ALL SIGNS POINT TO GREAT SCOTCH!

September’s seven spectacular single malts await your discovery, so follow the signs – you won’t be misled! Bottle notes are below; for full tasting notes and to purchase please visit http://www.smws.ca/

Also, remember to sign up for the October First Friday tasting! Join Colin and Rick at The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants on Friday, Oct. 3rd at 6:30pm for another fun night of good scotch and good company. Contact The Strath now to register ($35 members/$45 non-members): 250-370-9463.

Cask No. 36.62 The Italian job
21 years old; 2nd fill hogshead; 51.3%
A fresh, chalky and slightly sweet nose neat with a fizzy mouth feel turning juicier with time. Adding water almost flinty like an austere Lombardian wine and the taste has an intriguing balance of sour cream chips and honey yogurt ice cream.

Cask No. 17.35 Very fruity, very tasty
11 years old; refill barrel; 56.1%
The nose – plentiful fruit (tinned pineapple, three-fruit marmalade), toffee, honey, vanilla and Battenberg cake; also tarragon, straw and stationery cupboards. The palate – very tasty, very fruity; gummy bears, ‘soor plumes’ candies, Moffat toffees and coke with lime, traces of salt and ginger.

Cask No. 94.4 Ode to autumn
24 years old; refill hogshead; 52.3%
Warm and dusty, like a hayfield at harvest time on a sunny afternoon. The taste has the sweet richness of Italian biscotti with hazelnuts and dark cherries. With water – roasted red peppers and salty/sweet flavours of a quality olive oil and balsamic bread dip.

Cask No. 7.97 Cedar, sandalwood and cinnamon
20 years old; refill hogshead; 53.9%
The nose balances deep wood, dark honey, chocolate, coconut, menthol and leather against tropical fruits and gardens of flowers and herbs. The palate tingles with leather, orange zest, aniseed and ginger, before finding sexy traces of floral perfumes and sweet tobacco.

Cask No. 4.181 A muscle man from Orkney
16 years old; refill sherry butt; 54.6%
Rustic, grizzly and animalistic at first sight, this muscle man has lots to offer. Burnt coconut syrup, Dundee marmalade, smoked pork buns and Demerara sugar; smouldering and rich to taste. Water gave coffee liqueur and sweet molasses.

Cask No. 33.130 The farmyard and the chip shop
11 years old; 2nd fill barrel; 56.1%
The tasting panel divided into two camps. Malt in burlap sacks, sillage, tomatoes and compost in one, versus fish and chips and lobster pots in the other. Coal buckets and barbecue smoke. Blankets with mothballs and laundry day at the beach.

Cask No. 127.38 Enticing fume of a peak reek
10 years old; refill sherry butt; 66.3%
Sweet smoke, pork cracklings, honey and soy sauce, oily mackerels and Germolene. The taste is simply huge! A peat fire blazing in a croft house. Water releases herbal aromas of fish stock and the taste Mediterranean pork with sage plums and oven-roasted tomatoes rolled in herbs.

 http://www.smws.ca

BUFFALO TRACE BOURBON ANNOUNCES EIGHT FINALISTS

FOR ITS BATTLE OF THE BANDS

$10,000 Grand Prize at Stake in Final Month of Contest

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Sept. 2014)

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Whiskey is excited to announce the finalists for its fourth annual Battle of the Bands Contest. The eight-month qualification round has ended, with eight bands competing for the grand prize in the month of September. This year, a panel of judges will choose a $10,000 grand prize winner from the top three bands that receive the most fan votes in September.

The finalists for the 2014 Battle of the Bands are Jimmy Honeyman Quartet, Copious Crush, The Number 9 Blacktops, Niel Nasset, Gun Metal Gray, Black Heart Saints, Rexford and We Are the Riot. Each band earned the most votes in its respective month and has already received a $500 monthly prize.

“This year’s contest resulted in one of the most diverse group of musicians we’ve seen yet,” said Bourbon Marketing Director Kris Comstock. “Bands from all over the country with very unique styles. I’m excited for the voting in September. The music is killer!”

The Battle of the Bands music and contest details can be accessed at: http://www.buffalotracesaloon.com/battleofthebands . Must be 21 years or older to enter.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American 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.

September is also a perfect time to get those tickets to your Whiskies of the World destinations:

WoW Austin, September 27.
WoW Atlanta, November 8.
WoW SF, March 28, 2015. The sale is on till Sept. 30.

Whisky Dinner – The Anchor Distilling VIP Dinner @ Freedman’s BBQ Featuring Westland and BenRiach

With special guests Emerson Lamb, President of Westland Distillery; Stewart Buchanan, Global Brand Ambassador of The BenRiach Distillery Co; and David King, President of Anchor Distilling Co.

Where? Freedman’s BBQ, Austin, TX
When? Friday, September 26th, 6:30pm
How much? $70 all inclusive
What do I get? See the menu & buy tickets here

www.ralfy.com bourbon-trips with Whisky Review 484 – Rock Town Young Bourbon Whiskey Batch 17

Ballantine’s Unveils Winning Night Market Bar Concept at Exclusive Launch Event

When Ballantine’s launched The Bar Project in France earlier this year, young mixologist Abderrahim El Asfar – known as “Abdou” – could only dream of his entry reaching the final stages and eventually being brought to life by Europe’s leading whisky brand. However, last night, Abdou’s bar concept became reality, unveiled at a special launch event attended by some of Paris’s leading media and socialites.

“L’Epicerie” – Abdou’s imaginative bar concept which won the entrepreneurial competition with more than 50% of the public vote – is open to the public at popular Parisian nightspot “Le Chacha” now, opening Tuesday to Sunday for an exclusive six-week period.

Every week, customers will be able to join various sessions that will explore the characteristics of Ballantine’s, including the opportunity to sample some of the mixologists’ delicious concoctions that have been inspired by the whisky and its taste profile.

The bar is the product of a challenge set by Ballantine’s, inviting entrepreneurs from across France to submit their own vision for a dream bar. The project saw more than 100 entries submitted via Facebook, which were whittled down to just three by a jury including Simon Baldeyrou, CEO of Deezer in France, and Laura Leonard, a renowned interior designer, the public vote then deciding the overall challenge winner.

El Afsar’s design is inspired by a traditional night market, in which customers are able to browse the ‘market’s’ evocative shelves, selecting their own ingredients which will then form the base of their cocktail. The mixologists behind the bar will then create an innovative whisky cocktail with these ingredients, selecting the most appropriate expression from the Ballantine’s range to match, which customers will be able to drink around the large host table that forms the centrepiece of the bar.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “Given that our Founder George Ballantine is known to have created his first whisky in an ‘épicerie’ or delicatessen, it seems very fitting that it is this concept which we have been able to bring to life for the first time.

“The project has been so well received that it is to be repeated again in France next year and we have a number of other key markets who are also planning to run the competition. This means that more entrepreneurs around the world will have the chance to bring their own dream bar concept to life.”

Notes

About The Bar Project by Ballantine’s

The Bar Project by Ballantine’s launched in France in February 2014, offering French consumers the chance to create the bar of their dreams, with the winning design to be brought to life by Ballantine’s for a limited period in the heart of Paris. More than 100 designs were submitted, which were then reviewed by a panel of experts; Simon Baldeyrou, CEO of Deezer France, Laura Leonard, renowned interior designer, Hirmane Abdoulhakime, Artistic Director, and Mathieu Deslandes, Marketing Director of Pernod. Three finalists were chosen – “L’Epicerie”, “The Charlatan” and “Ball Cocktail” – and were put to the public vote, with “L’Epicerie” being crowned the overall winner. Ballantine’s will now work with the winning designer, Abdou El Asfar, to bring his design to life for a limited period in Le Chacha Club. The bar officially opened to the public on the 4th September 2014 and will remain open for a period of six weeks. For more information about The Bar Project by Ballantine’s, visit www.ballantinesbarproject.fr About Le Chacha Club Le Chacha is situated in the heart of Paris’s first district, a key feature of the nightlife scene. A restaurant, bar and nightclub, the décor evokes a 1930s apartment with the various rooms lending themselves to a range of uses, from showrooms to fashion shoots and even music studios. The winner of The Bar Project by Ballantine’s was given the opportunity to transform the first floor of Le Chacha; 45 square meters has been converted into a new look in line with the winner’s vision.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for 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 the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

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.

TOP PICKS

• Nikka 17 Year Old Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky 750ml ($139.99)
  Named for Nikka’s founding father Masataka Taketsuru, the 17 year old has long been coveted by the American market, which could only read the bombastic tasting notes from international travelers and whisky fans living abroad. The Nikka 17 is one of the most celebrated of the available portfolio and really brings the goods flavorwise — round and soft with dried fruits and an earthy, meaty flavor on the profile, this is not only of the best Nikka whiskies we’ve ever carried, but one of the best Japanese whiskies period.

BACK in Stock

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Old Potrero Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml (1 btl limit) – 2 available ($69.99)

• Tuthilltown Hudson Manhattan Rye (375ml) – 12 available ($49.99)

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

Hopefully you enjoyed our recent guide to approaching whisky auctions and points to consider before making a bid. One area that was only briefly touched upon is what to consider collecting or investing through auctions? It’s a topic many pundits could easily devote thousands of words to given the current whisky boom. 

In essence what we’re doing with this piece is focusing on a specific bottle in our upcoming September auction which is a distinctive Glen Albyn from independent bottler Signatory, who now own Edradour distillery. At the same time we can also highlight the growing popularity of the independent bottlers who have become the main source (excluding some of Diageo’s annual special releases and the odd official release) of whisky from closed distilleries. As a side note it is worth visiting Edradour as the distillery shop always stocks a great of Signatory releases. And if you take the distillery tour, then the warehouse visit will confirm the independent bottler has an impressive array of casks. 

Now we say ‘closed’ but other popular terms include ‘silent’ and ‘mothballed’ to name but two. Generally, the terminology applies to distilleries that are no longer in production. The distillery may have been completely bulldozed from existence (Glen Mhor), kept in suspended animation (Glen Keith which has only recently reopened) or still stands in some form today such as Convalmore or Rosebank. It is worth highlighting that while Convalmore and Rosebank distilleries still have a physical presence, the equipment within may have been sold off, stolen or been left to the elements, to decay such as Brora. 

Many of these distilleries closed during the early 1980’s when the whisky industry experienced a surplus in demand. Over 3 decades later and we are nearing the end of the potential lifespan for what few intact casks remain. Diageo for instance do not comment on how much they have left to bottle for Brora, Port Ellen etc. and the same veil secrecy applies to rest of the industry. Eventually we will reach a point where the only remnants of certain distilleries are in unopened bottles – it very likely that for some we’re already at this point. 

This means that there is a growing interest and demand in acquiring whisky from a distillery such as Glen Albyn, which was 1 of 3 distilleries in Inverness that no longer exist today. Closed in 1983 and subsequently demolished in 1986, this Signatory release was distilled in 1965 before being bottled at 31 years old. Even in 1997, Signatory it seems appreciated the rarity of its casks by releasing the bottle with an accompanying miniature – although from the lots we’ve seen over the years these tend to be unopened anyway! At least the option exists if you wish to experience what Glen Albyn can offer without having to open up the full bottle. The final piece of the jigsaw is a decorated cask bung, which completes the edition that numbered just 530 in total. 

Whisky from Glen Albyn does have a variable reputation … Read more at Just Whisky’s Blog

Two New Single Cask Releases From Kilchoman

We’re delighted to announce that two single cask releases, the ex-Sherry matured and the PX finish, are both now available in the US. Both have been selected by and exclusively bottled for ImpEx Beverages USA.

The ex-Sherry Matured

The ex-Sherry matured cask #85/09, bottled at cask strength of 57.9% ABV, has been personally recommended by Tony Rozga, the Distillery production manager. This whisky was distilled in 2009 and spent over 5 years in a first-fill Oloroso Sherry Cask.

Tasting notes:

Colour – Dark burnished copper.

Nose – Deep sherry, smoke and leather notes.

Palate – Rich, luxurious sherry flavours. Viscous almost syrupy, lots of cooked fruits and citrus peel.

Finish – The finish is excellent, for a young whisky this has all the characteristics of great age.

RRP: $130

The PX Finish

The PX Finish is a first-fill ex-Bourbon cask #394/09, bottled at cask strength of 59.2% ABV. The Bourbon cask was chosen by the Distillery manager, John Maclellan, and was then transferred into a PX cask. It was bottled once the additional layer of complexity and a balance of what the Kilchoman and ImpEx teams were looking for were achieved.

Tasting notes:

Colour – Golden amber.

Nose – Strong vanilla with citrus fruits, caramalised brown sugar and sultanas.

Palate – Sweet toffee up front with a hint of marmalade, dryness and a long peaty finish.

Finish – The finish is long and clean with rich smoke and dried fruit.

RRP:$130

For further details please contactImpEx Beverages, Inc. at office@impexbev.com or call (650) 872-1113.

ImpEx encourages responsible drinking.

At Speyburn we’ve long appreciated just how special our whisky is, but it’s always an honour to see our their excellence acknowledged by those who know our industry best.

That’s why we’re thrilled by our exceptional performance at the prestigious 2014 IWSC Awards, where Speyburn 10 Years Old was awarded a gold medal, with the judges hailing it as a “lovely whisky. Beautifully balanced and poised with a great range of ripe fruit flavours”.

At what was Speyburn’s finest awards performance this year, the celebrations were heightened by the award of a Silver Outstanding medal to our 25 Years Old, while a bronze medal went to Bradan Orach.

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #93

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another blend. Black & White is a famous, though nevertheless somewhat overlooked blended Scotch whisky. Known as the House of Commons whisky before James Buchanan added the famous dogs Fanny & Bobby to the label and changed the name, it is now owned by Diageo. 

http://youtu.be/mez4vk_6ZwE