TOMATIN CELEBRATES UK GROWTH WITH DOUBLE FRINGE WIN

Tomatin Distillery is celebrating being the first distillery to have ever been awarded the ‘The Spirit of Whisky Fringe Award’ at the Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh for two consecutive years. The Highland company, which has experienced 150% growth in UK sales over the past 3 years, was once again voted the outright winner by visitors to the Fringe last weekend for its 30 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Whisky Fringe is an annual event held in the stunning venue of The Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, organised by whisky retailer Royal Mile Whiskies. Now in its 12th year, the sell‐out three day event presents over 200 whiskies to 500 visitors who vote for their favourite whisky they have sampled. No other distillery has previously been placed in 1st position two years running.

Tomatin has experienced 150% growth in UK sales over the past three years due to its change in strategy and increased exposure. Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, explained: “Whilst our business is predominantly export, the UK has become an increasingly important market for us. Our whiskies consistently rate highly in international whisky competitions, which is not only reflective of the overall growth of the brand but is also testament to the quality of the spirit we release. Consumers in the UK are finally sitting up and taking notice of Tomatin.”

Bremner continues: “It is a great achievement that we have scored highly in this event’s top ten voted whiskes for the past three years at the Whisky Fringe, and we are especially delighted that our new edition 30 year old has won the top prize two years running. What makes this award so special is that it is voted for not by industry experts but by customers themselves, so we are thrilled our whiskies rate so highly.”

Tomatin Distillery had two expressions in the top ten in 2011 (their limited edition ‘Decades’ release marking Douglas Campbell’s 50 years’ service to the company and the previous bottling of Tomatin 30 year old) and a further two in the top ten in 2012 (their 1982 single cask and the overall winner the new edition 30 Year Old).

The Tomatin 30 Year Old is available to buy from www.royalmilewhiskies.com.

 TOMATIN DISTILLERY CO LTD

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.

Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.

The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.

The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

WHISKY LIVE PARIS

Whisky Live is an international event, now well established in all four corners of the planet and held all throughout the year. Since 2003, France hosts this event each year in September. This year, we welcome more than 150 brands from the whisky and spirits’ world!

LEARN MORE

• 1998 Arran 14 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (Pre-Arrival) ($89.99)
Our first attempt to visit the lone distillery on Scotland’s Isle of Arran was disastrous – a gigantic blizzard blew through the south of Scotland, completely shutting down the available ferry system and knocking out power for the entire island. Despite our desire to finally see one of the true up-and-comers of the Scotch industry, we were simply out of luck this year. That didn’t mean we couldn’t taste through casks, however. Luckily for us, the Arran rep was stationed at Glasgow when the storm hit and had samples pulled in anticipation of our appointment. We met up with her shortly after the storm and immediately fell in love with an ex-sherry hogshead that was as complex and delicious as anything we had ever tasted from the young distillery. The nose is all golden grains, brandied fruit, and malty goodness. The palate has a short burst of bright fruit before settling down into faint sherry and sweet barley. At cask strength the alcohol makes these flavors even more powerful, but water doesn’t hinder them in any way. Arran is easily the MIP of the malt industry – the most improved player. Recent releases have been top notch, especially for a producer that began in 1996. We have no doubt that this wonderful cask will make believers out of K&L customers as well. The richness of the finish lingers on forever, reminding for minutes how legit this whisky is. Of course, we knew that going in. That’s why we were willing to brave the blizzard. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1996 Bowmore 16 Year Old Faultline Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($92.99)
This year we were lucky enough to secure two different Bowmore Casks for the Faultline selection. As I’ve stated previously, Bowmore is absolutely one of the finest distilleries in Scotland and finding casks like this at reasonable prices is just not normal. This lovely whisky comes from a refill sherry butt. This is a lovely contrast to our other Bowmore, showing much softer aromas of candied fruit, densely wafting smoke, but with a subtleness that is not seen on the Hogshead cask from 1997. This barrel perhaps captures the current distillery profile more precisely because of the sherry influence (limited as it may be) and will make any Bowmore lover happy. It may also provides an opening for none Islay drinkers to appreciate a smoky whisky that is fully integrated and approachable without to much of the medicinal side. Similar casks are currently selling in Europe for upwards of $150, so don’t expect this to be around forever.

• 1989 Cragganmore 23 Year Old Faultline Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)
Finally, the return of Cragganmore to the Faultline line up. One of our first bottlings was a fabulous 20 year old Craggy, from a hogshead. That was three years ago and we haven’t seen another Cragganmore from any of our suppliers since, so when this one popped up as a potential Faultline candidate we jumped on it. We were surprised again by both the quality and the incredible price! Cragganmore is distilled from very lightly peated barley. Over the course of 23+ years in a refill sherry butt, that subtle smokiness has morphed into what can only be described as quintessentially Speyside. Imagine a highland shrub recently in bloom after months of dormancy during the long cold winter. Imagine the honey bee attracted to the tiny purple flowers, returns to her hive, which is situated precariously on the outstretched limb of knobby oak tree. The honey slowly drips out of the dense honeycomb on to the damp reeds below. This tiny florally flecked speck of honey trap ped on a blade of grass flutters in the breeze to land on a damp stone on the banks of the river Spey. Droplets from the idly lapping river loosen the blade from its sticky perch on the wet stone, eventually releasing it into the meandering river as it twists toward the north sea. Now imagine yourself with a bottle of Cragganmore. You have a very good imagination…

• 1992 Longmorn 21 Year Old Faultline Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($104.99)
Oh Longmorn, you elusive lovely creature. Last year, we bottled a Longmorn from a fresh sherry butt that was arguably our most positively received whisky of 2012. All the whisky geeks went mad and snatched up every bottle moments after it arrived. This year we return with another Longmorn of a similar price and aged, but this time it’s coming from a second fill butt. It’s not the sweet up-front style of last year’s, but instead a powerful whisky filled with fresh vanilla, dark dense fruit, and aromas of toffee and spice. This is a fabulously complex whisky with a roundness that’s undeniably pleasurable. Again don’t expect a redux of last year’s cask, but a special whisky that stands tall on it’s own merit. All lovers of this splendid Speyside distillery, located just south of Elgin, should buy now before the price goes up. A very welcome addition to the Faultline family.

• 1982 Miltonduff 30 Year Old Faultline Single Cask Strength Singl e Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($139.99)
This baby will be the oldest single malt whisky we’ve ever bottled under the Faultline label. Miltonduff is certainly rare on the market right now, although we find casks regularly, the quality is highly irregular. This cask was just transcendent in my opinion. Aged for 30 years in a bourbon barrel, we really get to the essence of Miltonduff. Exhibiting exotic wood notes and powerfully aromatic qualities of incense, gentian, and spice on the nose give way to intense vibrancy and life on the palate. While this whisky is mature, it certainly shows no sign of slowing down, layering on the aromatic elements as the whisky finishes. Sandalwood, cardamom, bay leaf, and subtle honeyed sweetness soften the powerful masculine quality of this special whisky.

• 1987 Mortlach 25 Year Old Faultline Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($124.99)
Here is a fun whisky from the fabulous and sought-after distillery in Dufftown. We’ve already had great success this year with Mortlach from various bottlers, but this cask was just too good a value to pass up. What we have here is a total turnaround from the sherry monster that we bottled via Chieftain’s this year. Coming from a refill bourbon barrel, the savory quality of Mortlach is not framed by the sweet dried fruit of the sherry cask. Instead, the subtle influence of the bourbon barrels works to highlight the distilleries distinctive qualities. Just an all together stupendous value, if somewhat geared for the more expert drinker. The high proof will be a definite surprise for those not expecting it. I believe that many who liked our first Faultline – a Littlemill 21 yo – will enjoy this cask for its unflappable uniqueness and rich complexity.

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

Tasting Notes: Glen Garioch Virgin Oak

While Bowmore and Auchentoshan have had some attention from the new (well, newish – she joined them towards the end of 2011) Morrison Bowmore Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, the folks at Glen Garioch have been a little left out. Bowmore has a … Continue reading >>

The International Order of The Companions of the Quaich

Sidney Peninsula Chapter 

Monday, September 16, 2013, Sidney Pier Hotel, 7:00 PM

 “Whisky Reminiscences”

This tasting event will feature five select whiskies which were available in B.C. in the past but are now delisted. They languished in the club cellar (a.k.a basement) awaiting a suitable tasting occasion. It has arrived! So join this month’s dinner-tasting and enjoy some drams which will bring back fond memories. A 3 Course Dinner & 5 Whisky Tastings; members $60 and guests $70 – Designated Drivers (Dinner only) $50. Please RSVP by Phone (250-658-1109) or email

IRISH DISTILLERS RELEASE THE 2013 EDITION OF MIDLETON VERY RARE

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, has unveiled the latest release of its prestigious blended whiskey, Midleton Very Rare.

Regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of Irish Whiskey, Midleton Very Rare is made from hand-selected whiskeys chosen by the Master Distiller from the renowned Midleton Distillery. Blended from only the finest single pot still and grain distillates of the year, the whiskey is matured in a select few, lightly charred, ex-Bourbon American oak casks, contributing to its complex and elegant taste profile, beloved of whiskey connoisseurs across the world.

Midleton Very Rare benefits from the distillery’s trademark triple distillation and a typical ageing time of up to 20 years and features the signature of the Master Distiller on the label, as a guarantee of the unique quality of this rare whiskey. The 2013 edition will be the final expression to feature the signature of Barry Crockett, the former Master Distiller who first developed this prestige whiskey ahead of its launch in 1984 and retired earlier this year after 47 years at the distillery.

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation and Category Development Director at Irish Distillers, says: “Midleton Very Rare is rightfully regarded as one of the ultimate expressions of the Irish whiskey category and each vintage is cherished by collectors and whiskey connoisseurs. It is a unique whiskey that demonstrates both the outstanding quality of Irish whiskey at the high end of the category and the immense skill of our Master Distiller, so with Midleton Very Rare and the other Prestige whiskeys in our portfolio we’re aiming to show the world that the finest Irish Whiskeys offer exceptional quality that rival the best whiskies from across the world.”

Barry Crockett, former Master Distiller of the Midleton Distillery, says: “Due to the hand crafted nature of Midleton Very Rare, there are slight variances in taste from year to year. The 2013 edition is characterised by a complex yet elegant taste of soft ripe fruits, leading to a generous single pot still spice and a long, balanced finish. The depth and complexity of the expression means it appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs, with the nuances of each annual release making them a must-try spirit for all whiskey drinkers.”

NOTES 

Midleton Very Rare 2013 Tasting Notes – prepared by Master Blender, Billy Leighton

Aroma

The initial light sweet top note of cane sugar can be attributed to the influence of the well-aged grain whiskey component. Then the pot still spices appear along with vanilla and oak char. Within the combination you find, dairy fudge, milk chocolate and green apples.

Taste

Very soft and mellow with a satisfying balance of confectionary sweetness, through soft ripe fruit to the more robust pot still spices. The charred oak and barley grains contribute to the wonderful complexity.

Finish

The succulent mellow flavours remain in balance and are slow to fade.

Age Range

15 to 24 years

*Midleton Very Rare Award Wins

2012 International Spirits Challenge – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Gold Best in Class

2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Double Gold

2012 Irish Whiskey Masters – Midleton Very Rare 2011 – Gold

2013 International Spirits Challenge – Midleton Very Rare 2012 – Gold Best in Class 

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.

A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.  

Irish whiskey brands within the Irish Distillers’ portfolio include Jameson, Paddy and Powers, with Single Pot Still brands, Green Spot, Yellow Spot, Redbreast and the much-revered Midleton, which includes prestigious expressions such Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Midleton Very Rare, completing the line-up.  

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

http://www.singlepotstill.com/

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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

The August edition of ‘Whisky Matters’

Summer is all about entertaining, and August, the last month of this wonderful season, should be whisky bountiful.

 August is also a perfect time to get those tickets to your WoW destinations at a DISCOUNT.

• October 2nd – WoW Austin
• November 1st – WoW Atlanta
• March 29th – WoW San Francisco

Tickets are still on summer SALE for Atlanta and San Francisco. (Refundable until four weeks before event.)

BUY TICKETS

Hotel Partners:

AUSTIN:

HOLIDAY INN LADY BIRD LAKE
20 North IH-35
Austin, Texas 78701
Rate: $149/night
Call the reservation department and use group code: WOW: 1-888-615-0509.
Or follow this link to book your room: click here

Complimentary Airport Shuttle: Call the front desk at 512-472-8211, once you get your baggage. Proceed out of baggage area on the ground floor to pillar # 5; that is where the hotel shuttle picks up. Complimentary covered parking for those are renting a car or driving to the event.

DEADLINE FOR SPECIAL RATE IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. Rate available based on room availability after the 18th.

ATLANTA:

INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD
3315 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
$179 a night for Oct 31 to Nov 2. Call 404-946-9000 and mention Spirits Tasting.

DEADLINE FOR SPECIAL RATE IS OCTOBER 11. Rate available based on room availability after the 11th.

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Cameron Brig Single Grain Whisky

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