Whisky sailing trip Tall Ship Thalassa 2014

Meet Masterblender Richard Paterson on board!

Make the once in a lifetime trip and sail with tall ship Thalassa! Sail along with us to the best single malt distilleries. Discover Scotland’s coastal distilleries, enjoy the company of whisky lovers and learn from whisky professionals! See Scotland and its isles from a different angle and discover its beauty.

*** NEWS***

The journey this upcoming May 17th is going to be most special because you will be enabled to meet masterblender Richard Paterson in person! Richard Paterson is well known for his enormous knowledge about whisky and for his spectacular presentations. He is an entertainer in flesh and blood, a masterclass of Richard is something you will never forget, a once of a lifetime experience!

Meet Masterblender Richard Paterson!

During our first whisky journey of 2014 we will visit the distillery of Jura where a guidance tour by both Richard Paterson and distillery manager Will Tait will take place.

Richard Paterson is known as The Nose and a very prominent personality in the Scottish whisky industry. During the rest of the journey he will remain on board as one of our guests. For the other guests a special opportunity to meet in person and learn from this authority on whisky in an informal setting. We, Hollands Glorie and Thalassa’s crew, are absolutely delighted that Richard will be on board during this trip and are sure that he will be happy to contribute to a very special whisky journey.

Would you like to join us?

Do hurry please, there are only a few places left open for booking!

Program whisky sailing trip 1

Embarkation: Saturday May 17th 2014 from 14:00 in Oban. Disembarkation: Saturday May 24th 2014 at 10:00 in Troon

Day 1: Embarkation in Oban, departure to Tobermory
Day 2: Visit distillery Tobermory, bustour Mull
Day 3: Departure via Corryvreckan to Jura, overnight stay in its bay
Day 4: Visit distillery Jura, departure to Port Ellen
Day 5: Possible visit distilleries Islay, overnight stay in Port Ellen
Day 6: Departure direction Campbelltown, visit Springbank distillery
Day 7: Tour Glenscotia, departure for Arran, visit distillery, departure for Troon
Day 8: Disembark at Troon

The definite sailing route depend on wind and weather conditions. The captain of the vessel is authorized to modify the schedule, if necessary due to circumstances as described above. In such case the captain and his crew will make suggestions for a fair alternative route.

Read more…

Information and online booking

More information about our trips can be found here. For online booking click here. For further questions please contact us by email or phone: +31-10-4156600.

Welcome on board!

HOLLANDS GLORIE
Liesbeth Wammes – de Graaf
Brigitte Beckers

‘A rare survivor from a closed distillery’
DIAGEO GLOBAL TRAVEL RELEASES RARE SINGLE MALT WHISKY FROM THE NOW SILENT BRORA DISTILLERY
Only 160 bottles will be available exclusively through partnership with World Duty Free Group UK

Scotland, February 2014; Diageo Global Travel and Middle East (GTME) today announced the release of just 160 bottles of BroraTM 40 Year Old, the most expensive Single Malt whisky ever released by Diageo. Drawn from a single cask, the bottles are priced at GBP £6,995 and are available today as a worldwide exclusive for pre-order through World Duty Free Group’s online outlet www.worldofwhiskies.com.

The Brora distillery closed in 1983, yet some of the famous liquid has been slowly maturing to perfection in a Scottish warehouse. This fine, pale gold Single Malt, taken at the natural cask strength of 59.1% from a single cask distilled in 1972, is the first 40 year old Brora whisky ever to be bottled, and the oldest and rarest Brora expression ever released. It has been drawn from what is considered to be the most brilliant of its highly-peated bottlings – the famous 1972 reserve.

The exquisite packaging of Brora 40 Year Old reflects the true quality, craftsmanship and luxury credentials of the rare Brora liquid. The decanter is presented in a beautiful wooden case, an interpretation of the closed Brora distillery, skilfully handcrafted by the Queen’s cabinet makers at N.E.J Stevenson Ltd1. The bespoke designers were appointed to craft the case because of their expertise, which is evident in other highly respected creations, such as the unique chests that house the Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons.

The whisky itself is housed in an exquisite crystal decanter that bears the golden emblem of the Scottish Wildcat2, the legendary guardian of the closed distillery and crest of the distiller’s founder, the Duke of Sutherland. The unique crystal stopper is etched with the number ‘40’ and the decanter has an engraved copper neck detailing the 1972 distillation year.

Steve White, Global Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “We have chosen to launch Diageo’s most expensive Single Malt whisky, Brora 40 Year Old, through our exclusive partnership with World Duty Free Group UK. We are confident that the supreme quality and rare nature of this whisky will delight and excite Single Malt collectors and aficionados who will want to add a bottle of this prestigious whisky to their prized collection.”

David de Miguel, Global Head of Liquor at World Duty Free Group comments, “It’s great to be partnering with Diageo on this worldwide exclusive malt whisky launch, which showcases our ability to consistently offer a range of unique whiskies across our stores. The exceptional quality of this rare whisky will attract and intrigue whisky connoisseurs, helping to highlight our reputation as whisky specialists with the finest expertise”.

Brora 40 Year Old is available for pre-order from today, exclusively at www.worldofwhiskies.com, at a recommended retail price of GBP £6,995 for 70cl, and will be available for collection from selected UK World of Whiskies and World Duty Free Group stores from 21st April 2014.

Notes

About N.E.J Stevenson Ltd 1

N.E.J. Stevenson Ltd is cabinetmaker to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Holder of a Royal Warrant. A Royal Warrant is personally granted by one of three ‘Grantors’: HRH Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

The Scottish Wildcat 2

A proud survivor, of which fewer than 400 remain in the wild today. Impressed by its ferocity, it is said, early settlers and Highland Clans made the wildcat their symbol, to proclaim a fierce independence of spirit, tenacity and resilience. The wildcat featured on the Duke of Sutherland’s family crest and in time became the distillery emblem.

History of the Brora Distillery

The distillery was first founded in 1819 as the Clynelish distillery in the town of Brora in Sutherland. A new Clynelish distillery was built on an adjacent site in 1967 and two years later the old one re-opened under the name Brora Distillery. During the 1980s the whisky industry suffered at the hands of a slowing global economy and, along with several other malt distilleries in Scotland, Brora closed down, shutting its doors for the final time in May 1983.

Brora 40 Year Old Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold
Nose: Soft and smoky with notes of gently rising honey, fruit, musk and menthol. With water, the nose gives rise to a harmonious fusion of ground white pepper, toasted hazelnuts and toffee, followed by an appetising smoke.
Palate: Concentrated wood-smoke and ash closely followed by soothing honey and a hint of liquorice, giving way to toasted hazelnut notes. Cereals form an undercurrent of tangy clarity against smoke, salt and toffee flavour.
Finish: Hints of eucalyptus and spice, followed by a long, smooth and savoury smoke. With water, sweet wood smoke lingers with hints of dark chocolate.

About Diageo:
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people and its brands, visit www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT WORLD DUTY FREE GROUP

World Duty Free S.p.A., is the holding company of World Duty Free Group, one of the world’s leading travel retailers, operating mainly in airports and with a broad geographical reach. It has operations in 21 countries and more than 140 locations with over 500 stores, from its heartland in Western Europe, to the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. In 2012, the company posted a turnover of more than 2,002 million Euros.

World Duty Free Group’s core business is tax and duty free shopping and its proposition covers the complete spectrum of airport shopping including Beauty, Wines & Spirits, Food & Confectionery, Tobacco, Sunglasses, Watches & Jewellery and Souvenirs.

World Duty Free Group operates some of the most exciting and engaging airport shops in the world, with focus on the customer and innovative marketing programmes, including multi channel digital and live in-store interactive promotions.

World Duty Free S.p.A. is listed on the Italian FTSE MIB 40 since 1 October 2013 with the ticker symbol WDF:IM.

World Duty Free Group has been awarded as Airport Retailer of 2013 by Frontier Magazine. For more information, please visit www.worlddutyfreegroup.com

Arran Malt & Music Festival:

Preparations have begun for our annual Malt & Music Festival which will be held in the Distillery and Visitor Centre on Friday 27th-Sunday 29th June 2014.  The White Stags are holding a VIP whisky dinner on the Friday evening hosted by Distillery Manager James MacTaggart, before the main day event on Saturday.  You can expect whisky masterclasses, fantastic food, island produce and craft, local musicians and distillery exclusive bottlings.  All this will be followed in the evening by a ceilidh and fantastic live band.  The Sunday will see the survivors lunch take place and a special masterclass with Euan Mitchell.  Tickets will be available very soon and we will be updating our web site with the link on where to buy them!  In the meantime, accommodation is booking up fast so make sure you make your plans ASAP! You can read all about last year’s event on our web site.

Aberdeen’s newest whisky and craft beer bar launches it’s second Monthly Whisky Club Tasting event of the year – GOT WOOD? For details find us on facebook at CASC Aberdeen or on twitter @CASCb

TOP PICKS

• Glenmorangie Companta Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
  Glenmorangie’s 2014 special edition Companta is finally here! Hot off the heels of winning “Best Whisky of the Year” from Jim Murray for their 2013 special edition Ealanta, this year’s limited release utilizes red wine barrels from both Burgundy and the Rhone to infuse a red-fruited character that marries beautifully with the supple texture of Glenmorangie whisky. Using both American oak and cooperage from Clos de Tart winemakers, Dr. Bill Lumsden (Glenmo’s head of whisky creation) managed to transfer all of the fresh cherry and raspberry aromas of the legendary Pinot Noir over to the nose of the Companta whisky. The color is a pale burgundy in the glass and a delicate note of cherry cordial is present. The palate, however, delivers classic whisky character, albeit rather desserty in style: spice cake, fudge, and cocoa dominate the flavor profile, but the finish is dry and spicy. Overall, it’s a wonderfully-balanced malt and a huge f eather in the cap for Lumsden; taking a style of whisky (red wine enhanced single malt) that has rarely offered greatness and making it absolutely great. Whereas we had plenty of last year’s Ealanta in stock up until the “Best Whisky” award was announced, we doubt our customers will have that luxury this time around. Companta is one of the most anticipated limited releases of 2014 and it’s a great way to start off the year. There might be back-to-back accolades in Glenmorangie’s future. These will go fast.

BACK IN STOCK

Japan – Single Malt Scotch

• Suntory Yamazaki 12 year old Japanese Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 5 available ($59.99) 

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($84.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml – 1 available ($74.99)

United States – Other Spirits

• Balcones Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($74.99)

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

Beam Selects Franklin County to Build 600,000 Sq. Ft. Distribution Center to Support Continued Business Growth

Frankfort, Kentucky – January 30, 2014 – Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), a leading global premium spirits company, today announced that its new state-of-the-art distribution center will be located on a 92-acre site in Franklin County at 1509 US Highway 421 (Leestown Road).  Spanning 600,000 square feet upon completion, equivalent to 13 football fields, this facility will be the largest of its kind in Franklin County.

“Beam is a company that’s on the move, continuously creating opportunities for the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “As Beam continues to grow for the future, the people of Kentucky benefit by the creation of more jobs and opportunities for years to come.”

“With two-thirds of Beam’s total spirits case volume being produced in Kentucky, having our new Beam long-term distribution facility in close proximity to our production will help us gain increased efficiencies in our supply chain,” said David Hunter, vice president of global manufacturing for Beam. “We are excited to be the catalyst for more growth in Kentucky.”

Construction is expected to commence in late February and be completed by year-end. The new center, which will be operated by a third-party logistics provider to be named at a later date, is slated to open in the first quarter of 2015 and employ an estimated 60 individuals. It will exclusively serve Beam’s broad portfolio of distilled spirits brands and will warehouse Beam’s finished case goods bottled in Frankfort before they are shipped to distributor partners for sale in the U.S. and international markets.

“The Bourbon industry is a key driver of our economy in the Commonwealth, and Beam is certainly on the forefront of that growth,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “The construction of this new distribution facility means the creation of more jobs for central and eastern Kentuckians, and I thank Beam for their contribution to our signature Bourbon industry and the people of our Commonwealth.”

“Beam is such a strong business partner and contributor to our community, and we couldn’t be more pleased that they have chosen to further expand in Franklin County,” said County Judge Executive Ted Collins.

H&M Construction Co., Inc. has been hired as the contractor to design the building, develop the site and build the facility from the ground-up.

This announcement is the latest in Beam’s long history of business investments in the Commonwealth. Last year, Beam opened its new Global Business Services Center, reflecting a $2.7 million investment that has brought more than 30 professional jobs to Louisville. In late 2012, Beam opened the Jim Beam American Stillhouse visitors’ experience and Global Innovation Center, a combined multi-year investment of $30 million, in Clermont, Ky. Beam currently employs more than 900 people throughout the Commonwealth in Louisville, its Global Innovation Center in Clermont and at its manufacturing plants in Loretto, Frankfort, Clermont and Boston. 

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.

Jolly Toper’s whisky tastings normally take place on Thursday nights from 7:30pm until approximately 10pm at The Kilderkin 65/67 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, (they do a mean pizza). For more details on the tastings themselves please click here

P/O/U/R/S = Peaty, Old, Unusual, Rare and Sherry cask matured. Recently many people have requested the exact nature of the line up at the ‘pours’ tastings remain secret so a proper ‘blind’ tasting can be held. However I understand some attendees would be more comfortable knowing which drams were to be tasted before committing to attending. If you don’t want to know the confirmed line up contact us before checking the details listed below.

* = £3 discount for first timers and members. Membership costs £10 for 13 months.

Future dates

P/O/U/R/S 06/03/14 £25/22*

Glentauchers 15yo cask strength sherry cask bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for The Whisky Exchange – a true sherry monster, not for everyone but very much for me.

Invergordon 25yo cask strength single grain from Whisky Broker

Glen Elgin 22yo rum cask full strength Cadenheads

Craigellachie-Glenlivet 14yo Bourbon hogshead 53.3% –  bottled to mark the 10th anniversary of Cadenhead’s Berlin shop, only 18 bottles in the UK

Lagavulin 12yo cask strength Diageo Special Release 2013

Marie Curie fund raising tasting Thursday 13.3.14 £15 – 100% of money taken goes to the charity

Longrow 7yo October 2000 – January 2008 5 1/2 years in refill Bourbon then 1 1/2 years fresh Gaja Barolo 55.8% 12120 bottles. I love this stuff, the flavour just keeps on going.

Tomintoul 14yo 46%

Tomatin 15yo 43%

Clynelish 16yo 46%

Century of Malts 40%

P/O/U/R/S 20.3.14 £YBC*

Marie Curie fund raising tasting Thursday 27.3.14 £25 – 100% of money taken goes to the charity SOLD OUT!

P/O/U/R/S 3.4.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 17.4.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 1.5.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 15.5.14 £TBC*

THE BEST CADENHEADS HAS No. 3 21.05.14 £TBC

Those whisky daft Danes are back with the usual request – pour the 5 best drams Cadenheads currently have – hang the price.

P/O/U/R/S 29.5.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 12.6.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 26.6.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 10.7.14 £TBC*

P/O/U/R/S 24.7.14 £TBC*

Brand New Bottlings:

This Spring brings with it our first new release of the year – the limited edition 17 year-old Single Malt.  This bottling is limited to 9,000 bottles worldwide and follows in the footsteps of our limited 16 year-old released last year. These are exciting times for the Arran team as we step ever closer to our first official 18 year-old. This edition is made from 100% Sherry Casks and the advance tasting note can be found exclusively in the White Stags section of our web site.  Come and see what’s going on with the White Stags here.

Many of you will not want to miss the long-awaited third and final instalment of The Devil’s Punchbowl Trilogy which will be arriving with us at the end of June.  You will find it first on our web site and it looks like being a heavenly end to this fantastic series.

UK vlogger Joe Ellis from Whisky Wednesday reviews Bruichladdich Black Arts 3 

http://youtu.be/P3qG-RdvsN8 

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES NEW GRANDEUR 24 YEAR-OLD 

THE START of a new year brings a new limited edition GlenDronach single malt designed for the serious connoisseur. 

Replacing the GlenDronach Grandeur 31 Years Old that has now sold out, the GlenDronach Grandeur 24 Years Old is another exquisite long-aged representation of the smooth, complex and full-bodied style for which GlenDronach Distillery is justly famous worldwide. 

For if the glorious rum-soaked golden sultanas don’t capture you as you savour it for the first time, you’ll definitely be ensnared by the dark chocolate and zesty orange oil softening to a deep clove spice. 

The Grandeur 24 Years Old, at 48.9%vol, shows the finest sherry oak casks, masterful maturation and traditional crafted Highland single malt in perfect harmony. 

Lovingly aged for almost a quarter of a century and beautifully gift-boxed, this exceptional whisky has been specially selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker from some of the oldest and most unique Oloroso sherry casks at GlenDronach. 

This bottling, batch number 4 of the Grandeur releases, is limited to 569 bottles. Individually numbered by hand, each bottle is a one-off and truly unique, making it a very special and remarkable malt. 

Billy Walker’s tasting notes demonstrate that the Grandeur 24 Years Old is indeed one of the greats. 

Appearance:  Glistening burnt amber holds a rich crimson heart.

Nose:  A magnificent combination of honey-drenched dates and succulent raisins which gently ebb and flow with waves of delicate orange blossom, mint and cracked black pepper. Hints of glazed cherries and toasted almonds perfectly complement the seductive nose – a nose to be appreciated slowly and often. 

Palate:  A fabulously full-bodied, vibrant palate captures a multitude of classic sherry cask characteristics. The delicate sweetness of rum-soaked golden sultanas refines rich espresso, dark chocolate and treacle toffee. Zesty orange oil softens to a deep clove spice and prolongs the ever-changing palate. A sublime example of understanding the relationship between cask and single malt perfectly. 

Conclusions: The Grandeur 24 Years Old encapsulates the perfect harmony of exquisite sherry oak casks, masterful maturation and traditional crafted Highland single malt. A dram to be savoured in order to reveal the depth of dramatic flavours held in the glass. A truly memorable and captivating GlenDronach expression. 

Sales Director Alistair Walker commented: “This is a wonderful dram that needs a great amount of time spent on it in order to be fully rewarded with its stunning qualities – luscious, long and lingering.”