LOVE IS IN THE AIR AGAIN! BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HOSTS ITS THIRD ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT

Share the “Buffalo Love” on Friday, February 14!

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 2014)

– Love is in the air again at Buffalo Trace Distillery! After two very successful “Buffalo Love” events, the popular Valentine’s Day bourbon tasting and food pairing returns to Buffalo Trace Distillery, led by Director of Quality Drew Mayville.

The unique event will be held on Valentine’s Day this year, Friday, February 14th. Guests will be treated to a succulent dinner while learning how each course pairs easily with some of Buffalo Trace’s award-winning bourbons.

The evening will start at 6:00 p.m. with an optional tour; at 7:00 p.m. guests will enjoy a specially-created cocktail as Mr. Mayville will begin a fun-filled and educational bourbon journey as guests learn how to nose, taste, and appreciate all the glorious flavors brought forth by some of Buffalo Trace’s most highly sought-after products, all the while enjoying a special menu created exclusively for Buffalo Trace Distillery to complement the spirits.

The six course food and spirit pairing will feature Buffalo Trace products such as Rain Vodka, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, W. L. Weller Bourbon, Elmer T. Lee Bourbon and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream.

All of the dishes will incorporate the aforementioned products in the preparation.

Mr. Mayville will explain how the dish compliments the selected libation and what flavors one can expect to find in each combination. The cost for “Buffalo Love” is $150/couple, or $75 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing events@buffalotrace.com or calling 502-696-5930. The event will end at 9:00 p.m. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Attire is smart casual. This is just one of several events Buffalo Trace Distillery is hosting in 2014. Visit us at http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/events for a complete listing.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

A Warm Highland Welcome!

We hope that you’re all looking forward to toasting your haggis this Burns night with a dram or two of Glen Garioch!

We have been busy this month updating our website to bring in 2014, complete with new features such as  ‘Unique Location’, a corner of our site dedicated to exploring Old Meldrum, the home of Glen Garioch.  

We’d love to welcome you here at Glen Garrioch one day soon, but until then, why  not get a feel for the place and the people who are very much part of the character of this rich and robust Highland dram by watching this short film?

…You never know, it may even help you to win a bottle of our Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve Single Malt Whisky. For your chance to win, simply enter here and answer a simple question.

What’s your favourite Black Bull whisky?

Black Bull 12 Year Old
70cl | 50% abv
incl. tax: £43.00

Black Bull Kyloe
70cl | 50% abv
incl. tax: £29.00

Black Bull Racers Reserve 21 Year Old
70cl | 50% abv
incl. tax: £140.00

Black Bull Special Reserve Batch 2
70cl | 50% abv
incl. tax: £157.00

Macallan in Lalique V, 62 years old

The Macallan in Lalique V, 62 years old, originally filled in American oak sherry seasoned casks in November 1950. French crystal-maker Lalique is continuing its limited-edition decanter collaboration with Scottish whisky distiller The Macallan to reinforce the spirit-maker’s six pillars, … Continue reading →

anCnoc Releases Exclusive 1999 Vintage Expression

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today (15th January) announced the latest hand selected addition to its exceptional portfolio, the limited edition 1999 Vintage. Only 750 cases of this rare single malt will be available in the UK, Russia, Germany and Taiwan from January 2013 with a retail price of £49.99 per bottle.

The whisky, which has been matured in American bourbon and Spanish sherry oak casks at Knockdhu Distillery in Knock, Banffshire, has been bottled in its most natural form – neither chill-filtered nor coloured at 46% ABV. The exclusive liquid is amber in colour with a slight golden hue. It is an aromatic expression which is sweet to start with a touch of fruitiness and a long, smooth finish.

In true anCnoc style, the striking white and red colouring of the packaging mirrors the minimalist design of anCnoc’s core range and features an intricate illustration of the enchanting Knockdhu Distillery on the bottle and tube.

anCnoc, which is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, is a brand closely associated with the arts, having released a series of limited edition expressions in the past few years designed by the acclaimed Scottish illustrator Peter Arkle. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions.

anCnoc Brand Manager, Gillian Gibson commented: ‘Releasing our 1999 Vintage marks the first in a series of fresh and exciting developments for anCnoc in 2014 which are sure to intrigue and delight fans of our range. This very special expression, with its distinctive characteristics, will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to anCnoc collections.’

Notes

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at the Knockdhu Distillery which was established in 1894 and is one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It’s renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for producing a single malt that makes every day a special occasion. The new limited edition product joins the popular anCnoc 12 year old, a light yet complex dram and a yearly vintage, currently the 1998, which is bottled in its natural form producing high intensity malt.

Known for championing the contemporary visual arts and this new campaign builds on anCnoc’s grassroots arts sponsorships in cutting-edge Scottish galleries, which to date have generated a vibrant and modern environment for drinking whisky.

About International Beverage
International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to

heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

A note from our friends at Scotch Whisky Auctions…

Hi folks. The 34th auction is now live. Enjoy! 

We are also delighted to announce we will be able to step up our deliveries to the United States, thanks to a new arrangement we have with an internationally-renowned shipper. You may wish to continue using our friends at Mailboxes etc but we will now be able to offer an alternative which may prove to be more competitive. 

We are also now offering the option to insure your bottles during shipment. The premium will be 3% of the hammer price and will be added to your totals at check out if you select that option. 

Kind regards from Glasgow 

The SWA Team

SEATS ARE SELLING FAST FOR THE NEXT TASTING EVENT, SO IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY BOOKED, CONTACT US SOON. 

Another unique selection of cask strength drams is on its way to us. 

Here are the details for the event:

Date:              Friday February 7^th, 2014

Time:              6:30pm to 8:00pm

Location:       The Strath Ale Wine & Spirit Merchants, 919 Douglas Street, Victoria

                                    Please check in the Store for the exact room location

Price:              $35 each for Members & Partners, $45 for Non-Members/Guests   

REGISTRATION:   

1. Space is limited so you must register 
2. To secure your place you need to pre-pay

Please email, drop into the store or phone with credit card details

Email: whisky@strathconahotel.com      Phone: 250-370-9463 

1. Once your seat(s) are paid for you will receive an email confirmation from me 

      This is your virtual Ticket 

Thank you to those members who have already paid 

IMPORTANT: 

Please remember these are cask strength whiskies, so you should not be driving home after the tasting. 

Slainté!  

Colin Southcombe

General Manager

The Strath Ale Wine & Spirit Merchants

919 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8W 2C2

Tel: 250-370-9463

Email: whisky@strathconahotel.com

Top score for The Peat Monster in Whisky Bible 2014

We’re delighted to celebrate 10 years of The Peat Monster with a cracking review from the legendary Jim Murray in his latest 2014 copy of the Whisky Bible. As Jim puts it, it’s ‘Wonderful to see peat working on so many levels’…before bestowing it with a bumper 94 points. If you haven’t tasted it for a while then we highly recommend picking up a bottle; hopefully you’ll agree that it’s better than ever.
To read the full review of The Peat Monster along with 4,500 other whiskies, just pick up a copy of Jim’s Whisky Bible 2014 here.

Wolfburn Distillery in Caithness

A Talk with Production Manager Shane Fraser 

Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries www.whisky-distilleries.net 

Wolfburn’s Production Manager Shane Fraser started work at Royal Lochnagar Distillery as a day-shift operator when he was just 17 years old. Since then he has gained over 23 years experience in the production of single malt Scotch whisky and is very passionate about his craft. After three years at Oban Distillery he became Production Manager with John & George Grant in 2000. He was responsible for

the production staff, health and safety and spirit quality and cask selection process at Glenfarclas Distillery. In 2012 he moved to the newly built Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso, Caithness. 

Why did you move from Glenfarclas to Wolfburn?

I moved to Wolfburn because the new role gave me the challenge of essentially an open book when it came to all aspects of the whisky production process. The main challenge was to create the best spirit possible so that it would smell, taste and mature perfectly for the Wolfburn brand. With Wolfburn we have a fantastically high quality set up – the equipment and ingredients are all the best possible – and with this it is possible for us to make truly exceptional whisky. This has always been my ambition.  

Do you like the remote life in Caithness, what is so special there?

I love it up here – great open spaces and a different pace of life, which suits all my family. 

What is the water like? Minerals?

The water source of the Wolf Burn is very pure – there are almost zero minerals in it.  

What is the Wolfburn wash like? Flavours?

The smell has hints of juicy fruit chewing gum and has a surprisingly clean fresh taste on the palate.  

What impact does the Anchor dry yeast have?

It gives us a very vigorous fermentation due to our clear wort from the mash tun and gives a lovely fruity effect on our new make. 

What is the alcohol level of the wash?

Around 8% abv 

What is so special with the first distillation? 

There are very sweet smelling low wines like nothing I have ever smelt before. 

What is the capacity of the oft he wash still?

Charge capacity is 5500 litres, we only charge about 5100 litres. 

What about your distilling regime, is it slow or fast, how long is the first distillation?

Slow gentle distillation four plus hours running on low wines 

What is the alcohol level of the low wines? 23% abv 

What about your second distillation? How long are the foreshots and how strong are they?

We have no set time for foreshots but it averages around ten minutes at 76% abv. 

What are your cut points of the middle cut?

The first cut point is averaging 73% abv, the lowest cut point to feints is 61% abv at 20C. The average strength is 69% abv in SRWV. 

What is the flavour profile of your new make?

My first nosing comments were ’Sweet and malty, like Weetabix with warm milk added.’ These thoughts are still with me when I nose each subsequent spirit run. I have since expanded my tasting notes and now smell dried apricot but with a slight spice behind it. With a splash of water added it softens the aroma and I get more of a banana smell with a slightly perfumed background. 

What is the taste on the palate like?

Sweet and very subtle with no nasty hotness when it pass over your tongue, 

What makes Wolfburn’s spirit so special?

Slow wort extraction from the mashtun giving us clear wort, dried yeast, long fermentations averaging 80 hours. Gentle distillations. Very well made stills. 

How does your distillate react in Bourbon or Oloroso casks?

It is very early to pass comment, but we are achieving some wonderfully soft aromatic finishes from the spirit matured in sherry wood. Most of the sherry wood is Miguel rather than Oloroso or PX and the wood is exceptionally high quality. The ex-bourbon wood gives a smokier flavour but is still wonderful on the palate, even after a relatively short period of time. Full maturation will of course take years longer, but the early results are very encouraging. 

Do you fill also wine casks?

Not at the moment. 

What role does the maritime climate play during maturation?

Too early to say whether it gives anything to the flavour, but the cool climate -most of the year – helps keep evaporation down nicely. 

Are the new warehouses wet and damp, or rather dry?

Damp but not wet. 

What about your Angel’s Share?

It’s around 1 – 1.5%, at the maximum 

How many casks were filled in 2013?

811 

What was your production capacity in litres in 2013?

120,000 LPA 

How much alcohol per tonne of malt did you get?

A little over 400 litres. 

Will you inrease your production in 2014?

No, the target remains 115,000 LPA, we beat this target by about 5,000 litres in 2013. 

What is your overall production capacity?

We realistically could make perhaps 125,000LPA if we did not stop all year. Our rated annual capacity is 115,000 LPA at 48 weeks, 6 tonnes per week. 

Thank you very much. The interview was held in January 2014. 

Information:

There will be a regular newsletter by Wolfburn Distillery, please see

www.wolfburn.com

http://www.whisky-distilleries.net/ 

Photos

Shane Fraser

Wolfburn Stills

Copyright Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner 2013.

About the Author: Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner M.A. was a director in an adult education centre. Ernie offers courses on whisky distilling, writes for newspapers, magazines and blogs such as www.whiskyexperts.at. He is the editor of The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net which gives an excellent photographic and educational insight into the whisky industry of Scotland, Ireland, Europe and Asia.

Please see also: http://www.whisky-distilleries.net  

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Releases 2004 Edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon

The 19th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Begins Shipping to Trade 

LOUISVILLE, KY – The latest vintage of the highly anticipated Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 2004 edition, is now shipping to select retailers and on premise operators nationwide. 

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, annually releases the newest edition in the series that goes back 19 years and has in that time become one of the most highly anticipated American Whiskey releases of the year. 

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards since it was introduced in 1994. These include “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine Magazine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” from The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication bestowed this prestigious title. And just last year, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon was named to The Spirit Journal “Hall of Fame,” just the eighth spirit to ever receive this honor. 

“As many Bourbon fans know, we try to achieve a particular taste or flavor profile with every year’s vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel, and then we select barrels that fit with that profile,” Heaven Hill’s legendary 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam observed. “For this 2004 vintage, we went with a character that is maybe a bit more assertive and bold than in years past, as consumer tastes seem to be leaning more toward robust whiskeys. We therefore have selected barrels that sit a bit higher up in the warehouses where the temperature gradients over the 9 or 10 years of aging were a bit more extreme.” 

As with the previous 18 vintages, many of which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2004 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn. 

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. The 2004 Vintage is available nationally at an average retail price of $26.99 for a 750 ml bottle, making it a multiple “Best Buy” award winner as well. 

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”