THE LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL COMES TO LONDON

by Pat Roberts

The beautiful Scottish island of Islay is host each year to its own jazz festival, sponsored by Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It hosts an outstanding bill of international and Scottish jazz artists: last year brought the hugely successful Neil Cowley Trio (UK Jazz Artist of the Year 2013), and this year the stars include Magnus Öström , a central figure in the new European Jazz scene.

However, Islay is a difficult place to get to, even for the most devoted of jazz or whisky enthusiasts, so this year LAGAVULIN™, Jazz FM and The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show have come together to bring a taste of Islay Jazz to London.

For one night only, on Tuesday 3rd September, the Camden Jazz Café will be playing host to The Islay Jazz Festival, with great music from leading Scottish performers, and Lagavulin for guests to enjoy.

Tickets include entry on the night, a Lagavulin aperitif, a dram of Lagavulin 16 yo and a Lagavulin cocktail during the interval, designed by virtuoso bartender Ryan ‘Mr Lyan’ Chetiyawardana.

VIP tickets are also available, which include a seat on the balcony and a main course from the Jazz Café’s menu. The Jazz Café’s bar will also be open as usual, offering a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and, of course, Lagavulin.

On stage are artists who have all appeared at recent Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festivals:

Colin Steele Quintet

colin-steele-quintet

Over the last decade trumpeter Colin Steele has made his mark on the UK scene, winning awards and wowing audiences with his Scottish folk-tinged jazz. His quintet brings him together with four other top Scottish musicians: Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Callum Gourlay (double bass) and Stu Richie (drums). He is appearing again at this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.

Tom Bancroft: Trio Red

tom-bancroft-trio-redA key figure in the Scottish jazz scene for over 20 years, drummer, composer and bandleader Tom Bancroft’s latest project focuses on musical storytelling, with mash-ups, improvisations and original compositions drawing on the group’s extensive live experience. Trio Red features Tom on drums with Tom Cawley on piano and Per Zanussi on bass.

The Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2013 : 13-15 September

The Whisky Show 2013 : 5-7 October

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading 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 Diageo.com. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and our global resource http://www.drinkiq.com/” href=”http://www.drinkiq.com/”>http://www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking. In Great Britain, Diageo is a member of The Portman Group and supports The Drinkaware Trust.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Whiskies valued at €500,000 to be opened and shared at Monte Carlo’s world exclusive whisky extravaganza

Monte Carlo, Friday 9th August 2013 – For immediate release

Collectors, Investors and Connoisseurs of the finest whiskies are invited to gather in the Principality of Monaco, 29th November – 1st December 2013, for the debut edition of The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, the world’s most exclusive whisky event showcasing the rarest whiskies. Fifty golden ticket holders will gain unprecedented access to leading whisky experts and to some of the finest collectable whiskies with a total value of €500,000.

Anita Di Sotto of La Maison D’Ecosse, co-founder of the Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, along with the Monte Carlo Whisky Society, says that the event has been created in response to the enormous interest in prestige whiskies. “The growth in demand of super premium malts and blends in the last few years has been phenomenal and we feel that the time is right to create an event that responds to this interest and that Monte Carlo provides the perfect setting for this exclusive gathering,” says Anita.

Charles MacLean, Whisky Consultant, author and Master of the Quaich, is Patron of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society. He says that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference is not like other whisky shows. “It is shamelessly exclusive! It will be led by five of the most experienced blenders and best respected brand ambassadors at the absolute top of their trade. They are bringing whiskies that you will never have a chance to taste anywhere else because they are either so expensive or already sold out.” MacLean says that the weekend promises to be relaxed and great fun. “The gloves will be off with no formalities. There will be a lot of banter between the experts with unprecedented access to them given the intimacy of the event.”

There will be a special focus on whisky as an investment. David Robertson who founded The Whisky Trading Co Ltd, the world’s first Whisky Investment business, will host a seminar on whisky investing titled ‘Liquid Gold or Lead Balloon?’ A former Master Distiller, Robertson says, “The opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and insights on the rare whisky market with like minded connoisseurs, experts, aficionados, collectors and investors is not to be missed.” Robertson will also host a Master Class Tasting titled ‘Rarest of the Rare’. A journey back in time to taste some pre WWII distilled whiskies including Mortlach 1936 35 year old, Strathisla 1937 35 year old and Glenlivet 1938 35 year old.

The experts, who will also present some extremely rare and precious malts at their individual master classes include; Dr Bill Lumsden, Production Director of the Glenmorange Group; Dr Sam Simmons, Global Brand Ambassador, The Balvenie; Ronnie Cox, Global Brand Ambassador, The Glenrothes and Richard Paterson, Master Blender, The Dalmore. Paterson will also host a pre-conference whisky tasting of The Dalmore Constellation in Monte Carlo 1st October 2013. “It will be the most exclusive and expensive tasting of The Dalmore ever,” says Paterson explaining that the total value of the four single malts to be tasted at the event will be €47,000.

In addition to the Master Classes, seminars at The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will examine topics such as whisky investing, future market trends and whisky flavour and its origin. An Experts Lunch will be hosted by Charles MacLean, whilst the Whisky Confessionals will grant private one-to-ones with the experts. One of the highlights of the conference will be an auction of rare collectable whisky in aid of the Prince Albert II Foundation.

Cultural events throughout the three day conference include a private viewing of the uncut version of the Ken Loach film The Angel’s Share, music with Scottish performers, kilts by Howie Nicholsby and the unveiling of a specially commissioned painting by Spencer Hodge.

The event concludes with the St Andrew’s Gala Banquet in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Salle Belle Epoque of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco. It features a gastronomic menu devised by three stellar chefs; Joel Garault, Michelin Star Chef of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco; Michael Smith, Head Chef at the Three Chimneys, Scotland and Christian Garcia, Head Chef of Palais Princier, Monaco.

“It is truly remarkable how passionate whisky consumers have become,” say Charles MacLean. “It is a wonderful industry to be involved in and that passion and joy will ensure that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will be great fun.”

http://mcwc.lamaisondecosse.com/

The Monte Carlo Whisky Society

is an exclusive international private club by invitation only. The aim of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society is to bring together men and women who are either connoisseurs of whisky or who wish to explore some of the world’s most remarkable whiskies whilst enjoying the finest gourmet and cultural experiences.

La Maison D’Ecosse

incorporated in Monaco in 2012 to showcase the luxuries of Scotland in Monaco to a world audience. A cultural exchange from Scotland to Monaco and back again. This is accomplished primarily through Scotland’s true ambassador – Whisky! La Maison D’Ecosse have their own signature blend and private stock single malt limited edition whisky selected by Charles MacLean and bottled by Adelphi in Scotland. They also handle the sale of rare and collectable Whisky.

Jack Daniel’s Gold Medal gift pack limited edition now available!

The Jack Daniel’s Double Gold Medal limited edition gift pack has been created
to commemorate two historic Gold Medals. It contains a special matt black 1-litre bottle of Old No.7 along with two very stylish tumblers decorated with the medals won in 1914 and 1915.

The Tennessee whiskey was awarded a gold medal in 1914 by the Anglo-American Exhibition held in London, which honoured the two countries’ contributions to the world, and then in 1915 by the Institute of Hygiene for continuing standards following Jack Daniel’s death.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Balanced character, sweet, oaky with a hint of vanilla.

Palate: Concentrates at mid palate – more sweetness.

Finish: Vanilla notes.

Simply Click Here To Buy

www.ralfy.com introduces Whisky Review 386 (2/2) – Amazing Whisky improvement

LAPHROAIG® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY TAKES HOME FIVE AWARDS AT 2013 INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION

Islay Scotch Awarded Top Honors In Prestigious Industry Competition Deerfield, IL (August, 2013) – Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) is pleased to announce that the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awarded Laphroaig®, the world’s most richly flavored Scotch whisky, with top honors for five of its expressions.

Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old was awarded the Gold Outstanding Award, which is only awarded at the judges’ discretion, and Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, and Triple Wood all won Silver Outstanding Awards, which are awarded only to outstanding expressions of excellent quality.

“We are honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards by the International Wine and Spirit Competition,” said John Campbell, Master Distiller for Laphroaig. “For 200 years, we’ve focused on delivering rich, unique and distinct Islay Scotch whisky, and these awards further establish Laphroaig® as a leader in this category.”

The 44th annual International Wine and Spirit Competition received entries from 90 countries worldwide and judges each entry according to its class. The judging takes place in two stages; entries are first scored via a blind taste test by over 300 highly experienced industry judges. Next, the top products undergo a technical analysis to ensure the winners receive complete validation. To search the full list of results visit iwsc.net/results.

Judges at this year’s competition noted Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old as having an incredible nose with amazing rich floral notes, as well as the other expressions as “exciting and full of life” and having a “youthfully energetic finish.”

To learn more about Laphroaig® or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig®, visit www.Laphroaig.com, LIKE us on Facebook www.facebook.com/laphroaigusa , or follows us on Twitter @LaphroaigUSA.

About Laphroaig®

Laphroaig® (La-‘froyg) literally means “the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.” Born from the streams and blue peat smoke of Islay, Laphroaig® is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinct taste and story in every bottle. The secret to Laphroaig® is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced—next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig® a unique peaty taste. It is one of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. It’s also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.

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, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials. 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 Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. 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.

BenRiach Cask 286 Peated

19 Year Old, UK exclusive

Deep harvest gold colour. Intense waves of spiced oak with creamy vanilla over apricots and peaches, all backed by a delicate, sweet honeyed peat. A combination of delicate soft fruits and sweet oak spices, covered by dramatic bursts of ntense wood smoke, which mellow and mingle with hints of melon and pineapple in the lasting after-note. £83.95

GlenDronach Batch 8 2002 cask # 1988

Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon

White pepper and cinnamon combine with sweet dates and sultanas infused with hints of ginger and vanilla. Red chilli bursts in the mouth and develops into intense flavours of treacle-covered ripe autumn fruits. Fresh mint and toasted nuts add to the long, vibrant finish. £47.95

Bowmore 23 Year Old, Port Matured

Colour: Deep mahogany with a rich ruby blush. Nose: Rich, smoky and very complex. Plum skins, black cherries and dark chocolate are interwoven with wood smoke and sea-salt, seductive sandalwood and walnuts thrown on a roaring fire. Taste: A swathe of rich smoky velvet bringsluscious layered autumn fruits, tingly winter spices, blood orange and sensualwinter black truffles. Finish: Long and rich with smoke infused blood orange,truffle and walnut oil. £380.00

Milroy’s of Soho

3 Greek Street

London, England W1D 4NX

United Kingdom

THE SILENCE of the DRAMS!

A unique tasting experience by MCLEANSCOTLAND.

We gathered 5 people together, gave them three drams and asked them NOT to say a word.

Each dram taken in turn, from a typed out presentation sheet, each drammer was asked to write down what they thought of each dram. NO speaking at all.

SILENCE. As it turned out, this method gave each person chance to write their own thoughts down and not be influenced by any other taster – great!

So, who took part and what did they write? see here;

http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/silenceofthedrams.asp

The “silence” was arranged, conceived and presented by MCLEANSCOTLAND and Angels Whisky Club

Now in its second year, the Jewish Whisky Company is proud to announce the return of Whisky Jewbilee, its charity whisky festival.

While open to all lovers of whisky, rye and bourbon, the Whisky Jewbilee began as a charitable, Glatt Kosher catered whisky tasting event for the New York-based Jewish community.  In 2012, on short notice and with less than 4½ weeks of planning, the Jewish Whisky Company was able to gather 32 brands, 150+ whiskies and 250 attendees to the inaugural Whisky Jewbilee held in NYC.

Having the luxury of time to plan for 2013, the Jewish Whisky Company saw an opportunity to plan for two Whisky Jewbilee events.

Both events will be Glatt Kosher catered by the award winning Ari White, Executive Chef, Gemstone Caterers; Pitboss, Wandering Que.

This year attendees can expect more than 45 brands, 200+ whiskies and for the first time, a special festival bottling for the Whisky Jewbilee (see attached image).  Attendees can expect the low entry fee of $110 to get into one of the events.  Members of the Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation (http://www.singlecasknation.com/) can expect a price of $90 for a ticket to either Whisky Jewbilee event.

The dates of the Whisky Jewbilee events are as follows:

• Wednesday, October 9^th in Mt. Kisco NY at Grand Prix, New York’s premier racing and gaming center (333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY  10549).
  • Gaming is from 5pm – 7pm (all racing and gaming ends when tasting begins)
  • Tasting is from 7pm – 10pm
  • Tickets for the Mt. Kisco event can be purchased here: https://whiskyjewbilee.ticketbud.com/mt-kisco
  • Maximum capacity: 600 people
• Thursday, October 10^th in New York City at Zanger Hall (347 W 34^th St, New York, NY  10001).
  • Tasting is from 7pm – 10pm
  • Cigars and bourbon outside (weather permitting) from 8pm – 10pm
  • Tickets for the NYC event can be purchased here: https://whiskyjewbilee.ticketbud.com/nycity
  • Maximum capacity: 325 people

The special festival bottling is of a single barrel from Heaven Hill distilleries and is a 15 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon from a high-rye mash bill, bottled at 122.6 proof (61.3% ABV).   The barrel rendered fewer than 100 bottles and is expected to be priced at $110 per bottle.  Those who wish to purchase the festival bottling will have to sign up at the Jewish Whisky Company table at either Whisky Jewbilee event; 40 bottles will be allotted to both Whisky Jewbilee events. This very special Whisky Jewbilee bottling of Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon is first come, first served.

Jewish Whisky Company, LLC has partnered with Support Connection as the charity organization of choice for these two events.  Support Connection is a Not-for-profit organization providing free breast cancer and ovarian cancer support services for patients and their families: http://www.supportconnection.org/.  A portion of proceeds from both Whisky Jewbilee events will benefit Support Connection.

For more information, contact the Jewish Whisky Company here:

Phone: 203.689.5163

Toll-­‐Free: 866.883.7528

Email at: info@whiskyjewbilee.com

Laphroaig: A Love Letter

by Tim Forbes

Ode on a Laphroaig Thou still unravish’d cask of quietness, Thou foster-child of Silence and slow Time, Wooden historian, who canst thus express A barley tale more sweetly than our rhyme: What smoke-tinged legend hangs above thy glass Of tarry … Continue reading >>