LivingRoom Whisky interviews Paul Currie of The Lakes Distillery and find out the plans for the future of this new distillery.
http://www.livingroomwhisky.com/whisky/the-lakes-distillery/
Caskstrength Cutty Sark
This is the third release in the simply fantastic A-Z of whisk(e)y from Caskstrength.net.This Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky is bottled in 70cl at 51.4% (UK 90 Proof). This release coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Cutty Sark brand … Continue reading →
Award-winning whisky ‘legend’ praises spirits industry
WORLD-RENOWNED whisky and spirits expert Dave Broom today dedicated a prestigious award to ‘the wonderful distillers and blenders in the spirits industry’.
He also praised ‘the great bartenders around the world’ when he accepted the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) title Communicator of the Year 2013.
The prestigious title, sponsored by Veronafiere and announced at a gala dinner at the Italian wine and spirits fair Vinitaly, recognises an exceptional contribution to increasing awareness of wine and spirits.
Glasgow-born Broom, said: “It’s a great honour for me to receive this fantastic award. It’s very humbling, because all I do is ask people in the world of spirits the question: ‘Why?’
“They give me the answers and I just pass on that information to as many folk as possible. The award is as much to the wonderful distillers and blenders within the spirits industry for giving me their time and sharing their expertise. So I’m accepting the award on their behalf and that of all the great bartenders around the world.”
Broom praised the men and women who had transformed spirits from the poor relation of wine to its equal.
He said: “When I started writing about spirits they were regarded as little more than an industrial product not worthy of deep study. Thankfully this has changed and people are now realising the artistry and creativity that goes into crafting a fantastic spirit brand is every bit as great as that required to craft a wonderful wine.”
IWSC judges recognised Broom as ‘one of the most universally accessible communicators’ and praised ‘his ability to reach live audiences around the world in both consumer and trade’.
Broom, who is based in Hove, is the contributing editor of Whisky Magazine and editor in chief of the on-line Whisky Mag Japan. He is a columnist and taster on Whisky Advocate and writes for Mixology (Germany) Drink! (China), Fine Spirits and Ginger (both France) and occasionally for The Spectator as well as many other national and international publications.
His latest book, The World Atlas of Whisky (a companion volume to The World Atlas of Wine) has been hailed as ‘a landmark publication’. Two of his previous books, Drink! and Rum, won the Glenfiddich Award for Drinks Book of the Year.
Broom, who travels the world with his master-classes as well as judging at international whisky awards, joins an impressive list of past winners including Jancis Robinson, Olly Smith, Susy Atkins, Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin.
IWSC’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Anna Grant, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dave as this year’s Communicator of the Year. Judges were impressed by the breadth of his knowledge and the passion and enthusiasm with which he shares it. ”
It’s the second time in the title’s 18-year history that the award has gone to an expert from the world of spirits, reflecting the worldwide strength of the sector.
Broom was selected from a six-strong list, drawn from the world’s leading wine and spirits experts, including Eric Asimov, the influential wine critic on The New York Times, the Finnish writer, presenter and director, Arto Koskelo, the Swedish lecturer and broadcaster, Jan Petersen and Whyte & Mackay partner, Richard Paterson and the Irish wine journalist Jean Smullen.
PIC CAP: International Wine and Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year 2013, whisky and spirits expert Dave Broom.
Notes:
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. All entries of wines, spirits and liqueurs are blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary.
Previous winners of the IWSC Communicator of the Year:
1996 Jancis Robinson MW -UK
1997 Anthony Dias Blue -USA
1998 Hugh Johnson -UK
1999 Hubrecht Duijkar – TheNetherlands
2000 Carlo Petrini – Italy
2001 Andrew Jefford – UK
2002 Matthew Jukes – UK
2003 Max Allen – Australia
2004 Susy Atkins – UK
2005 Joe Wadsack -UK
2006 Oz Clarke – UK
2007 Tim Atkin MW – UK
2008 Karen MacNeil – USA
2009 Olly Smith – UK
2010 Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW –UK
2011 Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller – USA
2012 Charlie Arturaola – Uruguay
DEWAR’S® LAUNCHES NEW DEWAR’S HIGHLANDER HONEY
New Innovation – DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky Infused with Natural Flavors; Perfect for “The Drinking Man”
Coral Gables, Fla., March 27, 2013 – The House of DEWAR’S® has the spirits industry buzzing with the U.S. launch of DEWAR’S Highlander Honey—DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky infused with natural flavors. This unique innovation is crafted by the infusion of hand-selected Scottish honey along with natural flavors into the original DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL® blend, the #1 selling premium Blended Scotch whisky in the United States[1]. DEWAR’S Highlander Honey brings delectable sweetness with a pleasing bite to a new, urban and modern consumer–“The Drinking Man.”
“DEWAR’S Highlander Honey delivers fantastic notes of honey, but still retains the treasured characteristics of the original blend, which is renowned for its complex taste profile and its unparalleled smoothness,” says Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S. “By using DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL as the core for DEWAR’S Highlander Honey, the infusion process builds on the already present honey aromas found in the blend and creates an exceptionally well-rounded and harmonious taste profile that “The Drinking Man” has come to expect from DEWAR’S.”
DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL has been stung by the honey bees near Aberfeldy, Scotland, and the result is alluringly smooth. The infusion of Scottish honey reveals a velvety, mellow character with influences of juicy citrus fruits. From the eyes to the nose to the palate, consumers will find a captivating blend of sweetness and bite with DEWAR’S Highlander Honey.
DEWAR’S Highlander Honey is the first offering in a strikingly modern and new “Highlander” range of products that will include unique expressions of DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky infused with natural flavors. The range will include innovations showcasing traditional and indigenous Scottish ingredients.
“DEWAR’S Highlander Honey is a welcome addition to The Drinking Man’s portfolio and continues DEWAR’S long history of pioneering innovation within the spirits industry,” says Arvind Krishnan, VP Brand Managing Director for the DEWAR’S brand. “Consumers are turning to brown spirits for their fullness of flavor and the rich taste they deliver. DEWAR’S Highlander Honey appeals to these consumers who seek new varieties and tastes and the DEWAR’S name assures them of quality.”
DEFINITIVELY SCOTTISH, UNIQUELY DEWAR’S
Using Scottish honey harvested near the DEWAR’S distillery in Aberfeldy, Scotland, DEWAR’S Master Blender Stephanie Macleod has taken a uniquely local approach to crafting the first expression of the “Highlander” range. The composition and taste of honey is terroir-driven. Macleod uses honey from local bees, which draw their honey profile from the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands and the warm, silky texture of Scottish plants. Scottish honey gives DEWAR’S Highlander Honey a unique smooth, buttery composition.
To create the taste of DEWAR’S Highlander Honey, Macleod places Scottish honey into a mesh pouch then infuses it with other natural flavors into DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL. The blend is then filtered through oak cask wood chips. Beyond enhancing the treasured characteristics of DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL, the DEWAR’S Highlander Honey infusion process also maintains the desired 40% alcohol by volume.
HOW TO ENJOY
“The Drinking Man” will appreciate the versatility of DEWAR’S Highlander Honey. It is perfect on the rocks, in a chilled shot drink to enhance the Scottish honey notes, or in a cocktail. A DEWAR’S Highlander Honey & Cola showcases the perfectly mixable nuances of the blend.
NEW HIGHLANDER RANGE, SAME COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION
The launch of DEWAR’S Highlander Honey and the new DEWAR’S “Highlander” range of products demonstrate DEWAR’S pioneering innovation. Committed to raising the standard within the industry, the House of DEWAR’S has established a wide range of historic accolades. DEWAR’S is the most awarded blended Scotch whisky in the world. DEWAR’S was one of the first distilleries to double-barrel age, also known as “marrying,” its Scotch whisky blends. This process first created by Master Blender AJ Cameron and still followed today, involves placing newly created blends back into vintage oak casks for a second period of maturation, creating remarkable smoothness and depth of character.
DEWAR’S Highlander Honey will be available nationwide in April 2013 at fine wine and spirits retailers with a suggested retail price of $23.99 per 750 mL bottle. More information is available via www.Dewars.com.
About DEWAR’S
Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL, the top-selling Blended Scotch whisky in the USA, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year Old and the exclusive DEWAR’S SIGNATURE. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S double barrel ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded Blended Scotch.
In 2012, DEWAR’S launched a new advertising campaign called “The Drinking Man’s Scotch” aimed at connecting with a modern man. The campaign has intelligence and wit and uses an alluring and mysterious Scottish woman to deliver advice on living life and on drinking Scotch. The campaign has television, print and digital extensions.
About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ® rum, the world’s favorite and best-selling rum, as well as the world’s most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch and the number-one selling premium blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® 100 percent blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in Mexico and a top-selling premium tequila in the United States; MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, the world’s leading vermouth and the world’s favorite Italian sparkling wines; and other leading and emerging brands. For additional information, visit www.bacardiusa.com.
Photo by Robert Hall
Taste Scotch: Meet Laphroaig’s Master Ambassador and Generate Parkinson’s Disease Donation
(Atlantic City,Wyo.) First Fridays and Second Saturdays every month, from 6 till9 p.m., you’ll find Barbara and Bob Townsend, owners of Miner’s Delight Inn, pouring single malt Scotch whisky in the inn’s saloon. Their Two-bit Cowboy Saloon offers 86 single malts from 50-odd Scottish distilleries.
International Whisky Day honored the birth of English whisky writer Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion is the world’s best selling book on the subject.Jackson fought Parkinson’s Disease for almost ten years and passed away in August 2007.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Attend the inn’s First Friday tasting on April 5, 2013 ($40) and the Townsends will donate five percent of the night’s proceeds to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (http://www.pdf.org/) to help find cures for this terrible disease.
Then mark your calendars for May’s Second Saturday tasting. On May 11, 2013, Laphroaig Distillery Master Ambassador Simon Brooking will be here to pour whiskies from the Laphroaig range. Your cost for the night’s tasting will be $10.
You don’t need a reservation for tastings, but the Townsends appreciate a call, 332-0248, if you’re taking a large group. You’ll find their Scotch menu and other upcoming events at http://www.minersdelightinn.com/, and you’ll receive the inn’s Scotch whisky updates when you “Like” the inn on Facebook.
Each year Maker’s Mark, in collaboration with Keenland, releases a special iconic bottling of Maker’s Mark Bourbon. This year Maker’s Mark has chosen to honor UK Basketball star Dan Issel, who played at UK from 1967 to 1970. This special bottling is limited to only 20,028 bottles. As with every limited Keenland Bottling, all proceeds from this release will be donated to a variety of Kentucky charitable organizations.
Dan Issel is one of Kentucky basketballs iconic legends. Fondly known as “Big Dan”, he was a phenom on the court to the delight of thousands of on looking UK basketball fans. Issel’s achievements are long and include twice named All American, ABA Rookie of the Year and six-time ABA All-Star and Round 8 NBA pick. During his career at the University of Kentucky he broke and set 23 records, two of which still stand today: 2,138 career points and 1,078 career rebounds. In honor of his achievements his jersey hangs in Rupp Arena.
The Party Source is proud to carry a limited number of this special bottling. Due to intense demand, there is a limit of one (1) bottle per customer with first come, first served.
Size: 1 Liter
Price: $48.99
Date: Friday, April 5th (that’s today folks!)
Time: 8:00 am
In-Store Location: Case Central
Online Purchase: A limited number of the 2013 Commemorative Keenland Bottle will be available beginning at 8:00 am, Friday, April 5th at the following link.
Whisky Ramblings Via Video #41
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tastes one of the few official bottlings from the short-lived Pittyvaich distilleries. This 12 Year Old from the Flora & Fauna series is sometimes described as one of the worst whiskies ever, but that is very far from the truth.
This month we have selected for the PROVENANCE range four (4) new bottling – more to follow next week .
Tasting Notes for PROVENANCE:
PRV0971 Glencadam 8 year old
Barley sweet and soft as it opens on the nose – it warms to sherbet and a light citric/spiced tone. The palate is bigger than the nose suggests – full of fudge, vanilla – crunched sugar in honey – all of which is neatly replicated on the finish (F)
PRV09723 Mortlach 10 year old
Opens fresh and fragrant on the nose, developing to a sweet, malty character. The palate is sweet and fruity, carrying a sugar sprinkled strawberries style. The finish is medium long, attractively toffee’d with a lemon tang. (J)
PRV 0974 Dalmore 12 year old
Opens clean on the nose, carrying a green malt character plus a honey and fruit quality. The palate is light and fresh, running to an American Cream Soda style. The finish is medium long, softly spiced with a lingering orange pith character.
PRV0972 Glengoyne 13 year old
Opens clean and fresh, carrying a sweet, fruity quality + a soft malt character. The palate remains sweet, with crushed sugar and is smoothly spiced with a fresh orange style. The finish is medium long, spicy, still citric (grapefruit style now) plus orange pith. (J)
We hope you will like them as much as we do.
Yours sincerely
Fred Laing
Managing Director
PS. Just off the production line – is a wonderfully maritime Ledaig 7 Year Old – whose tasting notes are: Massively peated as it opens on the nose- with a real ferry engine room character! – say no more. Truly sweet on the palate – with a more subtle phenolic approach, hinting at coal dust and late tar, then its finish is toffee sweet plus a coal cellar and distinctly spiced character. (F)
Visit Douglas Laing at www.douglaslaing.com
TOP PICK
K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
Eddie MacAffer, voted Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2013 Icons of Whisky Awards
This week (25th March 2013) Morrison Bowmore Distillers are raising a dram to Bowmore Distillery Manager Eddie MacAffer as he scoops a Whisky Magazine’s Global Icon Award.
The awards, which are designed to celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world are judged by an international panel that vote over four rounds for companies based in Scotland, USA and the rest of the world. The Distillery Manager Award is one of two new categories for the awards this year.
Eddie MacAffer has been skillfully caretaking the Bowmore Distillery for over 40 years, as a man and boy. Starting his career back in 1966 Eddie has worked his way up the ranks, helping Bowmore through difficult and challenging times. His pride and passion for the distillery is evident as he takes the tours at the Distillery, with his impeccable knowledge having worked across all areas of the Distillery: the warehouse, malt barn, head maltman, brewer, head distiller and to distillery manager.
Eddie says of his success ‘I am extremely proud for myself, my family, Bowmore Distillery and Morrison Bowmore Distillers that I was presented with this honour’.
Eddie has released a number of whiskies in his time including 12, 15, 18, Surf, 17, Tempest 10, Engima12, Mariner15, Laimrig 15 as well as some rare whiskies and Islay festival special bottlings.
For more information, please visit www.bowmore.com and www.facebook.com/bowmore
Please enjoy Bowmore responsibly
NOTES:
Bowmore
The best-balanced Islay Single Malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience.
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.
Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.
Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.
They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.
It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.
The Bowmore domestic product range:
Islay
Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries.
