The Glenlivet Gallow Hill Single Cask Whisky Shop exclusive is now available to order! We are still running with free delivery on all orders over £60 delivered to UK addresses!

The Whisky Shop is proud to present another exciting exclusive distillery bottling. Limited to less than 300 bottles this expression is one of the most limited releases ever to come out of Glenlivet. We expect demand to be high and all orders will be processed on a first come first served basis.

The Glenlivet Gallow Hill 16 year old Single Cask tasting notes:

Nose: Bursting with concentrated fruit flavours. Sweet clementine orange and fruity pear complemented perfectly with a sensation of toasted almonds and moist gingerbread.

Taste: Coats the mouth with wonderful sweet orange flavours intermingled with rich milk chocolate and a hint of sweet treacle toffee.

Finish: Long and refreshing.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 51.8% volume

Background

With spectacular views across Glenlivet, Gallow Hill slopes gently above the distillery. The rugged and remote landscape has hardly changed since George Smith, The Glenlivet founder, first started distilling his whisky all those years ago.

Pre Order today to secure your bottle. Stock arriving on 1st May – £235

Simply Click here to buy

www.ralfy.com gets there first with Whisky Review 446 – Isle Of Arran 17yo malt @ 46%

Ballantine’s Launches New Online Film
‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’

Ballantine’s unveils the latest in a series of global films, harnessing innovative new filming techniques to create stunning visualisations of the shapes and sight of sound

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today launches a new online film featuring London based drummer and musician Ben Mead, as he embarks on an eye-catching and innovative experiment to capture the shapes, patterns and skills that define his art form. The unique film utilises innovative techniques to literally capture ‘The Art of Drumming’ through the use of LED ‘light trails’ on Ben’s drumsticks – capturing on film, live and without the use of after effects, the intensity, passion and artistry which drives the self-fulfilment of musicians and artists like him.

‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’ is the latest instalment in what will become an extended series from around the world, featuring artists, creators and innovators from all walks of life who define Ballantines’ mantra of ‘Stay True’ – which applauds conviction, self-belief and authenticity. The films showcase these protagonists as they undertake a host of creative experiments that define their ‘Stay True’ stories, bringing them to life in a way that is both unique and engaging. These films will all be available to view through a dedicated platform, www.staytruestories.com.

This production follows Mead, the star of Ballantine’s recent TV commercial ‘The Drummer’, as he discusses his life story, philosophy and approach to creativity and music during a day in his life around his hometown of East London. The climatic finale of the film features the experiment itself, which was created by Mead, Ballantine’s and a host of technical experts and artists.

Taking its cue from ‘light painting’ in stills photography which has existed for many years, the experiment set out to create a new process as close to ‘in-camera’ as possible. This process could be previewed in real-time by Ben, allowing him to merge drum patterns with visually stunning shapes and outlines, seeing how different music styles look in space.

This unique piece follows on from ‘Kilian Martin’s Carmen’, a film collaboration between Ballantine’s and renowned freestyle skateboarder Kilian Martin, which fused his unique ‘Stay True’ story – steeped in the application of artistic movement and creativity to his boarding – with a reinterpretation of Bizet’s classic opera ‘Carmen’. Future films are also now in pre-production across three continents.

Ben Mead on the film: “Drumming, rhythm and creativity is something I’ve always been passionate about. I think creativity in music is not only something you hear or something you feel, but it’s also something you see. Taking part in this experiment and being able to physically see the way that I see drumming in my own head was so rewarding.”

The film is available to view on YouTube here http://youtu.be/JLSC5HUbvcQ and media can embed the video into news pieces using the following embed code;

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s commented: “We’re so pleased to be continuing our working relationship with Ben and to help realise this experiment to visualise the art of drumming. Ben is the perfect embodiment of ‘Stay True’ and being able to see rhythm as he sees it is a unique and innovative spectacle.”

“We’ve seen a huge appetite for these types of films from our fans around the world, featuring authentic creators such as Ben and Kilian. Through Staytruestories.com, we can deliver a wealth of global content that continues to bring Stay True to life for Ballantine’s on a long-term basis.”

The film is the next in a series from around the world, which can all be viewed at: www.staytruestories.com

Notes

About the production of ‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’
In order to capture the stunning footage, a bespoke application was developed C++ using the Cinder creative coding framework, taking a HD video feed from the main shoot camera and pulls out the LED-tipped drumsticks. The trails are not computer generated, but come directly from the images from the camera, creating light trails of the desired length and intensity. In addition, a 360 degree ‘time slice rig’ was used by Ben and the team to capture the light trails in 3D.

About Stay True
The film is part of Ballantine’s recently launched ‘Stay True, Leave An Impression’ global marketing campaign, which features across the Ballantine’s brand and serves as an invitation to express ourselves in a genuine and authentic way, applauding self-belief and conviction. An accompanying advertising campaign is rolling out globally, with a TV commercial ‘The Drummer’ now showing in selected countries around the world.

About Ben Mead
Ben Mead is a real ‘stay true’ person, chosen to front Ballantine’s TVC because he serves as the embodiment of ‘Stay True’ and has passion and self-belief, is rooted in self-fulfilment rather than impressing the crowd. Ben has played in a variety of bands ranging from hard rock to indie to electronic, following his passion around the globe, touring across the Americas and Europe. However, he is also someone who rejected the traditional path of record contracts, with his current band preferring to play less well-known venues in East London.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 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, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com

anCnoc sheds light on its Peaty side

At a launch event in Glasgow on Wednesday the 26th  of March anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky unveiled exciting and unexpected additions to its award winning range. Peated whiskies from Knockdhu Distillery, named Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar; were presented to the media, whisky experts and members of the wider anCnoc community. The release of the Peaty Collection marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Distillery and is set to delight whisky enthusiasts around the world with a heavier, darker side of the iconic Highland spirit.

Project Manager Stephanie Bridge commented on the prospect of the anCnoc Peaty Collection being a window to the world of smoky whisky for drinkers who previously chose to drink unpeated malts:

“Rutter and our other new Limited Edition peated single malts will form an exciting collection to sit alongside our core anCnoc expressions, offering drinkers a new and perhaps a first experience of peated whisky. These malts have all the exceptional qualities of anCnoc but with a depth and smokiness that will be appealing both to peat aficionados and to drinkers of lighter malts with an interest in finding a peated malt whisky that they understand and enjoy. We’re on a mission to bring our very modern take on the world of peated whisky to our drinkers all over the world and to entice customers to experience this new side of anCnoc.”

The Whisky

While in the early days of Knockdhu’s operation peat was embraced as fuel used for firing stills and drying malted barley, technological advancements changed the way whisky was made in the village of Knock and allowed more gentle, unpeated character of the spirit to be developed over decades. But since early 21st  century peated malt has been used at Knockdhu once again, this time for a few months of the year only, to produce whisky which pays homage to anCnoc’s heritage and sheds light on the darker side of one of Scotland’s most flavoursome distillates. Excellent maturation performance, high flavour concentration and a rare propensity to retain a lot of the distillery style while delivering an uncompromising peaty dimension has led the company to the decision to release this unusual guise of anCnoc as the Peaty Collection.

The whisky is presented in green glass to emphasise its distinctly different character and the three expressions unveiled at the Glasgow launch are named after traditional peat-cutting tools. Uniquely, these three exciting releases, as well as any future additions to the Collection, carry a phenol content statement expressed in parts per million phenols (ppm) allowing the drinkers to make informed decisions and choose the level of smokiness most suited to their palate.

anCnoc Rutter, peated to 11 ppm phenol and matured in American oak hogsheads, is the lightest and freshest of the three releases with notes of delicate spices, juicy pineapples, pear drops and a gentle whiff of vanilla delivering anCnoc’s trademark character under a veil or warming smoke.

anCnoc Flaughter features 14.8 ppm phenol and matured in a selection of American oak casks. A richer, more dominant peat character leads the flavour profile with notes of creamy vanilla, sticky toffee and green apple freshness providing balance. 

anCnoc Tushkar is the most peaty of the three with a phenol content of 15 ppm. Matured in 1st refill American ex-bourbon barrels it offers a great balance between intense smokiness and the rich and rewarding influence of very active oak. Spicy vanilla heart is wrapped in overtones of orange peel, apples and cut flowers.  anCnoc Tushkar is available exclusively in Sweden.

Whisky expert and one of the most revered writers on the subject, Charles Maclean, commented:

“The difference between these three malts is subtle, but apparent. Their overall flavour – i.e. aroma and taste –is nicely balanced, fresh and breezy; their smokiness subtle and understated, while their cheerful simplicity makes them very ‘more-ish’ and easy to drink.”

All anCnoc Peaty Collection expressions are bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered and presented at their natural colour. The RRP for Rutter and Flaughter is £52 in the UK and the Tushkar will retail for 449SEK in Sweden.

If you’re not based in London we have plenty more to tell you about soon, but you should consider making the trip as this is going to be goooooood!

Consider:

– An incredible celebration of whisky from all over the world in a sprawling and vibrant venue
– 4 sessions to choose from
– Over 120 whiskies on tasting in the main space
– Pickle Backs, a special whisky stout, BBQ and live music in the Pickle Factory
– Pre-war whisky tastings & special classes from the likes of Laphroaig and Talisker, all on the Blitz Terrace – overlooking one of the last blitz-sites in London
– Cocktails by specialists Lounge Bohemia and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘Spirits Library’
– Our famous Jam & Dram session of blending and live music on the Sunday (along with our normal tasting session)

Our Early-Bird special of 2 tickets for £50 (2 for £40 Sunday) has to finish this Sunday, 13th April – after this tickets will go to their full price. They will be £35 per person for the Friday and Saturday sessions and £25 for the Sunday session.

So you may want to get booking now in order to save yourself some serious cash!

Click here for the Friday session, click here for Saturday Early Session, here for Saturday Late Session and here for Sunday Jam & Dram.

We hope to see you there! 

Sláinte,

Eddie, Amanda and Joe
The Whisky Lounge Team

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

TOP PICKS

• 1988 Littlemill 25 Year Old K& ;L “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Lowland Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($139.99)
  In the pantheon of closed distilleries, Littlemill definitely falls short of top-tier status. Collectors see names like Port Ellen or Brora and they get excited, even reverent about the possiblity of tasting Scotch whisky royalty. Littlemill, however, has never seen its reputation balloon in the new age of romanticism. It’s maintained a more working class status, while other lost distillery bottles continue to double and triple in price. This is fitting, however, when you visit the site where the distillery once stood. The hamlet of Bowling, where Littlemill once operated, has built affordable housing on the ghostly grounds. A bit of ruins still remain, but there’s nothing left to let you know of their importance other than a street sign that reads “Littlemill Place.” You would drive right by it without noticing if you weren’t looking for it, which is exactly the case with this 25 year old cask of Littlemill whisky. If you weren’t lo oking for delicacy and subtle nuance, you could drink this single malt down quickly and think it was cask strength Jameson. But the drinker who appreciates the pure malt flavors on the palate, the little hint of vanilla on the back, and the burst of richness that tickles the finish, will understand its merit. Littlemill will never be recognized like Port Ellen because its flavors and attributes aren’t obvious. This cask is a last gasp at greatness from a name soon to be forgotten; a good-bye gift to whisky lovers who long for the past.

Suntory Whisky Production Equipment Expansion

— Hakushu Distillery Sees Expanding Whisky Market —

Let’s hear it for the girls – Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival declares International Women of Whisky Day 

Whisky lovers around the world are being asked to raise a dram to the women who are shaking up the industry and breaking into the boys’ club. 

The first ever International Women of Whisky Day has been declared on May 3 to recognise the growing number of women working in the industry and sipping Scotland’s national drink. 

The global day of celebration has been organised by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is doing its bit by hosting a number of events with some of the most influential women in the business. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell hopes that whisky drinkers will mark the day no matter where they are in the world. 

Mr Campbell adds, “The perception of whisky being a man’s drink has been completely altered over the past decade – it’s now estimated that nearly one-third of whisky drinkers in the UK alone are female. 

“We are also seeing a growing number of women taking on key roles in the industry, from production managers to brand ambassadors. Women are now hugely influential and we felt it was about time that we celebrated the contribution they are making. 

“It seems fitting that Speyside should be the focus for the very first International Women in Whisky Day, since it is home to Cardhu which was founded by Helen Cumming in 1824. To this day it is still the only malt whisky distillery pioneered by a woman.” 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region from May 1 to 5, and will host a day-long programme led by women on May 3. It takes place at The Aberlour Hotel in Aberlour and will be complemented by other events led by women during the five day Festival. 

The day kicks off with Introduction to the Sensipedia of Whisky with Johanne McInnis, a Canadian whisky writer and judge known as Whisky Lassie. She will be teaching people how to use all five senses to appreciate and enjoy Scotch. 

Alwynne

Another Canadian – Alwynne Gwilt – will be leading a whisky and chocolate pairing session. Alwynne – also known as Miss Whisky and now based in London – is the current Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador of the Year in recognition of her efforts to educate people about Scotch whisky. 

Renowned whisky writer Annabel Meikle will be shedding light on tasting notes by exploring the language of whisky, explaining where the aromas come from. Participants will then be tasked with creating their own tasting note after a blind taste test. In addition to writing about whisky, Annabel has her own consultancy, The Whisky Belle. 

Master blender Angela D’Orazio from Mackmyra Distillery in Sweden will be introducing revellers to the unique whisky expression at her event. She will be sharing the story behind the distillery, and will be sharing some of the Mackmyra drams.

Anne

 Ann Miller is international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers and is also one of the directors of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. She will contributing to the programme by running a guided walk – the James Fleming Trail – looking at the story of the man who founded Aberlour Distillery, and a tasting which deconstructs Aberlour’s double cask maturation. 

She says, “International Women of Whisky Day is a fantastic way to recognise the contribution made to the industry by women not just in Scotland but all over the world. 

“It will also help to underline the opportunities that exist to develop a career in the whisky industry, which is no longer the once male-dominated place that it used to be. It is essential that we encourage new blood – whether female or male – into the Scotch whisky industry to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. 

“The programme taking place at Aberlour is one of the most anticipated events of the Festival – each of the women participating is an authority of whisky in her own right and although these events are hosted by women, they are not just for women, but for everyone.” 

“The inspiration for this day came in part from the enormous influence of whisky writer and expert Martine Nouet, who has been a regular participant of the Festival for over a decade. She has led a range of not to be missed events over many years and this year Martine will host a number of events at Glen Rothes Distillery.” 

A Twitter hashtag has been set up for International Women of Whisky Day – #IWOWD. There are events led by women taking place throughout the Festival, including distillery tours and whisky tutoring. 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is now in its 15^th year, takes place at venues across the region and boasts a programme of over 30 events. A signature event for Homecoming 2014, it will start Whisky Month – a four week national celebration of Scotland’s world class food and drink. 

It will also launch a brand new event this year – The Spirit of Speyside Sessions – which aims to put to spotlight on the area’s traditional music heritage with concerts and ceilidhs being staged in venues closely linked to the whisky industry. 

Tickets for all events in the 2014 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme, including the roving judging sessions, can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. 

Picture captions: 

Ann Miller: Chivas Brothers international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers. 

Alwynne Gwilt: Miss Whisky – Canadian writer and whisky lover, Alwynne Gwilt.

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, 1 May – Monday, 5 May 2014.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners 

EventScotland: EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, 

Year of Homecoming Scotland

Scotland will welcome the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014- providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games . The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country.  Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. 

Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY LAUNCHES TV COMMERCIAL 

The proudly South African and internationally awarded Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has launched its first television commercial. The powerful and majestic advertisement is currently flighting on selected DSTV channels. It was shot in the Bainskloof Pass, one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions, and the inspiration behind Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky. 

The commercial creates a sense of mystique when it challenges viewers to ask the right questions to unlock the secret of the Cape Mountains. The natural beauty of the mountain peaks and the crystal clear purity of the water lead to the inspiration and essence of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.  

Produced by Egg Films and TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, the commercial captures the area’s magnificent peaks, its cool, sparkling streams and the unmatched wealth of indigenous fynbos. The team shot the commercial during the winter of 2012; a time when the light and air were crisp and waterfalls were abundant, creating the perfect backdrop. 

Eliska Botha, global marketing manager for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, says the commercial exudes the sense of purity associated with this whisky. 

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is naturally pure and is inspired by its place of origin – the awe-inspiring Cape Mountains – an area renowned for its majestic mountain peaks, indigenous fynbos and the purest of water. The commercial brings this to life in a visual form and allows the viewer to experience this purity.” 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted at the James Sedgwick’s Distillery in the Boland town of Wellington, at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass. This whisky pays tribute not only to one of the most picturesque and magnificent passes in South Africa but also honours Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering engineer who planned and built the Bainskloof Pass in 1853. 

Only the finest South African grain and the purest of water are used in the production of this whisky. Using a unique double maturation process, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is first matured for three years in casks previously used for Bourbon. After this it is revatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks for a further maturation period. The result is the exceptionally smooth and unique taste. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has received a number of awards from the most prestigious international whisky competitions and was named World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards, competing against the best from Ireland, Scotland and the USA. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R220.

Glenglassaugh releases first batch of single cask bottlings

GLENGLASSAUGH has released its first batch of single cask bottlings. 

Revived from the dark and hand-selected by Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker, there are eight phenomenal malts in Batch 1 which range from 45 to 28 years. 

All are crisp, fresh, sweet Highland malts that hit the palate with the power of complex fruit bombs – from apples, bananas, pineapples, grapefruit, prunes and plums to lime, cantaloupe melon and caramelised orange! 

The oldest, cask # 1601, 45 years old, was distilled in May 1968. Bottled at 44.3% vol, this autumn gold veteran is long and luxurious. On the nose, heady red candy apples balance with delicate spiced orange softening to distant pineapple juice. And on the palate, crisp oak spices soften to reveal elegant waves of fresh green apple and wisps of ripe banana. Delicate hints of passion fruit, cedar wood and lime zest bring a fantastic depth to the long finish. 

As a contrast, the youngest in the batch is a 28 year old distilled in February 1986.

This rich amber beauty, cask # 2101, was bottled at 43.7% vol. On the nose, gentle heather honey holds warm cigar box spices. Crisp, freshly-ground barley surrounds soaked raisins and sultanas. And on the palate, a toasted white oak spice runs through Demerara caramelised orchard fruits which mellow to dried apricot and hints of vanilla in the long subtle finish. 

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We took over Glenglassaugh last year and were thrilled to discover a treasure trove of old and rare spirits slumbering in the warehouses. Revived from the dark, selected by Billy Walker for their excellence and personality and bottled last month, this is an extraordinary collection of rare casks which will be warmly welcomed by connoisseurs worldwide. Taken together, they are stunning examples of Glenglassaugh at its finest.” 

All eight are presented in a beautiful golden box. 

The batch details are: 

1968 cask # 1601 / 45 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 44.3% vol

1972 cask # 2114 / 41 years old / Matured in the finest Sherry Butt / 50.6% vol

1973 cask # 6801/ 40 years old/ Finished in the finest Manzanilla Sherry Puncheon/ 52.1% vol

1975 cask # 7301 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry Hogshead / 40.7% vol

1975 cask # 7801 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Moscatel Hogshead / 42.4% vol

1978 cask # 1803 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 41.6% vol

1978 cask # 1810 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Port Hogshead / 42.9% vol

1986 cask # 2101 / 28 years old / Finished in the finest Hogshead / 43.7% vol