The Relaxed Whisky Weekend
6 – 8 September 2013

Hello relaxed whisky enthusiasts!

In just 5 weeks from now the 5th Maltstock will start. It promises to be a fantastic weekend. And even if you can’t make it we have some exciting news for you:

10% discount at Whiskysamples.eu
Starting now every Malttsock newsletter subscriber (that’s you!) will get a 10% discount at whiskysamples.eu. This offer is valid until 15 August. Simply go to http://www.whiskysamples.eu,/, browse through their very fine selection of samples and order. When finishing your order you enter the discount code “Maltstock” and the 10% discount will be processed. This offer is open to every Maltstock newsletter subscriber, not just the ticket holders.

Maltstock clothing
We’ve had some requests for Maltstock polo’s and t-shirts. These will be available to order in our webshop within the next few days. Order your polo or t-shirt before August 21 and you can collect it at Maltstock. We won’t have a lot of clothing available for sale during the Maltstock weekend. You can also order at Maltstock we’ll send it to you afterwards.

Maltstock masterclasses
We have a record number of 11 (!) different tastings this year. Wow! Plus a special bonus tasting for the winners of the whisky quiz (more later). Everyone with a Maltstock ticket should have received an e-mail with an link to an online form, to let us know which tatsings you would like to attend. The Benriach/Glendoranch tasting with Donald MacLellan is one everyone can attend: it’s at the campfire. Please notice that the tasting on friday evening is at the same time as the whisky quiz, and the one on Saturday morning is the same time as the walk.

5% discount The Whiskyshop Duftown
Just a quick reminder: every ticket holder gets a 5% discount at the excellent and relaxed Whiskyshop in Dufftown. Click here to visit the online shop.

Almost SOLD OUT
That’s right, we’re almost sold out! Currently we have only two beds available at theMaltstock dorms. After that you can only buy tickets without accommodation. There’s however a campsite nearby. The nearest hotel is about 4,5 kilomters away. More information on alternative accommodation can be found here.

Let’s all just bottle a bit of this very nice weather at the moment and bring it to Maltstock just in case 🙂 See you all in 5 weeks!

Follow us on Facebook for all the latest news!

Relaxed greetings,
Arthur, Bob, Rogier & Teun

BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd wins ten medals including two “Golds” in the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 10 medals at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition, with BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh expressions all scooping major awards.

It was gold for two BenRiachs – the 16YO and the Authenticus 25YO.

In addition, there were three Silver Outstanding Medals – for BenRiach 12YO Arumaticus Fumosus, GlenDronach 12YO and BenRiach 17YO Solstice.

Four silver medals followed – for GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2, GlenDronach 21YO Parliament, GlenDronach 18YO Allardice and Glenglassaugh Evolution.

And completing the ten awards was a Bronze Medal for Glenglassaugh Revival.

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It exists to award excellence to wines and spirits worldwide, encouraging consumer and trade recognition for quality products.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are thrilled to win these awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands, and winning two gold medals is particularly satisfying.

“The 16 year-old is a really nice, smooth single malt – of all the whiskies we produce this specific expression probably best captures the ‘house-style’ of BenRiach – a real classic Speysider!

“And our full-bodied 25YO Authenticus, formerly available as a 21YO, continues to get rave reviews. Bottled at 46%, non chill filtered and at natural colour, the peated malted barley produces a unique, smoky, phenolic taste that’s very unusual for a Speyside malt.

“These are two sublime malts…perfect for toasting the health of a new baby Prince and his proud parents!”

BUNNAHABHAIN’S GENTLE GIANT TAKES GOLD 

The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt, produced on the world-famous whisky producing island, Isle of Islay, has been awarded gold at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London. Applauded by the judges for its “delicate floral, dark sugar, caramel and coffee flavours with tremendous seaside character” they christened this 25 year old as “a gorgeous gentle giant”.

It is best to enjoy this warm and welcoming single malt neat or with a dash of water to really savour its wonderful combination of flavours. The Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain’s (pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn) single malts are crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water piped from the Margadale River, untainted by the peaty moorlands, and for this reason, the whiskies are known as the gentle taste of Islay. The Bunnahabhain 12, 18 and 25 year old single malts, crafted by Ian MacMillan, are all un-chillfiltered, returning to the whisky-making tradition of Bunnahabhain’s distillers many years ago. With nothing taken away or added, the whisky retains all of its depth of flavour, aromas, colours and character. This allows the gentle, subtle notes of the malt to come through, providing a purer taste, nose and appearance.

The distillery, dating back to 1881, is situated on the north-eastern tip of Islay overlooking the Sound of Islay. Due to the close proximity of the warehouses to the sea where the casks are stored during the maturation process, a noticeable sea influence is evident in the finish.

The whisky is available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R2 390.

RARE WHISKIES AT BONHAMS ANNUAL SCOTTISH SALE IN EDINBURGH

Bonhams Annual Scottish sale on 20 August boasts some rare and unusual whiskies this year. 

One of only 379 bottles, The Macallan 1961 comes in a wooden presentation case and is estimated at £6,000-8,000; the Macallan Royal Marriage bottled in 1981 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales carries an estimate of £1,200-1,800 and The Macallan Private Eye, bottled to mark the 35^th anniversary of the famous satirical magazine has an estimate of £1,000-1,200.

Elsewhere, a rare 30 year old Dalmore 1959 in crystal, bottled to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Dalmore Distillery, is expected to sell for between £3,000-5,000 and a 40 year old 1958 bottle of Highland Park numbered 368 of 665 in a wooden presentation case fitted for the bottle is estimated at £1,400-1,600.

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, said, “The Scottish sale always offers a good selection of collectible whisky to suit all tastes and pockets and this year is no exception.  As well as the star items we have several bottles with more modest estimates from some of Scotland’s best known distilleries including several fascinating lots bottled by The Scottish Malt Whisky Society.”

For further information please contact Andrew Currie on 0207 468 5871 or andrew.currie@bonhams.com

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com/.

NEW LIMITED EDITION FOR CHIVAS 12 AS ART OF HOSTING SERIES CONTINUES

Following the successful launch of its ‘Art of Hosting’ series in 2012, Chivas, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has launched a new limited edition for its best-selling Chivas 12 expression, exclusively for the off-trade.

This new release sees Chivas continuing to support its customers’ efforts to meet the demand for imaginative home entertaining products with an eye-catching new design and an exclusive gift of six leather coasters included in each pack.

Targeted at Chivas 12’s core audience of ‘Modern Gentlemen’, the new limited edition features a striking black and red look, which aims to increase stand-out on shelf. The pack design also incorporates words used in social occasions in many different languages, giving a sense of interaction and conversation while further expressing Chivas’ credentials as a brand that brings friends together.

The release of this limited edition will be supported with a range of marketing initiatives including a new advertising campaign, featuring the strapline ‘Found at the World’s Best Parties’ and an exclusive free app available from iTunes, Chivas MASHTUN, which has been created featuring a series of interactive games that consumers can play as a group during a party.

The new Art of Hosting limited edition gift pack and Chivas MASHTUN app are available now around the world. http://www.chivas.com/ 

Notes: 

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #57

After restoring the Lars Homestead from Star Wars in Tunisia, Mark Dermul and his crew were invited to tell the fans all about it during a panel at the Star Wars Celebration, the biggest convention of is kind for fans of that galaxy far, far away. Little did his colleagues know that he would afterwards present them with a private bottling of Save Lars Whisky, a Bruichladdich 20 Year Old 1992, only 6 bottles strong (one for each crewmember). The Force is strong with this Laddie!

http://youtu.be/erGfbLrjbHE

(Please revisit Whisky Intelligence this Sundayto see some more about this bottling – WI)

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES

THE RELEASE OF STAGG JR. BOURBON 

Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon is a younger version of the legendary George T. Stagg Bourbon 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July, 2013) At long last, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases Stagg Jr. Bourbon, an uncut and unfiltered bourbon whiskey with a renowned family name.

The first batch of Stagg Jr. is comprised of barrels aged for eight and nine years. The proof weighs in at a whopping 134.4 proof (67.2% ABV). Future releases will undoubtedly be different proofs, as each batch is unique and no water is added. Just like George T. Stagg Bourbon, this new whiskey is not filtered and offers all the rich and complex flavors of bourbon right from the barrel.  Bottles of Stagg Jr. will be limited, but several batches each year are planned.  This new Stagg Jr. offering will not affect the stock of barrels already set aside for future George T. Stagg releases.

Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley describes that taste as, “rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingled in perfect balance with a bold, rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.”

“We’ve been aging these barrels for years in anticipation of this Stagg Jr. offering,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “George T. Stagg has won countless awards, but we’re delighted to introduce Stagg Jr., which should be a bit more accessible.”

George T. Stagg is one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, and is responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19^th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.  In 2002, Buffalo Trace introduced George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey, an uncut, unfiltered bourbon that has won numerous awards including World’s Best North American Whiskey, Number One Spirit in the World, and World Whiskey of the Year. Now the Distillery is offering a line extension through Stagg Jr. that still maintains the integrity of the brand – a big, bold whiskey bottled at barrel proof but at a more affordable price.  Stagg Jr. will be available starting in August. Suggested retail price is $49.99 for a 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

The Bowmore 1989 23 year old limited release is now available to order at The Whisky Shop – whilst stocks last!

A delicious feast of smoke-infused blood orange, winter spices, black truffles and walnut oil. A whisky to warm the coldest Islay night, this limited edition Bowmore Single Malt has been matured exclusively in port casks for 23 years, giving it a deliciously dark colour and remarkably rich flavour.

Nose: Big sweet and fruity notes. Think of  marmalade or apricot jam. Only a soft hint of smoke at this point.

Palate: And we’re off –  there goes the smoke and lightly peated greatness that we all love Bowmore for! Some ground spices in the background combined with candy floss and other sweet delights.

Finish: Delicate truffles that melt in your mouth combined with some of the richest overtones every tasted in a Bowmore.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.8% volume. One not to be missed…

Click Here To Buy – Only £380

Rare Releases from Balcones, Whisky Magazines 2012 Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year, Available Now at Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits (E. Setauket, New York)

Balcones Distilling of Waco, Texas is firmly established as one of America’s top whisky producers with over 40 national and international awards from the world’s top judges and critics. We are proud to offer the following unique and original spirits hand-crafted using only the finest ingredients. Follow the links for more information on each selection.

Balcones Single Malt Texas, 106 Proof  – $68.99

5 bottles in stock!

Balcones True Blue 100 Texas Corn Whisky, 100 Proof – $65.99

4 bottles in stock!

Balcones Brimstone Texas Scrub Oak Smoked Corn Whisky, 106 Proof – $54.99

6 bottles in stock!

Balcones Distillery Rumble Cask Reserve Barrel Proof, 117 Proof -$79.99

1 bottle in stock!

Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits

www.moraswines.com

631-941-4458   sev.clemens@moraswines.com

Our friends at Gold Medal Marketing have a new logo. They represent Benromach, W.M. Cadenhead, Kilkerran, Gordon & MacPhail, Kilchoman, Praba Na Linne, Springbank, Spencerfield Spirits, Tullibardine, The Last Drop and the Teeling Whisky Company in Alberta & British Columbia (although not all are represented in both provinces).