www.ralfy.com visits Distillery shops for a browse with Whisky Review 520 – Caol Ila 17yo Casks 5572+5573 (Signatory)

REDBREAST UNVEILS ITS FIRST ALL SHERRY MATURED WHISKEY

– New limited edition whiskey available exclusively

to members of The Stillhouse via www.SinglePotStill.com –

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has announced the launch of Redbreast Mano a Lámh, the first expression in the Redbreast range to be matured solely in ex-oloroso sherry butts. This special whiskey is the latest release from the Midleton Distillery as it aims to satisfy the increasing global demand for new and original Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys.

Mano a Lámh, meaning ‘hand in hand’ in Spanish and Gaelic respectively, represents the relationship and passion between the Midleton Distillery and the collective of artisans in Spain, which has crafted the distillery’s sherry butts for more than 20 years.

Specially commissioned for the Midleton Distillery, oak is felled in the forests of Galicia, north-west Spain, and then crafted and seasoned by some of the country’s most prestigious family businesses. The Antonio Páez Lobato Bodega in the South crafts the oak into casks, which are then seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the prestigious Páez Morilla Bodega in the nearby sherry capital of the world, Jerez.

The freshly seasoned sherry butts are then shipped promptly, during the cooler winter months, to the Midleton Distillery where they are then filled with new make pot still whiskeys.

Redbreast Mano a Lámh is being released exclusively to members of The Stillhouse, the web-based members club for Single Pot Still Irish whiskey fans. The Stillhouse forms part of the www.singlepotstill.com website, which launched in 2011, to educate discerning whiskey lovers about the quality and provenance of this unique style of Irish whiskey.

While the core Redbreast range is matured in a combination of American bourbon and Spanish oloroso butts, Redbreast Mano a Lámh luxuriates in this signature sherry style by bringing together whiskeys which have been matured exclusively in first fill Spanish oloroso sherry casks, imparting distinct, rich, fruity flavours and a full body.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, said: “Redbreast Mano a Lámh celebrates our longstanding relationship with the family of artisans in Spain who craft our sherry butts, which are so synonymous with the signature style of Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. It was an exciting challenge as a Master Blender to work on this project; having to ensure that the right balance was achieved and the sherry contribution did not over power in the final taste. For me, Redbreast Mano a Lámh offers a distinctive, rich whiskey with intense flavours of dried fruit, which gives way to the perfection of the Spanish oak. I am really eager to learn what our Stillhouse members and Redbreast fans think of this rare expression.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation and Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers added: “Since its re-launch in May 2011, Single Pot Still Irish whiskey has quickly established itself as the insiders’ Irish whiskey style of choice with the Redbreast brand very much at the vanguard of this revival. We hope that Redbreast Mano a Lámh will excite whiskey lovers, especially those who enjoy sherried style whiskeys”.

“The coming together of tradition and people, talents and passions – true craftspeople working hand in hand through generations and across borders – is what has helped make Redbreast the most definitive Single Pot Still Irish whiskey in the world and long may it continue.” Limited to just 2,000 bottles, Redbreast Mano a Lámh is non-chill filtered at 46% ABV and is available exclusively to members of The Stillhouse from February 2015, priced at €65. For more information on Single Pot Still Irish whiskey and to join The Stillhouse, visit http://www.singlepotstill.com/.

#RedbreastWhiskey 

NOTES

Redbreast Mano a Lámh tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Midleton Master Blender

Nose: Very deep dried fruits, raisins and sultanas with the more earthy tones of fig, dates and prunes. The sweetness is from the fruit and balances perfectly with pot still spices such as dill and black pepper, and the contribution of the toasted Spanish oak.

Taste: Silky smooth and deceptively sweet, full of rich, ripe, dark fruit with the leisurely emergence of the signature spices.

Finish: The rich fruit slowly gives way to the perfection of the Spanish oak. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Last May, thousands of Ardbeg fans around the world were knee deep in peat on Ardbeg ‘Peat Football’ pitches as we celebrated Ardbeg Day 2014. This year, on 30th May 2015 we’re celebrating our 200th anniversary and Ardbeg Day is destined to be bigger, better and bolder than ever before. We’ll be holding very special events all over the world, so make sure you save the date, bring your friends and join in the celebrations – look out for more news and clues in the coming months.

Slainte! Mickey Heads

Committee Chairman

Springbank 21 Year Old – 2015 Release

The return of the much anticipated Springbank 21 Year Old, complete with gold attire. Matured in both sherry and bourbon casks, the 2015 release looks like it’s going to be another stunning dram, showing off the great complexity that you get from a Springbank whisky developed with age.

£177.20  (£147.67 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank 21 Year Old 2015 Release

Springbank 17 Year Old – Sherry Wood

New from Springbank distillery is this cask strength sherry wood release. Distilled in 1997, this wonderful limited editon Campbeltown malt has been created from whisky aged for 17 years in a combination of fresh & refill sherry butts & hogsheads.  Bottled in 2015 at 52.3% vol.

£84.50  (£70.42 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank 17 Year Old Sherry Wood

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 10

The tenth batch of Springbank’s ever popular 12 year old cask strength whisky. A ratio of 70% sherry cask, 30% bourbon cask used to create this limited release. Bottled at 53.2% vol.

£45.50  (£37.92 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank Cask Strength Batch 10

Springbank 12 Year Old Green Bourbon Cask

Springbank Green, a 12 year old bourbon cask matured Campbeltown single malt whisky. A limited edition release, created from organic barley (hence the green label) – bottled at 46% vol. Lookout for Springbank Green 13 year old, following on from this release later next year which will be have been matured in 100% sherry casks.

£45.50 (£37.92 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank Green Bourbon Cask

Springbank 21 Year Old – 1992 Highland Laird

Bottled under the Highland Laird label we have this rather rare Springbank 21 year old. Distilled 11th December 1992 this beautiful cask strength limited edition bottling of Springbank is presented in an engraved wooden box along with signed certificate. Bottled 1st August 2014 at cask strength with only 240 bottles filled from the cask. Very little of this stayed within the UK and we have a limited amount of stock to sell.

£235.00 (£195.83 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank 21 Year Old – 1982

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve has been created in honour of their pioneering founder George Smith who envisaged a whisky with fruit sweetness and smooth characteristics way back in 1824. Fast forward to present day and The Glenlivet single malt range is now world famous for that wonderful, warming smooth fruit flavours. The new Founder’s Reserve whisky balances these flavours exceptionally, with creaminess and sweetness characteristics made possible with the use of First Fill American oak casks.

£36 Buy Now

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve may be the newest expression, but it has been almost 200 years in the making. Watch the video to find out more information about the history and innovation that go into every bottle of the newest expression from the distillery.

Watch now

The Whisky Shop will be hosting exclusive tasting events across the country to celebrate the launch of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. Each event will be hosted by a The Glenlivet brand ambassador who will be showing you the best of The Glenlivet range.

Reserve your place now

The Glenlivet are giving away the chance to win 2 days at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival on 1st and 2nd May 2015 – including transport, accommodation, food, Question Time with Alan Winchester and dram room special tastings.

To enter, sign up to be a Guardian here

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #102

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, goes to South Africa. Well, liquid wise at least. He tries the Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, a single grain from the James Sedgewick distillery, established in 1886 (sorta). It is South Africa’s first single grain whisky, named after Andrew Geddes Bain who built the Bainskloof Pass, making the region much more accessible. Find out why this is an award winning single grain.

http://youtu.be/FGB_vNolnEY

More than 50 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival events sell out on first day of ticket sales

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has hit a new high, with a record 52 events being sold out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale.

Whisky lovers have snapped up up the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to distilleries that are not usually open to the public, as well showing strong demand for dining events, VIP experiences and connoisseur tours.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, February 3 and within half an hour of the online ticket office opening, a bumper £36,090 of transactions had been carried out.

By 24 hours, ticket sales had reached 380 transactions, worth almost £67,000, an increase on the same period last year.

More than half of the tickets purchased so far have gone to UK visitors, but Germany, the Netherlands and the USA are emerging as strong performers. Whisky lovers from Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Canada and Italy are also among the early bookers.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is now in its 16^th year and takes place at venues across the region from April 30 to May 4. The early buoyant demand for tickets could mean that the 2015 festival is on its way to being the most successful yet.

Festival administrator Pery Zakeri says, “It is wonderful to see that interest and anticipation in the festival is stronger than ever.

“Once again, we will be drawing visitors from all around the world to the stunning setting of Speyside, the malt whisky capital of the world.

“This is good news for us, and the great news for the public is that this year’s programme features a collection of over 350 events, so there’s still plenty of choice and availability.

“As well as specialist tours, tastings and experiences that prove popular with whisky enthusiasts, our programme also includes crafts, walks, music, folklore tours and dinners all within Speyside.”

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website – http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on

Notes 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 30-Monday, May 4 2015.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

Friends of the Quaich. Annual Robert Burns Night.

The “Friends” are a bunch of whisky lovers from Vancouver Island, who just enjoy their drams. They have been on a whisky tour to Scotland and a whiskey tour of Ireland with us, great fun.

We also met a selection of them in Victoria a coupla years back at the whisky fest there.

Our host: Inez Maibach.

Thanks to all who contributed to the great food. A wonderful evening was had by all.

Our first dram: Glenfiddich 15 year old Distillery Edition. 51% ABV.

Nose: Caramel Apples, Fresh cut hay and licorice.

Palate: Very little Bite for a 51%, more licorice, creamy oatmeal porridge, cinnamon and allspice.

Finish: Long with sweet spices.

Next up: Compass Box Great King Street Artists Blend 43% ABV.

Nose: Sweet and creamy, with lots of cereal notes, some vanilla, dried fruits, citrus and apple crumble.

Palate: A gentle, creamy whisky, which develops a great deal of richness, spices, lemon, buttery apple crumble and raisins.

Finish: Rich and sweet, with a long finish which tails off with hints of rich shortbread and spices.

Lastly: Glen Scotia Campbeltown. 12 year old New Bottling 46% ABV.

Nose: Spiced, slightly smoky nose with hints of dry herbs. Sea air, smoked barley and honey.

Palate: Sweet, full palate with soft peat and dried peels. Quite woody.

Finish: Long finish, floral and faintly herbal.

You can catch up on more of their whisky appreciations HERE

They also have a rather superb blend  

Daily Double Deal – This Weekend Only!

Talisker 10 Year Old 45.8% ABV | 70cl

Save £9.99 (RRP £43.99)

The Talisker 10 Year Old is a single malt Scottish whisky from the Talisker distillery on the west coast of the Isle of Skye. This Talisker scotch has won many fans around the world as well as awards. The whiskey is variously described as peaty and smoky and is credited by many as being the finest 10 year old island single malt. The Talisker 10 year old is well worth a try.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Powerful peat-smoke with seawater saltiness, the liquor of fresh oysters and a citrus sweetness.

Palate: Rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours: warming and intense. At the back of the mouth.

Finish: Sweet malty flavours that blend into a smoky climax.

Price:£28.33 ex VAT £34.00 inc VAT

Cragganmore Distillers Edition 40% ABV | 70cl

Save £11.00 (RRP £60.99)

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Fruity and smoky.

Palate: The mouth is swamped with fruity flavours of cherries and oranges leading to rich tastes of Port-wine and malt with lingering smoke.

Finish: Long finish is breathtaking with a toffee-sweet start and a dry slightly smoky finish. Intriguingly multi-layered malt.

Price:£41.66 ex VAT £49.99 inc VAT

MasterChef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign

BBC MasterChef: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new campaign to promote Scotch Beef PGI which was recently named Scotland’s favourite food*.

Jamie, who is head chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the campaign, which aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.

The nine week Quality Meat Scotland campaign, which kicks off this week, has a strapline of “There’s beef, there’s Scottish beef, then there’s Scotch Beef”. It will showcase Scotch Beef and the flavour, provenance, traceability and integrity which underpin the brand’s PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.

Over 4.7 million consumers will be targeted across Scotland and Greater London during February and March to inform, educate and inspire them to use Scotch Beef when they cook.

Jamie, who selected Scotch Beef as the main course for the final of MasterChef, donned his chef whites to serve up a delicious Scotch Beef dish at The Macallan Distillery to toast the launch of the campaign.

Jamie said: “Scotch Beef is a premium product and I am not surprised in the slightest that it has been named Scotland’s favourite food.

“I want to help share our love of Scotch Beef with consumers across the UK especially given that 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.

“It is such a versatile product and although it is simple to cook with, it is also very impressive which is the main reason I chose to include it in my final dish on MasterChef and feature it regularly on the menu at Rocca St Andrews. I always look for the Scotch Beef logo so I know I’m getting the best.”

Laurent Vernet, head of marketing at QMS, said: “By targeting professionals, food enthusiasts and busy families alike, this campaign aims to show just how simple and versatile cooking with Scotch Beef can be. It is an every day premium product that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

“By choosing Scotch Beef, we want consumers to know they are choosing the best product out there in terms of quality, taste and provenance.. Scotch Beef is also underpinned by one of the longest-running quality assurance schemes in the world.”

PGI status guarantees the meat is sourced from selected Scottish farms that must adopt best practice regarding animal welfare and natural production methods. The PGI is a guarantee of a genuinely authentic product.

*YouGov Plc: Total sample size was 1025 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26 – 27 November 2014.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+).

Notes: The aim of the Scotch Beef 2015 campaign is to show that Scotch Beef is part of a premium offering, and to clearly differentiate between Scotch Beef and other beef.

The nine week advertising campaign will run from the first week in February right the way through to the end of March and will reach 4.7 million.  The adverts will feature in a range of national magazines and there will also be billboard advertising in key areas of Greater London and GB online activity will feature heavily throughout the campaign.

Rocca Restaurant in St Andrews has launched a special lunch menu to celebrate head chef Jamie’s triumph on the hit BBC Two programme.

Overlooking the world famous 18th fairway of the Old Course, Rocca is one of the few restaurants in the UK to earn three AA Rosettes in 2013/14.

[PHOTO CAPTION TOP : Masterchef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign BBC: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new Quality Meat Scotland campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI, recently named Scotland’s favourite food, following an independent survey. Jamie, who is sous chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the new campaign, which highlights the quality of Scotch Beef and aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.]

[PHOTO CAPTION BOTTOM : Masterchef Winner Toasts Launch of New Scotch Beef Campaign BBC: The Professionals winner Jamie Scott today (2 February 2015) launched a new Quality Meat Scotland campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI, recently named Scotland’s favourite food, following an independent survey. Jamie, who is head chef at Rocca Restaurant, St Andrews, joined staff at The Macallan distillery in Speyside. (LtoR) Alan Taylor, Mark Wheeler and Richard Burgin to raise a glass of one of world’s most iconic Scotch whiskies to the success of the new campaign, which highlights the quality of Scotch Beef and aims to very clearly differentiate Scotch Beef.]