Tomintoul 1981 / Single Cask #5985 / 31 Year Old

The first vintage single cask to be released from Tomintoul distillery. Distilled in 1981 and aged for over 31 years in single bourbon cask #5985, bottled in 2013. Filled at cask strength 53.9% vol, only 196 bottles managing to escape the angel’s share.

£247.50

(£206.25 ex vat)

Click here to buy Tomintoul Single Cask 5985

“It is with regret that we pass on the news that John Black, a true Master Distiller within the Scotch Whisky Industry, passed away on Wednesday 18th September, 2013.

Born in 1942, John started his working life at Cardow (now Cardhu) distillery in 1958 and literally devoted the rest of his 55 years of life to the Industry and the making of Scotch whisky. John’s legacy lives on through the whisky he distilled at Glenburgie, Milton Duff, Ardbeg, Glencadam, Balblair, Pultney, Auchentoshan, Tormore, Ardmore, Scapa and last but not least Tullibardine.

John was as passionate about people as he was about distilling whisky and always had time for anyone who visited or called in for a chat. For those of us fortunate enough to have undertaken a tour of the distillery, or to have been guided through the history and process under his passionate tutelage we are eternally grateful. He had a story for every occasion & the saddest thing is that we probably never made the most of our time with him.

John Black, a friend, colleague, mentor and Master Distiller left his legacy in the whiskies he distilled and memories and thoughts instilled in the people he met.”

James Robertson, Tullibardine Distillery

TOMATIN AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Tomatin Distillery has been awarded The Scottish Environment Protection Agency Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability award at the SCDI Highlands & Islands Annual Dinner & Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious event was held on Friday 13th September at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.

Having operated for over 125 years Tomatin Distillery is leading the way in efforts to reduce its carbon output by installing an environmentally efficient wood pellet fuelled steam boiler to be used in their production process.

They are the first distillery in Scotland to install a biomass steam solution of this type from Balcas, which will be fuelled by locally produced brites wood pellets. And were the first recipient in Scotland of funding from the Green Investment Bank.

This move will not just result in a reduced carbon output but will bring with it a financial benefit and help to safeguard them against the threat caused by volatility in the oil markets.

Commenting on their success Tomatin Distillery Chief Executive, Robert Anderson said: “We are delighted that Tomatin’s move to reduce its environmental impact is being recognised in this way. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of non‐fossil fuel are the cornerstones of the Scotch Whisky industry’s efforts to make manufacturing more sustainable and support a low carbon economy.

“Tomatin is the first whisky distillery to install a biomass boiler and its installation will not only help shield us from volatile oil prices, but will support job at the local wood pellet manufacturer Balcas in Invergordon.”

Neil Holland, Sales & Marketing Director, Balcas brites commented “This is a great achievement for Tomatin and one which is well deserved. We are delighted to be working with them on providing this fully integrated and unique heat solution, which despite the challenges was implemented within 8 months. We look forward to seeing more industrial manufacturers follow in their footsteps.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Head of Operations, Andy Rosie added: “The investment made by Tomatin Distillery to seek a more sustainable means of production illustrates not only great initiative, but also sound business sense and we hope that it serves as a positive example for other industry sectors to follow.

“More importantly, it demonstrates a clear conscience of the impact of burning fossil fuels and the potential that biomass technology has to create long term benefits for both businesses and the environment – benefits that can already be seen through the Distillery’s reduction in carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

“Tomatin Distillery’s commitment to environmental management is clearly evident here, and represents an important contribution in support of the Distillers strategic environmental objectives led by the Scotch Whisky Association”.

“SEPA is delighted to be giving this award in recognition of the recent initiative taken by Tomatin Distillery and wish them every success in the future.”

 LOCHSIDE Thursday 03.10.13 £50/47*

at The Kilderkin, 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Macnab’s blend 40%

Macnab’s Lochside 10yo 40% (bottled 1992)

Lochside single blend 1964 – 2006 47.7% Scott’s Selection

Lochside single grain 31yo 05.1962 – 02.1994 56.7% Cadenheads

Lochside single malt 23yo 84-04/04 sherry hgshd 55.1% Cadenheads

*£3 off for first timers & members, membership = £10 for 13 months. Entry by pre-paid ticket only

http://www.jollytopertastings.co.uk/

The Macallan 35 year old – Old and Rare is now available to order!

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 46.3% volume. One of only 255 bottles filled from a refill hogshead. Distilled in May 1977 and bottled in April 2013.

Tasting notes

Rich and honeyed aromas with golden syrup and dried apricots followed by melon, mango and a dry, crisp apple note. It has a soft creamy texture and flavours of marshmallow and candied lemons then finishing with a distinctive ash and smoke note complimenting the fruits and adding a bit of spice. A pleasant outdoor dram on Autumn evenings! Tasting notes by Darren Leitch.

Simply click here to buy £899.99

www.ralfy.com explores the best-seller bourbon in America with Whisky Review 394 – Wild Turkey 101 bourbon

IRISH DISTILLERS REVEALS VISION FOR THE IRISH WHISKEY CATEGORY AT THE HOUSEWARMING

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard – makers of Jameson Irish Whiskey – showcased a raft of new innovations that reaffirm the company’s commitment to the continued global growth of the Irish Whiskey category as it opened the doors of its Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork for The Housewarming last week

Irish Distillers unveiled an expansion of its famed Midleton Distillery as they showcased the new Garden Stillhouse. Demonstrating the importance it places on increasing understanding of the unique properties and provenance of the whiskeys made at the Midleton Distillery, the pioneering company also revealed its new Irish Whiskey Academy and an extensive Irish Whiskey Archive, which provides a thorough history of the Irish whiskey category.

The company also paid special tribute to former Master Distiller, Barry Crockett, who retired earlier this year after an impressive 47 years with the company, by revealing that the distillery’s old Stillhouse has been re-named the ‘Barry Crockett Stillhouse’ in his honour.

Guests were welcomed to the distillery for an afternoon of activities and festivities, including tastings of the company’s comprehensive range of whiskeys – led by members of the Irish Distillers’ production team, including new Master Distiller, Brian Nation, a demonstration from Ger Buckley, Master Cooper, a whiskey Trends Lab and many others. Further entertainment was provided with live music throughout the day and an artisanal food village showcasing the best of Irish food and craft. The event ended in the evening with the Jameson’s Barrelman’s Feast where guests were able to enjoy a variety of performances including a show from a traditional Irish band The Chieftains.

Anna Malmhake, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, said: “We’re thrilled to have so many of our friends from across the world with us here at the Midleton Distillery for what has been a very special celebration of Jameson and all of our whiskeys and in particular, the contribution of the many great people who make Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard such an exciting, innovative and fun company to be part of.”

“We are delighted to reveal all the new elements that we have been working hard on here at the Midleton Distillery. We are hopeful that our new Irish Whiskey Academy and Archive will herald a new era of increased understanding of the provenance and quality of Irish Whiskey, which is something the whole team is passionate about, and we hope that it is what everyone who has joined us for the Housewarming takes away from the day.”

For further information about the day’s activities please contact: irishdistillers@rt-com.com

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

Cragganmore 12-year-old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($45.99)
90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “The succulent aroma develops with aeration in the sweet forms of barley, cream, light caramel, and a trace of tropical fruit. Palate entry is round, borderline plump, breakfast-cereal sweet, and honeyed; at midpalate, there’s a slightly oily peat smoke. Sweetly concludes with the focus on the malt.” (04/2004) Whisky Advocate: “This oft-overlooked Speysider has been frustratingly variable in the past, but now seems to have hit greater consistency. Worm tubs and weird stills combine to give a complex malt, but one that needs help from oak to blossom fully. There are hedgerow aromas: black currant leaf, hawthorn berries, and lots of honey. A chestnut note continues on the tongue where, on the finish, a hint of smoke lurks. (Vol. 21, #2)” K&L Notes: Barley is naturally a major crop, and the presence of Scotland’s fastest flowing river – together with peat from the uplands to the south – was the reason original Cragganmore owner ‘Big’ John Smith felt that it would be the perfect place for the perfect distillery. And who could argue with his genius? Successive managers of Cragganmore have strived to continue his vision to deliver the sweetest, most complex malt whiskies: fruity, honeyed notes are often found. And many a taster of has talked lyrically of fruitcake and toffee flavours. “One of Speyside’s greats. Elegant and austere. Gradually, almost reluctantly, reveals itself. The most fragrant of whiskies: delicate, herbal, flowery. A palate blossoming with flavours, and a long, lingering, finish.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.

Laphroaig “Quarter Cask” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)
91 points Whisky Advocate: “The whisky begins sweet and creamy, with notes of vanilla, honey, and ripe malt (reminiscent of a malting floor). Then the Laphroaig signature peat smoke, seaweed, tar, and medicinal notes emerge. Bottling at 48% and without chill-filtering keeps the whisky from being dulled down. A whisky that is very dynamic. Nicely done. (Vol. 15, #2)” K&L Notes: Two hundred years ago, malt whisky was carried through Scotland in small casks that were easily transported on the backs of pack horses. As transportation methods improved, Scottish distillers turned to more economical larger casks, which became today’s uniform standard for maturation. Until now. Realizing that using the original small cask maturation process would be an innovative way to add new character. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is handcrafted to deliver a new expression of Laphroaig’s powerful, smoky flavors with smoother, creamier and more complex notes. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is initially matured in American oak bourbon barrels, and then is transferred into new, specially produced quarter-casks for a final seven-to-eight month period. As a result, the maturing spirit receives 30% more contact with wood than other single malts aged in larger, more commonly used barrels. The additional wood influence imparts a very special character to the spirit . The result is a single malt with the unmistakable peat smoke that is so unique to Laphroaig, and a creamy, coconut-like nose with a soft sweetness, a hint of salt.

W. L. Weller 12 year old Bourbon 750ml ($25.99)
Whisky Advocate: “A “wheated” bourbon, meaning that it doesn’t have the spicy rye notes found in a more traditional “ryed” bourbon. A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one. ” K&L Notes: “From its deep, bronze color to its initial aromas of lanolin, almond oil and creamed corn, this tipple delights! A second sniff highlights the oily grainy quality that’s firm and pungent, this one’s a high-spirited, lusciously toasty, and animated bouquet that has top-notch Bourbon written all over it. The dry, complex, and toasty palate entry is reminiscent of the Centennial 10 Year Old’s. The mid-palate flavor profile is heavily wheated (like Wheat Thins crackers), oily, layer, moderately sweet and sap-like. The finish is long, sweet, oaky, and intensely grainy; follows in the footprints of the legendary Centennial and delivers the goods, all for an unbelievable price.” (Paul Pacult, The Spirit Journal

Scotland – Irish and Blended Scotch

Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml – 11 available ($84.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

2002 Glen Grant 10 Year Old Gordon & Macphail, Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 2 available ($45.99)

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

Less than two weeks to go and less than 100 tickets left for the Fourth Midlands Whisky Festival!

10^th Anniversary – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014

It’s on its Way…

Please pre-order your copies of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014 now….