THE WHISKY SHOP’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2014

Whether shopping for loved ones or making your own whisky wish list, luxury drinks retailer The Whisky Shop offers an unrivalled collection of whisky gifts this Christmas at 22 stores nationwide and online at www.whiskyshop.com 

The UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer showcases a selection of whiskies from across the globe, with a malt or blend to suit everyone, from those just setting off on their whisky journey of discovery to connoisseurs and collectors of the spirit.

UNDER £50 

Haig Club – £45 – 40% abv – www.whiskyshop.com 

Developed in partnership between Diageo, global sporting icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller, Haig Club is a new single grain whisky from Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland using three cask types. 

Seen by many as Scotland’s hidden gem, single grain whisky is predicted by industry experts as the next whisky trend. 

Haig Club exudes a fresh, clean style and an ultra-smooth taste, with delicious notes of butterscotch and toffee making it enjoyable served neat, over ice or in a long, refreshing cocktail.  

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel engraved bottles – £47 – 45% abv – www.whiskyshop.com

This is Jack Daniel’s with a difference and the ultimate personalised gift this Christmas.  A truly unique whiskey with a robust and colourful character highlighting toasted oak, vanilla and caramel.

Only one in every 100 barrels is hand selected to make Single Barrel and because no two barrels are exactly the same, each bottle offers a chance to experience the flavour and style that the Master Distiller deems extra special. 

And Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel not only tastes unique.  Exclusively in the UK, The Whisky Shop can help to create an exceptionally individual gift by adding a personalised message engraved into the side of the bottle.

£50 – £100 

Bowmore Laimrig 15 year old – £65 – 53.7% abv – www.whiskyshop.com

A limited edition Islay whisky exclusively available at The Whisky Shop, the 2014 release of Bowmore Laimrig is finished in the finest Spanish sherry butts.

This cask strength, non-chill filtered Bowmore has a rich, dark character and colour with notes of fig, cocoa and raisins wrapped around the customary oily smokiness of Bowmore.

Scottish Gaelic for ‘pier’, Laimrig celebrates Bowmore’s ancient stone pier where the distillery’s barley would once have been unloaded and from where this renowned single malt would have first set sail for the four corners of the world. 

BenRiach 1995 17 year old – £85 – 53.1% abv – www.whiskyshop.com

This cask-strength BenRiach was initially matured for 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels followed by an additional ‘finishing’ period of one year in virgin American Oak barrels.

The double-maturation created intense vanilla and coconut notes layered on top of flavours such as barley sugars, honey, apricots and toffee apples with a crisp, dry finish.

A limited edition single malt Scotch whisky crafted from hand-selected casks which combined to produce this exclusive bottling for The Whisky Shop.  

OVER £100 

Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask – £145.00 – 61.5% abv – www.whiskyshop.com

From the Highland distillery, Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask is exclusive to The Whisky Shop.

Distilled in 1996 and selected for individual bottling from a single refill American oak ex-sherry hogshead cask in 2013 at natural cask strength, this is a mellow whisky with herbal notes and a trace of orange peel.  A smooth texture and a sweet taste, with light acidity and beeswax, and a long warming finish, sure to make a lasting impression this Christmas.

A dram which is surprisingly easy to drink even at cask strength, but adding some water creates a creamier texture and releases more fruit and fudge notes. 

The Glenlivet Gallow Hill 16 Year Old – £235.00 – 51.8% abv – www.whiskyshop.com 

An enchanting Speysider, The Whisky Shop exclusive is bottled at natural cask strength.  Bursting with concentrated fruit flavours – sweet clementine, pear and pineapple – along with toasted almonds and moist gingerbread, The Glenlivet Gallow Hill coats the mouth with orange-chocolate and a hint of sweet treacle toffee, leaving a long and refreshing finish.  

Despite a ban on private distilling in 1781, the area was rife with illicit stills for many years.  In an attempt to dissuade transgressors, a public gibbet was erected on the hillside above the site where the Glenlivet Distillery now sits.  The hillside has become forever known as “Gallow Hill”.

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer with 22 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com

Notes to Editors: 

The Whisky Shop 

The Whisky Shop is the largest specialist whisky retailer in the UK with 22 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com  

The premium London Piccadilly flagship opened in 2012 and won the 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail.

The Whisky Shop was also crowned the Best Specialist Drinks Retailer of the Year at the Harpers Awards 2014.

You probably don’t want to hear any talk of the nights drawing in let alone mention of the ‘C’ word. However at some point we all have to accept the reality of our situation. It is autumn and Christmas is less than 8 weeks away. There I said it. Sorry.

But wait, it’s not all bad. We have some fantastic ideas to help warm you and yours over the coming weeks and months, including tasting packs, tastings in January and Newcastle Whisky Festival 2015…

Add to that a bit of news and banter and we’ve got you covered for the 5 minutes or so it takes you to read this.

TASTING GIFT PACKS

After the roaring success of our experimental tasting packs over the last few months, we have decided to expand our range to ensure there’s something for everyone.

They really are a fantastic way to sample whisky from home without investing in a whole bottle of something you’re not sure you’re going to like.

Therefore we have the following packs for your delectation over the next couple of months…

ISLAY FESTIVAL BOTTLINGS £45

We plundered a number of ‘Feis’ bottlings when we visited back in May and thought other folks might like to try these incredible whiskies. Whiskies from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, plus for a limited time, Octomore (Bruichladdich) are all included. At only £45, this is a fantastic opportunity to taste these sought after bottlings…Click HERE for more.

WORLD WHISKIES £30

Ever wondered what whiskies from around the world taste like? Are they any good?  Well we can certainly answer positively to the second question, but you’ll have to sample for yourself for the answer to the first.  A fantastic pack full of flavourful whiskies from far-flung corners of the world, just waiting to prove to you that good whisky needn’t always be Scottish…Click HERE for more.

OLD & RARE £70

Fancy trying something a little more hard to come by? Don’t fancy forking out for a full bottle? Our ‘Old & Rare’ pack could be the answer with some cracking whiskies from the archives of time. The 1st Edition includes a 35 Year Old Glenturret, a 1974 Glenlivet and the Lagavulin 2013 Feis Ile bottling…click HERE for more.

BURNS(ISH) NIGHTS JANUARY 2015

Our legendary and traditional new year tastings are back for 2015! At a venue near you we will be tasting some fantastic whiskies and feeding you with a yummy snack or meal – venue dependent. We may even read a poem or two in honour and remembrance of the Scottish bard, but the emphasis is on the whisky. Prices vary so please check website.

Click on the relevant date and venue for tickets…

BURN(ISH) NIGHT – DATES AND VENUES:

LONDON Weds 21st JAN 7pm SALT BAR, SEYMOUR St. W2
LEEDS Thursday 22nd JAN 7pm CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
NEWCASTLE Friday 23rd JAN 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIARS STREET
MANCHESTER Friday 23rd JAN 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 24th JAN 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
SHEFFIELD Announcement shortly
LIVERPOOL Announcement shortly
BRIGHTON Announcement shortly

Just click on the venue closest to you to book now.

EARLY-BIRD 2 FOR £40  FOR…

We are proud to present our first Whisky Festival of 2015!

Now in its 7th year, Newcastle Whisky Festival has become unmissable for the fine whisky-loving folks of Tyneside. Whiskies from Scotland and all over the world will be on show (and tasting of course) from the people who make and sell it.  Add to this masterclasses and the opportunity to purchase on the day and your in for a good one.  We are doing things slightly differently this year, with 2 sessions to choose from – 11am to 3pm or 4pm to 8pm.  We have 50 pairs of tickets for each session on this special 2 for £40 Early Bird – so be quick in order to take advantage of this! Click HERE or on the banner.

BLIND ISLAY FURY £20

With all of this excitement it is perhaps easy to forget that we have our most popular series of the year about to start. We have already sold out 3 of the venue tastings but still have some places in the others.  As always, in these blind sessions, we are tasting six whiskies ‘blind’ so therefore creating an even playing field and really testing your palate. As previously, if you’re not able to make it to one of the tastings, you can get involved by buying one of our tasting from home packs.

BLIND ISLAY FURY – DATES & VENUES

LONDON Weds 5th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
LIVERPOOL Weds 12th NOV 7pm JENNY’S BAR, FENWICK ST.
LONDON Weds 12th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
LEEDS Thursday 13th NOV 7pm CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
NEWCASTLE Friday 14th NOV 7pm SOLD OUT
MANCHESTER Friday 14th NOV 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
YORK Saturday 15th NOV 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE
SHEFFIELD Tuesday 18th NOV 7pm THE TAP, SHEFFIELD STATION
BRIGHTON Weds 19th NOV 7pm LORD NELSON, TRAFALGAR ST.
NEWCASTLE Friday 28th NOV 7pm BLACKFRIARS, NEWCASTLE

MOVEMBER

As some of you will know, we are big fans and supporters of Movember. This fantastic charity traditionally raises awareness for male prostate cancer but has added further strings to its bow this year.  We continue to support through our Movember tasting in York on the 28th of November and, new for this year, we are presenting a couple of special tastings at The Whisky Sessions on the 21st and 22nd.  Eddie is shaving his much-loved beard off as we speak (it takes a while) and would love for you to support him in his ‘mo growing endeavours – click HERE if you would like to.

We hope you agree there’s something for every whisky-lover in this little lot. We will have more news soon on further festivals, our customer trip to the Feis Ile 2015 and a new competition as we couldn’t fit it in this time!

Take care and we hope to see you over a dram soon.

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

Here is my new press release for you to schedule for this coming Wednesday.

Please use the usual photo. 

This week Joe Ellis reviews Johnnie Walker Swing! 

http://youtu.be/c53kTKvEzOI 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

BALLANTINE’S OPENS THE DOORS OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING

NEW ONLINE GOLF CLUB

 Fans can join Club Captain Ian Poulter now at www.ballantinesgolfclub.com

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today launches the Ballantine’s Golf Club; a unique and innovative online Golf Club, inspired by golf and its lifestyle, and aimed at those who share an appreciation of golf and a love of fine whisky. Ian Poulter is the Club’s inaugural Captain and the website is now live and ready for members to open its doors for the first time at www.ballantinesgolfclub.com.

Membership to the Ballantine’s Golf Club, which is completely free-of-charge, gives golf fans around the world access to exclusive content, invitational events, whisky tastings, VIP hospitality and a range of member rewards, as well as the coveted opportunity to learn from top players and participate in a member-only global golf tournament.

Club Captain Ian Poulter hosted a launch event today at the Lake Malaren Golf Club on the eve of the BMW Masters Tournament, at which Ballantine’s is the Official Whisky of the prestigious tournament. The inspirational golf star, who was joined by celebrated Chinese golfer, Liang Wen-Chong in unveiling the Ballantine’s Golf Club, showcased highlights of the exclusive golf content hosted on the new website to the world’s media, including the first view in China of his revered ‘Moment of Truth’ film, conceived by Ballantine’s and first showcased when plans for the Ballantine’s Golf Club were announced earlier this year.

The innovative online club presents a wide range of contemporary and exciting golf content, appealing to golf enthusiasts who want to get behind-the-scenes of the sport and learn something new, whilst having the opportunity to win ‘money-can’t-buy’ rewards. These rewards include exclusive signed Ian Poulter prints, beautifully crafted handmade golf clubs from Vega and Ryder Cup official prints, painted and signed by world renowned golf artist, Graeme Baxter.

Throughout the season, www.ballantinesgolfclub.com will be updated with further exclusive content including ‘Shotmakers’, which features swing and course management tips from professionals, ‘Captain’s Diary’ updates from Ian Poulter, ‘Off-Course Portraits’ documenting the unique lives of successful individuals in the world of golf, and golf style articles from leading fashion journalists.

Ian Poulter said: “It is an honour to be the Founding Captain of the Ballantine’s Golf Club. Ballantine’s has long had an association with golf and it’s fantastic to be a part of a truly unique club where, like me, the members will share an appreciation of whisky and the spirit of the sport.”

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s added: “We have a tremendous heritage in golf dating back to 1960 and the Ballantine’s Golf Club now takes our presence in the sport to the next level. In addition to our continued support for tournaments across the golfing calendar, the introduction of the Ballantine’s Golf Club will allow us to reach an increasing number of golf fans who share an appreciation of good whisky, with new and exciting content that has been created with them in mind, all around the world.”

Notes:

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

About Ballantine’s in golf

Ballantine’s has a rich history in golf dating back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played at Wentworth Club in England. Ballantine’s founded the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, remaining title sponsor of the tournament until 2013. Ballantine’s has also been a sponsor of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open since 2007 and the BMW Masters in Shanghai, China, since 2012.

About the Ballantine’s Golf Club

The Ballantine’s Golf Club was inspired by the brand’s ‘Stay True’ positioning, which serves as an invitation to consumers to express themselves in a genuine and authentic way, applauding conviction and self-belief. The identity of the Golf Club reflects its members’ modern lifestyle and aspirational outlook, building on Ballantine’s strong heritage in golf in a way that is both contemporary and engaging.

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

Some great news in this week! Our exclusive single cask Kilchoman has picked up a ‘Silver Recommended’ award in Whisky magazine, issue #123. The third such award for one of our single cask releases..!

Since the launch of this AW Exclusive Kilchoman, the feedback from customers, whisky writers and blogs worldwide has been incredible..!

We still have stock of this amazing malt but don’t hang around too long, only 270 bottles were filled from single cask #285/09…

“IF THERE IS A KILCHOMAN YOU BUY THIS YEAR MAKE IT THIS ONE”

maltfascination.com

_________

“THIS IS A SUPERB THICK ELIXIR WHERE A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY”

88/100 – dramming.com

_________

“THE BEST KILCHOMAN I’VE TASTED TO DATE”

malt-review.com

_________

“FANTASTIC KILCHOMAN”

90/100 – awardrobeofwhisky.com

_________

“SPECTACULAR YOUNG KILCHOMAN”

88/100 – whiskyisrael.co.il

Kilchoman 2009 PX Finish Single Cask Abbey Whisky Exclusive

Cask #285/09 has been matured for over four and a half years in a fresh bourbon barrel before being transferred to a Pedro Ximénez cask for a further four months maturation. The PX finish on this release works a treat, softening things down a little but still allowing the dram to hold the traditional taste & characteristics you would expect from a Kilchoman whisky of this age. A perfect combination.

Single cask #285/09 has been bottled at cask strength, 58.3% vol with 270 bottles filled.

£78.95 (£65.79 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Kilchoman AW Exclusive

November is beautiful for many reasons: it’s a whisky season in full force, prelude to many holidays, and time of fearless stocking of the home bar. Another reason to call the month truly spirited is given to those who plan on attending the 2nd Annual WoW Atlanta, November 8.

The Halloween candy and spirited imbibing won’t stop whisky lovers from coming to enjoy over 200 expressions from more than 100 brands, old and renown to newly emerged, from every corner of the world willing and able to produce whisky. Lorded scotches, in vogue Irish, creative American, distinguishable Canadian, respectable Japanese, assertive French, sought-after Taiwanese; all will be there to immerse and impress.

There is nothing more dear to the whisky lover’s heart (besides drinking whisky) than meeting real people behind the real whiskies: master distillers, distillery owners, blenders and bottles. The Expo is thrilled to present many of the kind: the newly-appointed brand ambassador for the Glenlivet, Josh Gelfand, with his motto “to teach people whisky whether they like it or not”; spirits portfolio manager, national spirits educator, and lastly, the Keeper of Quaich, a lady-guru of all things spirits Monique Houston; Scotch “trainer” for the entire beverage industry and brand ambassador for Kilchoman and Isle of Arran Ed Kohl; proprietor of High West Distillery, prophesying his organoleptic approach to whiskey, as well as love to whiskey and chocolate, David Perkins from High West; Glenmorangie and Ardbeg global brand ambassador David Blackmore and many more who deserve to be on the list. We are enthralled to have the whisky notables come to share their unrivaled knowledge, and surely, their product.

PLAN YOUR WHISKY JOURNEY – Available online now is the pour list and the event floor plan, so you can map out your whisky journeys.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR SAN JOSE

After a hugely successful first year, Whiskies of the World Expo brings the ‘Art of Whisky’ back to San Pedro Square Market, downtown San Jose’s most unique culinary and entertainment veue. Ticket sold out in advance last year so get yours today!

Linkwood 18 Year Old Blackadder

Only 1 or 2% of the production of Linkwood is marketed as single malt, which makes this D&M Exclusive bottling by Blacadder even more unique!

$119.99 Buy Now

www.ralfy.com chills out with a successful double cask matured malt-option with Whisky Review 498 – Glenmorangie Lasanta 12yo @ 46%vol

Barbecoa develops exclusive Dalmore cocktail  

‘The Real Red Stag’

The Dalmore distillery, home to some of the world’s most exceptional and unique single malt whiskies, has partnered with a mixologist from Jamie Oliver’s barbecue steakhouse Barbecoa, to create a new Dalmore cocktail named ‘The Real Red Stag’.

Mirka Kohutova who works as a mixologist at the UK’s first barbecue steakhouse, developed the drink in honour of The Dalmore 15 years old. Described by Mirka as ‘simple and undeniably beautiful’, the drink blends Bénédictine, raspberry syrup, lemon and aromatic bitters with the robust and elegant flavours of The Dalmore 15.

The cocktail is now available exclusively from Barbecoa in the City of London. ‘The Real Red Stag’ has proved a favourite with The Dalmore’s Master Distiller Richard Paterson, who commended creator Mirka for her creativity and craftsmanship in developing the distinctive taste of the new cocktail.

One of The Dalmore Principal Collection, The Dalmore 15 spends twelve years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before spending three years in three different sherry woods – Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso. With a taste of clementine, coffee and Christmas cake and with a finish of vanilla, ginger and red apples, this malt offers flavours of citrus, spice and orange which is perfectly complemented by the fruity hints of Mirka’s new recipe.

Mirka of Barbecoa said: “The Dalmore 15 is one of my favourite whiskies and because of its intense flavours of oranges, chocolate and particularly red fruits, I knew immediately that I wanted to highlight these by using raspberry as the key ingredient in my cocktail.  This is a simple cocktail in that it uses few ingredients, but key to its success is getting the balance of flavours just right so that they complement each other perfectly.”

Richard Paterson, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller said: “The Real Red Stag is the perfect combination of Dalmore, citrus and raspberry which invigorates the senses. This fruitiness, combined with the tastes of ginger and vanilla that come from the finishing flavours of The Dalmore 15, ensures that Mirka’s creation is a real delight to savour. I am lucky enough to have travelled all over the world and sampled many different drinks, but I have to say that The Real Red Stag is currently my cocktail of choice.” 

Recipe and method:

• 50ml Dalmore 15 years old
• 15ml Benedictine
• 3 barspoon’s home made raspberry syrup
• 10ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash of aromatic bitters

Mix together all ingredients, shake and strain into an embassy sours glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Images:

7:   Red Stag Cocktail with the Dalmore 15

11: The Dalmore 15 and other ingredients

14:  Mirka Kohutova with Red Stage cocktail

In 1263, Colin of Kintail, the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, saved King Alexander III of Scotland from being gored by a stag whilst out hunting.

The saying ‘fortune favours the brave’ has never been truer for this heroic Scot, as the grateful King not only awarded him the lands of Eilean Donan and the motto ‘Luceo Non Uro’ which translates to ‘I shine, not burn’, but also granted the Mackenzie clan the right to bear a twelve-pointed Royal Stag as their crest.

This act of saving King Alexander III’s life would prove to be a defining moment for Colin of Kintail and in the history of The Dalmore.

In 1867 Andrew and Charles Mackenzie became custodians of The Dalmore distillery and not only did they use the iconic twelve pointed Royal Stag on every bottle, they also applied the pioneering bravery shown by their ancestors to their whisky making.

ANDY WATTS HONOURED BY THE TOWN OF WELLINGTON 

Andy Watts, master distiller and a resident of Wellington, received the town’s highest honour by being named the 2014 Wellingtonian of the Year at a gala dinner last week (23 October). The award, now in its 25^th year, is an initiative of the Wellington Rapportryers who annually recognises individuals who contribute unselfishly to the wellbeing of the community.

Watts was acknowledged for supporting and initiating a number of community projects. He has also been instrumental in turning The James Sedgwicks Distillery at the entrance to Wellington into one of the most awarded large business properties in town for its beauty, cleanliness and splendour.

As master distiller of the foremost whisky distillery in Africa, Andy has pioneered whisky-making in this country and in doing so has promoted the town throughout the world with the many awards and accolades the distillery and the whiskies (Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and Three Ships) made there have garnered over the years.

Born in Barnsley in England, Watts came to South Africa as a professional cricketer in 1982 and whilst playing cricket for Boland and coaching the Hugenote Primary and High School teams, he met his now wife and decided to make Wellington his home. He not only had to get to know a new country and culture but quickly had to learn to speak Afrikaans. He found a position at the then Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery in Paarl and in 1991 was transferred to The James Sedgwicks Distillery as manager. An intensive sixth-month training programme at Morrison Bowmore Distillers in Scotland  led to Andy returning to South Africa and becoming the country’s first master distiller.