The perfect start to our story. Sitting comfortably? Then we’ll be begin. 

The Balvenie DoubleWood is our 12 year old single malt, and embodies the culmination of natural alchemy and age-old craftsmanship that distinguishes all our expressions. 

THE BEGINNING
Created in the 1980s by our Malt Master, David Stewart, The Balvenie DoubleWood was his first expression to be finished in a sherry cask. A technique that has since been emulated by other distilleries across the globe.

THE MIDDLE
The DoubleWood gains its distinctive character from being matured in two very different casks: a traditional oak whisky cask from which it is transferred to a first fill European oak sherry cask. While the traditional oak softens, sweetens and adds character and produces vanilla and honeyed notes, the sherry wood lends depth and fullness of flavour characterised by dried fruit and spice

THE END
Nose – Upon nosing this expression, you’ll detect sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.
Taste – Smooth and mellow, it combines a certain nutty sweetness with cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned
layer of sherry.
Finish – Long and warming.

For the ultimate words of wisdom, follow the link below and see what our Malt Master, David Stewart and Global Ambassador,
Sam Simmons have to say about this unique expression. Slainte Mhath,

David Mair
The Balvenie Distillery Ambassador

WATCH THE VIDEO

www.ralfy.com goes to the blend-end of scotch with Whisky Review 491 – Bank Note 5yo Blended Scotch @43%

News release from Gordon & MacPhail 

Historic whisky releases mark new era for family firm

A unique and historic series of whiskies is to be launched by single malt specialists Gordon & MacPhail to celebrate the steady transition of the family-owned business to the next generation.

Four extremely rare Speyside whiskies chosen jointly by members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family will be released under the prestigious Private Collection Ultra label this autumn.

The whiskies are:

• A 61 Year Old Linkwood, the oldest ever released, from cask No.279 of Linkwood in the company warehouses, selected by retired director Rosemary Rankin and her son Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of UK Sales

• A 62 Year Old Glenlivet initially matured in first fill Hogshead before being transferred to another first fill Hogshead in January 1969, selected by retired Managing Director Ian Urquhart, his son Neil, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Logistics and Facilities, and daughter Jenny Houldsworth, who is a Non-Executive Director of the company

• A 63 Year Old Mortlach from the company’s last cask of 1951 Mortlach, selected by retired Joint Managing Director David Urquhart and his twin sons Stuart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Whisky Supply Manager, and Richard, Export Sales Executive

• A 57 Year Old Strathisla, the oldest ever released, selected by current Managing Director Michael Urquhart and his daughter Laura Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail Brand Manager

Rosemary, Ian, David and Michael are the daughter and sons of Gordon & MacPhail pioneer George Urquhart, who succeeded his father John in the business and established its reputation as custodian of some of Scotland’s rarest and oldest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Michael Urquhart, who will retire as Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail this autumn, said: “The release of the four whiskies marks a historical period of time for Gordon & MacPhail. Our business is built on a foundation of the long term vision and of the handing down of knowledge and expertise, along with stocks of maturing whiskies, to future generations.

“Embracing this philosophy the Executive Directors, members of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family and the whole team at Gordon & MacPhail, look forward to continuing to release single malt whiskies of the highest quality for whisky drinkers around the world to enjoy.”

The four whiskies in the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultra are presented in beautifully-designed decanters, individually numbered, with the whisky details engraved and in-filled with silver colour. A silver-plated neck collar and stopper adorns each decanter.

Wood, metal and glass are combined in a striking and innovative way to protect and display the whisky; the decanter nestles in a glass-bottomed pack, revealing a hint of the whisky colour.

A series of four books by whisky writer Jonny McCormick, one for each of the whiskies, tells the story of Gordon & MacPhail and the whisky and regales the reader with tales of origins and ancestry, of people, place and belonging.

Mr McCormick said: “It has been a privilege to sit down with each of the four members of the third generation and their children already working in the business.

“As well as revealing a good deal about themselves, they gave some powerful insights into what has made this family business such an extraordinary success for more than 100 years.”

Fifty-five decanters of Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Ultra Linkwood 1953 will be released for sale worldwide; sixty-nine of the Glenlivet 1952; sixty-one of the Mortlach 1951; and sixty-one of the Strathisla 1957. The UK recommended retail price will be £6,250 for each decanter (prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes).

About Gordon & MacPhail 

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with “new make” spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing a 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011.

Gordon & MacPhail is proud of its Moray roots and the company, its directors and its staff play an active role in their local community by supporting local charities and sponsoring local events.

INTRODUCING CHIVAS 12 ‘MADE FOR GENTLEMEN’ BY BREMONT: A CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP, STYLE AND GENEROSITY

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has collaborated with award-winning luxury British watch brand, Bremont, to create the next installment of its much sought-after Made for Gentlemen Limited Edition collection, available globally from this month.

This year’s Made for Gentlemen collaboration also sees the release of additional collectors’ items in the form of 12 Chivalry watches, created by Bremont and Chivas to celebrate excellence and precision in luxury.

In keeping with Chivas Regal’s spirit of generosity, the exclusive Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watches will be auctioned for charities around the world. Admirers of luxury watches and whisky will have the opportunity to bid for one of these watches by participating in an online auction taking place from 22nd October – 9th November 2014 on www.chivas.com/bremont, with proceeds being donated to The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin – which will be available domestically and in Travel Retail from September 2014 – houses a bottle of Chivas 12 and features deconstructed watch elements to showcase the elegant and complex engineering of Bremont chronometers. The polished steel Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watch, features a piece of oak cask used in the maturation of whiskies for Chivas Regal, the signature of James and John Chivas etched on the rotor of the timepiece and the Chivas crest subtly embossed on the dial. An engraved copper plate, taken from a retired Scotch whisky copper still, sits on the leather presentation pouch.

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal says: “Over the last three years, The Chivas Made for Gentlemen series has gone from strength to strength, resonating with modern gentlemen around the world who demand substance and style from luxury experiences and products. With this latest edition, we’re celebrating not only the style and handcrafted quality of Chivas and Bremont, but also the spirit of generosity for which John and James Chivas were renowned, and that is increasingly valued in today’s competitive world. We’re delighted with the exquisite designs and we’re confident that Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont will be well received by discerning whisky fans around the world.”

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, adds: “For me, the collaboration with Chivas was a genuine meeting of minds. We are all dedicated and passionate about keeping traditions of craftsmanship alive and we are also focused upon leaving a positive legacy. Bremont watches are ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’ and Giles and I have been blown away by the level of skill that Chivas Master Blender, Colin Scott, deploys in channeling nature and time in blending their Scotch whiskies.”

The collaboration between Chivas Regal and Bremont highlights the shared synergy between the two luxury British icon brands, both of which were inspired by brothers and have gone on to become global successes, admired throughout the world for their quality, craftsmanship and timeless style.

Notes:

Chivas Made for Gentlemen
The Chivas Made for Gentlemen by Bremont is the third in a series of annual collaborations between Chivas Regal 12 and modern British craftsmen. Year one celebrated the handcrafted brogue by Tim Little and Chivas paid homage to Saville Row tailoring with a limited edition by Patrick Grant in 2013. Bremont boutiques currently offer Chivas at its in-store bars. Chivas also supports Bremont events internationally.

About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.
www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the no.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s no.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s no.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com

The Bremont Watch Company
Bremont is a British luxury watch brand, manufacturing mechanical watches in Henley-on-Thames, UK. Co-founded by brothers Nick & Giles English in 2002, Bremont has made a substantial impact on the watch industry in a very short period of time. Honours include being named ‘Best British Emerging Luxury Brand’ by Walpole 2008, voted ‘Luxury Watch Brand of Year’ at the UK Jewellery Awards for the last three years, and winning ‘Best Breakthrough Brand’ at the 2012 Luxury Briefing Awards. The brand remains true to its original principles of durability, legibility and precision, also manufacturing watches for some of the most exclusive military squadrons around the world. Bremont continues to play an influential role in revitalising the British watch industry, the birthplace of numerous timekeeping innovations still used today
www.bremont.com

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($99.99)
• The Lost Distillery Company “Gerston” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($64.99)

• The Lost Distillery Company “Gerston Vintage” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($299.99)

• The Lost Distillery Company “Stratheden Vintage” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($299.99)

• Berry Bros & Rudd Blue Hanger 7th Release Blended Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($99.99)

• Macallan 62 Year Lalique Decanter Single Malt 750ml – 1 available ($31,999.00)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Henry Mckenna 10 Year Old BIB Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 750ml ($26.99)

United States – Single Malt Scotch

• Clear Creek McCarthy’s 2014 Release Oregon Single Malt Whiskey 750ml ($54.99)
  Whisky Advocate: “3 year old peated malt whisky, aged in Oregon oak. Rich nose of peat—burning leaves, a touch of sweet diesel—and fresh oak. There’s no stinting on the peat; it’s young, it’s in your face. Whiskey to stand toe-to-toe with Portland’s hopped-to-blazes beers. Not just peat: creamy malt makes a solid floor and an exit that may be the most complex part of the experience. Refined for a 3 year old. Limited annual release. (Vol. 22, #4)” K&L Notes: The new Fall 2014 release of McCarthy’s is here! Highly anticipated and sure to sell fast. Whereas the last batch carried more new oak richness and little smoke, the peat is back this time around, but with another dose of big oak. Both are equally in check and work together quite lovely. One of the best batches we’ve tasted yet. Much improved over the last one for sure.

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

Malt of the Month – Glenmorangie Lasanta

October’s Malt of the Month is Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old, an oloroso-sherry-finished whisky that is part of the extra-matured range that also includes Quinta Ruban (ruby port finish) and Nectar D’Or (Sauternes finish). The Highland distillery is regarded as a pioneer of wood finishing, having introduced a range in the mid-1990s, although The Balvenie had been finishing their Classic in sherry butts since the early-1980s (without mentioning it).

Bourbon season is upon us! We have already seen releases such as Parker’s Heritage, Four Roses Limited Small Batch / Single Barrel and Buffalo Trace’s Stagg JR and Elmer T. Lee Limited. We are anxiously awaiting the release of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon; we are told this will happen very soon.

A few weeks back John Hughes and Eric Brown were entrusted by the rest of the “Private Barrel Committee” to blend our new batch of Angel’s Envy in Louisville with Wes Henderson. We learned a lot from Wes about blending, what a great experience. Later that day, Master Distiller Willie Pratt took us on a tour of the new and still under construction Michter’s Distillery. What an impressive facility. Willie Pratt was a joy to talk to and hang out with. We could have talked with him for hours.

Cheers,
-The Party Source Spirits Department

We are very excited about a specific private barrel that has just arrived. High West Double Rye finished in a used bourbon barrel for 20 months. This High West Whiskey is spectacular, Rye with a subtle sweet bourbon finish. We love this Whiskey!

We are also very excited about a specific barrel coming from our recent trip to Wild Turkey. The First Barrel of Russell’s Reserve that Eddie Russell opened for us was like heaven. We immediately said we will take that one! The Russell’s Reserve Private Barrels should be here in the coming weeks.

New private barrels in stock:

HIGH WEST Double Rye Whiskey TPS Private Barrel – $49.99

JEFFERSON’S Small Batch Bourbon TPS Private Barrel – $22.49

SMOOTH AMBLER Old Scout Bourbon 8 Year TPS Private Barrel #892 – $43.99

SMOOTH AMBLER Old Scout Bourbon 9 Year TPS Private Barrel #869 – $43.99

We also have the following private barrel selections due in the following weeks:

ANGELS ENVY Port Finish Bourbon
BUFFALO TRACE Bourbon
W.L. WELLER 107 Antique Bourbon
1792 RIDGEMONT Reserve Barrel Select Bourbon
RUSSEL’S RESERVE Single Barrel Bourbon
WILD TURKEY Kentucky Spirit Bourbon
JEFFERSON’S Reserve Very Old Bourbon
FOUR ROSES Single Barrel Bourbon
FOUR ROSES Barrel Strength Un-Chill Filtered
KNOB CREEK Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon
OLD FORESTER Single Barrel Bourbon

A whisky Mudslide

Timeline; Wednesday 17 September 2014, 5pm.

Location; Craobh Harbour, west coast Scotland.

I had dropped of my guests at their lodgings for the night, superb by the way! And drove the mile and a bit to my cottage (thanks Julie for this), fiddled aboot, changed and made ready for my pick up. Sure enough at 5pm Julie and Ty dropped by to collect me. There started the wacky races to Oban in the batmobile. Julie does have her own way of driving, my foot was pressed on the floor at the imaginary brake all the way!  Arriving in Oban ten minutes later (takes any normal driver 30 minutes) we stopped off for a fish supper. Took these to the recording studio/rehearsal rooms and munch em doon. There followed a band practice session – Mudslide; a five piece blues band based in mid Argyll, with a set list that covers all styles of blues. To say it was enjoyable would be an understatement, it was superb – and this is a rehearsal! Go see Mudslide if at all possible before they fill the Glasgow Hydro. If I closed my eyes – far too many drams – I would have thought the Stones, Fleetwood Mac or John Mayall were playing, it was that good.  I had taken along a few samples for the band (and myself), poor Julie was driving. A good Aberlour Abunach, Glendronach, Ben Riach peaty, Laphroaig Select, Glen Moray peated and a wee Angels Envy for Julie to take home. The band played on.

Abunach; oloroso galore! big notes of raisins, chocolate, cherry liqueur, powerful but not undrinkable.  Glen Moray peat; a new style from Glen Moray – peated. This is the first batch to be released, in a 20cl bottle, and isn’t yet whisky, having not been aged for 3 years. A whack of peat –with fruitiness to leave warming iodine notes. The others we all know about! My own favourite dram tonight was the GlenDronach – as usual. A 1990 I think.

Blues, rock, blues-rock the band were driving me to drink (in the very best of ways). The images do not do the night justice. Best dram? Depends on who you talked to, Ty likes everything, Julie liked the Angels (when home), I liked it all, the band looked on as some were driving.

The session (music) ended, a few drams then load up the van, Evil Kinievel then drove us back to the bothy, 10.30, pitch black, wee winding roads at a speed! During the ride back poor Julie got in around 10 words! Myself and Ty were yappin on music the whole way, myself; Deep Purple and Creedence, Ty; a Zepplelin freak! Zeppo!  I cannee believe all the music he has from Zep, I wanted to murder him and take it all!  Another time Zeppo. They dropped me at the track to my cottage, dark as the inside of a coffin, I took out my mobile phone as a light and started doon the track, suddenly an owl flew out, frightened me to death!  After reaching safety I needed a large dram, so I did and again, and again. What a night, great music, laughs, great friends and some good whisky.

My last thought on the night; when will they write a song – sufferin midgie blues? 

 Paul was enjoying the evening with Mudslide in Argyll, a half hour south of Oban.

www.mcleanscotland.com  www.angelswhiskyclub.com   www.whiskytourscotland.com