www.ralfy.com gets suspicious about Whisky Review 428 – GlenDronach 23yo Cask 1240
More Young Drinkers Opt For Whisky
6 February 2014
For generations whisky has been associated with older drinkers but times are changing.
A new survey to mark 100 days to World Whisky Day shows more young people than ever before are choosing to drink whisky but not in traditional ways. Over 60% of young people aged 18 to 24 declared they were whisky drinkers but a quarter of them said it had to be with Coke or other mixers.
World Whisky Day Founder Blair Bowman, 23 said that proved Scotch offers something for everyone.
“Whisky is increasingly a worldwide drink. In the Far East and South America it’s incredibly popular amongst all ages and now it seems we’re seeing a new generation at home discovering its charms and versatility”, said Blair.
“This year’s World Whisky Day on May 17th will be bigger and better than ever before. With the Commonwealth Games, Homecoming and the Ryder Cup the focus is really on Scotland in 2014 so we’re expecting to see events in every continent and some special celebrations here”.
Blair founded World Whisky Day in 2011 while studying at Aberdeen University. Following graduation, this is his first year running World Whisky Day full time. The initiative has the backing of Scottish Government and key players in the whisky industry.
Blair continued: “It’s great to see young people enjoying whisky, regardless of whether it’s neat, with a mixer or in a cocktail.“
World Whisky Day aims to raise the profile of whisky worldwide and to stimulate interest in whisky throughout the world.
Notes to Editors
More global brands added to line-up for
Whisky Birmingham 2014
Whisky Birmingham 2014 – the city’s only large-scale whisky festival – returns on March 1st bringing major whisky brands and local collaborations to canal-side venue The Bond in Digbeth.
Some of the biggest names in the whisky industry, including Morrison Bowmore, Gordon & MacPhail, BenRiach and Glendronach are the latest to sign-up for this special one-day celebration of whisky. The Midlands’ nearest distiller, Penderyn, has also confirmed.
Hosted by The Birmingham Whisky Club, Whisky Birmingham will also continue its tradition of collaborating with the cream of the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. Soul Food Project returns with their signature mouth-watering Deep South inspired cuisine, alongside Pop-Up Dosa, who will be serving up authentic Keralan street food. Local whisky bar The Victoria will again be hosting an onsite ‘Afterhours Speakeasy’ at the venue, ending the festival with live music and whisky cocktails.
Masterclasses on offer will see whisky paired with artisan produce including cheese, chocolate and cigars. Birmingham-based cheesemongers Curds & Whey and Kneals Chocolates join the festival line-up for the first time for special whisky-themed tasting sessions, while global cigar importers Hunters & Frankau return for a Cuban cigar and whisky masterclass. Local bloggers Living Room Whisky will be reprising their popular ‘bloggers’ choice’ stand.
Over 250 people attended last year’s festival at unique exhibition space The Bond. Festival-goers in 2014 can expect a much bigger event expert tasting advice from some of the whisky world’s most celebrated distillers, brand owners and bottlers. Retail will be provided by Birmingham’s arm of The Whisky Shop as well as Hard to Find Whisky.
Amy Seton, festival organiser and founder of The Birmingham Whisky Club, commented: “We were truly bowled over by the success of last year’s festival. It’s clear that Birmingham residents know and love their whisky, which is why we are growing the 2014 event to include more exciting and also more unusual brands and distillers.”
She added: ““As always, we welcome anyone at our events who has an interest in whisky – whether you’re an expert or a novice – there will be something for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this historic drink in a fun, informal and sociable environment.”
Tickets for Whisky Birmingham 2014 are on sale now and cost £25 for entry into the main festival room and all whisky. Masterclasses, Speakeasy and food require an additional ticket/cost. For further information and to book, please see Facebook/TheBirminghamWhiskyClub, Twitter @TheWhiskyMiss or www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.
Notes
For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/ or contact Amy Seton on 07900 686611 or amy@thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.
About The Birmingham Whisky Club
The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky nights, events with distilleries and whisky and food matching. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff.
Visit our webpage www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook/The Birmingham Whisky Club. Follow us on Twitter @TheWhiskyMiss.
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop Presents, “Super Bowl XLVIII: The Aftermath”
Yes, We’d like to talk about the Super Bowl too. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard too much about the Super Bowl already. The crazy plays, the lopsided score, the commercials, the Halftime Show etc. Well, we want to talk about the post-game aftermath. Perhaps some of you out there lost a bet on your the Broncos. Or perhaps you need to send a victory bottle to a devoted member of the “12th Man.” If so, we’ve selected bottles that seem like appropriate settlements.
Either way, Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks and their fans.
Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442
www.parkaveliquor.com
info@parkaveliquor.com
If you lost your bet but not your love for Colorado.
Breckenridge: Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
Much like the Broncos QB Peyton Manning – Breckenridge bourbon is a major award winner. This other Colorado game-changer has taken home 6 major spirits awards since 2011. They say they owe their success to their unique high-rye mash bill as well as careful mingling of casks at each bottling and the ‘perfect’ Breckenridge snowmelt water that they use for proofing. The natural minerality of their water source ensures a luscious mouth-feel, depth of flavor, and long finish.’Super’ Fact: Breckenridge received one of only three gold medals awarded at the 2011 Int’l Wine and Spirits Competition in the United Kingdom.
Our Price: $50/btl
Stranahan’s: Colorado Whiskey
When volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a neighbor’s barn fire down the road, he never imagined any good could come of it. The barn he made effort to save belonged to George Stranahan, long-time liquor connoisseur. When the fire settled, the two discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of fine whiskey. And so Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was born. “This 100% malted barley spent 2 years in new charred oak and boasts amber color sweet caramel scent with a touch of coconut and juicy apple and dry flavors. It has a deep cocoa and pronounced coffee finish and velvety creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of ice cream and root beer foam. ” 92 Pts Wine Enthusiast ‘Super’ Fact: Stranahan’s recent filled their 5,000th Barrel of Whiskey.
Our Price: $65/btl
TINCUP: Colorado Whiskey
TINCUP is a new American Whiskey founded by distilling veteran Jess Graber and bottled in Denver, Colorado. This high-rye bourbon is cut with pure Rocky Mountain water. Mr. Graber uses corn, rye and malted barley in this new addition to the Whiskey world. The grains are cracked to get to the starch inside and then cooked at warm temperatures under pressure, where the starches are converted to sugars, creating a unique mash. ‘Super’ Facts: The name “TINCUP” is a nod to the West’s first whiskey drinkers and miners who used these kinds of cups. The town, Tin Cup, CO is on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.
Our Price: $33/btl
And for fans of the ’12th Man’…
A selection of 12 year olds
Cardhu: 12 Year Old
A much-loved single malt, Cardhu is an easygoing, charming Speyside dram. With clean, crisp oak and sweet malt evoking flavors of honeyed flapjacks and home-made caramel squares, this is one for the sweet-toothed among you. On the nose, full, aromas of heather, resin, nuts, and sweet honey as well as notes of spicy wood and smoke. Medium-bodied and smooth, the balanced palate is sweet and fresh with a dry, smoky finish. ‘Super’ Fact: Cardhu is one of the main single-malts that make up the blend for Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Our Price: $55/btl
Connemara: 12 Year Old (Irish Single Malt Whiskey)
Each year a small number of the oldest and most exceptional casks are hand picked to create Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt. Containing some of the first distillations of Connemara, the 12 Year Old is a whiskey of great complexity and sophistication. Accompanying the smooth malt and peat flavors is a rich layer of spice and lingering wood notes accquired from the extra maturation in American oak. ‘Super’ Fact: This 12 Year Old won the Gold and ‘Best in Class’ in the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Our Price: $85/btl
Due to our ever changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. Prices are subject to change. Please contact the store with any questions. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or errant passes thrown by Peyton Manning.
Diageo Special Releases 2013 Tasting with Colin Dunn
If there’s one thing we can’t be accused of here at TWE, it’s not kicking the year of tastings off in some style. As we did last year, we began by welcoming the imitable Colin Dunn back to Vinopolis, just … Continue reading >>
The Highland Park Freya is now available to order online @ The Whisky Shop. Only available while stocks last.
The Highland Park Freya is the third release in the highly collectable Valhalla Collection. The Norse Goddess Freya was regarded as a serene, spiritual and giving goddess bringing bounty and hummanity.
Colour:
The Fair One, golden.
Aroma:
Almond and Madagascan vanilla shimmer in the distance like the Aurora Borealis.
Taste:
Orange peel, butterscotch and rose petals provide the sweetness along with orange blossom and ginger.
Finish:
The finish gives lingering spice and soft peat smoke intertwined with soft orchard fruits, toasted coconut and a light char.
Bottled at 51.2% volume.
£149.99 – Pre order only
Only 100 Days to Go
Let the countdown begin
World Whisky Day – Saturday 17th May 2014
January is now a distant memory as we welcome the arrival of February and the beginning of our 100 day countdown to World Whisky Day on 17 May 2014. To celebrate, we have conducted a survey around whisky drinking habits in the UK with some interesting results. Details of the survey will be published soon.
2014 is going to the biggest yet for World Whisky Day with the arrival of our new website (coming soon), Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup and Whisky Month in May. There are already 100s of events that will be taking place around the globe and we hope to top last year’s success in having an event on every continent, including Antarctica.
We have lots more exciting plans in the run up to World Whisky Day so watch this space.
Get in the spirit, mark the date in your diary and lets raise a dram to World Whisky Day 2014.
We’ll let you know when the new website launches and you’ll be able to register your event at http://www.worldwhiskyday.com
In the meantime if you want to discuss your plans or find out more about getting involved then please email info@worldwhiskyday.com or call +44 (0)131 208 2582.
Kind regards,
Blair Bowman
Founder
World Whisky Day
www.worldwhiskyday.com
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and very exciting competitions.
It is with great pride that Diageo officially unveils the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company – a new project determined to locate lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with discerning adult fans.
The first two variants to be released from the company will include the 20-year-old Barterhouse Whiskey and the 26-year-aged Old Blowhard Whiskey. Barterhouse Whiskey(SRP: $75) stocks were discovered in old warehouses at the famed Stitzel-Weller facility in Louisville, Ky. Rumor has it warehouse workers have already begun lining up for the first taste of this beautiful whiskey with a soft nose reminiscent of warm spice, biscuit and buttercream. The whiskey’s mellow taste includes notes of roasted grain, charred oak and a brown sugar finish.
Old Blowhard Whiskey (SRP: $150) was also found at Stitzel-Weller. At 26-years-old, the whiskey contains exuberant, rich flavors with undertones of smoke and honey followed by a gentle finish – dry and spicy with a hint of orange peel. Old Blowhard Whiskey is meant to be sipped slowly and best enjoyed among gregarious friends and unyielding debates.
Both whiskies are hand-bottled with love in Tullahoma, Tenn., and are expected to begin appearing on select shelved throughout the U.S. in March 2014 under strict allocation due to limited supply.
We are pleased to present our program for the 2014 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival:
Thursday 1st May
Liquid Treasures – A Whisky Treasure Hunt
Follow clues set by the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust to find liquid treasure. Thursday is Glenfarclas day. Follow the hunt at #liquidtreasures.
To register for this free event, and for more info click here.
Thursday 1st May 9.30am – 5.00pm
Spirits of the Glens
Join the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust for a tour of Glenfarclas, The Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Cragganmore and Tamnavulin distilleries. This ‘whisky festival in a day’ tour includes a whisky lunch in Tomintoul.
£230 per person. For full details, and to book, please click here.
Thursday 1st May 10.30am – 12.30pm
Seven decades of Glenfarclas with Kate Watt
Owned by the Grant family for six generations, Glenfarclas is in the enviable, and possibly unique, position of having stock available from seven different decades. Join Kate Watt, Sales & Marketing Executive, for a tour of the Glenfarclas distillery and the opportunity to try seven whiskies, with one from each of the seven decades; 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s. This will include a selection of current bottlings, and cask samples.
£85.00 per person, 28 places. To book please click here.
Thursday 1st May 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Manager’s Tour with Callum Fraser
Join Callum Fraser, our Production Manager, for a tour of the Glenfarclas distillery followed by a tasting of five whiskies. Callum, who has 23 years experience in whisky distilling, joined Glenfarclas in December 2012. This promises to be an interesting tour as Callum reflects on his first eighteen months in post, and shares his enthusiasm for the future of the distillery. After the tour Callum will introduce you to a selection of five of his favourite Glenfarclas expressions. £60.00 per person, 10 places. To book please click here.
Friday 2nd May 3.15pm – 5.15pm
Glenfarclas 1988 Visitor Centre Exclusive Launch with Ian McWilliam
After a tour of the family owned Glenfarclas distillery, join Ian McWilliam, Marketing Executive, for a tasting to celebrate the launch our new visitor centre exclusive bottling, a twenty five year old single cask from 1988. For comparison Ian will also present a selection of four other 25 year old Glenfarclas whiskies, including single casks and vintage bottlings.
£50.00 per person, 28 places. To book please click here.
Saturday 3rd May 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Glenfarclas Tasting at The Mash Tun, Aberlour
Join George Grant, the sixth generation of the Grant family of Glenfarclas and Douglas Belford, at The Mash Tun in Aberlour for an afternoon of whisky tasting through the Glenfarclas range.
Ticket price includes a Mash Tun Glencairn whisky glass to take home.
£22.50 per person. To book please click here.
Monday 5th May 10.30am – 12.30pm
The Family Casks – Help choose the 1999 bottling with George Grant
The Family Casks are a unique collection of single casks whiskies, with at least one cask bottled for every year from 1952 to 1998. To select the casks for each year, George Grant has nosed over 200 different casks. Now he would like you to assist in selecting the cask for the 1999 vintage to add to the collection. After a tour of the distillery, and a tasting of a selection of The Family Casks, George Grant will introduce a short list of 1999 cask samples, for you to nose, taste, comment on and then vote on. The chosen cask will then go forward for bottling, to be released for sale later in the year. £55.00 per person, 28 places. To book please click here
www.ralfy.com visits a characterful malt with Whisky Review 427 – Benriach 12yo Single Malt Scotch
