Whisky Ramblings Via Video #53
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, wishes all his American friends a Happy Independence Day and raises a glass of the 1792 Ridgemont Reserve in salute. It is the official toasting bourbon at the yearly Kentucky Bourbon Festival. And a fine bourbon it is. Enjoy!
Buffalo Trace American Whiskey Tasting – Wednesday 24th July 2013
Following on from last month’s extremely successful Amrut whisky tasting we thought we’d continue the international theme by focussing on American whiskey for our next tutored tasting evening, so we are delighted that on Wednesday 24th July Chris Hoy from Hi-Spirits will be coming along to talk us through a range of whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky.
Buffalo Trace is reputedly the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, and is situated where the buffalo migration route used to cross the Kentucky River. It produces bourbon whiskey (i.e. the grain content is at least 51% corn) of various types, and has a history of illustrious distillers who have practiced their craft there such as George T. Stagg, W L Weller, and Elmer T. Lee. Tasting through some of the Buffalo Trace brands will give you an ideal opportunity to experience the various facets of bourbon – from rich and smooth, to honeyed and spicy, to dry and delicate.
See below for all the details and if you have any queries just contact us.
Sláinte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com
UPCOMING EVENT
Name Buffalo Trace Distillery American whiskey tasting
Date Wednesday 24th July 2013
Time 7pm for 7.30pm
Venue Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren SN6 7SD
Details Brands to be presented will include Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Elmer T Lee plus W L Weller (a wheated bourbon whiskey where the secondary grain is wheat as opposed to the rye more normally found in bourbon) and some ‘White Dog’ (unaged distillate).
Tickets are £13.50 per person, and this also entitles you to a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting. Tickets are very strictly limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and as these tastings usually sell out within hours it is best to book ASAP. To buy tickets just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require.
Admission to the tasting is by ticket only, and the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night so come prepared.
N.B. We have negotiated special rates at the hotel for anyone who wants to stay overnight after the tasting – click here for further details.
We hope you all had a fabulous Canada Day long weekend!! We wanted to send a quick reminder after a busy long weekend that the next Scotch Malt Whisky Society Tasting is in 5 days!!
Please join us for a tasting of another fabulous line-up of single cask, cask strength whiskies from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society(SMWS) by registering below!!!
The SMWS releases up to seven new bottlings every month and our Outturn tastings are your opportunity to try before you buy, get to know other members and enjoy a few tasty nibbles to pair with the whiskies!
Open to both Society members and non-members alike; invite your whisky-loving friends & join the fun to explore SMWS’s rare and wonderful single malt whiskies.
Click on the “Register Now” link below or stop by our shop to register today!
PLEASE REGISTER AT THE LATEST BY THIS FRIDAY. Space is limited, so please register now!
Memberships are now available in-store! For more info on SMWS visit www.smws.ca
ENJOY SMWS PRODUCTS RESPONSIBLY, PLEASE ARRANGE SAFE TRANSPORT HOME. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. If you have any questions about the event, SMWS generally or how to register, please get in touch.
We look forward to seeing you at the tasting!
Slainté,
Crystal Coverdale
General Manager
Edgemont Fine Wines, Sprits & Ales
3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver BC
604-984-9463
Ardbeg unveils the dream destination for whisky fans on Islay
— Ardbeg Distillery opens stunning luxury self-catering home —
— Whisky fans will now get the chance to come and stay at the iconic birthplace of the Ultimate Islay malt —
Ardbeg Distillery, home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, can now offer the definitive getaway for any whisky fan after restoring a 19th Century cottage at its iconic distillery on Islay.
Seaview Cottage offers stunning views, a location steeped in history, and every modern day luxury you would expect allowing visitors to unwind with their favourite dram at the very place of its origin.
Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage has been renovated to the highest standards, with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, providing elegant self-catering accommodation at the very heart of the distillery.
Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, explains, “The house has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with contemporary interiors and stunning views. Lucky visitors to the island will have the opportunity to stay at the home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, in a cottage that is full of Ardbeg history and lore.
“I hope that everybody who spends time there will feel the same as I do, and will want to return again and again.”
Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage is filled with quirky charm and inspired by Ardbeg’s peaty character, the dark herringbone oak flooring is reminiscent of traditional peat stacks.
The three bedrooms can be found on the ground floor, which allows all guests to enjoy the most breath-taking views of the sea from the first floor wood decked balcony.
Whilst staying at the cottage, guests are welcome to take a tour of the distillery with Jackie Thomson, Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year 2013, and to eat at the Old Kiln Café, with delicious dishes created from fresh local ingredients.
Nearby attractions include the 8th century Kildalton Cross, the finest example of a Celtic Cross in the west of Scotland, and guests might also wish to take a ‘seafari’ to the tumultuous Corryvreckan whirlpool (weather permitting of course!), or go searching for whales, basking sharks and other big and untamed sea creatures that inhabit the deep coastal waters.
After a hard day’s exploring the island you can pick your favourite armchair and relax with a dram or two by the glow of the peat burning stove. Whisky heaven you might say!
Further quirks can be found around the luxury accommodation, such as an oak sideboard made with only hand tools by ‘Rabbitman’ Peter Heap, and in the lounge area the ‘Hotpod’ stove was inspired by a recycled gas cylinder and VW car parts.
A polished aluminium ex-French Naval pattern Morse signalling lamp that doubles as a handy reading light will amuse those in need of more low-tech communication technology than the internet and satellite.
Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage is in the heart of the Distillery and guests will no doubt enjoy the continual discovery of unique items around the cottage.
Notes:
About Ardbeg
Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.
Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded by the formation of ‘The Committee’ in 2000 from thousands of Ardbeg followers across the globe keen to ensure, “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”
Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Ardbeg Embassies
Ardbeg Embassies are a network of customers who love the whisky and have agreed to profile Ardbeg to their consumers. Most are independent premium whisky stores.
Responsible Drinking
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
Use coupon code “mora1776” at www.moraswines.com for a 10% discount on the great American Whiskeys below! Coupon code Discount good through Sunday, July 7 2013.
Smooth Ambler 14 Year Old Very Old Scout Straight Bourbon 100 Proof – $99.99 10 bottles available
James E. Pepper 1776 15 Year Old Straight Bourbon 92 Proof– $99.99 Limited availability
Peach Street Distillery Colorado Straight Bourbon 92 Proof – $68.99 Limited availability
Koval Distillery Single Barrel Bourbon Chicago 94 Proof – $49.99 12 bottles available
Balcones Distilling True Blue 100 Texas Corn Whisky 100 Proof – $65.99 Limited availability
Corsair Triple Smoke American Single Malt Whiskey 80 Proof – $51.99 Limited availability
Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits
631-941-4458 sev.clemens@moraswines.com
The Relaxed Whisky Weekend 6 – 8 September 2013
Fellow whisky enthusiasts,
It has been a while since we have been in contact with you. Now summer is here and we have our Maltstock 5th anniversary program ready for you and published on our site www.maltstock.com Our 5th (Anniversary) edition will be packed with whisky fun, some surprizes, a record number of free tastings, old acquaintances and new friends! We are ready to rock! Are you?
2013 program
Maltstock 2013 will be packed with activities, tastings, good whisky, good food and fun.
Good whisky
Maltstock 2013 will feature no less than 11(!) free tastings. Again, a record number! So much we had to hire extra space at the venue and reschedule our program around them. Which is good! You told us you wanted to have even more tastings, so here they are:
– The Whisky Exchange –link–
– Highland Park –link–
– Amrut –link–
– Suntory –link–
– The Whiskyshop Dufftown –link–
– Balvenie –link–
– The Glenrothes –link–
– Tamdhu –link–
– Master of Malt –link–
– Cadenhead –link-
– BenRiach –link-/GlenDronach –link-
In a few weeks our guests will be asked to choose the tastings they would like to attend. If you want to be at Maltstock this year, and don’t want to be disappointed, buy your ticket(s) now and be amongst the first to choose free tastings! Further details on the tastings will be available on our website shortly.
During Maltstock a couple of companies will exhibit some of their products and specialities for our guests to taste. This year the following companies will be present at Maltstock:
– Bresser & Timmer -link– Dutch importer of amongst others: Tullibardine Tomatin, Cadenhead, Chieftains, Compass Box, Daily Dram, Dewar Rattray, Single Malts of Scotland, Whisky Agency, Kavalan, Nikka, Myagikyo, Yoichi…
– Full Proof –link– Dutch collector with an amazing collection of whisky. These will be the only whiskies not included in the all inclusive. A great opportunity to try some really unique whiskies.
– Van Zuylen -link– Dutch importer of Malts of Scotland and Wilson & Morgan whisky and Ron Milonario rum & Rum Nation
– Scott’s Selection –link- Scott’s Selection is a tribute to the great tradition of distilling whisky in Scotland and above all to the knowledge and expertise of Robert Scott, Master Distiller.
– The Creative Whisky Company –link– David Stirk will be present to show us his views on excellent whisky again.
– Whisky Import Nederland -link– Dutch importer with a very extensive portfolio of independent bottlers. Amongst others: Creative Whisky Company, Adelphi Distillery, Berry Bros., Clydesdale, Alchemist, Douglas Laing, Kilchoman, Blackadder, Wemyss, Carn Mor…
– Whisky Base –link– Arguably the biggest online whisky database and online shop
– Kintra –link– Independant bottler from the Netherlands, very beautiful portfolio with ‘hidden’ gems!
Good food
What would great whisky be without good food to accompany it? Still great whisky, but like you, we find that good whisky is better appreciated on a healthy, tasty diet of good food. Again we’ve taken care of that with the help of our food partners. Those of you who have been to Maltstock before will recognize them.
– Breakfast by Highlander Inn
Arguably the best Scottish breakfast around. We’re very proud to welcome back to Maltstock: the Highlander Inn. They will make sure everybody has the best possible start of the day. The Highlander Inn is a must visit place for every whisky enthusiast. Perfectly located in Cragaillachie in the heart of Speyside they provide excellent accommodation, fantastic food, an amazing selection of whisky, and the best service! Visit their website for more details www.whiskyinn.com.
–BBQ by BBQGuru
Good news: BBQGuru will return this year and they already have some very exciting BBQ ideas. These guys are truly passionate about BBQ and that shows! They travel the world to go to BBQ competitions. Visit www.BBQGuru.nl for more information.
– Food Market
An absolute hit last year, therefore returning to Maltstock this year: on Saturday afternoon two great chefs will create culinary snacks. It’s up to you to try the delicious food. Taste great culinary creations and combine them with whisky? This year sponsored by Reypenaer cheese. -click here to visit-
Activities
– Whisky Shop Dufftown Whisky Quiz
– Detox Walk
– Campfire
– Raffle
– the Gathering
Ardbeg – Maltstock anniversary Prize draw
So far we have had 10 lucky winners of a bottle of Ardbeg amongst our ticket holders. Two bottles remain to be given away. One of them an Ardbeg Galileo! Buy your ticket now and have a chance of winning this beautiful bottle of Ardbeg.
Tickets
There are still a few tickets available. If you want to be a part of Maltstock 2013 now is the moment to buy your ticket(s) and make sure you can join us the 6th of September. Remember: you must purchase your ticket before Maltstock, there are no tickets sold at the entrance. Click here to go to our shop and book yourself a weekend of whisky fun.
We hope to see you at Maltstock 2013!
Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier and Teun
Ardbeg Masterclass at TWE Whisky Show
If there’s one thing The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show is famous for it’s the standard of our incredible Masterclasses. We’ve already announced three brilliant classes for this year’s show and our final tasting puts the tin lid on it: yes, … Continue reading >>
UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews the Glenfarclas 2003 W Club Edition
Whisky, Jazz and Fun(draising): An Afternoon Tea Party With a Difference
This July, Londoners will have the chance to attend an afternoon tea party with a difference.
In place of Earl Grey or English Breakfast, will be a bespoke whisky cocktail served in tea cups, and a Brazilian jazz singer will entertain instead of a pianist or string quartet.
What’s even better? All money raised on ticket sales and a silent auction will go directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Hosted by Miss Whisky, in partnership with Dre Masso and Eric Yu’s latest cocktail bar sensation – Opium Bar at 16, Gerrard Street in China Town – the afternoon whisky tea party will run from 3-7pm on Sunday, 21 July.
Providing the base for the delicious drinks are sponsors Glengoyne whisky, while Aline Stoffel – a Brazilian jazz songstress who has performed from stadiums in Rio de Janeiro to London’s Ronnie Scott’s – will delight anyone with a penchant for sultry tunes.
“I am thrilled to be announcing this partnership between myself, Opium Bar, Glengoyne and Aline Stoffel – to have so many amazing people on board to raise funds for this vital charity is absolutely wonderful,” said Miss Whisky founder and editor, Alwynne Gwilt, who has volunteered with the charity’s Hampstead Hospice in London since 2011.
Marie Curie Cancer Care provides support to terminally ill patients and their families and its hospice nurses do incredible work in the community, often allowing patients to pass away peacefully in their homes rather than in a hospital.
In the past year, 31,000 patients were cared for by the 2,700 nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals employed by the charity, making it the biggest provider of hospice beds outside of the NHS.
But, without the generous donations of the public, the charity would simply not be able to run.
Around 70 per cent of its funding comes from the community, with the other 30 per cent coming from the NHS.
Speaking on the importance of events such as this, Natasha Sadaoui – community fundraiser at the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead – said: “The Hospice provides expert care and the best possible quality of life, for people with cancer and other terminal illnesses, and support for their families, completely free of charge. It costs us £5.4 million a year to run just the Hampstead Hospice and we just wouldn’t be able to provide such a service without the support from the local community and people like Alwynne!”
When Alwynne was 13, she lost her mother to cancer and unfortunately her mother’s last days were spent in a hospital rather than at the home she loved.
“I only wish she would have had the support of a charity like Marie Curie at that time. The work they do for families and those patients in their final days is incredible and I want to do all I can to ensure other families receive this type of care if they end up in a similar situation,” she said.
Speaking on why Glengoyne has decided to participate, Neil Boyd – UK Commercial Director of Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, the brand’s owner – said: “Marie Curie Cancer Care is an exceptional charity bringing much needed relief and support to families across the UK. We hope that our Teapot Dram can add to the enjoyment of this fun and original charitable event.”
Tickets for the event are now on sale through Miss Whisky’s Just Giving Page ( https://www.justgiving.com/miss-whisky ), which has been set up to ensure attendees avoid ticket charges and to allow the charity to benefit from Gift Aid.
Tickets include a bespoke whisky cocktail and the concert, and are £13 ahead of time. Those wishing to purchase them simply need donate that amount through the page’s donation function and fill in their name in the “Donated By” section to be added to the guest list.
Tickets will also be available on the door at a cost of £15. All money raised from ticket sales will go directly to the charity.
Donations in excess are of course also wholeheartedly welcome.
A silent auction featuring lots of delectable goodies will also be running on the day. Anyone wishing to donate items for it should get in touch with Alwynne before the 16th July. So come along and make your Sunday afternoon tea even more special this July – it all makes a big difference!
For further details, press queries or to discuss donations for the silent auction, please contact Alwynne on: info@misswhisky.com or through Twitter on @themisswhisky
Notes:
About Marie Curie: Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the UK’s largest charities.Employing more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, it provided care to more than 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its nine hospices last year and is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS. In 2009 the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead underwent a £3.8 million refurbishment which included converting the hospice’s multi-occupancy wards into 26 single en suite rooms with patient controlled lighting, heating, TV and internet access. As well as being a place for terminally ill people to stay as in-patients, the Hospice also offers a wide range of day services, which are open to terminally ill people being cared for at home. These day services help patients to manage their symptoms as well as relax, refresh and unwind such as complementary therapies, emotional support and use of the hydro pool. The charity has two centres for palliative care research, the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Unit at University College London and the Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool. It also supports palliative and end of life care research through its project grant funding streams, the Marie Curie Cancer Care Research Programme (administered by Cancer Research UK) and the Dimbleby Marie Curie Cancer Care Research Fund. For more information, visit: http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/
About Miss Whisky: Founded in 2011 by journalist Alwynne Gwilt, Miss Whisky brings news, reviews and features on the whisky industry with the goal of opening up the world of whisky to a wider audience. For more information, visit: www.misswhisky.com
About Opium Bar: Opened in December 2012, Opium Bar China Town is the latest cocktail bar from Dre Masso and Eric Yu. Providing exceptional cocktails and delicious dim sum, the bar – hidden behind an unassuming door at 16, Gerrard Street – is an oasis from the crowded streets surrounding it in central London. For more information, visit: http://www.opiumchinatown.com
About Aline Stoffel: Raised in Brazil but now residing in London, Aline Stoffel is a stunning young jazz songstress wowing audiences in venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Somerset House and as a headline act in her home country, in cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. With a mix of English and Brazilian tunes, Aline is a firecracker on stage, and is joined by legendary guitarist Marcos Vianna. For more information, visit: http://www.alinestoffel.com
About Glengoyne Whisky: Based just outside of Glasgow at the base of the Dumgoyne Hill, Glengoyne distillery is often considered one of the prettiest in Scotland. With a whisky range including a 10, 15, 18 and 21 year old, along with a cask strength release, the company has a wide range to suit all palates and budgets. For the afternoon tea party, Glengoyne will provide its legendary Tea Pot Dram, normally only available to buy at the distillery. For more information, visit: http://www.glengoyne.com
7th Annual WhiskyFest™ San Francisco
America’s longest-running whisky celebration returns to San Francisco on September 27. Featuring a record high number of booths, as well as educational seminars and whiskies from new corners of the globe, the festival promises to be the biggest and the best WhiskyFest San Francisco has seen to date.
Guests will have the opportunity to:
Distillery representative and distinguished members of the whisky community will be on had at the pouring booths to explain how their whiskies are made, and what makes them unique.
Regular admission tickets are $155 (sorry, VIP are sold out). This event sells out, so buy your tickets today. To make your purchase, or for more information, visit whiskyfest.com.
