Mackmyra Swedish Single Malt Whisky

The story of Mackmyra, Sweden’s first whisky distillery, famously began with a ski trip in 1998, when eight friends from Stockholm’s Royal Institute of Technology went on holiday together and all brought bottles of whisky to share. In conversation during … Continue reading >>

Select Scotch Whisky – 21YO Gran Reserva by Glenfiddich review. 

Simon has a look at The Gran Reserva by Glenfiddich. Bitter, yet sweet packing a punch of spice.

The Link

New Devilish Delight from Isle of Arran Distillers 

Award-winning Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has just released an unholy delight; The Devil’s Punch Bowl Chapter II.

The new dram, named Angels & Devils, is the second part of Arran’s trinity of ungodly spirits to darken our shores. It follows on from the original Chapter I, which sold out in record time when it was released last year.

Described by master distiller James MacTaggart as a ‘true contrast of light and shade’, the whisky is made using 27 different Arran casks, each meticulously selected and combined to create a whisky with great depth and rich character.

Commenting on the flavour of the new release, James said: “With vibrant notes of classic dried fruits, light spice and cigar box, layered over a sherry-sweet base, Angels & Devil’s drinks more like a dream than a nightmare.

“Bottled at natural strength without chill-filtration, the spirit has a devilish ABV of 53.1%. This dram will not disappoint as notes of dark chocolate and delicate butterscotch spice set taste buds alive.”

Angels & Devils is based around Sherry Hogsheads and includes Arran’s oldest ever peated Arran barrels from 2004.

Just 6,660 bottles have been released worldwide and interest is already high.

Euan Mitchell, managing director, said: “We were thrilled with the reception our first edition of The Devil’s Punch Bowl received and we’re sure this one will be met with the same approval.

“The whisky is being distributed on a strict allocation basis, as we’re already enjoying a high level of demand both in the UK and from export markets.

“Each cask in this whisky has been hand-selected and the release is testament to the consistent superior quality of The Arran Malt across each year of production.”

Arran Distillery is a multi-award winning distillery and has won acclaim for its 14 Year Old, 10 Year Old malts as well as many others. The Devil’s Punch Bowl Chapter I also won a top award in last year’s World Whisky Design Awards.

Euan continued: “Angels & Devils is a spirited single malt whisky which will stand out. It will appeal to people who look for quality and something unique – a perfect choice for those who dare to dram with the Devil.”

Devil’s Punch Bowl; Angels & Devils RRP £72.99 is available from early July online at www.arranwhisky.com and in specialist whisky stores. 

Notes: 

The Devil’s Punch Bowl Chapter II is released worldwide at the beginning of July and will be available in the UK, key European market, Asia, Canada and the USA. RRP £72.99 for 70 cl.

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Current accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007).

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011).

Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012.

“Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund” nightly Bourbon tastings at famed NOLA restaurant honors stricken Heaven Hill Master Distiller

NEW ORLEANS, LA. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., is teaming up with Tales of the Cocktail® and Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House in New Orleans to support the ALS Association’s “Parker Beam Promise of Hope” fund, honoring Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, who was recently diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Nightly Bourbon tastings at Bourbon House will run throughout Tales of the Cocktail®, on Wednesday, July 17^th through Saturday, July 20^th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The four nightly tastings, which are an official part of the Tales of the Cocktail® event and will be promoted in the Tales of the Cocktail® materials and social media, will feature several of Heaven Hill’s most critically acclaimed Bourbons, with all proceeds going to the ALS Association’s Parker Beam Promise of Hope fund.  Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller Craig Beam–Parker’s son–and Heaven Hill American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Bernie “The Whiskey Professor” Lubbers will be on hand to pour and discuss Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon, and Henry McKenna Bottled-In-Bond Single Barrel Bourbon.  In addition, all participants will receive a special Parker Beam t-shirt with their first purchase.  Bourbon House will be open for normal business during this promotion and it will not be limited or require pre-registration—walk-in traffic is encouraged to participate as well.

“The convergence of a great Bourbon event and a very worthy cause is something that we at Tales of the Cocktail® are excited about supporting.  This represents another way we can use Tales as not only an exclusive entrée into the personalities behind the products, but also a way to be agents of positive change,” noted Ann Tuennerman, creator of Tales of the Cocktail®.

The special tastings are another aspect of Heaven Hill’s support of the ALS Association and the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund (alsa.org/parkerbeampromiseofhope), with the full partnership of Tales of the Cocktail®.  Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated independent spirits producer and the second largest Bourbon producer, is supporting the fight against ALS through not only this promotion with Tales of the Cocktail® and Bourbon House, but also through this Fall’s upcoming release of the annual Parker’s Heritage Collection.  For the Fall 2013 release, the seventh in the critically-acclaimed series, Heaven Hill has pledged to donate $20 for each bottle sold to the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, which is expected to generate a minimum of $250,000.

“We are so pleased and appreciative to Bourbon House and to Tales of the Cocktail® for helping us extend the Parker’s Promise of Hope fundraising to this signature event,” stated Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager at Heaven Hill.  “We hope we will make a powerful impression on those who love and appreciate Parker Beam’s 50+ years of distilling.”

“Bourbon House is happy to be hosting this worthy event,” according to Dickie Brennan, owner of Bourbon House.  “Having had Parker Beam lead events at Bourbon House in the past through our New Orleans Bourbon Society, we’ve had the opportunity to develop a relationship with him. We deeply respect him as a person and as a distiller and are honored to be able to help support Parker Beam’s Promise of Hope Fund and his fight against ALS.”

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. 

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (http://www.heavenhill.com/) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

About Tales of the Cocktail®

This summer the industry’s most influential bartenders and spirit lovers from around the globe will drink in every ounce of cocktail knowledge and culture at Tales of the Cocktail® 2013. The world’s premier cocktail festival returns to New Orleans with another non-stop schedule of educational seminars, tasting rooms, Spirited Dinners®, Spirited Awards®, competitions and more. We guarantee you won’t leave thirsty at the 11th Annual Tales of the Cocktail®, July 17-21, 2013. For more information about drinking it in with us this summer, visit TalesoftheCocktail.com.

About Bourbon House

BOURBON HOUSE, under the direction of acclaimed Chef Darin Nesbit showcases seasonal NEW ORLEANS SEAFOOD and classic Creole fare. THE OYSTER BAR offers fresh shucked Louisiana Oysters on the Half Shell with or without caviar, in one of the French Quarter’s most lively settings. Home to the City’s best American Whiskey collection, Bourbon House nurtures the love of the American spirit, through the New Orleans Bourbon Society (membership is complimentary and open to the public). Dickie Brennan shares ownership of the restaurant with his business partner Steve Pettus, and his sister, Lauren Brennan Brower.

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Aberlour 16 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($64.99)

• Glenmorangie 18 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($84.99) Whisky Advocate: “43% abv. When compared to the 10 year old, this one’s richer, with darker fruit and more caramelized sweet notes, paired with accentuated dried wood spice, while the 10 year old is more vibrant and floral. Like the 10 year old, there’s good balance here. (Vol. 17, #2) ” K&L Notes: If I had to pick my favorite whisky from the LVMH line up, including all the Ardbeg expressions, I’d easily choose the 18 year old from Glenmorangie. It’s the best whisky they make for the price and everybody likes it: beginners, casual sippers, experts, whisky geeks. It’s so gentle, supple, rich, and full of flavor. The problem for me at K&L was getting a competitive price. I’ve got plenty of $115-$140 options that are more exciting to many of our serious whisky fans, but at $84.99, now we’re talking! Removing $32 from the price tag makes a world of difference. All of a sudden we’re talking serious deal! It’s not that the Glenmorangie isn’t worth $115, because it is. It’s just that it’s really worth $84.99. Kyle and I both agree that this is currently the hottest deal in the store. Soft stone fruit, caramel, creme brulee, vanilla, all the way to the finish. We won’t be able to sustain the pricing past this order, so when we sell through we have to raise it back up. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

Irish Whiskey

• Bushmills 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey 750ml ($29.99)

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

www.ralfy.com suggests a good value option with Whisky Review 374 – Isle of Arran 14yo

Longrow 18 Year Old
2013 Release (46%)

Limited release of 4,500 bottles.

Welcome return for the heavily peated, double distilled malt from Springbank distillery.

Buy – $105.40

(…plus a few bottles of the 2012 release still available… $105.40)

Second Largest Selling Bourbon in the US and the World Modernizes its Look 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest family-owned and operated independent spirits producer, announces a packing update to its Evan Williams family of Bourbons and Bourbon Specialty brands.  Evan Williams, which is the United States’ and the world’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is introducing the updated look across the flagship Black Label brand, the Evan Williams Reserve line of flavored Bourbons, the Evan Williams Green Label and White Label “Bottled-In-Bond” marques, as well as the seasonal Evan Williams Holiday Nog and Evan Williams Apple Orchard bottlings.

The change will affect the 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter and 750ml sizes for Evan Williams Black Label, Evan Williams White Label “Bottled-In-Bond”, and the flavored Evan Williams Reserves.  It will also replace the 750ml sizes of Evan Williams Holiday Nog, Evan Williams Peppermint Chocolate Holiday Nog, Evan Williams Apple Orchard Fall Seasonal Liqueur, and Evan Williams Green Label.  Both the Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon packages will be unaffected by this change.

The centerpiece of the packaging upgrade is the new proprietary bottle, which now features a reproduction of Evan Williams’ actual signature from an 1800 distilling license blown into the glass on all four sides of the squared off bottle shoulder.  The shoulder label, which used to sit where the signature now is, has been removed and the “Extra Aged/Sour Mash” copy that appeared on the old shoulder label has been added to the neck wrap.

The Evan Williams Bourbon family is named after Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, who set his still up in 1783 at what is now 6th and Main Streets in Louisville.  Evan Williams has grown to become the number two selling Bourbon brand nationally and globally, and has also received tremendous critical acclaim, including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Advocate magazine.  The brand benefits from a national media campaign, including print advertising, cable TV spots and sponsorships of both Bassmaster and Championship Bull Riding.  In addition, Heaven Hill is currently completing construction on the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ in downtown Louisville, an immersive tourism experience and artisanal distillery scheduled to open in the Fall that will further enhance the brand marketing platform.

“The new bottles for the 750ml, 1.0 liter and 1.75 liter sizes give a cleaner, yet more branded, look to the overall package,” noted Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager at Heaven Hill who oversees the Evan Williams brand team.  “As we continue to refine the look of Evan Williams, we have seen the brand outpace the category for seven straight years, giving us a very strong platform on which to make these upgrades.  And the continuing sales success of the flavored Evan Williams Reserves, seasonal Nogs and Apple Orchard, and now the ‘Bottled-In-Bond’ White Label and Green Label, gives the Evan Williams franchise tremendous real estate on the shelf and greater stopping power.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com)is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!

Knob Creek® Bourbon Reignites Partnership with Celebrity Chef and Grilling Expert Michael

Clermont, KY – Knob Creek® Bourbon and Celebrity Chef Michael Symon are teaming up for another year of flavor-packed programming, highlighting Knob Creek® Bourbon’s award-winning portfolio just in time for summer grilling season. Through this partnership, Chef Symon will prove once again that the big, full flavor of Knob Creek® Bourbon translates just as perfectly on the grill as it does in the glass.

Building off of last year’s sizzling partnership – in which Chef Symon helped launch Knob Creek® Rye and released a limited edition holiday label – Knob Creek® Bourbon is turning up the heat with an even bigger, fuller partnership to bring bourbon enthusiasts an exclusive look at how grill masters and distillers push the boundaries creating big, full flavor.

“Knob Creek® Bourbon is more than just a bourbon that tastes damn great in your glass” said Chef Symon. “It also adds big flavor to your summer grilling. I’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Knob Creek and introduce bourbon lovers to new ways to enjoy the #1 selling Super-Premium Bourbon – both in their glass and on the grill.”

This year, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Chef Symon are offering a full menu of programming, including:

• The “Big Flavor” Dinner Series. A 13-city dinner series providing select fans and members of Knob Creek’s “Original Brothers of Bourbon” with a unique nose-to-tail dining and tasting experience highlighting dishes and cocktails created by the country’s best chefs. Chef Symon will host these dinners in select markets.
• National Summer Sweepstakes. Fans will have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind Kentucky experience, featuring a trip to Knob Creek’s distillery at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse where the winner will enjoy a private tour with Master Distiller Fred Noe and a personal summer grill-out session with Chef Symon at the “Knob Creek House.”
• “Meat Master Class” Series. Chef Symon will star in an online video series educating fans on the art of grilling with flavor. From “prep to plate” Chef Symon will offer tips on everything from meat selection to grill preparation, cooking, plating, pairing and pouring – and he’ll share his favorite recipes for simple, flavorful, easy-to-grill options.  If you’re hosting a summer BBQ, these videos will raise your grilling skills to the next level.
• Knob Creek® Inspired Recipes. Exclusive Knob Creek® seasonal food and cocktail recipes created by Chef Symon will provide consumers with big, full-flavored dishes they can savor year round.

“For more than 20 years now, Knob Creek has been the perfect bourbon to enjoy while you’re behind the grill,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam Master Distiller. “Chef Symon is the perfect grilling expert to teach our fans how to excel on the grill using full flavors. We’re excited to take this partnership up a notch, and we’re thrilled to have Chef Symon as part of the Knob Creek family.”

As summer BBQs start firing up, Chef Symon recommends these flavorful grilling and cocktail recipes:

Knob Creek® Summer Spice

Created by Michael Symon

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ¼ Parts Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey
• ½ Part Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ Part Orange Liqueur
• ¼ Part White Crème De Cocoa

METHOD

1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker
2. Shake vigorously with ice and strain into cocktail glass
3. Garnish with lime wheel

Knob Creek® Bourbon Smokey, Salty & Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

Created by Michael Symon

Recipe Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 8 Chicken Thighs (Bone-In and Skin-On)
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 oz. Soy Sauce
• 2 oz. Honey
• 4 Tablespoons Sriracha
• 4 oz. Knob Creek® Bourbon
• 2 oz. Olive Oil
• 2 Limes Cut into Wedges For Garnish
• 1 Bunch Cilantro For Garnish

PREPARATION

1. Whisk together Mustard, Soy Sauce, Honey, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Sriracha and Olive Oil
2. Place chicken thighs in a zip lock bag and pour in marinade.  Give it a good shake and let marinate for one to two hours
3. Place on grill and cook until you reach 160 degrees internal temperature
4. Remove from grill and garnish plate with lime wedges and cilantro

Knob Creek® enthusiasts will have access to Chef Symon through the Original Brothers of Bourbon, which provides exclusive content and news straight from Knob Creek®, its ambassadors and its distillery. Visit KnobCreek.com/Brothers-Of-Bourbon to join. For more information about Knob Creek®, visit www.KnobCreek.com or www.facebook.com/KnobCreek.

About Michael Symon

Michael Symon is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality and author who cooks with soul, creating bold, deeply satisfying dishes at his various restaurants across America. The Cleveland native shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with television viewers as an Iron Chef on the Food Network, ABC’s The Chew and the Cooking Channel’s Symon’s Suppers.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon

Knob Creek® Bourbon has been handcrafting extraordinary full flavored bourbon with intriguing taste and bottled in unique flask shaped packaging for over 20 years, which has helped make it the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon in the world. Aged for a full 9 years in new, charred American Oak barrels and bottled at an honest 100 proof, Knob Creek® Bourbon upholds the standard for what great bourbon ought to be with its big, full signature flavor. Launched in early 1992, at a time when the terms “craft” and “super-premium” bourbon didn’t exist, Knob Creek® Bourbon is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born.  In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its portfolio releasing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof / 60% alcohol by volume) in 2011 and Knob Creek Rye (100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume) in 2012. For more information on Knob Creek, visit www.knobcreek.com.

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.