at the show.
And to keep your love for whisky alive, join Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky at the following venues for the after-party:
24 October – Wandie’s Place, Soweto with Three Ships
25 October – Choc’s Place, Soweto with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
26 October – Mabutho’s Pub, Soweto with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
6 November – Katzy’s, Rosebank with Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
7 November – The Sands, Sandton with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
8 November – Metro, Bemore Shopping Centre with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky
Visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for more information and to book for the workshop which has limited seating available.
Time to Celebrate the Millennium and Raise More than Glasses
Award-winning Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has just unveiled a very special charity whisky made at the turn of the millennium.
Produced on 31st December 1999, the Millennium Casks edition captures a landmark moment in time and is sure to be a hit with whisky fans across the world.
A memorable mix of 35 bourbon barrels and 10 Sherry Hogsheads, the new release will reach shelves in the UK on 28th October with just 7,800 bottles available worldwide.
The Master Distiller behind the new release, James MacTaggart, said: “With this spirit we tried to create something really unique to reflect upon the importance of a period of time that none of us will experience again.
“Bottled without chill-filtration, the malt has a zesty nose with an edge of spice. Arran fans will be able to detect our hallmark flavours of orchard fruits and baked apples, which are complimented by a sprinkling of vanilla and cinnamon.
“This whisky is delicious served with a splash of water, which helps to expose the layers of creaminess in this unique dram. As with most of our malts, this whisky is unpeated.”
The packaging features the God of beginnings, endings and transitions from the ancient Roman myth Janus. This God, depicted with two faces, was able to look back into the past and ahead into the future and prompts drinkers to reflect as well as enjoy the spirit.
Euan Mitchell, managing director, added: “We produce whiskies which are consistently high quality and this new edition holds genuine appeal for drinkers as it reflects the importance of the past as well as the future.”
Retailing at £64.99, a donation from every bottle sold will go to the Arran Trust, a conservation charity which funds projects that look after the beautiful landscapes and environment of Arran. One such project is the footpaths on the island which lead to Loch na Davie – the pure water source which is an essential ingredient in the Arran Single Malt.
Euan added: “We want to help maintain the island for future generations and this new whisky release will help us to raise money for charity. We always work closely with the Arran Trust as we have a shared interest and passion for looking after our beautiful corner of Scotland.”
Notes:
The Arran Millennium Cask Edition will be available in the UK, and throughout Europe.
In the UK it retails at £64.99 and is available online at www.arranwhisky.com as well as in specialist whisky stores.
For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com
For more information on the Arran Trust visit www.arrantrust.com
* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)
Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘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.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.
New videos: Part VI – Grant’s 25 Year Old
Hello,
It’s been a fun week, but all good things must come to an end.
In our final video I introduce our oldest blend to date, Grant’s 25 Year Old. To create this superb dram, our Master Blender chose our rarest whiskies and blended them with the very first batch produced at our new distillery in Girvan…(Please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…
Kind regards,
Ludo
Glen Grant 1953 / 60 Year Old / Rare Vintage
A very impressive 1953 vintage from Glen Grant distillery that’s been matured in refill sherry casks for an astounding 60 years! Bottled in 2013 by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Rare Vintage series.
£718.00
(£598.33 ex vat)
Click here to buy Glen Grant 60 Year Old 1953 Rare Vintage
UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Mackmyra Moments Glod Whisky.
THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES
Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan
The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour. The luxury single malt whisky brand, distributed by Beam Global Australia, is delighted to launch three expressions in October including Amber, Sienna and Ruby.
Grounded in an unwavering commitment to sourcing the very best oak sherry casks, the most expensive in the industry, The 1824 Series showcases the signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts.
Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring mineral and metals.
This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours. The casks chosen for the range deliver a gradation of colour from light to dark, with the wood character defining each expression’s flavour, moving from lighter, lemon citrus to richer, dried fruit notes. As the whiskies become darker and richer, so the pool of casks able to deliver this character becomes smaller and rarer.
Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series. Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock. We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”
By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age. His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.
Commenting on this latest innovation, Ken Grier, Director of Malts, Edrington said “
As some 60% of the aroma and flavour of The Macallan derives from the oak maturation casks, this new range is a genuine opportunity to demonstrate the critical role of these exceptional casks and also to challenge perceptions about bottling at arbitrary ages. Taking colour as the basis for shaping these whiskies, an industry first, is testimony both to the innovative approach to whisky making and to the long experience of our Whisky Maker. This truly is Bob’s work at its very best.”
Cheryl Tang, Brand Manager, Beam Global Australia states
“The 1824 Series showcases its signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements of natural colour and exceptional sherry casks which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts. The series is one of the most anticipated new releases in whisky times and we are excited to introduce the Amber, Sienna and Ruby to the Australian market.”
The Macallan 1824 Series will be available in major liquor outlets and leading bars nationally from November 2013. RRP for the 700ml series are; The Macallan 1824 Amber, $105 per bottle, The Macallan 1824 Sienna, $160 per bottle and The Macallan 1824 Ruby, $220 per bottle.
TASTING NOTES
Amber –
A floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry.
Sienna –
A warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming.
Ruby –
Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.
ABOUT BEAM INC.
As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavoured Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fuelling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. Beam Inc. Australia distributes Macallan on behalf of The Edrington Group in Australia.
Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.
For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit: www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.
We are all shaped by our home, it defines our character, values and ideals. The Glenrothes is no different. In celebration of this, we are proud to introduce the Manse Brae Reserves; our very first range of whiskies developed exclusively for Travel Retail that pay tribute to our home, The Manse, at The Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside.
New videos: Part V – Grant’s 12 Year Old
Hello,
Our penultimate video features the much-loved Grant’s 12 Year Old. Often described as the Family Reserve’s older brother, our 12 Year Old blend is a fantastic after-dinner dram full of cinnamon, vanilla and toffee notes with a slightly peaty finish.
If you have a bottle at home, now’s the time to take it out of the… (please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…
Kind regards,
Ludo
Our second tasting will be Wednesday 16th October
Tickets will be on sale this Monday between 12 and 2pm in Alfie’s, Butchart Centre
Tickets are £3 as usual, or £4 for non-members
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MALT WHISKY SOCIETY
We also need to get EVERYONE to become a member of the Malt Whisky Society.
To do this follow these steps:
1. Go to http://tinyurl.com/ko6k4yp
2. Register a new account
3. Search for “Malt Whisky Society”
4. Add “Malt Whisky Society Student Membership” (£2) to your basket (like amazon.com)
5. Go to your basket – you MUST add “Societies Union” membership (£1) before you can pay
6. Follow payment instructions – you NEED a credit/debit card to pay.
7. Bring along your reference on a bit of paper/your mobile phone to the next whisky event and we will give you your membership card.
CASH PAYMENTS
It is possible to pay for membership with cash at the Butchart Recpetion desk during opening hours.
