www.ralfy.com finally makes it half-a-thousand with Whisky Review 500 – On location with sand, sea and Ardbeg.

Paul was chatting to Ian Buxton for Angels Whisky Club.

A Taste of Liquid Treasures

101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die; A fun and accessible guide to completing an education in whisky from a man who knows his whisky. Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited, and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton has scoured the shelves of the world’s whisky warehouses to recommend an eclectic selection of old favourites, newcomers, and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk. This witty, focused, and practical guide is not an awards list or a list of the 101 “Best” whiskies in the world in the opinion of some self-appointed whisky guru. It’s simply a guide to 101 whiskies that enthusiasts really must seek out and try—love them or hate them—to complete their whisky education. What’s more, it’s both practical and realistic as it cuts through the clutter, decodes the marketing hype, and gets straight to the point; whether from India or America, Sweden or Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens, and islands of Scotland—here are the 101 whiskies that every whisky enthusiast needs to try. Sláinte!

Ian is a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1991, the highest honour of the Scotch whisky industry, and is a member of the international tasting panel for the annual World Whisky Awards and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. He writes regular columns for Whisky Magazine and has contributed to its sister title Scotland.  In addition, he writes for The Malt Whisky Yearbook, The Tasting Panel, WhiskyEtc, Whisky Advocate, 100 Points by Robert Parker; RiddleMagazine.com and elsewhere.  He has presented on the web based channel www.singlemalt.tv and at a number of tasting events. He advised the SWA and the National Archives of Scotland on the 2009 Homecoming exhibition Whisky and the Scots for which he also wrote the accompanying monograph.

His 101 Whiskies series (there are three of them now) have proved to be best-sellers with multiple reprints and foreign editions.  The latest, 101 Legendary Whiskies is already proving very popular, with the second printing now in shops.

Q; Ian; with so many whisky books out there in the marketplace, can I ask, what drives you on to write another book, where does your inspiration come from?

A; A pressing need to put food on the table and the bank off my back!

Q; I know you also contribute to The Malt Whisky Yearbook, I met Ingvar in Helsinki early this year at a whisky festival, a really nice fella, in fact he is bringing a few friends on tour here next year, we are taking care of him. How well do you know him and when did you start to contribute?

A; I have been writing for the Yearbook since its second issue (I think). Ingvar is, as you say, a delightful chap; it’s a pleasure to write for the Yearbook, not least because the format allows for longer and more thoughtful articles.

Q; Talking of whisky authors, you MUST know our whisky club Patron, Charlie Maclean (we like to keep things in the family!).

A; Charlie and I have been friends for longer than I care to remember, dating back to when I lived in Edinburgh.   We meet up from time to time to share news and views and that’s always a pleasure.

Q; Most whisky authors will upgrade their book, revise the following year and so on, do you do the same?

A; If the publisher agrees, and the demand is there, then yes. Some of my books e.g. corporate histories for Dewar’s, Glenfarclas, Glenglassaugh and so on, don’t date so fast but the initial 101 Whiskies has been revised once already and may need further revision in 2015.

Q; Do you find the whisky industry is moving on with progress or has it stumbled recently?

A; It’s in pretty good shape overall I think, with record levels of investment and new consumers entering the market. The recent drop in Scotch exports (-11% Jan-June 2014) is a worry though and the increases in prices seems troubling.

Q; What first got you interested in whisky?

A; I was working in London in the brewing industry but wanted to return to Scotland. I got a job with a whisky company – and the rest is history!

Q; Do you have any thoughts about finishing? Port, Sherry etc.

A; I actually developed the prototype product that became Glenmorangie Port Finish (the first one) so I was in on the ground floor! Done with care it’s a great way to show new aspects of distillery and spirit character. Done wrong, it’s a gimmick. But most people do it well.

Q; Here’s one to test your mind; what would happen if, for example, a distillery used beech or larch in place of oak casks?

A; Well, legally, it couldn’t be called ‘Scotch Whisky’. But custom and practice shows oak to be the best wood for casks. I guess it might make for an interesting, off-beat experiment – just for curiosity’s sake though.

Q; Weird question time; if Aliens came and took ALL our whisky in the world, what would you then do with your time?

A; Hunt down the little critters and show them no mercy.

Q; Do you have plans for the next book already in mind?

A; Indeed. A corporate history of Morrison Bowmore should be out just before Christmas and looks stunning. Then I am working on a book about gin right now.

Q; The 101 whiskies aforementioned; did you sample every one?

A; I might have tried 102. One has to be selective and some whiskies just didn’t make the cut.

Q; Apart from being immersed in distilleries and the trade, what are your outside interests?

A; I collect books (mainly about distilling I must admit); get to the theatre and opera as often as possible and have been seen in Ronnie Scott’s enjoying gigs there.

Q; A winter night in Scotland, it’s snowing and cold enough to scare monkey’s, it’s 9pm and you are sitting in front of the fire, what dram do you have?

A; Very kind of you to offer. I’ll have a Dalmore Trinitas please.  Oh, you mean I’m buying – well, you can seldom go wrong with a nice old Glenfarclas or Highland Park. And I’m getting more and more excited about some US rye whiskies (sorry) and various new world whiskies are there to explore. And then there’s the exploding Irish scene… Life is short; not enough wild, snowy nights to drink all the great drams out there.  Slainte!

Paul is owner of http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/   http://www.whiskytourscotland.com/  http://www.mcleanscotland.com/

Chivas Brothers Celebrates Double Success At Rospa Awards

Chivas Brothers – the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – has had its approach to the prevention of accidents and dedication to the wellbeing of its employees recognised with two prestigious accolades at the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2014.

The company was presented with a RoSPA Gold award for the fifth consecutive year – and this year also took home the additional accolade of the Astor Trophy.

RoSPA’s gold award recognises organisations that maintain high standards of occupational health and safety, while the Astor Trophy is presented to the company that demonstrates the best management of Occupational Health. Judges praised Chivas Brothers’ strategic vision for the health of its employees, specifically in relation to assessment, prevention and control of health risks, as well as the company’s promotion of wellbeing at work.

Gordon Buist, Production Director for Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted to have won the RoSPA gold award for a fifth year running – demonstrating that we have consistently maintained high standards of health and safety at our sites. It was especially pleasing to be presented with an additional award – the Astor Trophy – this year, which is testament to the very hard work of our Occupational Health team. From services such as smoking cessation and in-house physiotherapy, to lifestyle assessments and healthy eating promotions in our canteens, the team works tirelessly to improve the health and wellbeing of our 1,600 strong workforce.”

David Rawlins, RoSPA’s Awards Manager, added: “The RoSPA Awards encourage the raising of occupational health and safety standards across the board. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as Chivas Brothers, contribute to a collective raising of the bar for other organisations to aspire to, and we offer them our congratulations.”See www.rospa.com/awards/ for more information about the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

Notes

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

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

‘Best Whisky from Europe’
in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible

And to top it off – we won an additional

14 ‘Liquid Gold Awards’

The English Whisky Co. is immensely proud of these achievements and hopes you will enjoy one of their whiskies soon.

FREE HIPFLASK with every bottle of 70cl English Whisky Co. own brand whisky purchased before Christmas*

SHARE IN THE MEMBERS’ TOP 5

Come together with your loved ones and indulge with November’s top 5 single cask comforters – a few are already gone forever…

Share your Daring Pairings with us and WIN – ends Tuesday

When it comes to comfort and indulgence at this time of year, what tickles your fancy? We love a good dessert with a dram: tell us your daring pairings and you could win 1 of 12 mighty minis. #happysharing

@SMWSUK

THESMWSUK

SMWSSILVERSCREEN

No. 1: Deep, rich & fruity

73.64

Any time can be Xmas

£92.40

No. 2: Lightly peated

3.227

Tasty farmhouse cooking

£59.40

No. 3: Young & spritely

112.7

Youthful vigour in a barrel prison

£62.10

No. 4: Old & dignified

41.61

Liquid hedonism

£148.90

No. 5: Sweet, fruity & mellow

9.93

Interplay of light & shade

£56.70

Browse New Outturn
Browse All Bottlings

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

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Is our whisky not available where you live? Not to worry! We’ve partnered with DrinkUpNY.com to deliver our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky right to your doorstep. Head over to the Find Us section of our website, or just click this button right now!

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New Hampshire Liquor Commission to Host One of the Largest Spirit Tastings in the Nation 

Event to feature live auction of four individual bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Bourbon; 400 fine spirits, Rare Scotch & bourbon allocated exclusively for New Hampshire  

Concord, NH – Further establishing itself as a dominant player in the spirits world, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) will host one of the largest spirits events in the country on Thursday, November 20^, at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Expected to draw nearly 1,000 people, the Second Annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits is expanding dramatically this year to feature more than 400 fine spirits poured by some of the world’s foremost brand ambassadors, along with whisky and spirit seminars, silent auctions and raffles, and enticing cuisine from many of New Hampshire’s premiere restaurants. On behalf of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire there will also be an auction of four individual bottles of the iconic and incredibly rare, Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Family Reserve Bourbon.

Tickets cost $60 and are available at http://www.distillersshowcase.com/ with proceeds from the event and Pappy Van Winkle Auction benefitting the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. The event raised more than $31,000 last year in support of the Animal Rescue League and organizers anticipate this year’s event generating more than $50,000 in much needed revenue for the organization.

“As one of the most profitable control states in the country with more than $626 million in sales in Fiscal Year 2014, New Hampshire’s influence and buying power in the beverage industry draws the world’s leading spirit producers and brand ambassadors to the Distiller’s Showcase,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Expanding in a big way this year, the Distiller’s Showcase gives guests the unrivaled opportunity to immerse themselves in an incredible array of more than 400 ultra-premium spirits, including a selection of rare and exclusive choices. The event provides guests with the opportunity to talk directly with brand ambassadors who can serve as resources to guide consumers as they navigate the vast selection of spirits at our 77 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.”

With 100 tables featuring more than 400 diverse spirits from around the globe available for sampling, there will literally be something for everyone. Nationally known brands and craft distillers will be on hand to offer samples of various styles of whiskey, rye, Scotch, tequila, vodka, rum, gin, cordials and liqueurs. New Hampshire distillers like Sea Hagg Distillery of North Hampton, Djinn Spirits of Nashua, Flag Hill Distillery of Lee, and Smoky Quartz Distillery of Seabrook will take part in the Showcase as well.

Customers will be able to purchase spirits through NHLC’s state-of-the-art mobile app during the event.

In addition to the coveted Pappy Van Winkle 23-year Family Reserve Bourbon, the Distiller’s Showcase will feature whiskey and Scotch sourced and bottled exclusively for New Hampshire. The NH Liquor & Wine Outlets will be the only place in the world to purchase the following products:

• Limited release, 1994 BenRiach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Cask Bottling, Peated / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish – approximately 600 bottles in circulation – $179.99
• Limited release, 1994 BenRiach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Cask Bottling, Burgundy Finish – approximately 300 bottles in circulation – $189.99
• Limited release, 1995 Glendronach Single Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon finish cask – approximately 600 bottles in circulation – $169.99
• Angels Envy Bourbon – a unique blend, made exclusively for New Hampshire – approximately 360 bottles – $45.99
• 16-year ABERFELDY® Single Cask Highland Scotch Whisky – rated 92 points by Whisky Advocate – approximately 532 bottles in circulation – $249.99

“The NH Liquor Commission has always been committed to offering its customers exclusive opportunities to purchase limited availability, premium spirits,” Chairman Mollica added. “Many of the spirits available for sampling at the Distiller’s Showcase are only available in New Hampshire. You simply cannot find these spirits anywhere else in the world. Some of the rare finds were even sourced specifically for New Hampshire and available exclusively at the NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.”Guests will have the unique opportunity to interact with brand ambassadors like Alasdair Day, owner of Tweeddale Blend, Megan Breier, Kentucky Bourbon Ambassador for Jim Beam, Philip Pepperdine, Single Malt Scotch Ambassador for Morrison Bowmore Distillers, Chris Fletcher, Assistant Master Distiller for Jack Daniel Distillery, and Raj Sabharwal, U.S. Brand Ambassador for Amrut Distillerie. Chris Fletcher, the Assistant Master Distiller for Jack Daniel Distillery, will host a special seminar on bourbons and whiskeys during the showcase. The one-of-a-kind event features great food from local restaurants, including Bedford Village Inn, Ignite, CanOe, Amphora, the Granite Restaurant & Bar, BluAqua, Valentino’s Restaurant, Hanover Street Chop House, CR’s The Restaurant, Hooked, The Quill (SNHU), the Wild Rover, Faro Italian Grill, Common Man, Fresh Market and Triolo’s Bakery. Along with spirit tasting, the event will also feature a special bar area, where guests will get the chance to sip delicious cocktails concocted by renowned mixologists. Guests will also have an opportunity to enter to win an all-expense paid trip to Kentucky to experience the famed Bourbon Trail. The prize includes roundtrip flight, hotel accommodations, vehicle rental, food vouchers and admission to the following distilleries: Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Evan Williams and Heaven Hill. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire which improves animal welfare in communities throughout the state. Funds raised will support general operating expenses, as 68-percent of the League’s operating budget goes to general animal care and medical expenses. “The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire is grateful to be a part of the second annual Distiller’s Showcase,” said Paula Mattis, President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of NH. “The event enables us to reach more animals who need our help. This year’s Distiller’s Showcase is on track to be bigger than last year’s—with more brands being served, more restaurants and more attendees. Kudos to the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for developing this event!”The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is encouraging guests to imbibe responsibly and, as it did last year, will feature a Brown-Forman social responsibility section headlined by Marc Hindorff, Senior Corporate Responsibility Manager at Brown-Forman. The Radisson Hotel Manchester is offering a special discounted “sip and stay” package for $171 if booked before October 30 and a safe ride home program will also be available.

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 77 retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 9 million customers each year. More than $3 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC had its best sales year ever in Fiscal Year 2014, generating $626 million in gross sales, an increase of $23 million – or nearly 4% over the previous fiscal year. Total liquor net profits transferred to the New Hampshire’s General Fund reached $148 million, which are used to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation and natural resource protection. NHLC is expecting to net an additional $1 billion for New Hampshire’s General Fund in the next seven years.

Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.

About the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

The Animal Rescue League of NH improves animal welfare in our communities by helping pets and the people who care for them. During 2012 over 2,400 animals received care at the shelter, 635 of them were rescued by our Outreach and Cruelty Investigation Department. The ARLNH assists area residents with a low cost spay neuter clinic and pet food pantry for qualified individuals.

The ARL NH is open to all residents of New Hampshire, and actively serves the towns of Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Brookline, Candia, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Hollis, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Wilton, and Windham.

Bourbon Tasting

Pat has been really excited for this tasting! He Picked out 10 of our most popular bourbons to taste, with at least two mystery whiskies to taste the tasters!! I love Stranahan’s and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too!! The Tasting is this Sunday, November 9th @ 4 p.m. Hope to see you there! $50 per person

This is a major secret and we are just telling everyone about it today!! We are very excited to announce that Dan Crowell (Glenmorangie Ardbeg Brand Ambassador) will be leading a Glenmorangie Ardbeg tasting on Monday, November 10 @ 7 pm. Dan is a very brilliant man with so much knowledge about scotch and everything we drink! We will get deep into the scotch vault and try whiskies other venues only dream about! This will be an amazing tasting and you don’t want to miss it! Please call and make a reservation because this tasting for sure will sell out. 402.553.9501 $50 per person

5007 Underwood Ave  Omaha NE 68132  dundeedell.com  402.553.9501

Okay, we surrender! Try as we have over the last few years to devise a fair method to allocate Van Winkle products to our customers, the rabid demand has become too much. We have tried to hold our supply in the past in order to trickle it out in December to unsuspecting customers, but it appears that we can no longer do that. We have had to re-evaluate this process due to overwhelming and unrelenting demand. So here it is:

When the doors open at 8:00 am EST, Friday, November 7, 2014, sales will be limited to the customer’s choice of ONE BOTTLE TOTAL of the following per person / per household, on a first come basis, while supplies last:

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year – $221.99

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year – $125.99 Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year – $67.95

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year – $83.99

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B – $49.99

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year 107 Proof – $41.99

In addition to this year’s Van Winkle allocation, customers may also choose ONE BOTTLE TOTAL of the following per person / per household, on a first come basis, while supplies last:

Willett Single Barrel Bourbon 12 Year TPS Private Barrel #8141 – $104.99

Willett Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Year TPS Private Barrel #1410 – $88.99

Willett Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Year TPS Private Barrel #1386 – $88.99

Willett Single Barrel Bourbon 9 Year TPS Private Barrel #7143 – $72.99 Again, sales of these whiskeys are first come, first serve. There is no waiting list, and The Party Source cannot hold or sell bottles in advance, or take sales by phone. These products are offered for in-store purchase only and will not be available online. Your Spiritual Advisors @ The Party Source