Registration and Judging Now Open

for

American Distilling Institute’s  

2015 Craft Spirits Conference & Vendor Expo

March 30 – April 2

Kentucky International Convention Center ~ Louisville, KY

The 2015 Conference, now in its 12th year, will host over 50 exciting seminars, workshops, panels and breakout sessions covering every aspect of distilling, from setting up and operating basics to advanced techniques offered for every level of mastery.

Experts and peers will share their insights on distribution, choosing distributors, marketing, social media, building & safety, financing, and basic and advanced techniques. Included are one-on-one meetings, panels and presentations to answer all your questions about distilling, expanding, competing, and improving your technique.

Truly the world’s largest craft distilling event, American Distilling Institute’s 2015 Craft Spirits Conference & Vendor Expo is back in Louisville, Kentucky — and not to be missed!

Mon, March 30 ~ Workshops and Tours

Tues, March 31 ~ Conference and Expo

Wed, April 1 ~ Conference and Expo

Thurs, April 2 ~ Workshops and Tours

JUDGING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Get your entries registered now for the ADI’s 9th Annual Judging of Craft American Spirits. Spirits of all classes and categories will be evaluated in the largest and oldest judging devoted specifically to craft spirits.

• Deadline for spirits registration: Friday, Feb. 6th
• Deadline for spirits to arrive: Thursday, Feb. 12th
• Judging to be held: February 23rd to 25th in San Francisco, CA
• Award-winning spirits to be announced at the Annual Craft Spirit Conference in Louisville, KY

 You can’t win a gold medal if you don’t enter! Click here to enter.  Be sure to reserve your seat for the Annual Awards Gala and Auction. where ADI will reveal their 9th Annual Judging of American Craft Spirits awards.

2015 EXHIBITORS EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDING SOON!

Don’t miss the opportunity to present your products and expertise to over 1,000 attendees. Expo days are Tues, March 31 and Wed, April 1, with dedicated Expo hours. Reserve your booth now! Two-thirds of the space is already reserved and early bird registration ends December 24th at midnight. Interested in advertising and sponsorship opportunities? Download ADI’s 2015 Media Kit.

CONFERENCE LODGING

The Hyatt Regency Louisville is the conference’s headquarter hotel, directly connected to the Convention Center. Room rate is $149/night. Reserve your room HERE.

For registration and information: click here.

For more information, contact ADI’s Conference Director:
Anne-Sophie Whitehead ~ annesophie@distilling.com / ph: 973-698-4861

• Crown Royal Monarch 75th Anniversary Edition Canadian Whisky 750ml (ships in a 1.5 liter shipping box) (Elsewhere $75) ($49.99) 96 points Whisky Advocate: “Monarch, the 75th anniversary limited edition of Canada’s best-selling whisky, raises the already high Crown Royal flavor bar. Zesty rye from an ancient Coffey still is the throbbing heart of this blend, balancing cloves, ginger, cinnamon, glowing hot pepper, and that gorgeous sour bitterness of rye grain against crispy, fresh-sawn lumber, fragrant lilacs, dark fruits, and green apples. Butterscotch, chocolate, toffee, mint, pine needles, and sweet pitchy balsam enrich a luscious, creamy mouthfeel carefully tempered by grapefruit pith. ” K&L Notes: While many of us in the “serious” whisky crowd tend to avoid Canadian whisky because of all the myths we’ve heard about caramel coloring and neutral spirits, it turns out we’re actually missing out on one of the great renaissances of the genre. There’s a new movement north of the border; a flourishing of new distillation that ranks right there with Kentucky and Scotland in terms of quality and innovation. It also turns out that one of the biggest brand names in the business, Crown Royal, is at the epicenter of this movement. After speaking with renowned Canadian whisky writer Davin de Kergommeaux, I was forced to change my tune.. “Have you tried their new Monarch?” he asked me, “It’s the best Canadian whisky I’ve tasted….probably ever.” I was in shock. I immediately ordered a bottle from our vendor, interested in learning more about the 75th anniversary edition crafted to resemble Sam Bronfman’s original expression for the visiting King and Queen. It turns out that Crown Royal used a large chuck of their “Coffey rye” in the marriage; a delicate and flavorful rye whiskey run through the Coffey still at the Gimli distillery. I received my bottle and poured myself a glass. The nose was a like a lighter rye whiskey highlighted with caramel notes and vanilla; hints of pepper and dill. The palate is lean and haunting, showcasing lighter wood extraction and mellow toffee. This is beautiful whisky; easy to drink, complex, and not at all sweet. Why have we not been drinking this?

• SMWS 36.82 Benrinnes 17 Year Old “Rare Release” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($149.99) We’re continuing our relationship with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society with this 17 year old cask of Benrinnes; a Speyside distillery that we’ve grown quite fond of here at K&L. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky is a bold blast of rich vanilla and toffee. Perhaps the Society’s own notes say it best, however: “Warm velvet, dusty carpet and oil paintings. A rhumptof of red apples and rhubarb. Pea shoots and tomato leaves in a greenhouse. Juicy sultanas then liquorice and cola cubes. Rhubarb and custard chews with cinder toffee. Lemon posset and cookie dough to finish.” That’s exactly what we were thinking when we picked out this delicious cask! In all seriousness, this whisky is to die for. One of only 198 bottles from this fantastic cask.

• Cut Spike Nebraska Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99) At first we couldn’t believe our mouths. We knew that Cut Spike single malt had just taken Double Gold honors at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits competition (the highest possible honor), so obviously other people thought it was good, too. But after tasting so many mediocre American attempts at single malt whisky, we had become accustomed to the idea that the Scottish style of distillation would never be recreated here at home. There would be spin-offs, and experimental gasps at greatness, but that supple, malty profile would simply be something we needed to import from abroad. Then the folks at Cut Spike sent us a sample of their two year old Nebraskan single malt whisky made from 100% malted barley on a pot still crafted in Rothes, Scotland. Fermented at the brewery next door to Cut Spike in La Vista, the malt was matured for two years in new American oak with varying levels of char. The result is an incredible hybrid: soft, barley and vanilla-laden whisk y that tastes somewhat like your standard Scottish single malt, but has its own unique character simultaneously. It’s the kind of whisky that you taste once and enjoy, but then the next day suddenly crave intensely. It impresses you instantly, yet doesn’t really reveal its full character until weeks later. The new oak blurs seamlessly into the malty mouthfeel, adding a richness on the finish normally not tasted in standard Scottish selections. Cut Spike is a major accomplishment for American distillation, pure and simple.

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

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

1997 Bowmore 17 Year Old A.D. Rattray Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($149.99)

Laphroaig Select Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)

Longrow “Red” Port Matured Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($99.99)

SMWS 36.82 Benrinnes 17 Year Old “Rare Release” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($149.99) We’re continuing our relationship with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society with this 17 year old cask of Benrinnes; a Speyside distillery that we’ve grown quite fond of here at K&L. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky is a bold blast of rich vanilla and toffee. Perhaps the Society’s own notes say it best, however: “Warm velvet, dusty carpet and oil paintings. A rhumptof of red apples and rhubarb. Pea shoots and tomato leaves in a greenhouse. Juicy sultanas then liquorice and cola cubes. Rhubarb and custard chews with cinder toffee. Lemon posset and cookie dough to finish.” That’s exactly what we were thinking when we picked out this delicious cask! In all seriousness, this whisky is to die for. One of only 198 bottles from this fantastic cask.

United States – Bourbon and Rye

Jim Beam Signature 11 Year “Brown Rice” Straight Bourbon 375ml (1 bottle limit) ($44.99)

Jim Beam Signature 11 Year “Red Wheat” Straight Bourbon 375ml (1 bottle limit) ($44.99)

Jim Beam White Label Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 750ml ($12.99)

Bourbon and Rye

Old Potrero Single Malt 18th Century Style Whiskey 750ml – 9 available ($69.99)

Ireland

Bushmills 10 Year Irish Whiskey 750ml ($26.99)

Bushmills 21 Year Irish Whiskey 750ml ($79.99)

Green Spot Single Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 750ml (1 bottle limit) ($44.99)

Japan

Suntory Yamazaki 12 year old Japanese Single Malt Whiskey 750ml ($59.99)

Scotland

Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($64.99)

Arran Devil’s Punchbowl Chapter III Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($119.99)

Glengoyne 21-year-old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($119.99)

Glenrothes Triple Pack Gift Set 3-100ml Bottles (CANNOT BE SHIPPED) ($36.99)

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

Here is a quick update on some very cool TPS Private Barrels that have just showed up.

OLD FORESTER Single Barrel Bourbon TPS Private Barrel – $34.99

BUFFALO TRACE Bourbon TPS Private Barrel – $23.99 T

he Party Source has a variety of one of a kind Private Barrel Selections for your last minute gift ideas. Make sure to get these rare and hard to find Single Barrels before they’re gone!

>>>Click HERE to shop TPS PRIVATE BARREL SELECTIONS

The A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old Bourbon with Cigar Humidor is here in very limited quantity. Don’t miss out on this one… It may very well be the last opportunity to acquire this very rare bottle. A.H. HIRSCH Reserve 16 Year Old Humidor Collector’s Edition – $1,259.99 Available for in-store purchase only

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION GIFT PACKS FOR CHRISTMAS 10 DECEMBER 2014

The single malt that started it all partners with Master Typographer Alan Kitching to create bold and original design

The Glenlivet has today unveiled a new limited edition gift pack series, aimed to increase on-shelf appeal for its 12 Year Old expression during the pre-Christmas gifting season. Created in partnership with Master Typographer Alan Kitching, the bold new packaging highlights The Glenlivet’s dedication to crafted quality and brings to life the heritage of the definitive Speyside malt.

The gifting series, which features specially-commissioned letter press artwork by Kitching, an appointed royal designer, includes The Glenlivet 12 Year Old (70cl), as well as two value added packs: one with two branded glasses and a second with 5cl miniature bottles of the 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve and 18 Year Old expressions.

Each of the value added packs contains a booklet detailing The Glenlivet’s brand story and the partnership with Kitching, which was inspired by the shared tradition, craftsmanship and skill found in both the art of letter press printing and the creation of quality, single malt whisky.

The story of The Glenlivet, which started in 1824 when George Smith founded the first licensed distillery in the parish of Glenlivet, is explored on the packaging alongside references to its rich heritage. These include King George IV’s request for “Glenlivet” by name in 1822, together with other examples of how this renowned single malt set the standard of quality and craftsmanship that went on to define the Speyside style of whisky.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director of The Glenlivet, comments: “The Glenlivet has worked with Alan Kitching to create a design for our flagship expression that is both bold and eye-catching; something that will stand out this Christmas while also highlighting some of the key moments in the brand’s inspiring history.

“Letterpress printing is a traditional technique which mirrors the time-honoured craftsmanship of The Glenlivet. We have then presented the prints in an eye-catching way on pack, resulting in a contemporary gift that we anticipate will appeal to whisky fans.”

The Glenlivet limited edition gift packs will be available from December 2014 in a number of markets including US, Canada, South Africa, Portugal and Belgium, priced as per The Glenlivet 12 Year Old.

NOTES 

About Alan Kitching
Alan Kitching is renowned for his creative approach to traditional printmaking techniques. Alan has shows in London and Barcelona, and has contributed to various exhibitions in Europe. He has conducted his workshops and given talks to industry, art schools and design conventions in the UK, Europe, Australia and South Africa.

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. Today, The Glenlivet is the No.2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky in the USA, the world’s largest malt whisky market. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other. www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet

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.  www.chivasbrothers.com

SPARKLE, SHARE & SAVE: £15 DISTILLERY OFFER

Enjoy perfectly matured, luxurious whisky with a delectable £15 off bottlings from distilleries 9, 59 & 72 – there’s nothing under 21 years old! These will make impressive gifts, but only if you can bear to share… Still stuck? Bring loved ones into the Society fold: give the gift of membership and until Thursday you’ll double your referral voucher to £30!  #happysharing

Distillery 72

72.40

An infinity of concinnity
Old & dignified
31 years old
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Was £161.00
Now £146.00

72.29

Luxurious afternoon tea
Old & dignified
30 years old
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Was £125.50
Now £110.50

Distillery 9

9.92

Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
Spicy & sweet
23 years old
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Was £82.80
Now £67.80

9.76

Out of Africa
Deep, rich & dried fruits
25 years old
Refill ex-sherry butt
Was £98.00
Now £83.00

Distillery 59

59.51

A refined cocktail
Old & dignified
30 years old
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Was £137.60
Now £122.60

59.44

Mountain days and fun on the beach
Old & dignified
30 years old
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Was £137.20
Now £122.20

£15 DISTILLERY OFFER>

Browse All Bottlings>

Last orders for Christmas delivery midday Friday 19 December

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Don’t panic…

….However, today (Friday 19th December) 12pm is the deadline for ordering physical products such as bottles or gift-packs. After this deadline passes we can definitely not guarantee any deliveries pre-Xmas. The good news is you can still order tickets for events and have PDFs emailed to you to print out right up to Xmas Eve. So if you want any items such as Salty Sea-Dog or the extremely popular ‘Tasting From Home’ packs, you’d better get ordering now!

Click here to go straight to the shop.

Slainte, Eddie, Amanda and Joe The Whisky Lounge Team

The Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – chapter and verse

If you’re a whisky fan, it’s highly likely you jot down the occasional tasting note or two. Tasting notes are the perfect way to keep track of the whiskies you’ve tasted and when. And keeping a record of them is a very handy thing to have.

For example, if you’re struggling to decide on a particular whisky to buy, then a quick scan over your tasting notes could help you make up your mind. Or if you’re choosing a whisky from a favourite distillery, then your notes will refresh your memory on the expected flavour and style. You can also see how your tastes have changed over the years, and how your whisky repertoire has grown.

So, to help you keep all of your treasured tasting notes in one space, we’ve designed our very own tasting book – a perfect Christmas stocking filler, either for you or the whisky lover in your life.

Our TWE Tasting Book lets you keep a thorough record of all your whisky tasting notes

Each book has space for 100 tasting notes, as well as sections allowing you to add as much technical information as you need, whether it’s the cask number, bottling date, style, and score.

We’ve also included a stack of useful information at the front of the book, such as the history of whisky in quotes, a guide to the main Scotch whisky regions, advice on how to taste, and a glossary of popular whisky terms – all good stuff.

We’ve made the books look and feel great, too. They’re chunky, but not too big, and we hope that whisky drinkers will keep them on their bookshelf and refer to them for many years to come. And if you’ve never written a tasting note in your life – what are you waiting for? Once you get into the habit of doing it, you’ll be hooked.

You can buy The Whisky Exchange Tasting Book here, with more pictures of the book and its contents. Happy tasting!

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – chapter and verse

GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 6

24 year old Highland single malt matured in Oloroso Sherry casks. A favourite with connoisseurs and collectors. Limited release of 1,180 bottles.

Grandeur Batch 6 $392.84

With only 5 days to go until the ‘big day’ we are continuing in our quest to help find you the most interesting and worthy gifts from our selection of events and products. Many years ago we ran ‘Ultimalt’ tastings which were – as they sound – a chance to try some extremely rare and tasty single malt whiskies. Whilst this simply isn’t possible to do on a regular basis, we felt it was indeed time to put a handful on in early 2015. We then spoke to our good friend, industry legend and fellow whisky-lover, Colin Dunn of Diageo who also thought it a marvellous idea. Therefore we feel we have collectively come up trumps with a mini-series of tastings to include a veritable feast for the senses of those who really like their single malts. These are whiskies you may never get to try on their own, but to try them collectively on one hallowed night? Probably never again. This really is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities, and who better to guide you through the tasting, but one of the most entertaining and passionate people on the planet? We are possibly even more excited by this prospect than anyone else, but we really want to share the experience so have a look at the dates below…

ULTIMALT WITH COLIN DUNN – DATES AND VENUES:

LONDON             Thursday 26th FEB 7pm     SALT BAR, SEYMOUR ST., LONDON W2

MANCHESTER   Friday 27th FEB 7pm          BRITONS PROTECTION

NEWCASTLE      Saturday 28th FEB 7pm      BLACKFRIARS, FRIARS STREET

Please note: We can email you PDF tickets – for all of our events – right up to Xmas Eve, so you still have plenty of time for those. For tasting packs and physical items, 12pm on Friday 19th December is the deadline for getting these before Xmas Day. That’s all for now, more soon! Stay safe.

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