July 2013 Leaflet Outturn Offerings 

President’s Choice – Cask No. 30.71 

Burnt crumpet and Highland Toffee 

Cask No. 30.71                                  $115

Speyside, Spey

As one we cried: “burnt buttery crumpet spread with chunky Dundee marmalade” – later it became “spread with dark comb honey” – and some noted strawberry fudge and McCowans Highland Toffee as well. The taste at natural strength was sweet and saccharine-bitter, with warm spiced rum, and some sherry in the aftertaste. Water inevitably raised sulphur to start – boiled eggs and struck matches – but then creamy treacle toffee, dried cranberries and flowering currant bushes. The texture is luscious; the taste of liquid caramel, with pleasant bitterness: salted caramels ‘robed’ in dark chocolate. A Top Class Speyside, not a new town…

Drinking tip: For sharing at dusk with good friends

Colour: Deep amber with scarlet lights                       Date distilled: April 1997

Cask: Refill Sherry gorda                                     Alcohol: 57.5%

Age: 14 years                                               USA allocation: 114 bottles 

Sugared almonds in a mattress factory 

Cask No. 31.23                                  $155

Highland, Island

The intriguing nose delivered dried fruits and mixed nuts, toffee, green malt, mouse-trap cheese with a black, sooty fireplace grate somewhere in the background. The palate was pleasantly sweet yet robust – with moist iced gingerbread, liquorice, salt, smoke and chalky, limestone, earthy elements. The reduced nose turned somewhat fatty and savoury, like leg of lamb or the wrapping of a haggis supper – also cigarette papers and a mineral beach, with salt marshes nearby. The palate now floral and sweet suggested sugared almonds and iced gems in a coil-sprung mattress factory. The distillery, designed by architect William Delmé-Evans, was built around 1960.

Drinking tip: To take in a hip-flask up the Paps of Jura (or any other hill)

Colour: Old gold                                                                Date distilled: September 1988

Cask: Refill hogshead                                                       Alcohol: 51.7%

Age: 23 years                                               USA allocation: 90 bottles 

Big, brooding, masculine and intense 

Cask No. 33.122                               $85

Islay

Peat-smoked fire bricks, tarred ropes, lobster pots on old boats, Fisherman’s Friends, sweet scallops, seaweed, coconut husk doormats, barbecued sausages – that was the nose. The palate was a massive, tongue-roasting, smack in the face (ash, smoking charcoal, charred sausages and black pudding, over-done crême brûlée and lime); but somehow calming with its vanilla ice-cream sweetness. The reduced nose – dunnage warehouses, oily, herby, peaty, oaky, burnt toast – fascinating. The palate remained big, brooding, masculine and intense, with over-roasted vegetables, flamed chorizo and some plastic, soapy resonances (manly version of rubber duckies at bathtime?). Now Islay’s only distillery with a Jack Russell.

Drinking tip: Has the power to revive – perhaps late evening, watching Zombie movies?

Colour: Sunflower diffused gold                              Date distilled: February 2005

Cask: First-fill barrel                                                           Alcohol: 59.7%

Age: 7 years                                                USA allocation: 96 bottles 

An apple a day… 

Cask No. 84.15                                  $100

Speyside, Spey

The initial nose without water is very fruity and sweet; rich red apples, ripe bananas, candid pears as well as lemon drizzle cake and Danish pastry. With time deeper notes like toffee and chocolate éclair emerge. The taste neat is hot like biting on a chilli, also fresh oak and expensive apple schnapps. With the generous addition of water grapefruit and lime appear next to – you have guessed it already I am sure – apple sorbet ice cream, candid apple and Campino candy. The taste is now that of chocolate limes, peaches and apricots but also Appletiser and a spritzy apple wine mixed with sparkling water what makes this a very refreshing drink indeed.

Drinking tip: Picking apples on a sunny autumn day

Colour: White silver                                                           Date distilled: October 2001

Cask: Refill barrel                                                               Alcohol: 56.4%

Age: 11 years                                               USA allocation: 96 bottles 

Orange Blossom Honey Straws 

Cask No. 85.25                                  $115

Speyside, Lossie

First impression the Panel voiced, this is a sniffers dram; glue, solventy and warm paper from a photocopier in use a few decades ago, you know what we mean. With time fruity/earthy notes appear like apple, banana leaf, aloe plant, cactus and mango trees; we have moved into a glass house at the Botanics. The taste is hot, sweet/sour, a creamy horseradish and almost numbing. With water we left the glasshouse and are outside in a tropical garden during a very heavy downpour. It feels hot, wet and damp with floral and fruity aromas all around us. The taste now sweet, like a very ripe orange, creamy like vanilla custard as well as fresh like an apple sorbet. This distillery, starting with Glen, is named after Scotland’s smallest city.

Drinking tip: When in need of a sugar rush

Colour: Lion’s paw                                                            Date distilled: October 1999

Cask: Refill hogshead                                                       Alcohol: 56.3%

Age: 13 years                                               USA allocation: 84 bottles

Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at http://www.smwsa.com/

The Skull is back!

Ian Macleod Distillers’ Limited Rock Edition Smokehead – the rich and powerful Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – is back to the US Market!

Our new tin evolved from the design of Smokehead’s existing tactile metal presentation tin, demanding attention with the introduction of a smoking skull, the time-honored symbol of rock.  Cocooned within the skull are the many adjectives that capture the Single Malt’s boisterous, outrageous, and deep peaty flavors.

Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, Ian Weir, commented: “The new presentation tin not only celebrates Smokehead’s close affinity to rock music, but reaffirms the brand’s unique position within the Single Malt category. Smokehead is vigorous and unapologetic about its big and intense peaty flavors. Like rock and roll, people must accept it for what it is or not at all.”

A rich, seaweedy and intensely peaty Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Smokehead is not for the faint hearted.  With immense fresh and fruity flavors that burst with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt, Smokehead hits the palate like a cannonball. Smokehead’s RRP is $53.99.

92 points by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Smokehead – The Rock Edition will be available in the US throughout 2013.

For more information, please contact ImpEx Beverages, Inc. at office@impexbev.com or call (650) 872-1113.

Cheers!

The ImpEx Team

OUR BIGGEST AND BEST FESTIVAL YET

We’re delighted that over 400 of you joined us on Jura for our 50th anniversary. Thank you, we couldn’t have done it without you. And we’re not just saying that. It’s physically impossible to have a festival without the revellers and what revellers you were.

It was a privilege to see so many make the pilgrimage from all over the world to share in our story – from breaking out the vintage 1977, the new 30YO, the rare 39 ¾ (a sneak preview of the new 40YO) and the exclusive festival bottling to tasting Turas-Mara on the waves and soaking up the lively atmosphere inside the cooperage.

Relive all of these great moments in moving pictures and see if you can spot yourself in our photo gallery by clicking on our highlights video below. Don’t worry if you couldn’t be with us this time. Adventures like these await you next year:

Become an honorary Diurach, be the first to hear all of the latest news and help us to write many more exciting chapters like this.

BEAM Global Spirits & Wines

 BEAM Spirits Confidential – Toronto , June 26, 2013

By: Wendy Harker (representing Whisky Intelligence)

“Every time it rains, it rains Bourbon from Heaven”

(Dean Martin, When You’re Drinking ‘Bourbon from Heaven’)

On June 26, 2013, I had the great pleasure of attending Spirits Confidential – Toronto.  This was a Beam Global event that showcased the breadth of their spirited products held at the very hip and urban venue, Evergreen Brick Works.  It was an all-day event, split into an afternoon session for trade insiders and media and an evening session open to the public.  Beam Global’s portfolio is a palate seducing wish list that includes bourbons and other whiskies, rum, tequila, cognac, and vodka.  Spirits Confidential was also a special occasion to meet Master Distillers, Blenders and Brand Ambassadors.

Fred Noe

On this occasion, it was notably significant to have the opportunity to meet Fred Noe, Great-Grandson of Jim Beam and seventh generation Beam family distiller based in Clermont, Kentucky.  The Beam family name is synonymous with bourbon where their legacy of producing innovative and premium quality whiskey is still going strong. The Small Batch Bourbon Collection is a stellar foursome comprised of Booker’s, Baker’s 7, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden’s.  The Jim Beam brand carries a variety of bourbon whiskies like Devil’s Cut, Red Stag, and Jim Beam Black to name a few.  It is impossible to not share a deep appreciation for Mr. Noe’s family history and the baton of greatness that is being passed on from one generation to the next with bourbon expressions wearing the Beam name.

The afternoon event began with an exclusive invitation to an hour long Masters VIP Tasting of eight different spirits.   The principal spirits and presenters were:   Jim Beam & Small Batch, Devil’s Cut, Fred Noe, Master Distiller; Cruzan Rum, Cruzan Single Barrel, Don Nelthrop,  Assistant Master Distiller, Son of founder, Donald Nelthrop;  Marker’s Mark, Maker’s 46, Greg Davis, Master Distiller; Cooley’s Irish Whiskey, Kilbeggan 18 yo, John Cashman, Master Ambassador; Canadian Club, Canadian Club 20 yo, Dan Tullio, Master Ambassador; Courvoisier, L’Essence de Courvoiser Cognac, Patrice Pinet, Master Blender; Laphroaig, Cairdeas Port Wood Edition, Simon Brooking, Master Ambassador; and, Sauza Tequila, Sauza Tres Generacions Plata Tequila, Karina Sanchez, Master Ambassador.

At registration, I was given a chip with #5 on it which represented the table where I would begin the exclusive tasting circuit.   The eight site-tables were arranged in a circle comprised of ‘give or take’ groups of 10 guests moving from one table to the next with a bell announcing the end of each presentation.  To get the ball rolling, I was happy to discover that table #5 was Canadian Club and hosted by CC’s dynamic Brand Ambassador, Mr. Dan Tullio.  Without a second to waste, Dan launched into a brief historical synopsis of Hiram Walker, the Windsor Distillery and then introduced our palates to a sample of Canadian Club 20 year old, aged in sherry casks, 40% abv., $49.95.  The CC 20 awakened and warmed up my taste buds with its lingering notes of toffee and cloves.  I felt it was the perfect whisky to begin the afternoon journey of tasting premium Beam spirits.

Each presentation was educational and held something of particular value to me.   Of the 5 Bourbon/whiskies that were presented, the one that I hadn’t previously tasted was the Laphroaig Cairdeas Port Wood Edition, 51.3% abv, NCF.  I was thrilled when I saw it on the table.  This bottling is a limited port finish release created for the Islay whisky festival, Feis Ile 2013.  It has been double matured in bourbon and port wood casks.  This is a unique Laphroaig with its’ all natural pink hue colouring after being aged in port barrels. The Laphroaig was presented by the animated Simon Brooking, Brand Ambassador who gave an engaging and tactile session. I very much appreciated having the opportunity to sample this Islay whisky because it is not available at the LCBO; and, on the Laphroaig website, “sold out” marks the spot.  On my palate, I thought it was a balance of extracted sweet berry fruit that complimented Laphroaig’s signature back bone of brine and peat.   I was impressed that the port had such strong character to pop out like that.  My only regret was that I didn’t have more time to taste and think about it.

Before I knew it, the hour long Master VIP Tasting was over.  Fortunately, there was a fun filled afternoon to look forward to.   I headed over to a large open concept building where booths representing the Beam portfolio filled the venue.  As I stepped into the hall, it felt both daunting and amazing to think that one company owned such a distinctive stable of spirits.  I decided I would begin the next tasting chapter with another Canadian whisky named Alberta Premium Dark Horse, 45% abv, $29.95.  As I got my bearings, a dram with a lot of rye running through my veins felt like a good thing.   This portion of the event was relaxed, casual and filled with its fair share of pleasant surprises.  I welcomed the opportunity to talk with the Brand experts and to learn as much as I possibly could from them.

Wendy Harker & Greg Davis

It was a real pleasure to catch-up to Maker’s Mark Master Distiller, Greg Davis.  The signature seal of the red wax bottles were on full display, with an oak plank stretched across the right corner of the table. This striking display told the story of what makes Maker’s 46 different from Maker’s Mark.  In the final 2-3 months of aging, seared French oak staves are inserted into barrels of Maker’s Mark whisky to draw out more flavour notes and to give this bottling its unique characteristics.  The chance to retaste Maker’s 46, 45% abv, reminded me of how much I really liked it.  So much so, in fact, I bought a bottle the next day!

My next stop was with John Cashman, Brand Ambassador of Cooley’s Irish Whiskey.  In January 2012 Cooley Distillery was purchased by Beam Global.  I am a fan of Irish whiskey and the brand produces a couple of my favourites like Tryconnell and Greenore; other well known whiskies under Cooley’s umbrella are Kilbeggan and Connemara.  I asked John what we had to look forward to from Cooley’s and what have been some of the changes it has experienced now under Beams wing.  He said that the distillery will now be able to hold onto their younger aged whiskies that would have otherwise been sold to other companies.  He added that this will also give the distillery the opportunity to produce older aged whiskies and develop new finishes.  This had me wondering if the increased volume of in-house whiskies would also increase limited releases.  I asked him about Cooley’s Poitin, a Single Pot Still New Make whiskey which is also currently being aged in barrels.   I asked if he thought the barrel aged whiskey would be released in 2014?   Shaking his head, John non-specifically predicted that it would be later than that.  He also talked about how they had been faced with the obstacle of marketing and distributing on a global scale. But with Beam Inc, they would now be able to reach a worldwide market. I was left with a good impression that we were going to see some exciting new releases from this distillery.  And, the quality, creativity and Brand heritage that Cooley’s is known for was very much intact.

Not all of the brands at this event were owned by Beam Global.  Grouped together at one end of the hall were three Scottish Whiskies: Highland Park, Macallan and Famous Grouse.  I wondered what their relationship was with Beam Global and asked one of the Brand Ambassadors.  The whiskies are owned by the Edrington Group with Beam Global being their Canadian distribution partner.

I approached the Macallan table and was equally delighted to find the knowledgeable and hospitable, Marc Laverdiere, Macallan Brand Ambassador, and The Macallan 1824 Series: Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby.   The bottled series uses a range of woods for flavour and colour and is without age statements.  As of the first week of July, the series is a new release at the LCBO with Canada being one of the worldwide markets to receive the entire collection.   I was grateful to have the opportunity to sample the four new expressions.  Of the four, Sienna was my favourite; the whisky has been aged in 100% American oak sherry casks and bottled at 43% abv. I tried to savour my sample with its lingering finish and flavours of plump fruit, honey and warming spicy tones.   It felt like a lovely treat.

With the afternoon coming to an end, it just seemed right to finish my day with a dram of Baker’s 7, one of the bourbons from the Small Batch Collection.  It was my personal way of toasting the namesake of the event and to ponder the past four hours that seemed to slip through my fingers.  I felt that I had been navigating myself through a series of complex whiskies and brand relationships.  One lasting thought was that while under the umbrella of the powerhouse of Beam Global, the cultural beginnings and the rich heritage of bourbon and other whisky brands that comprise its portfolio have remained preserved.  These gems of whisky symbolized a blend of ingenuity and traditional value while at the same time delighting and challenging my senses of taste and smell.  It is also important to recognize the hard working experts like the Master Distillers, Blenders and Brand Ambassadors that are so personable and willing to answer questions and share their knowledge.  The spirit of this event was one of generosity and fun.

Leading Blended Scotch Whisky LABEL 5 receives gold medals at international competitions!

Already awarded with numerous medals, LABEL 5 Classic Black keeps on its winning story with a Gold medal won at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, the judges have awarded the LABEL 5 Extra Premium 12YO with the coveted Double Gold medal.

For the first time, LABEL 5 has entered the China Wine and Spirits Awards, leading competition in Hong Kong and China. LABEL 5 Extra Premium 12YO was acclaimed by the expert judging panel as it received a Gold medal and was elected “Trophy Winner” in the Scotch Whisky category.

These results acknowledge once again the finest quality of our products and the expertise and passion of our Master Blender.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the most regarding and prestigious competition in the world. Composed by a jury of professionals, this competition is known to be the “the rite of passage for top quality spirits”.

The China Wine and Spirits Awards are the only awards judged specifically for the Chinese market. The judges take into account the local consumer preferences to assign the medals.

Please enjoy LABEL 5 responsibly.

ABOUT LABEL 5

LABEL 5 ; an international brand of Scotch Whisky produced, aged and bottled in Scotland ; is the flagship brand of LA MARTINIQUAISE.

Established worldwide in more than 100 countries, LABEL 5 has registered high growth for many years (+50% over the last 5 years!) and ranks 9th on the worldwide Scotch Whisky market.

ABOUT LA MARTINIQUAISE

Founded in 1934, LA MARTINIQUAISE is a leading independent French spirits group with a 980 Million euros turnover, which sold a wide spirits range in more than 100 countries.

LA MARTINIQUAISE produces and distributes major brands worldwide: LABEL 5 (N°9 worldwide Scotch Whisky), POLIAKOV (N°1 in France), PORTO CRUZ (N°1 worldwide), SAINT JAMES…(sources: IWSR).

SUMMER SPECIAL

For a limited time only, we are offering FREE shipping on all online orders over $200. You can shop securly for our whisky, vodka, other spirits and merchandise 24/7. If your order, before taxes and shipping, is more than $200 you don’t pay for shipping!

• All prices are in Canadian dollars
• We only ship within Ontario, Canada
• You must confirm you are at least 19 years old to make a purchase
• All orders are shipped Canada Post Expedited Parcel with Proof of Age Required option
• Deliveries can only be made to someone at least 19 years old
• The person receiving the delivery may be required to show identification proving they are of legal drinking age

Stalk & Barrel Single Malt Whisky

The launch of Ontario’s first distilled, aged and bottled Single Malt Whisky was a phenomenal success. We thank everyone for your support!  We bottled the first 4 casks, shipping a portion to the US, Alberta and New Brunswick and selling the rest directly. We have only a few assorted cases left for order online or purchase onsite. Once they are gone, we will bottle another cask for sale.

TASTINGS

We are currently putting final touches to our autumn tasting program, so please bear with us – you will be the first to know! Our Glenmorangie Cask Masters tastings have been a roaring success, to the point where every tasting is now sold out, aside from York on Friday 19th July. If you would like to attend, then you best be quick and click here to book…

Miner’s Delight Inn, 2nd Saturday, every month, 6 – 9 p.m.

no reservation required for tastings, but we appreciate advance notice for groups

Here’s what you get for $25:

♦ 5 half-ounce pours of single malt Scotch whisky:

♦♦ 3 Saturday features, including the Publican’s Pick *

♦♦ You roll a die and pick a whisky from 1 of 6 Scotch regions

♦♦ Pick your Connoisseur’s Choice from our single malt menu

♦ Hors d’oeuvres to cleanse your palate between pours

July 13, 2013   

 Glenturret 11          *

 Strathisla 12

 Benromach Peat Smoke

www.ralfy.com keeps the moment whisky-obscure with a rare seen malt from central Scotland, Whisky Review 376 – Glenturret 10yo

NEW LOOK BOTTLE, SAME GREAT TASTE

AS BALLANTINE’S UPDATES IMAGE FOR FINEST 

New Finest bottle throws the spotlight onto new Ballantine’s global marketing campaign,

“Stay True” 

Ballantine’s, the No. 1 Scotch whisky inEuropeand the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, has unveiled a bold new-look bottle for its Finest expression, highlighting its suitability to the modern generation of whisky drinkers and ensuring it remains front of mind for customers.

The new bottle will begin appearing in markets from July this year and embraces traditional Ballantine’s attributes such as timelessness, elegance and authenticity, while becoming more contemporary in style. This design evolution stays true to founder George Ballantine’s pioneering values and relentless pursuit of quality, never settling for less than the finest and travelling to the four corners of Scotland until finding the perfect blend of malts and grains for his whisky.

With design elements including a chevron-shaped label that echoes the iconic wings of the historic Finest label, the new look gives the bottle a more dynamic, eye-catching look on shelf. Premium quality cues have been enhanced through a more prominent positioning of the brand’s crest – the exclusive Ballantine’s Grant of Arms – and a simplification of the Ballantine’s seal, which amplifies the Ballantine’s ‘B’ and provides an opportunity to build on one of Ballantine’s greatest visual assets. ‘Finest’ also now features in a more premium gold colouring.

The Ballantine’s Finest carton will also reflect and emphasise the key features of the bottle; the chevron label, enhanced ‘B’ and the Ballantine’s crest, while the bottle itself will retain the iconic rectangular bottle shape that it is famed for, with its shoulders made more angular, resulting in a sharper, prouder look.

The overall result is an iconic, contemporary design that is true to the Ballantine’s Finest brand essence and its original packaging, building on and enhancing its most familiar elements, which have led to its position as one of the most consistent and recognisable brands in the world.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, comments: “The Ballantine’s Finest bottle has changed very little over the years, but we recognised a need for the look to be updated, given Ballantine’s credentials as a famous brand that leaves an impression. We wanted to ensure that our new design stayed true to our proud heritage and identified with our loyal customers, whilst also being seen as a contemporary, vibrant brand, and we’re delighted with the final result.

“The new bottle performed very well in consumer research tests* within our key markets and outperformed our highest expectations. It was acknowledged by those tested as being confident and modern without losing its heritage and quality cues, so we hope that this and our exciting marketing activities will translate into further success for Ballantine’s and will continue to engage people across the world.”

The new Finest range will be available in a wide range of sizes and formats and will be accompanied by a teaser ATL campaign. The ATL campaign contains two routes, with one focusing on the brand’s quality, consistency and originality under the strapline, ‘Always Original Since 1827’. The second route is more product focused with the strapline, ‘New Bottle, Same Great Taste’.

An extensive range of point-of-sale materials has also been produced for Ballantine’s customers, including shelf talkers, neck tags, tent cards and cocktail cards, which will be available in bars and restaurants, encouraging customers to make Ballantine’s Finest cocktails at home.

The new bottle also introduces Ballantine’s new global marketing campaign, “Stay True, Leave an Impression”, which acts as a reminder to the customer that acting with self-belief is what will leave a genuine, authentic and positive impression. The line will feature on all brand communications across all product variants, but with different features and nuances to reflect the range of products and varying customer groups.

Notes to editors:

*Incite research, 400 interviews during 2012. Research was conducted amongst some of Ballantine’s key markets, with the new packaging design outperforming highest expectations. It was acknowledged by customers as being confident and modern, without losing its heritage and quality cues. Furthermore, consumers asked believe that the new pack has the potential to be iconic. Specifically in Spain, one of the markets used for research purposes, the results were some of the best that research agency, Incite Research, has seen for new packaging.  

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No. 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky inAsia, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

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, Plymouthgin,  Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com