You probably don’t want to hear any talk of the nights drawing in let alone mention of the ‘C’ word. However at some point we all have to accept the reality of our situation. It is autumn and Christmas is less than 8 weeks away. There I said it. Sorry.

But wait, it’s not all bad. We have some fantastic ideas to help warm you and yours over the coming weeks and months, including tasting packs, tastings in January and Newcastle Whisky Festival 2015…

Add to that a bit of news and banter and we’ve got you covered for the 5 minutes or so it takes you to read this.

TASTING GIFT PACKS

After the roaring success of our experimental tasting packs over the last few months, we have decided to expand our range to ensure there’s something for everyone.

They really are a fantastic way to sample whisky from home without investing in a whole bottle of something you’re not sure you’re going to like.

Therefore we have the following packs for your delectation over the next couple of months…

ISLAY FESTIVAL BOTTLINGS £45

We plundered a number of ‘Feis’ bottlings when we visited back in May and thought other folks might like to try these incredible whiskies. Whiskies from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, plus for a limited time, Octomore (Bruichladdich) are all included. At only £45, this is a fantastic opportunity to taste these sought after bottlings…Click HERE for more.

WORLD WHISKIES £30

Ever wondered what whiskies from around the world taste like? Are they any good?  Well we can certainly answer positively to the second question, but you’ll have to sample for yourself for the answer to the first.  A fantastic pack full of flavourful whiskies from far-flung corners of the world, just waiting to prove to you that good whisky needn’t always be Scottish…Click HERE for more.

OLD & RARE £70

Fancy trying something a little more hard to come by? Don’t fancy forking out for a full bottle? Our ‘Old & Rare’ pack could be the answer with some cracking whiskies from the archives of time. The 1st Edition includes a 35 Year Old Glenturret, a 1974 Glenlivet and the Lagavulin 2013 Feis Ile bottling…click HERE for more.

BURNS(ISH) NIGHTS JANUARY 2015

Our legendary and traditional new year tastings are back for 2015! At a venue near you we will be tasting some fantastic whiskies and feeding you with a yummy snack or meal – venue dependent. We may even read a poem or two in honour and remembrance of the Scottish bard, but the emphasis is on the whisky. Prices vary so please check website.

Click on the relevant date and venue for tickets…

BURN(ISH) NIGHT – DATES AND VENUES:

LONDON Weds 21st JAN 7pm SALT BAR, SEYMOUR St. W2
LEEDS Thursday 22nd JAN 7pm CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
NEWCASTLE Friday 23rd JAN 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIARS STREET
MANCHESTER Friday 23rd JAN 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 24th JAN 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
SHEFFIELD Announcement shortly
LIVERPOOL Announcement shortly
BRIGHTON Announcement shortly

Just click on the venue closest to you to book now.

EARLY-BIRD 2 FOR £40  FOR…

We are proud to present our first Whisky Festival of 2015!

Now in its 7th year, Newcastle Whisky Festival has become unmissable for the fine whisky-loving folks of Tyneside. Whiskies from Scotland and all over the world will be on show (and tasting of course) from the people who make and sell it.  Add to this masterclasses and the opportunity to purchase on the day and your in for a good one.  We are doing things slightly differently this year, with 2 sessions to choose from – 11am to 3pm or 4pm to 8pm.  We have 50 pairs of tickets for each session on this special 2 for £40 Early Bird – so be quick in order to take advantage of this! Click HERE or on the banner.

BLIND ISLAY FURY £20

With all of this excitement it is perhaps easy to forget that we have our most popular series of the year about to start. We have already sold out 3 of the venue tastings but still have some places in the others.  As always, in these blind sessions, we are tasting six whiskies ‘blind’ so therefore creating an even playing field and really testing your palate. As previously, if you’re not able to make it to one of the tastings, you can get involved by buying one of our tasting from home packs.

BLIND ISLAY FURY – DATES & VENUES

LONDON Weds 5th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
LIVERPOOL Weds 12th NOV 7pm JENNY’S BAR, FENWICK ST.
LONDON Weds 12th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
LEEDS Thursday 13th NOV 7pm CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
NEWCASTLE Friday 14th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
MANCHESTER Friday 14th NOV 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 15th NOV 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
SHEFFIELD Tuesday 18th NOV 7pm THE TAP, SHEFFIELD STATION
BRIGHTON Weds 19th NOV 7pm LORD NELSON, TRAFALGAR ST.
NEWCASTLE Friday 28th NOV 7pm BLACKFRIARS, NEWCASTLE

MOVEMBER

As some of you will know, we are big fans and supporters of Movember. This fantastic charity traditionally raises awareness for male prostate cancer but has added further strings to its bow this year.  We continue to support through our Movember tasting in York on the 28th of November and, new for this year, we are presenting a couple of special tastings at The Whisky Sessions on the 21st and 22nd.  Eddie is shaving his much-loved beard off as we speak (it takes a while) and would love for you to support him in his ‘mo growing endeavours – click HERE if you would like to.

We hope you agree there’s something for every whisky-lover in this little lot. We will have more news soon on further festivals, our customer trip to the Feis Ile 2015 and a new competition as we couldn’t fit it in this time!

Take care and we hope to see you over a dram soon.

Slainte,
Eddie, Amanda and Joe
The Whisky Lounge Team.